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After Morgan spoke, a quarter of those invited refused for a variety of reasons Robert sensed. The others remained for the full session, including Kane and Buck. The powers and responsibilities of a Paladin were made clear, and Robert appreciated the effort that had gone into balancing the needs of such operations with the ideals of the Alliance.

When it was over, with all questions asked and answered, everyone began to leave. Morgan lingered with Maran long enough for Robert and Kane to approach. Robert let Kane go first. "I get what you're trying to do here, Mister President," Kane said. "But I don't like it. I don't like the idea of any government sending out agents with this much power."

"I understand your concerns, Major," Morgan said. "That's why I need someone like you to take up the mantle."

Kane considered Morgan for a moment before nodding in understanding. A small smile came over his face. "Right. I accept, Mister President." He accepted Morgan's hand and shook it.

It was Robert's turn, not just for a handshake, but for the question during it. "What about a base of operations? Your briefing stated we could pick our own. Are there any limitations to it?"

"I would prefer it if you picked something outside of the capital." Morgan grinned at him. "For now, having Paladins actively operating out of Portland might send the wrong message. But as long as you're in communication and capable of going where you're needed, feel free to pick anywhere in the Alliance."

Robert nodded. He matched Morgan's grin. Neither man, nor Maran, needed to say just what Robert had in mind.

"Well, Mister President, I'll be waiting for your call," Robert said. "But if you don't mind, I need to go catch my ship."

Morgan nodded in understanding. "Of course you do. Give my best to Governor Rankin, and thank her for the port. It's proving popular at my state functions."

"I'll pass that on."

With the aid of an Alliance vessel in orbit over L2M1 Earth, the Keyeri made the jump straight for New Liberty. Robert made sure to be in the cockpit.

After all of these months away, it warmed his heart to see the Starship Aurora in her quiet orbit.

"Thank you for my time here," he said to Druni and Lennier while they directed their ship toward the spaceport. "I've enjoyed traveling with you."

"I may miss you after all," Druni said to him. She gave him a smile. "Good luck with your new job, Paladin."

"It was an honor to have you," Lennier agreed. "I wish you the best on your new path. And on yours, Commander Carrey." Lennier turned and nodded to Zack, who was seated and waiting.

"Thanks," Zack answered.

The two friends carried their bags off of the Keyeri and into the private terminal of the New Liberty Spaceport. Outside Lennier and Druni would already be preparing their launch checks and requests. "Ever think they'll settle down?" Zack asked Robert.

"I don't know. I hope they're around long enough to have the option," Robert replied.

"And what about you, Paladin of the Alliance?" Zack asked.

"We'll have to see," Robert said.

"Rob?! Zack?!"

The surprised shout drew their attention. They found Julia, Jarod, Cat, and Cat's girlfriend Violeta at the next terminal. Outside a ship of gold and brown colors, one Robert didn't recognize, was settling in to dock. Without prelude Robert and Zack gave them each a hug, save for Violeta who accepted handshakes instead. "You made it for the anniversary!" Julia's smile was heartfelt. "It's so good to see you both!"

"It's good to see you." Robert grinned at them all.

"So, the powers thing?" This was from Cat. "Are you still knocking things over or…?"

"That's under control at least," Robert said.

"It's not the only thing under control," Zack added. Seeing their looks, he nodded. "I… I'm going to get counseling," he said. "If only because Rob sorta sucks at it."

That won him a droll look from Robert and an amused giggle from Cat.

"I can talk to Sydney for you," Jarod offered. "He knows all of the psychiatrists and counselors on the planet."

"I'll take you up on that, Jarod," Zack said.

"So you don't want to drink anymore…?" Cat asked. "That's good news."

"No, Cat." Zack shook his head, resulting in her giving him a bewildered look. "I want to drink. I want it. That's why I need the counseling. And when I'm not getting counseled, I figure I'll look into helping out with whatever Little League they've got here. Maybe even take a trip to New New Caprica or whatever they're calling it and see my kids playing there. They never got to throw me that tournament."

"Sounds like a good idea," Robert said to him.

Julia nodded. "Agreed."

Zack smiled at them both. "So, how did you know we were arriving?" he asked. "I didn't even know until barely thirty minutes ago."

Bemused looks crossed their faces, prompting Robert and Zack to show some confusion. "We didn't know," Jarod said. "We're not actually here for you, as bad as that sounds."

"Oh?" Robert blinked. "So who are you here for?"

"Her."

Julia's answer prompted them to look at the gate for the new arrival. A short humanoid alien walked through it, wearing an Alliance Stellar Navy uniform with operations beige as the trim. A duffel bag was slung over her shoulder and another bag on her back. She was red-haired and Robert thought she looked distinctly feline, with some dun-coloured fur on her skin, but was clearly not Caitian or Rr'timm and, with the fur, definitely not Miqo'te.

Zack blinked in surprise. "Wait… her? That's… that's actually a Dilgar."

"Yep," Cat said.

"You just made contact with them last month," Robert said.

"We did," Julia replied. "And now the first officer they sent through the exchange program is here to join our crew."

The Dilgar woman walked up with enthusiasm showing in her body and her being. The moment she was in front of them her spine stiffened, ram-rod straight, and she directed her eyes at Julia. "Captain Andreys, Lieutenant Tra'dur reporting to your command."

"Welcome, Lieutenant."

"How was training?" Cat asked.

"It was exciting and taxing and quite well, all things told," Tra'dur said. "I am the first of what I hope are many Dilgar to wear the uniform of the Allied Systems."

"You look good in it," Violeta offered. Robert noticed that she and Cat were holding hands rather tightly, as if they might be pulled apart. It wasn't hard to tell there was something going on there.

"This is Lieutenant Tra'dur, formerly Combat Master Tra'dur of the Union of Tira and Rohric's military," Julia said to introduce her newest officer. "She is Warmaster Shai'jhur's daughter and served as the Dilgar liaison officer on the Aurora during the Tira Crisis. Lieutenant, this is Captain Robert Dale, my predecessor as Captain of the Aurora, and Commander Zachary Carrey…" Julia breathed in and gave Zack a sad look. "...former commander of the Koenig. We're all old friends."

Tra'dur acknowledged them with a formal nod. "Captain, Commander, it is my pleasure to meet you both."

Zack nodded quietly. "So Maran finally put someone else in? Apley?"

"No, not yet. Apley's still XO," replied Julia. "They sent a transfer officer from Adama's command. William Atreiad."

"Mark Atreiad's uncle?" Zack grinned wistfully. Robert sensed the pain in his friend at the confirmation that his ship had been handed over to another commander. "Well, at least he's the relative of a good pitcher."

"I guess." Julia's worry for him was obvious.

"Give him my best." Zack smiled at them all. "Well, I'd better get going, I need to arrange a place to stay and get my stuff put up. Maybe Gabe's got a spare bedroom."

"I'm sure Beth can get you a room in her home," Robert said.

"I might take her up on that, but either way, I need to go." Zack nodded at him. "It's good seeing you all again. You be careful out there."

"Zack…"

"Julia, it's fine," he insisted. "I… I have a lot to deal with. Including finding ways to keep saying no to the drink I really, really want. But I'll do it. I need to keep my life going and I can't until I get some help, alright?" He set his bags down and embraced her. "Watch out for Rob for me."

"Yeah… I will."

Zack picked up his bags again. "Cat, you and Vee are adorable, and you take care of yourself and your big sis too. Tell her I'll remember her next time I take a hit to the ribs! Adios, compadres!"

The assembled watched him walk on until he merged with the crowd at the terminal exit.

"Will he be okay?" Cat asked Robert. "He seems… better? A little?"

"He's still in a lot of pain," Robert said. "But… let's just say he got some things worked out." He rubbed at his face subconsciously, as if trying to remove any further bruising from Zack's punch to his face.

"I hope so." Julia turned and faced Robert. "And what's this about me watching out for you?"

"Oh. Right." Robert grinned at her and activated his newly-issued (newly re-issued, that is) Stellar Navy omnitool. It felt natural to have the light interface as blue again. With a key press he transmitted the order from Maran and President Morgan. "I need a base of operations. Somewhere fairly secure, mobile, with access to secure communications to Admiral Maran and President Morgan…"

Julia read the text in front of her. Her brow furrowed. "'Paladin'? What…" She kept reading. "You've got to be kidding."

"I'm not," Robert assured her.

"But… you're basically…"

"Just because I can't command a ship anymore doesn't mean I can't help protect the Alliance," Robert said. There was something amusing with the look on Julia's face. "And this isn't me trying to…" He stopped. He didn't want to put it that way, he knew Julia wouldn't think that way… mostly. "I want to be back on the Aurora, Julie. I want to come home."

"Well, the orders are pretty clear." A small smile came to her face. "A Paladin. Well, I guess we know who Morgan had in mind when he came up with that title. That fits you to a T, Mister White Knight."

Robert sighed at that. "Not you too."

"Let's head back, Sir Robert," Julia teased. She started to walk toward the terminal exit. "We'll get you quarters so you can get your white armor polished."

"You're taking this too far now…" Robert began, following her.

"It fits so well though!" Cat insisted, following. "Now we just need to get you a shield and a sword…"

Violeta was giggling as she followed Cat in turn, leading a confused Tra'dur with Jarod. He gave his new subordinate a wink. "You'll get used to it," he assured the Dilgar woman.

"I… see."

Tra'dur fell in with Jarod while, ahead of them, Julia continued. "I don't know where we'll put your noble steed…"

"Julia…"

Everything was dark. That told Cat something was wrong. It shouldn't be this dark. The ship should have more light.

She slipped out of bed, still in pajamas. Violeta was gone, as was her uniform. Why? She wasn't supposed to be on duty yet…

Cat walked out into the dark corridors of the Aurora. Her omnitool cast eerie blue light over the empty halls. "What's going on?" she asked herself. She tapped at the holobelt.

Help.

The voice was firm. It grew stronger as she approached a turbolift. It opened and she stepped through the door…

...and onto the bridge.

Everyone was dead.

Not just dead. Decayed. Withered. As if they'd been dead for a long time. She looked around at the dead displays, the dead lights, making the familiar place where she worked every day into a tomb. Horror built as she walked over to where her sister's corpse was sprawled against her dead console. Locarno was sprawled on the floor behind navigation. Jarod was half out of his chair, held only in place by his safety harness. His eyes, usually brimming with friendliness and intelligence, were dull and empty.

In the central chair, Julia was slumped backward, almost as if she'd fallen asleep. But her skin was gray and dry.

"It's only a dream," Cat murmured to herself. "Just a… a dream…" She approached her own console. She'd expected to find someone else there, but the expectation was wrong. She stared into her own lifeless hazel eyes. "It's just a dream," she repeated. "A dream." She backed up, one step at a time.

When she backed into someone she shrieked in surprise and turned. "What…?" Confusion joined fear. "What are you doing…"

The shadowed figure before her grabbed her head, and pain entered her head. She backed away, trying to escape, but she couldn't get his hands off her face. The pain intensified. She felt like she was falling into a darkness inside. Everything she'd faced… all of it was being consumed. "Please stop!" she begged.

A garbled reply came. She couldn't make it out.

The darkness in her mind opened, and Cat fell in, screaming.

When the darkness receded, she was in her quarters. In her bed. Her pajamas were damp with sweat. She sat up and looked around, wide-eyed, re-assuring herself…

"Cat." Violeta sat up beside her, groggy, tired, and concerned. "Another nightmare?"

"Uh huh," was all Cat managed.

"The same one?"

Cat swallowed and nodded. "Uh huh," she repeated.

Violeta embraced her. "Shh… it's okay. We're here. Nothing's happened."

It took a few more whispers from Violeta, but Cat finally laid back down, now cuddled in the arms of her girlfriend. And slowly, grudgingly, she fell back asleep.