Chapter 3
Dancing: "a perpendicular expression of a horizontal desire, legalised by music". - George Bernard Shaw
The Present – The Galactica
It was one of those family dinners that Adama held in his quarters approximately once a secton. For Cassiopeia, this evening's gathering held a new dimension of meaning. Athena, ravishing in a white dress, appeared calm and untroubled by recent events as she acted as hostess. Cassie could not help but admire her resolve.
Eventually the conversation turned to the inevitable.
"I'm only sorry that they didn't finish the job," Sheba said, a hard edge to her voice. Next to her, Apollo nodded in agreement.
"It certain would have saved us a lot of trouble."
"Perhaps…" Adama muttered from his seat at the head of the table. Cassie was now aware of something unsaid in his demeanor, a reluctance to pursue the subject.
"The fleet has no need of that traitor," Apollo said bitterly. No doubt in remembrance of Serena. Cassie, knowing Athena must be affected by this talk, nudged Starbuck.
"Oh…um…could we discuss something more important?" Starbuck said.
"Such as?" Apollo asked.
"Er…the upcoming triad season." Finding a suitable topic, Starbuck brightened. "There has been some talk about instituting a play-off schedule among teams throughout the fleet."
"Do you really think we have that much free time?" Apollo laughed.
"What else do we have to do?" Starbuck leaned back in his chair, looking more comfortable. Cassie noted that Adama seemed relieved by the change to a frivolous topic. She understood Athena's words now. These meals were primarily not for the consumption of food and drink, but to give some sort of normalcy and relief to Adama and those in attendance.
"Pay attention to us?" Sheba asked Apollo, affectionately pulling his arm.
"You're welcome to cheer us on," Apollo teased her.
"Typically male," Cassie said, feigning dissatisfaction. She glanced at Athena who seemed unperturbed yet remote. Cassie became painfully aware that Athena, sitting at the end of the table, was alone. "Perhaps we should start a women's league."
"I am not wearing that uniform." Athena stated and smiled.
"Ladies, ladies, think of us," Starbuck said, leaning forward. Cassie recognized the look in his eyes. The potential for monetary gain had occurred to him.
"Why should we?" Athena challenged him.
"Your loyal fans would be much more attentive if you ladies wore something like our uniforms." Starbuck flashed a grin. "We have to wear them, and, Sagan knows, I could do without them."
"If you want to play in the nude, feel free to do so," Athena said sweetly.
"Oh, yes, we would be happy to watch that." Sheba laughed.
"Think of the viewership of the matches on the IFB," Cassie added.
"Think of my dignity," Starbuck pleaded.
"What dignity?" the women responded in unison. Even Adama laughed at Starbuck's plight.
"Apollo, help me." Starbuck looked desperate.
"I'm staying out of it. You started it."
"Some partner you are," Starbuck groused, although Cassie knew him well enough to know that he was enjoying the attention. The rest of the evening went along the same lines and Athena, acting the ever gracious hostess, saw Cassie and Starbuck to the door.
"Thank you for the diversion tonight." Athena smiled.
"We're glad to have provided it," Cassie replied. "If you would like to talk later…"
The Past – Caprica City
That evening, for the Council's opening night reception, Athena once again found herself hesitating before the Sagitaran Councilor's office door. Her mother had provided her advice on the appropriate attire for the occasion, but she had been wearing military uniforms for so long she still felt inappropriately dressed. She fussed a moment straightening her light-blue dress before she realized she was just using it as an excuse to delay. She took a deep breath and opened the door.
"Athena, you look beautiful," Baltar said, standing as she entered. He was wearing his white robes that distinguished him as a Councilor.
"I didn't know if this was appropriate for a Council reception," she said. "I could have worn a dress uniform – "
"No, no, no," he interrupted her as her walked to her side and gave her a knowing smile. "I've wanted to see you out of that uniform since I first saw you."
"Councilor! What would your wife say?!" Her eyes widened and her cheeks reddened.
"She won't say anything," he answered, a shadow passing over his eyes. "Sharraya was an enemy casualty 15 yarhens ago."
"I…I'm sorry." Athena stammered. "I didn't mean to – "
"I know you didn't. Don't apologize." Baltar said firmly, but gently, taking her arm in his. "Just allow me the pleasure of your company this evening."
"I don't know how much pleasure I can be to you."
"Oh…you underestimate yourself," he said leading her out of the office. "By simply showing up, you've made the promise of tonight's soiree being enjoyable much more likely."
"You saw me only a few centars ago."
"That's all? It seemed longer. Tell me, do they still teach the cadets the old dances at the Academy?"
"Yes. It seems a waste though; few people dance like that after graduating."
"Would you like to make use of that portion of your training tonight?" he asked, smiling.
"If I can remember…"
"Not to worry." With his free hand, he patted her hand that rested on his forearm. "I'll refresh your memory."
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The grand hall of the Presidium was crowded with those fortunate enough or obligated to attend the first major social event of the Council session. The 12 Councilors were naturally the focus of the evening, but others in high civilian, military, and administrative positions, as well as the culturally elite of society were present. The news organizations also sent their reporters who waited like carrion avians on the sidelines for the first hint of scandal whether it be in underhanded political maneuverings or just lascivious gossip regarding any well known name.
"Hmmm, I see Serena," Councilor Baltar said as he looked out the window of their vehicle as it pulled up to the entryway.
"Serena? Of the news?" Athena asked, suddenly feeling cold. "Why did I let you talk me into this?"
"Oh, don't worry. I'll take care of it." He said, reassuring her and taking her hand in his. "This shouldn't be difficult. It might have been with the last Council session being on Sagitara, but then I didn't need a liaison for my own Colony."
Their vehicle stopped and the door was opened for them. Baltar exited and then gallantly handed out Athena onto the formal walkway to the hall's main doors.
"Just look beautiful and you'll be fine," he told her, taking her arm and guiding her towards the entrance amongst the other arrivals. Before they arrived at the gauntlet of reporters led by Serena, he glanced at those behind him.
"Councilor, I don't recognize your companion. Would you care to make an introduction?" Serena asked briskly the video operator behind her.
"I would be delighted to," Baltar smiled, giving her his entire attention. "I'm so glad you could make it to the opening of the Council session. It's a lovely evening, isn't it?" He gestured with his free hand, lightly making contact with the man behind him. "Oh, forgive me. Sire Domra, is it?" he said to the man he had brushed, who nodded amiably. Baltar turned back to Serena. "I shouldn't be taking up your valuable time; it's most rude to you and Sire Domra who I'm sure would be more interesting to your viewers than myself. If you will excuse me.?" He gave Serena a small bow and hurried on with Athena.
"That was quite a performance," Athena said.
"I told you: I'm a politician." He laughed and escorted her into the hall.
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Inside the grand hall, a military orchestra played the expected traditional social dance numbers. These were the more restrained dances of centuries past when it had been considered unseemly for a man and a woman to make physical contact on a casual basis and the dance had been a courtship ritual. Some attendees participated in these formal, polite dances, while others drifted and mingled on the sidelines pausing occasionally to partake of the food and drink set out on wide tables.
Near the top of the room, the Council representative for Caprica, Adama, and his wife, Ila, acting as hosts, held court as those attending paid their respects, or made introductions for others. During a lull, Adama glanced towards the center of the hall attracted by the motion of the dancers as they moved to a three-beat pattern, a Virgonese Valse.
"What is she doing here with him?" Adama growled as he noticed Baltar and Athena.
"It looks like they're dancing," Ila answered pleasantly. Although white streaked her golden hair, she was still as slender and elegant as when Adama had first met her.
"He shouldn't be taking advantage of her like that."
"Dear, it was you who assigned Athena to be his Council liaison."
"At your insistence," Adama reminded her. "Dancing isn't part of the job duties."
"Leave them alone; it isn't doing you any harm." Ila smiled and sipped her ambrosia. "They do make a charming couple."
"Don't even suggest that," Adama said between clenched teeth. "He's not good enough for her."
"Which is exactly what my father said about you."
"In that he was mistaken," Adama's expression softened and he gave a short laugh.
"Couldn't you also be mistaken?"
"Ila, he's a member of the Quorum. I've had dealings with him."
"Ah, I see. Your political loyalties are affecting your judgment."
"No. I don't trust him regardless of his political views." Adama shook his head.
"So, your fatherly protectiveness is now affecting you political views," she teased. "I've never heard you complain about him before. I mean, not anymore than any other Quorum member."
"They weren't dancing with Athena," Adama said, nearly glaring at the pair on the dance floor. As far as he was concerned, Baltar was holding Athena too closely and too comfortably.
"She looks like she's enjoying herself." Ila said, following her husband's gaze. "Isn't that important to you?"
"That could change."
"Adama, there are no guarantees in life." Ila sighed. "Starbuck's dalliances are making her unhappy. She can't wait on him forever. Let her decide." She paused and then a sparkle appeared in her blue eyes. "Besides, you know what happens when the girl's father separates two lovers; they just elope."
"Not if I can help it," Adama said alarmed, starting for the dance floor. Ila seized his arm stopping him.
"You stay right here." She handed him her half-filled glass. "I'll go check on them. You might create a diplomatic incident."
She wended her way among the groups of people, stopping here and there to act as the gracious hostess and timing her progress so that she approached the dance floor just as the music ended. Athena's brows rose slightly as she caught sight of her mother. Ila smiled and briefly touched a finger to her lips, signaling Athena to silence. As she joined the pair, Baltar took Athena's arm to lead her off the dance floor.
"Councilor, how are you this evening?" Ila asked smoothly.
"Quite well, Siress Adama." He inclined his head in greeting to her.
"I trust you are settling in for the session. I know Quorum meetings can become tedious."
"That they can be," he agreed, "but I was fortunate this Council session to be granted the most charming liaison possible." He gave Athena a warm look. "Have you met my Council liaison Lieutenant Athena?"
"Why, yes, I have," Ila answered. Athena recognized the undertone of amusement in her mother's voice and she felt her own cheeks warm. "Are you enjoying yourself, my dear?' Ila asked.
"Yes," Athena murmured.
"Then I'll just let you two carry on. Good evening."
"Good evening, Siress," Baltar said as Ila drifted back among the others. As Ila neared Adama, she could see him scowling.
"Stop looking so upset, dear," Ila chided Adama as she retrieved her glass from him. "People think you're a martinet as it is."
"I care what happens to our daughter." A plaintive note insinuated itself into his disapproving tone.
"I understand, but your zeal in protecting her intimidates the men."
"What?"
"Half the single men on Caprica avoid Athena because they're scared of her father."
"There's always the other half."
"And they think Athena is a means to an easy promotion."
"That's absurd." Adama dismissed the idea with an accompanying wave of his hand.
"Either way," Ila said, "she is thought of as 'Commander Adama's daughter'."
"She is my daughter."
"You're missing the point." Ila shook her head. "I don't think Councilor Baltar knows you're her father." She sensed Adama's determination – or just plain stubbornness – rising as his jaws muscles tightened. "And you're not going to tell him."
"Ila, why shouldn't I?"
"Let Athena get out from under the shadow of her father and be herself for once." She took Adama's hand in hers and her voice softened. "Promise me you won't interfere. It's a hard thing for her to be your daughter, don't make it harder on her."
"All right," he conceded, "but I'll be watching."
"I wouldn't expect anything different."