The sound of water woke up Starbuck. Invigorated, she sighed and stretched her body, feeling an ice pack slide off her shoulder. She caught it and set it aside. Starbuck considered joining Cain in the shower but thought otherwise. She had incredible and wild night with Cain and that's how she wanted to remember Cain. Starbuck dreaded and hated the morning after, small talk; so awkward she thought. She doubted Cain was into small talk as well. She could tell Cain had things to do; she had already laid out a fresh uniform on a loveseat.
Kicking off the blanket, Starbuck got out bed; she started to hunt for her clothes and boots. She scanned the ransacked room and smiled approvingly: bed sheets pulled off exposing the mattress, pillows on the floor, clothes and shoes strewn about, a toppled chair, and a bra dangling on a nightstand lamp. What a wild fraking night, laughed Starbuck as she snatched the bra.
Looking at the mirror, Cain smiled as she noticed small marks on chest and felt sore from the scratches on her back. Starbuck was such a freak in bed. She underestimated her skills or maybe Starbuck was quicker learner, either way it had been a wild and exhilarating night. Cain could hear Starbuck stirring about as she helped herself to the rolling breakfast cart in her office.
Not to past up some free food, Starbuck sampled what was available from the breakfast cart, while lingering in Cain's office. That room looked more subdued and she quickly averted her eyes from the bloodstained wall. Instead, she looked at other items on an adjacent wall. Starbuck was curious and decided she wanted learn more about this amazing woman.
On the adjacent wall, there were additional shelves that housed plaques, awards, and pictures that had spared from the previous night attack. Looking at these items and pictures, Starbuck could tell Cain was a highly decorated and accomplished officer. One picture caught her attention. She took it down and examined it more closely, it was a younger Cain in a flightsuit standing next to an attractive pilot.
Both were on the flight line standing in front of vipers. Based on the viper insignia, she could tell it was the Tauron Air Base. The picture looked like one of those official military photos; Cain was smiling. She looked happy, while the stoic younger woman next to her was looking on cheerfully. Starbuck was curious to know who that beautiful woman was.
"Do you see something you like," joyously asked Cain as she stepped in with a pile of paperwork.
Starbuck turned around. "Yes, I was wonder who that woman is, standing next to you?" asked Starbuck as she held the framed picture.
Cain expression changed, but she quickly suppressed it, and replied.
"She's just a pilot," lied Cain.
Starbuck knew that was a fib. Tauron Air Base was a premier command post; elite flight squadrons were stationed there only the best pilots went there. No, thought Cain, she was more than just a pilot, was a great pilot and a special woman or had been. She pushed away those feelings. Starbuck could tell that woman meant something by Cain's expression.
Taking a chance, Starbuck commented, "It looked like a special moment."
Nodding, "Yes it was special day – it was my first real command. It was my first day on the job as the new Tauron base commander," conceded Cain as she looked at the picture.
Cain remembered that day, the changing of command ceremony, the air show that followed, and the officer's ball that evening. Each squadron did a flight demonstration for the air show. The respective, CAGs were responsible to come up with different flying formations. To Commander Cain, the formations looked more or less the same, except for one; it used Tauron themes. She was impressed with that flight demonstration.
Cain wanted to know who the CAG was that who used Tauron themes; it was so innovated and moving. After the air show, she was introduced to that particular CAG, she was surprised by the charming, reserved, and soft spoken flight officer. Cain had expected a boisterous or brash flight officer.
Cain, asked her how came about with her idea. The CAG explained that she had read the interoffice memo that outlined Commander's Cain military past duty stations, awards, accomplishments and came up with the flight formation using Tauron themes. Cain was astonished by this modest pilot.
Cain remembered the woman was slightly breathless when Cain praised her; the CAG did not expect to receive a personal compliment. But now she was gone just like everyone she knew. In one swoop the Cylons had descended and attacked the 12 colonies. Cain always liked her smile but now she was gone.
Starbuck looked embarrassed as she made a faux pas. She saw the sadness in Cain's eyes and was befuddled what to say next.
Changing the subject, Cain said, "I can see I'm going to have to renovate this room but in the meantime I have to get ready for the staff briefing."
"Maybe we can discuss the rescue mission and come up with some ideas before the meeting," added Cain, as she started to organize her paperwork.
Clearing her throat, Starbuck whispered, "Sir, I not sure if it is worth trying at this point."
Starbuck looked down; she didn't how it would be possible to ever see Sam. Not being able to see him stung her.
"Thrace, are you giving up? – Come on," encouraged Cain.
"I've already tried once with then Commander Adama. I am not sure if Admiral Adama will listen again."
"I thought this meant a great deal to you and were very passionate about the idea. You mentioned there were survivors you knew back there."
"Yes, I miss them. . .," faltered Starbuck.
"If those people mean something to you, fight for it. If you want it that badly – I will support you."
Starbuck nodded yes.
"Chin up Thrace, anything is possible," encouraged Cain.
* * *
Although, military staff briefings were for military officers, Admiral Adama decided to have the first meeting on Colonial One as a gesture of good will. One reason was to assuage the civilian officials; the standoff between the two battleships had put the civilians on edge. Future meetings would alternate between Galactica and Pegasus and would be only with military officers.
Roslyn welcomed the meeting. She hoped for positive results but she did not hold breath or high expectations for Cain. Roslyn looked around the room and saw both Adama and Cain were talking amongst themselves. Most of the officers and civilian officials were present and had already sat down.
Starbuck arrived at Colonial One dressed in clean dress blue uniform with her day planner. Ever since she became the Pegasus CAG she was accountable for the status of pilots and planes. She looked around for seat near the back or least in the middle but they were already taken. All that remain were the front row seats. She could barely stay awake as she sat down.
To start things off, Adama indicated on working jointly but keeping unit cohesion without interfering with the internal affairs of the respective battle ships. Then Adama let officers from both ships give their status reports without any particular order.
Starbuck was wondering where was Lee or now Major Lee "Apollo" Adama was? She just found out that he had been promoted to Major, she wanted to congratulate him. Then it was her turned to speak, she went up to the podium. She rattled off her status report: number of pilots, training status, mishap reports, status and raptor and viper availability. Starbuck was finishing up when she heard a door open from the back heard squeaking sound. It was Lee.
Lee was wearing brand new shoes that had not been broken in. He had spent a pleasurable night with Dualla and misplaced his shoes. Starbuck motioned to Lee, to the seats up front, guiltily he slipped in. Admiral Adama was slightly annoyed, his son looked disheveled and he looked like he rolled off bed. Next, it was Lee's turn and he gave his status report. Starbuck suppressed a giggle at the spectacle; he had a cowlick. Did Lee forget how to use a comb?
Colonel Fisk went next. The jovial officer gave his status report, peppered with anecdotes and concluded with a joke that had everyone laughing. Then it was Colonel Tigh turn.
"I can't top what Colonel Fisk said but I will try . . .," started Tigh.
Just then Starbuck emitted a loud yawn; she was exhausted and was having hard time staying up. Her shoulder was starting to ache; she resisted taking any painkillers for fear that it would put her asleep. After the meeting she vowed to find a place to curl up and sleep, she did care where.
Offended, Tigh gave Starbuck a dirty look but continued to give his status report. What a frakking b!tch. He didn't care if she was one of the best pilots, she could at least show some respect.
After Tigh spoke, Adama decided to have a short break. At that, the officers and Quorum officials got up seeking refreshments, and milled about. Cain was not amused how this meeting was dragging on. She learned to keep her meetings short, her officers knew better or least should have known better. Give a brief report in a professional manner.
Starbuck felt relieved to get up, she started towards the head; she wanted to take her medicine. Lee went beside her.
He had a boyish grin and said, "Hey Kara I missed you the other night, how are you?"
"Oh really, I doubt that – I heard you were preoccupied," grinned back Starbuck.
Surprised he cleared his throat and changed the subject. "So I heard you took a bullet for Admiral Cain." Amazing how fast stories circulated thought Starbuck.
"I'm fine Lee, I'm OK. Can we talk another time?"
"So, what were you doing in her quarters in the first place?" asked Lee, as he peered at Starbuck face. She had this look.
"Lee, I need to go to the head," responded Starbuck tartly. She didn't like where this conservation was going.
"Did you stay there all night . . . on the Pegasus?" pursued Lee.
He held Starbuck's forearm. If it wasn't for her aching shoulder she would have elbowed him and pull away. However, her shoulder was screaming for attention.
She enunciated slowly. "Get Your Frakking Hand Off My Arm Before I Deck You, Sir," hissed Starbuck.
At that moment all heads turned and conservations stopped. Startled, Lee took his hand off Starbuck and stepped back to let her by.
Both Adama and Cain frowned. Excusing himself from Cain, Adama walked toward his son; he was not pleased and took this son aside. Cain watched the drama unfold; she could believe that Lee had been promoted. She looked at Starbuck as she walked aft of Colonial One. Moments before she heard Starbuck's outburst, she looked liked she wanted to hit Lee. Cain wondered what this was all about.
Disappointed, Cain witnessed how this meeting had degenerated into a free for all. Her nerves were on edge, all these distractions were gnawing at her. She turned away abruptly, looking at one of small view ports. Outside she could see her ship the Pegasus.
Cain wished she was there instead of wasting her time here. She wondered if it was worth sticking her neck out for Starbuck's quest. These doubts started to peck at her. She took a deep breath, focusing on her strengths while dismissing the weakness of other people. Cain broke from her thoughts when Adama announced the break was over; it was her turn to speak.
Admiral Cain went to Colonial One podium and stood straight facing the audience. Her presence commanded respect. Every officer sat up as if at attention and even the slouching, Quorum officials felt compelled to sit straight.
Every eyeball was centered at her wondering what she was going to say. Cain looked at the audience and saw anger, boredom, curiosity, disdain, fear, resentment and scorn. This was nothing new to Cain; she had spoken to rough crowds before. She did see one smiling, cheerful face – Starbuck. She was a friendly beacon among the hostile audience.
"Admiral Adama and President Roslyn, on the behalf of the Battle Star Pegasus officers and crew, the Pegasus is here to guard the civilian and ready to fight the Cylons," proclaimed Cain.
Looking at Adama, "I am preparing a reconnaissance mission of the 12 Colonies and rescue any survivors," informed Cain as she looked at Adama.
"What do you propose?" asked Adama.
"The plan is to conduct planetary surveys to determine if the planets are livable after the nuclear fallout and to find survivors."
"We can settle once and for all whether the 12 Colonies are worth fighting for or move on. It's a win-win situation for all. If the planets are not livable I will not longer pursue this issue. Either way you will have my full cooperation," stated Cain.
Interested, "Tell me more of the plan," asked Adama
"I would have the Pegasus go back to the 12 Colonies to conduct the mission," announced Cain.
"Interesting plan but it's too risky, many lives would be put in danger," replied Adama.
Adama was not about to give up the Pegasus. Two battle ships were better than one to guard the civilian fleet and to fight the Cylons while searching for Earth. Cain doubted that Adama would let the Pegasus go back and wasn't surprised at his response. If she was in charge she would do the same; she wouldn't want to lose a valuable military asset.
"Another option is to use the captured Cylon transport ship that Captain Thrace acquired from Caprica," calmly proposed Cain.
Starbuck remembered that large ship landing as she was escaping that dreadful hospital when the Cylons held her captive.
Looking at Starbuck, "That ship should be adequate to large enough to accommodate survivors and survey probes," stated Cain.
Adama asked, "Starbuck what do you think?"
"Sir, there are about two dozen survivors I am aware of at Caprica. If we strip out unnecessary items we'll have room for them," replied Starbuck, excitedly.
For once, Starbuck was glad she was sitting up front. It was like being ringside at a pyramid game with all that excitement. She got to play and watch at the same time.
"What about the planetary probes," inquired Adama.
"Four probes is the minimum we need, Lt. Gaeta can explain better," responded Starbuck.
Adama pondered at the plan and looked at the Cain. It was a good plan in that it could finally settle any lingering doubts about the 12 Colonies and survivors. He saw the determination in her eyes and he could tell she wanted this mission.
"That's sounds like a doable plan, Admiral Cain."
"However, there is something else that requires out attention; it involves two men. That dispute needs to be settled first," declared Adama.
"I'm glad you brought that up," said Cain pleasantly. "I happen to have both men, Lieutenant Agatha and Chief Tyrol, in my raptor." Astonished, Roslyn looked at Cain in disbelief.
In any other times, Cain would not have given up these men but currently she didn't have any political clout. The thought of letting go these men irked Cain. However, she did not see any advantage of keeping them. It was time to move on.
The audience hummed at the comment. Adama had not expected this from Cain and motioned his son to go to the shuttle with Fisk. They came back shortly and Lee nodded enthusiastically. Adama looked and smiled at the charismatic Admiral – smooth move.
Gods Damm, talk about horse-trading. I'd play poker with her anytime, mused Colonel Tigh.
"Admiral Cain, I want you to go ahead with the plan but with the second option. Give me another brief me when you finalize the plan," said Adama.