After her workout, arriving at her quarters Admiral Cain hope for some sleep after a long, exhausting day. She shifted her jacket off her arm and propped it on her shoulder, while fishing in her pant pocket for her keycard. Strangely enough, Cain noticed her sentry was not posted at her doorway.

Cain was about to call security when she saw Starbuck strolling towards her, she look tired or perhaps drunk. She was carrying a bottle of liquor that looked partially consumed. Normally Cain would have reprimanded this kind behavior but gave Starbuck a break. She faced Starbuck.

"I thought you left Pegasus. Are you back to celebrate?"

"Aw not me – not in the mood for partying," sputtered Starbuck, staggering almost into Cain.

"Tell me about it," concurred Cain while steadying Starbuck against the bulkhead.

"Good share this bottle with me and let's swap stories," raggedly smiled Starbuck as she held up the bottle.

"I don't know," said Cain looking dubiously at the amber liquid in the bottle. The bottle label had been peeled off.

"I won't do anything you don't like," slurred Starbuck, grinning at Cain.

She nodded amusingly. "That's not what I meant, it looks cheap," said Cain.

"No Sir – its good stuff. Believe me – I only drink the best, when I can get it," boasted Starbuck.

"Well, I only get and drink the best," affirmed Cain. She stared at Starbuck who was proffering the bottle.

"OK just one drink." Cain was too tired to argue. "After that you'll have to go, I have to get some rest."

What a relief it was to be in her quarters. Now she had a half-drunk Captain to deal with who was being silly. At least this took her mind off her troubles. Setting aside her jacket on the table, Cain took two shot glasses from a small cabinet. She took the bottle from Starbuck pouring herself and Starbuck drinks.

Cain took the drink in one swallow and let the smooth liquid take effect. Cain felt the sensation finally kick in – a smooth, low burning fire. She closed her eyes savoring the moment and licked her lips with her tongue. Cain wanted the moment to last. Opening her eyes, Cain nodded in approval at Starbuck.

"I told you it was good," smiled Starbuck.

She poured herself another drink and one for Starbuck. "How about a toast. . . ," started Cain.

"Yes how about a toast to your downfall," said Gina as she held a handgun pointed at Cain. Shocked Cain dropped her drink and instinctively reached for her handgun on her hip.

"But first let's see you beg and roll over."

"Frak me," said Cain as quickly pulled out her gun with the safety off.

"What's that? You want me to frak you," giggled Starbuck as she staggered between her and Gina.

Gina hesitated; she no longer had a direct view of Cain.

"Kara - Get down," commanded Cain, as she gestured Starbuck with her handgun drawn.

Inebriated, Starbuck turned towards to face Gina as she fumbled to retrieve her own gun from her holster. But Gina didn't wait for a clear shot but fired instead. Gods thought Cain as saw Starbuck collapse to the floor.

Cain felt a familiar cold sensation beginning to paralyze her. She fought it off before it consumed her. Enraged she lifted her arms and pointed the gun at Gina. Without hesitation she squeezed the trigger, firing at will until every round was gone from the gun chamber. Then all else became a blur. When it was over Cain was breathing hard. She blinked several times, realizing she was the only one standing. She knelt down looking at Starbuck. The loud banging at the doorway finally brought Cain back from a stupor.

* * *

Cain was speaking on the phone and giving orders in her quarters while the marines stood guard next to her. Lying on her back, Starbuck groaned loudly. A medic had unzipped her flight suit to her waist and was carefully removing a bulletproof vest.

Starbuck felt relieved when the vest had been removed. She no longer felt the burning sensation where the bullet was embedded in upper left shoulder of the vest. Instead she felt sore and she tried to get up.

"Lie still," chided the medic. "There's broken glass all over the place," as the medic brush away the broken glass.

The medic didn't see any bleeding. He gently touched the shoulder to feel for a broken bone.

Looking at Starbuck, "Can you move your arm?"

Starbuck nodded and moved her arm but it felt sore.

"You'll want to have the doctor check your shoulder. For now use this ice pack and take a painkiller if you need one."

Starbuck could see the aftermath of the attack. Several of glass shelves were broken where they once housed Admiral's weapons and knickknacks. The marines were placing the weapons and other items in plastic tubs while the broken glass was being swept away. Craning her neck she looked for Cain and instead saw blood stains on a wall.

"Admiral Cain?" Starbuck asked frantically.

"Is speaking on the phone," gestured the medic.

Starbuck turned her head toward that direction and sighed in relief when she saw Cain in view.

"Get me off this floor," commanded Starbuck.

Taking that to be good sign the medic motioned the guards to come over. "Guards help me lift the CAG upright."

Two guards carefully lifted the CAG upright as the medic removed errant pieces of glass. Cain could see Starbuck standing and moving about. Moments before Cain thought she had lost Starbuck, which made her stomach churned. She was so relieved to see her alive.

The medic guided Starbuck and was looking for a chair to sit her down other than the glass infested floor. Not a single damm chair in this room. He saw the plastic tubs near the Admiral. The medic thought better than to disturb Admiral Cain. Oh hell, it would have to do and sat Starbuck down on one of the tubs. Starbuck noticed how pale and drained Cain looked.

"I have Admiral Adama, Thrace, are you able to talk?" asked Cain.

Starbuck nodded yes as she took the receiver.

"Sir, I'm little winded and sore," spoke Starbuck.

Cain sat aside and talked to the medic while glancing occasionally at Starbuck.

"I heard you stepped in the line of fire," said Adama.

"I really don't remember much, I was drunk silly," said Starbuck as she looked over towards Cain. "Admiral Cain reacted quickly with a clear head."

Starbuck smiled at Cain.

"We're fortunate, I have her to thank for," stated Starbuck, soberly as she held Cain's hand for comfort.