There's Never Been Any Reason

by vaughn28

Sequel to Full Circle and continuation of Proof of a Purpose. Starbuck and Rene progress in their relationship as well as trying to save the fleet and find Earth. But will their past prevent them from moving forward into the future? Is the real enemy the Cylons, or are the humans more of a threat to themselves? Can Starbuck rescue Rene from herself?

22. Chapter 22

Luck was not on his side today. The corridors were full, sprinting wasn't an option, and the lifts were all in the wrong direction. He was last to arrive at the briefing, out of breath and sweating. It was not the first impression he wanted to make. Those from Dilmun had heard too many stories about the legendary Ensign Starbuck. Agenor and his brother Belus had been there for one of the more carefree times of his life, when chanceries were plenty and duties with opportunities for death were abundant. He'd been hades bent on enjoying what few days he had left before his number came up, and any time you came back from a mission was a reason to party. He never lacked for a crowd to join him on his escapades where the ambrosia flowed; the women were willing and the cards were in his favor.

While those days were mostly done, the stories had taken on a life of their own. Only a fraction of the details were accurate, but it was just enough truth to add credence to the resulting legend It had been fun, but the destruction and the yahrens since had changed him. If he had the time to sit down and reflect, he might be disturbed at the irony that being faced with the end of the fleet at Cimtar and watching most of his friends turning into vaporized debris had killed his overabundant desire to live it up. Instead, he'd followed Apollo into every dangerous mission he could in order to save the fleet and what was left of his worlds. Was it suicidal impulses like Cassie had accused him of when he and Apollo had snuck onto the base ship? No, not a chance. Like Rene and her friends, he looked death in the eye, became friends with it, but that didn't mean he was anxious to see the beyond. In his thinking, he'd found more reasons to get serious about living and making a future.

But those from Dilmun hadn't been around for those changes. The Starbuck they knew was a carefree party boy with a pretty face, an image currently being exploited and enhanced by the IFB coverage. In his absence, his reputation had preceded him into the briefing room if the smirk on Mars' face was any indication. Asardin, the commander of one of the light cruisers, was chuckling, as he whispered something into Haban's ear, the other light cruiser Colonel, who nodded in agreement before smugly looking down his nose at Starbuck.

He had his work cut out for him as the Dilmun officers outnumbered those from the original fleet. At least Gage was on his side, and Apollo had saved him a place around the ward room table. With Boomer on his opposite side, at least he had friends in this cesspool. By looking at where everyone chose to sit, there were definitely sides that had been drawn.

"Sorry I'm late. Had to see Cain off to the academy." He couldn't keep his hand from running through his hair. Frak, he realized he also needed a haircut. The Dilmun brass were all within the old school regulation, high and tight, nearly bald in his opinion. Shoulders back, chests forward, ramrods shoved up their astrums high enough that a permanent sneer shadowed their faces. At least Pallus had afforded himself the lax regulations regarding uniforms that Adama customarily observed. Pallus resembled himself and Apollo, but Starbuck had no desire to be associated with the man, even if only in hair length.

"Yes, it was a big day for your family. I'm sure he'll do well." Adama's smile helped to ease a little of his tension. Truth be told, he'd never been in a room with this much brass before. He was getting another glimpse into how out of place the Rats often felt.

Adama continued, "Before we begin, I need to address Command Officer reassignments. Colonel Mars will be taking over as Second on the Galactica, and Captain Pallus will be Strike Wing of Red Squadron."

Starbuck swallowed the groan at having to work more closely with the boray, hoping that the changes meant he'd be going to the Zakar sooner than expected.

"Colonel Rayden will be joining Commander Tigh on the Shiva, Colonel Omega will be taking second on the Osiris, and Colonel Gage will be second on the Zakar. I would like to announce the promotions of Lt. Boomer and Lt. Starbuck to Captain, shifting Boomer to the strike wing of the Zakar."

Starbuck was clapping his friend on the back and smiling before the full weight of the pronouncement finally settled upon him.

"What? But I thought that was my position," he blurted the words in shock looking at Apollo, who met his gaze. His friend shook his head, echoing agreement with the Commander's words. "Sirs? My transfer was approved. I filled it out in triplicate and with the proper signatures. Apollo and I had this plan, tell him."

Apollo smiled, offering up sympathy for the bad news. "I was outvoted."

"Outvoted? Since when do we vote?" Starbuck wondered aloud. "Isn't this the military?"

"I am aware you were promised the position," Adama said drawing his attention, "But it was pointed out to me by several in this room that you are in a unique position compared to the rest assembled here. That needs to be taken into consideration for your assignment at this time."

"And what position would that be, sir," he asked, wanting to add a sarcastic quip that the only position he could see he was in was fraked. Had he been meeting with the Commander alone, he would not have restrained himself, but shifting his gaze around the room, he was wary as to how the others may feel about him and his ability to command. He outright glared at Pallus who sneered right back.

"Sealed," Adama stated. "You were recently sealed, and it has been pointed out to me that the success of your sealing is important to the morale of the fleet."

The words took Starbuck by surprise as his head snapped around to his Commander. "You have got to be kidding me," he added ineloquently. "Why should it matter if I am sealed? It never has before."

"Actually," Gage interjected, "It was a deciding factor for postings in the past. We tried to keep families close if we could."

Starbuck shifted his gaze to Gage, wondering what his angle might be in this situation, but Adama defended Gage.

"The Colonel is correct. It has always affected Command assignments, especially with a spouse about to deliver a child. If this was before the destruction, you would have been transferred to Caprica. With your piloting skills, you would most likely be an instructor at the Academy at least for a yahren or two. Command does have its privileges, and we like our officers to know their children."

"But sir, things are different now. I am needed in a viper and on the Zakar…and…my wife is an officer. I assumed she would join me and…"

Adama held up a hand cutting off Starbuck's protestation. "Yes, that is true but the safest place for you at this time is the Galactica. Patience, Starbuck. As we proceed with our briefing you will come to understand why. I promise you, it was not a decision made lightly."

Stifling down an objection, he clenched his jaw and nodded at the Commander, not trusting himself to speak as he looked at Apollo who nodded his echoing agreement. He'd have to trust his friend would fix this for him, but it didn't help to quench the burn of jealousy that Apollo and Boomer were going to have all the fun while he worked on detoxing pilots and dodging insults from Pallus.

Adama began the briefing as if the matter was resolved. Gritting his teeth, Starbuck tried to pay attention knowing that now he'd have lots of time to speak with the Commander since he wasn't going anywhere.

"The Shiva will be scouting the rear of the fleet and begin long range patrols to ascertain if it is indeed the enemy that is shadowing our course. Commander Tigh will be taking The Shiva out of range of the Galactica's scanners for brief periods of time. If they engage the enemy, they will lead them away from the fleet until the Galactica can come to assist. The light cruisers will be flanking the fleet, ranging out farther but still within scanner range of the Galactica. The foundry ship is speeding up production of more of the Dilmun maneuverable mines. The cruisers will be establishing another layer of mines to bolster the fleet's defenses. The Zakar will be positioned in the front of the fleet, also just within range of the Galactica's scanners. If the phantom vessel we have scanned is indeed a remnant of the Dilmun fleet, it is our hope they will make contact with the Zakar."

Adama seemed to wait for objections and Starbuck surveyed the room again wondering at the Commander's hesitation. It only took him a micron to take a headcount. Of the military vessels now in the fleet there were six, but five of those had been taken from Dante. There were four Commanders after Adama had promoted Tigh, Apollo and Rayden, three originally from the Galactica, one from Dilmun. But if you included all the Colonels in the room, only one, Omega, was from the Galactica. Starbuck tallied up the brass like it was a score in triad, Galactica four, Dilmun six. While the four from the Galactica were of a higher ranking, Boomer was right, they were outnumbered, and if Dante's officers wanted to take over, they had the fire power to make it happen.

He pulled himself erect realizing there was far more at stake here than getting to make his own quarters on the Zakar. If the vessel he glimpsed briefly on his scanner was the destroyer from Dilmun, rather than being saved, they might be fraked. He ground his teeth to keep from uttering the curse aloud. Of course Rene and the Rats hadn't been listening to him about how things were in the fleet because that fleet he'd been describing to them didn't exist anymore. They'd been trying to tell him. He hadn't been listening, too intent on his own message. What an idiot he'd been not to realize, they were all floating in uncharted space.

The Commander nodded authoritatively, and the whole room seemed to release a collective breath. Starbuck was once again grateful for his commander, a man of virtue who was able to band the fleet together in their darkest days. Adama had cowed the legendary Commander Cain, surely he could handle Dante's dregs.

Staying on the edge of his seat, Starbuck found himself turning to find Gage down the table, searching for a clue from him as to the allegiances of the other officers. Flashing a hand sign, one of the Rat's own that indicated someone was not to be trusted, Gage nodded in understanding before glancing at both of the Light Cruiser Colonels Asardin and Haban. As Adama began speaking again, Starbuck inclined his head to Thales from the Osiris, but Gage subtly shook his head no, suggesting that Thales had not been one of Dante's minions. One more for the Galactica, two if he counted Gage, changing the score to six to four in his favor. Maybe it wasn't as dire as he thought.

"Commander Apollo shared with me his desire to begin scouting for the end of our journey and to find our destination. I know public opinion supports his proposal, but at this time with possible enemy contact, we cannot absorb the risk. We must continue at our current pace with our fleet consolidated for the safety of the civilians. However, since we are within proximity to Paradeen and Terra, we will be seeking out alliances and taking on resources. The Zakar will be making contact and reporting back on the situation and what help we can hope to receive. To ensure the enemy does not discover us or the Terrans, the fleet will be changing course taking us deeper into the unknown and bypassing the Dilmun sector of space."

Starbuck sat back at the announcement. It was news to him, and while it wasn't earth, it was an option he had not considered before. Paradeen wasn't a bad planet and Michael and Sarah were decent people. Thus far it was safe from the Cylons and he knew Apollo would find a way to make sure it remained that way. It might solve some problems they were having with the council of twelve by allowing the more vocal civilians to settle on Paradeen. It wasn't exactly Caprica with the difference in air density, but it could be a good home. Little Leia was suddenly on his mind, as well as Kiff and Kalea. They would do okay there. They were young and could adapt. This might be a good alternative that Rene was seeking.

Then he winced. He wasn't a farmer. It had been suggested when he was in Secondary school and choosing his educational tract. He could have gone back to Umbra and been given land as an orphan of the attack. His answer then was "frak no." What was it now?

His thoughts were interrupted as voices raised in dissent, the loudest being Commander Thales, who was shouting for people to pipe down and hear him out. The dark haired man with flecks of silver in his hair had been quiet since joining the fleet. His only defining quality was that he was older than most of the other Dilmun officers. He was close in appearance to Dante and Starbuck had considered that the resemblance plus his silence had been what kept him alive while serving under their old sadistic Commander. Unlike most of those previously in command of the Dilmun vessels, Thales survived the capture of his ship. He'd capitulated to Dante and accepted him as his new Commander seemingly without question. Acquiescence was a coping mechanism Starbuck knew worked well in the Colonial fleet of the Colonies. "Just follow orders and don't draw attention to yourself." It had been advice he'd been given on numerous other vessels when he'd found himself brought before command for some infraction. In Thales' case, it had meant keeping his life and his ship. His quiet acceptance had yielded the same results here in Adama's fleet.

But Thales had found his voice. Starbuck wanted to think that was progress until he registered the man's words.

"Commander Adama, we left many good warriors behind on Dilmun. Are you suggesting we just leave them to the mercy of the Cylons? I thought we were going back for them? We all did!"

Several around the table joined in with Thales, expressing agreement with his statement, demanding they return. Adama held up his hand, calling for silence. It did not come right away like it had in briefings before. It took Apollo, Tigh and Gage together calling for the rest to please listen before Adama could be heard.

"No. I am not suggesting we leave them to the enemy, but if you recall, the enemy was already there and winning. As we draw closer, I will be reassessing the situation. If deemed safe, we will again be utilizing the Zakar…"

It was Mars that spoke this time, interrupting the Commander, "Of course, your son will be the one deciding if we rescue our compatriots or not. That seems completely biased, don't you think? I'm sure he'll bring back anyone who agrees with him and leave behind those who don't."

Adama flinched as the sarcasm cut deep.

"Ah frak," Starbuck mumbled under his breath as Apollo started to rise. Starbuck reached out to pull him down. Apollo shot him a hard look of betrayal. Starbuck took the hit, while keeping a restraining hand on his arm as he hissed at his friend, "Don't! Just don't speak up right now. They don't know you like I do and it will just seem like you are backing up your daddy." At the same time, he flashed a hand sign to Gage, one that he hoped translated as "remind them we're all warriors here. Same service, same fleet."

The message was received as Gage spoke up, "I will be there on the Zakar. You know me, have worked with me for yahrens. I would not leave any warrior behind if I didn't have to, regardless of their allegiances. I may not have agreed with everything Dante stood for, but we can all agree, he kept us together and kept us…" Gage struggled for the words, before uttering, "alive. Most of us. Adama is not the one who was calling for deaths. Did you forget who fired the first shots? And have any of you had to account for your actions? Any of you?"

The room grew silent. Apollo opened his mouth, but Starbuck kept a tight hold of his arm as again he sharply hissed, "No.".

"I will bring back anyone I find and they will be welcomed, just like we were," Gage answered the silence.

Adama waited another long moment before addressing those from Dlimun. "Every life is needed in order to see that our race survives." They were the words that Starbuck knew had kept the fleet from tearing itself apart in the early days of the exodus. "We all have our hopes and desires for the future, and together, as a united force, we can make those dreams a reality. Of course we will be sending a ship to Dilmun to rescue any and all that remain. And if you think it should be another vessel, we can discuss that option when the time comes. These are to be open discussions with all voices carrying equal weight, but in the end, I will make the decisions that lead to the survival of our people. As Starbuck pointed out earlier, this is still the military."

Starbuck eased up his grip, and Apollo yanked his arm away and got to his feet. His friend couldn't help but back up his father and his Commander, nor could he let the attack on his character go unanswered. "We came to Dilmun hoping to join forces with you. It was Dante that turned us away. We didn't go. We came back for you. We will go back for the rest. You have my word as a Warrior."

It was the simple logic that seemed to solve the matter as heads began to nod around the table. They all knew what Dante had planned and how it was supposed to go down, half the Galactica crew dead and Dante claiming another prize for his personal collection of military vessels. Starbuck couldn't help but look around the table and wonder how many would have preferred that outcome instead of what happened. Mars perhaps, and Asardin and Haban maybe, but they'd just have to live with the fact that the Galactica was stronger and smarter than all of Dante's minions combined. That and they'd been outwitted by his wife. They should thank their lucky stars she changed her plans and brought them along instead of leaving them to their doom.

Mollified, Apollo set back down, casting an accusing glance at Starbuck. He gave Apollo the rat's signature shrug. If the roles had been reversed, he would want to rescue his friends. Not everyone from Dilmun was a sadistic boray, and he trusted Gage to point out the ones who were.

Adama turned the meeting to less heated topics such as the allocation of new vipers and reports on repairs and maintenance, the mundane details that kept a fleet running, and the least favorite of Starbuck's new duties. The only blessing was that due to the tensions that remained in the room, Adama kept it brief and wrapped up the meeting before midday meal.

As they adjourned, Apollo reached for his arm this time, restraining him from getting up. "Father and I would like to eat with you. I want to explain our decision."

"Which one? Oh right, the one where you leave me behind, have all the fun and get to go be the big damn hero?" He groused.

"You can be the hero after the baby is born. The hero of the nappies," Apollo chuckled. "I'm not leaving you behind just to deal with behinds. My plan is still the same, but," he hesitated. "When we're alone we can talk."

Starbuck had a scathing remark on his lips, when he noticed Commander Thales crossing the room to speak with Gage. He wanted to hear that conversation. Swallowing the jibe, he got to his feet, "Yeah, got it, later." He brushed past Apollo, crossing the room, but Thales stopped speaking at his approach.

"Commander Thales, Captain Starbuck," Gage made the introduction as he tried to put his best foot forward. Thales looked with disdain upon Starbuck's outstretched hand for a moment, before slowly reaching out, gripping it in an abbreviated warrior's grip, and letting go.

"You know, in this fleet, Captains salute Commanders," Thales commented. Starbuck found himself fumbling for a rusty salute before the man waived off his attempt. "Some things are more relaxed now in ways that I can appreciate, and yet decorum is still maintained. From what Gage tells me you have brought some of our Caprican draftees to heel."

Wincing, Starbuck deducted from the points for the Galactica as he replied, "They just needed a supportive command structure in my opinion, sir."

It was hard to read Thales face as he responded, "I have found when expectations are made clear, compliance is easier to achieve, Captain."

It was vague enough that Starbuck looked to Gage to translate, but Thales continued, "The Gutter Snipes were kind to my son and often included him in their activities. They didn't get him into too much trouble.

"Your son?" Starbuck ground his teeth before he could say more, remembering Dante's breeding program, forcing the young women from Caprica to bear children from whomever they were assigned without their consent. His wife had been reluctant to discuss any of the details with him, and he wasn't anxious to hear them. He had a hard enough time keeping his anger in check. He was trying to discourage Rene from committing a murder or two. Being reminded by Thales of the heinous practice, he was rethinking his position on the matter.

His acting abilities needed some work as Thales picked up his disapproval with a penetrating gaze before he said, "My young son was visiting me on the Osiris when we received news of the destruction. Thinking we had achieved peace with the enemy, I thought it would be nice to have him aboard since we were heading for home to the colonies."

Starbuck physically heard the pieces fall into place with a click as the scoreboard changed back, six to four. Dante must have used the child to keep Thales compliant. He found himself wondering what he might have been willing to do for the life of his own son? Would he serve Dante rather than see his child or himself executed? Certainly. Sacrifice Adama? Lords he wanted to say he wouldn't have done that, but Rene's words echoed in his mind, "You weren't there. You don't know what you would have done." Only he did know, as he tried to blink away the image of Dante holding the medkit aloft while Rene lay bleeding in a separate cell. He'd walked to his own whipping just for a few bandages.

Commander Thales cleared his throat, bringing Starbuck back to the present. "My son is entering the recruit class with one of your own I believe."

He nodded, finding it hard to speak as he recalled the sting of that first lash that he was more than willing to take if it meant Rene would live.

Gage's touch to his arm startled him as he realized Thales was still speaking to him. "I am assured he will be in good hands. You should also know, I found my daughter on your ship of orphans. She was rescued from Aries and treated well."

"Providence be with us," Starbuck muttered the ritual from the Book of the Word, struggling to push away an image of Dante holding Kiff as Rene agreed to having bones broken.

"Yes," Thales replied. "She is a big fan of yours. She says you visited the ship often and taught the children triad."

"Uh, yeah, sir, I, uh was an orphan myself so," he found himself stammering as he couldn't keep his brain from wondering what he would have agreed to had it been his own child in Dante's grip.

Thales went on, oblivious to Starbuck's discomfiture. "We have been getting reacquainted in these last sectons and we have been following your triad games. I know it would mean a lot to her if I could get tickets to the triad tourney. If you knew how we could accomplish that…"

"Consider it done, sir." He interrupted, adding Thales back on his list of those loyal to Adama. "My gift to your daughter. One more orphan reunited with family; maybe we could talk soon about the program there and how you might want to contribute." It was a rare opportunity to more fully entrench Thales into the fleet and more firmly onto their side of the line.

"Thank you Captain. I believe I'll take you up on that. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a ship to get back to. Until our next tea party, Gage." Thales saluted and both Gage and Starbuck returned the gesture, which this time didn't feel awkward or forced. As he walked away, Starbuck noted that man was probably only a few yahrens older than Apollo, much too young for all the gray at his temples.

"His son was one of the children I saved that day on Dilmun. I don't think we need to worry about him siding against Adama," Gage said reading Starbuck's thoughts.

"And the others?"

"It should keep our meetings interesting." Gage raised his eyebrows, looking him up and down for a moment before asking, "Are you okay? Sorry about the change in plans, but..."

"That's not it, I mean yeah, that's not great to find out, but," he shrugged realizing the Rat motion was becoming one of his own. Gage deserved better than a brush off, but he didn't know how to put it all into words, settling for an apology. "Sorry, bad day. The enemy is on my mind."

"Which one? The ones inside the fleet or outside?" Gage guessed.

"Take your pick. I'd been hoping to get away for a while on my own battlecruiser, a pleasure cruise in the heavens, but it looks like you get that privilege."

"About that, Apollo wanted me there for that talk. Looks like they are ready." Gage motioned to the Commander who was saying his last farewell to the other officers.

"This isn't going to make my day better is it? Was this your idea?"

"No, actually, it was Rayden who brought it up. But yes, I voted for it."

"Traitor," Starbuck said, regretting the words as Gage flinched. "Sorry, blame it on envy. I know you mean well, I just think maybe you should let Rene and me plan our own lives and…" He stopped speaking as Gage's face changed dramatically, his eyes darkening with a deep melancholy.

"What? You okay?""

Gage's voice sounded as far away as the Colonies when he spoke, "I was planeside for the first yahren for both my girls. I thank the lords that I was given that time."

Starbuck didn't know what to say. It was the day for rare admissions. Rene had mentioned that Gage had a wife and children before the destruction, but the man had never spoken about them. Rene claimed she didn't even know their names as Gage avoided any reference to them.

"I figured I owed you since I didn't get you a wedding gift. You can thank me later."

A laugh burst out from Starbuck's unfiltered mouth. Thank you? "I think you still owe me for the battlecruiser you're stealing from me. That was Rene's sealing gift to me you know."

"Consider it a debt I will repay later, but you might change your mind." Gage motioned again to Adama and Apollo.

If Adama was upset about how the briefing had gone, he wasn't showing it as he smiled widely and extended his hand to Starbuck. "It's a big day today. Did Cain get off okay?"

"Yeah, but he's just down the corridor. I don't understand what all the fuss is about."

"Well," Adama motioned towards the door, ushering the group to his personal dining lounge, "It is a big change in a young man's life and I'm sure he will be missed from your evening meals."

The table was already set with a large lunch that Starbuck thought he should decline. Rene was expecting him, but the fare offered on the table was far better than what he could expect in the mess hall. Plus, he was meeting with her this evening. She would understand as she always did when duty interfered with their plans. He would make it up to her tonight.

"I wanted to explain our decision about your transfer to the Zakar. It will still be happening, just after the baby is born. But unfortunately I have other changes I need to demand of you and your family."

Starbuck raised his eyebrows in question, but was finally able to get his mouth under control as he swallowed a bite of the main dish rather than spitting out a sarcastic quip.

"As you know, the use of the Council chambers was always meant to be temporary, just until the family gained their footing in the fleet. The Council of twelve is requesting those chambers back as well as the quarters, but," Adama smiled at him and suddenly Starbuck didn't trust that grin. "Siress Tinia is graciously donating her quarters to the family and I am donating this dining room for your evening meals."

Swallowing a groan, Starbuck began reorganizing his list of things that needed his immediate attention. There was no way he was getting to it all today, but Crius and Lizbet were already in Tinia's quarters. They could stay, but where would Nik and Dara be going with their three kids? All the teens needed to be squeezed in somewhere, plus the younger kids needed room to play. His time alone with Rene would become even rarer with all the toddlers in their one room. Then there was Jake, Alex, Max and Jonas to consider. Boomer would be leaving them, as had Cain. Less to worry about with them gone, but Lara was getting to the age where bunking with the boys was out of the question. Plus, Giles and Maia had joined their clan, and with their baby coming right after his own, they'd need a place. Where would they all eat, because he knew not one of them would feel comfortable in the Commander's dining room.

"Sire Gellar is also donating his quarters. They are right next to Tinia's and that should help with the overflow of children. I know we don't have quarters that support the range in ages you are trying to keep together, but we also have Apollo's old quarters to work with, and there are billets waiting in blue squadron for the single men."

"You're breaking up Copper Squadron," Starbuck stated, knowing that Jake would never be using that bunk, and if he didn't, then neither would Jonas, Alex or Max. Would they all move in with him and Rene? Maybe he and Rene could relocate to the Celestial Dome. At least there, no one would complain about the noise the kids made.

"No, but your unusual living arrangements are not within regulations and can be seen as favoritism. With the public eye already upon you, we want to show our civilians that the rumors circulating about the Dilmun fleet do not reflect on the new fleet we are creating. We have to be even more decorous than we were before to assure others we are not duplicating the same living conditions Dante encouraged. I'm sure you can appreciate that as I believe it was suggested by you when our fleets first merged."

He heaved a heavy sigh. He should have known those words uttered in the OC when Apollo tried to tell him he shouldn't seal would come back and bite him in the astrum. It wasn't the first time he'd mentioned that the Rats needed to be around Warriors who actually followed a moral compass of right and wrong. He'd said it many times in meetings with Adama. The Rats needed a command structure that had read all the regulations, as well as The Book of the Word. They needed to do more that spout the Creed, they needed to act like the heroic Warriors of the legends. Had he gotten Boomer or Apollo to say them, it would have been different, but they may not have held the same weight. It took the rapscallion to point out the other miscreants.

"Yes sir, they were. Still holds true I suppose. But I think the Rats could use a little favoritism after what they suffered. Those kids weren't all by choice," he added.

"I agree that their families merit special consideration. Plus, there are other families onboard, including those you rescued from Caprica, who also deserve better treatment. We are asking the council members to give up all their rooms and allocating them to families with sealings recognized by the law."

"So Avery will be my neighbor?" Starbuck looked to Apollo shaking his head. "You know he threatened to slice us to pieces and sicced the Cylons on us while you were on your trek of the Caprican hills."

Apollo nodded with a slight smile, "To protect his own. I haven't forgotten. So we want to keep an eye on them, but since landing on the Galactica, they have been loyal to Rene."

"Yeah, now they are. On Caprica they were going to walk us into a Cylon slave camp. Why can't we just go over to the Zakar?" Starbuck asked before jamming another bite in his mouth.

"Officially, the Galactica has better medical facilities and your mission to Caprica compromised your wife's health as well as your own," Adama said.

Before Starbuck could complain that they were both fine, Adama continued, "You still have Cylon technology within your body we want to monitor. Plus, even you can admit that Rene is just now beginning to accept her position on the Galactica. She has a good working relationship with the flight deck chief and crew. She is warming up to my presence and that of the other officers. We are making progress in many areas, except one."

Starbuck froze, the fork halfway to his mouth. "Frak," he thought as he glanced at Apollo. Had his friend shared with his father the threats being tossed around like triad balls in a tourney?

"Sir, I can explain." His mouth betrayed him as he heard Rene's voice whispering her twisted code, "Admit nothing, deny everything, demand proof, shift blame."

Adama held up his hand, "I know you and your wife have been busy since your public sealing. I am not suggesting Rene has been avoiding our scientists, but the data Peryton gained from your session utilizing the Galactica's guns has been invaluable. Already he is designing ways we can use Rene's device and abilities to protect the fleet."

"Peryton." Starbuck said, still not quite understanding. "It's not Peryton she trusts. That was Apollo's doing. She trusts him. Not sure when that happened, but it does prove miracles can happen. She might not show Peryton anything unless Apollo asks."

"Then I will ask," Apollo said, not volunteering how he'd gained Rene's loyalty.

"And we can't do this on the Zakar?"

Apollo shook his head, "Bojay won't join us on the Zakar. His father is undergoing treatment for his macular degeneration and the cancers from the Radion exposure. Peryton needs to remain on the Galactica for the time being. Plus, Athena doesn't want to leave the Galactica and Bojay won't go without either of them."

"And that means we have to stay?" he asked, even though he knew the answer.

Giving him that fatherly smile, Adama continued, "As you well know, Rene is very discerning on whom she takes into her confidence. Her demonstration for Peryton is the most information she has divulged on her abilities up to this point. I am hoping she will be encouraged to work with him again." Adama explained. "Proximity to Peryton as well as remaining in a home where she feels comfortable will certainly aid the situation compared to relocating to quarters still haunted by her demons."

Adama had him there. He'd been wondering himself how Rene might behave once they were over on the Zakar. Despite the overhaul and remodel, there was only so much you could do with metal walls and gray paint. The Zakar still had an aura of hostility and violence. He could feel it the few times he was there, the hairs rising on his neck. Rene's nightmares had improved since Caprica, that was until recently. On the Zakar, they would probably all need to stock up on sleep aids and ambrosia.

"Alright," he grudgingly conceded Adama had a point. "But we had a plan. It's a good one in my opinion and Rene is up for it."

"Yes. Earth." Adama said before looking to Apollo, "But I had hoped to be included in the appraisal of our route and the feasibility of a new home. With the enemy still a threat at our backs, I think," he hesitated, dropping his demeanor of the patient father, showing all of them the man behind the rank. "We are not ready. Even if we were sure we were free of the enemy, we still carry within us the sins of our society. I'm afraid if we do not address our problems, work them out here in the seclusion of space, where we have little choice but to cooperate, we will never resolve our differences."

Starbuck could see the logic, but sometimes the theories didn't match the realities. "Sir, things were better for the Rats on Dilmun. Once planet side, the abuse didn't happen as often and they were able to put some distance between themselves and the borays."

Gage spoke, finally joining the conversation, "No Starbuck, that's not accurate."

"No, Rene said that she and the Rats, they had a home that was their own and grew their own food and had their own children. It was better."

Gage shook his head, "No, like the walls of your quarters, Rene has painted you a fantasy. They grew their own food because Dante cut them off and made them farm for him. Their home was logs and mud while Colonial warriors had appropriate shelter. They weren't even given tents, Starbuck. Jake became a good medic because he had too. Dante denied them medical care."

Frowning, Starbuck tried to bring forward the information Rene had given him, but it was scant details. "They weren't raped and beaten as often."

Gage looked down as if in defeat before meeting his gaze, "No. Again, inaccurate. It wasn't as random, but it was more brutal. It was on a schedule they could predict and plan for, but it continued and intensified."

"But she said," he faltered as Gage interrupted.

"Why do you think Rene was seeking me out Starbuck? We have a lot in common? I'm a catch? My charming looks and winning smile?"

Starbuck winced, wishing the man had not brought up his sexual dalliances with his now wife in front of everyone in the room.

"It wasn't just for safety and protection. Sometimes it was for food and a warm shower. Sometimes it was for medical care and crutches. It was out of desperation."

He closed his eyes trying to dispel the image suddenly in his mind. He knew he could imagine far worse than what really happened, but he wasn't so sure this time. He pictured Rene hobbling to find Gage, trying to offer the man sexual favors while begging for help that any warrior or civilian could find just by asking.

Adama spoke softly, "Son, we are resolving the issues. We just need more time."

He opened his eyes, needing to see the reassurance in the Commander's eyes. "Yeah, okay. I can do that." He reached for the glass before him hoping like hades it contained more than fruit juice. The burn of the liquor helped to chase away the vids beginning to play in his mind. Rene had mentioned that Jake had delivered Kalea, alone in their log cabin, a long and frightening labor, and then carried Rene to her viper the next day for her patrol. Had he actually thought it was a poor choice Jake made, an act of selfishness in the birth of his own child? He should have known the young man wouldn't have taken such a risk unless he had to. Starbuck would be putting up with Jake in his quarters as long as the guy wanted to stay just to pay him back for all the wounds he'd tended, bone's he had set, and the battles he fought to keep Rene and the family alive.

Adama reached out placing a hand on his arm, "Son, the fleet aside, I think you and your family need more time. Rene is blossoming due to your influence in her life. You two need time to be a couple, to be a family. It is my wedding gift to you."

Lords, he wanted to tell everyone to take their gifts back. He and Rene were already a couple and a family. Together they had come up with a plan that would see them through to the future together, hadn't they? But Adama's earnest expression was too hard to turn away.

"Yeah, okay, but just until the baby is born."

Adama nodded, "Yes, and then we shall see."

It wasn't what he wanted to hear, and he was about to open his mouth and disagree, but the door chimed and Adama was signaling that whoever it was could enter.