Okay, there's only so much a guy can take in one day. It seemed that the IFB monitors were everywhere Starbuck went, and he was featured on them constantly. He made a point of avoiding them, but his friends and passersby were kind enough to give him the latest updates, as he made his way around the Galactica searching for Luana and trying to finalize the locale for his big card game. Maybe that had something to do with the fact that he had a very strong urge to launch himself into space. And at this point, taking a Viper was optional.

The latest news was Sire Regus talking about him like he was the scourge of the Empyrean Empire, and that was right on the tail end of Borka and Kaden's completely fictitious recount of his attack on them.

Someone was trying to drag him and his reputation through the mong heap. He just didn't quite understand why. But he was beginning to get an idea it had more to do with bureaucratic felgercarb, than anything on a personal level.

His gaze settled on another monitor as he prepared to leave the office of the man in charge of ship maintenance and repairs. Coincidentally, Xerxes was also the latest person to join the card game. This time he wandered over and turned up the volume. Flanked by both Empyrean necromancers, Lady Aurelia was being interviewed by Zed.

I would like to repudiate the statement made by Sire Regus and to make it clear that it was not made on behalf of the Empyrean Quorum. It is solely Sire Regus' position that Empyreans want to perpetuate the archaic tradition of a sectarian society. Furthermore, it is merely because of his fear that the mighty tide of change will sweep away his values, faith and customs that he seeks a civil law to maintain them.

The Empyrean people, however, know that if we truly have a culture worth preserving, it will not require a constitutional treaty demanding special status from our Colonial brothers. Culture will be preserved as it always has, through the passing on of time honoured traditions from one generation to the next.

We believe that by fully integrating into the Colonial Fleet, we can combine the best of our societies. With tolerance and understanding on all of our parts, we will become stronger, which is truly what we need to do if we are to defeat the Cylon Empire. One people with one purpose. Victory.

Starbuck smiled. Aurelia had come a long way since the Empyrean Ball. In fact, she seemed to be turning into a fine bureautician. He couldn't help but wonder if she would ever follow her dream to become a warrior. If the proud glow on her grandmother's face was any indication, she looked to be destined for a career of Empyrean diplomacy.

Lady Aurelia, Zed was asking, could you also give us your opinion of Lieutenant Starbuck and Ensign Luana's engagement?

We couldn't be happier with Ensign Luana's choice. Lieutenant Starbuck is a decorated Colonial Warrior and a hero to our people. It is a wonderful omen, uniting the Colonials and the Empyreans in this holy bond of matrimony.

Starbuck's smile slipped as he watched the three women beam with joy. What the frack were they up to?

Now Ama definitely was known for dancing to the beat of her own Empyrean tambour, but Aurelia . . . well, he hadn't expected her to turn on him like this. Hadn't he saved the poor girl from a fate worse than death--unholy matrimony to that toad, Rogane.Bloody Hades Hole, the whole universe was going crazy. Well, okay, his universe was going crazy.

A clap on his shoulder drew him out of his reverie.

"I never thought I'd see the day that you'd get sealed, Starbuck. Congratulations. All the best to you and your pretty lady." Xerxes smiled at him. "And a princess! Amazing how things change."

"Amazing." Starbuck muttered in return. "I'll see you at 2000 centars, Xerxes. Thanks again." He shook his head ruefully as he headed to the lift. Well, at least someone was finally happy for him, and not just shocked that he was getting married. Wait a centon! What are you thinking, Bucko?