Chapter 9

When he awoke a tuff of blond hair was obscuring his view. Pretty confusing since he did not remember going to bed with the owner of said hair the previous night. His body however was not confused at all, and was reacting the way every normal male waking up next to a beautiful women would. But they had not quite yet reached the point where he could leave free reins to his body so he untangled himself from their embrace and kissed her brow before heading for a cold shower.

°°°°°°°°°

"Major"

"Admiral you've asked to see me?"

"Yes. We've received new information since our discussion yesterday." He sat heavily on his couch and rubbed his neck for a while. He obviously had not slept much. "Take a seat son, it might take a while." Lee could sense the tension radiating from his father so he stayed silent giving him time to gather his thoughts.

"Early this morning a civilian named Lucius Organa asked to see the president. He claimed that he had information about the cylons. As you know such claims are current occurrence these days but this man is part of what they call 'the New Church'." This got Lee's attention, this 'New Church' was one of the extremist religious movement demanding peace and collaboration with the cylons. They were at the origins of discords among the civilian population and had been put under close surveillance since the events aboard Cloud Nine. "The president felt it might be important and received him. He was nervous, said he was putting his life in danger by coming to see us and refused to talk until he was assured a full pardon and protection against potential reprisals."

"I thought 'the new church' was a pacific movement." Lee said. His father snorted.

"Yeah well apparently they're willing to kill a few people if it means they'll be able to reach their goal. Anyway, this witnessed something that did not sit right with his beliefs and I quote "is willing to betray his brother of the 'New Church' in the interest of a greater good".

"He seems to be a real peace of work." Lee observed.

"Yes he is but what he had to say was really interesting. It seems that the 'New Church' decided that their cause was not progressing quickly enough. Things were too quiet and people were starting to get used to being on the run. Most of them stoped wishing for a new world since New Caprica. One of their leaders managed to contact the cylons and proposed a deal: he would give them the coordinate of the fleet after every jump thus creating enough unrest to convert a lot of people to there ideas, and in exchange when the time would come the cylons would provide them with the means to start a new world."

Lee got up suddenly "They're insane! The cylons will never give them anything in return, they'll kill them all and be done with it!" Gods, he had known that humans were flown but those people were willing to sacrifice what remained of their species and for what? Power, beliefs… He had no idea. He took a deep breath trying to calm the urge he had to grab something and smash it on the wall. "Do we know who the leaders he talked of are?"

"No we don't. They're very well organized, the lowest members only knows the priests who only know their superiors and so on. If we wanted to reach that person whoever he is, we would have to take down the pyramid bit by bit. However our informant as I told you witnessed a scene that triggered his change of heart: he surprised a conversation between two church members relating everything I've just told you. And he would be able to identify those two men."

"Since they were privy to the church's plan we can assume that they are well placed in the church's hierarchy. So you intend to arrest them, get the names you need and neutralize the instigators of this plot as quickly as possible."

"That's the idea. And I want you to command that mission."

"I…" Seeing that his son was about to protest the admiral raised a hand to silent him.

"I realize that with the attacks you fell that your duties as a CAG take precedent over this mission. But I need someone I trust for this Lee. Kara will assume your responsibilities. As I understand she is doing much better and I think she is ready for this."

"She might be ready dad, but does she want to? She's changed since she came back; her priorities are not the same. Kacey comes first and the CAG's duties will not leave her much time for her role as a mother."

"You seemed to know pretty well what Kara would want or not? Is there something you forgot to tell me?" At that moment in time Lee had the distinct impression that he was once again a sixteen year old caught by his parents necking his girlfriend in his room. He was no longer that teenage boy but his father as the Admiral could still forbid him to see a girl according to the regulations. But there was no point denying that his relationship with Kara was a lot more than the one of a superior officer with a pilot and it also went beyond a simple friendship. So he answered his father not without some trepidation but also with the assurance that came after years of dealing with a parent. "There is nothing to tell right now. There might however be something in the close future." Then and only then did he risk a glance at his father who did not look surprised at all. If Lee had not been so nervous he might even have detect the ghost of a smile betraying the admiral present state of mind. And that's why the look on Lee's face could not be interpreted as anything else than surprise when he heard his father reply.

"It's about time, I feared that I'd never get grandchildren. You known Lee I might be getting old but I am not clueless, you've been circling each other for years now. Be happy that's the only thing I want for the both of you. You've earned the right to be more than anyone else."

°°°°°°

She was sitting in the observation room, alone, obvious to the world around her. Lee had found her a few hours ago to relate the event of the night and explain what the Admiral had ordered him to do. She had accepted the CAG's responsibilities without a second thought. They were at war and she would not be the only mother having to sacrifice some time with her child for the sake of survival.

Kacey had fallen into a routine that worked as a safety blanket for her. She no longer feared being left alone with other people than Kara and the nightmares were gone. She was once again a happy two year old who understood that mommies had to work in order to protect children like her.

Kara knew what she wanted and that made all the difference. She wanted a family with Lee. It was as simple as that. It was amazing what she had had to go through to finally accept this simple truth. She did not dream of a happily ever after because those were best left for fairy tells, but she would take every moment of happiness life would give her and make of those moments an eternity.

Her musing was disturbed by someone clearing his throat. She turned around and was faced with Lee holding a sleeping little girl.

"I went to pick her up at daycare and thought we might enjoy this evening off. God only knows when we will next have a moment alone" He lay Kacey on one of the seat and sat next to her. "You're pretty quiet. Is there a problem?"

"No, no problem, I was just thinking."

"Oh that's something new. Starbuck thinking…" He teased. She elbowed him in the ribs. He was grinning from ear to ear.

"It's not new. I simply hide it very well, not like some others who let their head take all the fun away." He kissed her then, at first only brushing his lips against hers until the slight pressure drove her crazy only then did he relented and deepened the kiss, making her breathless and light headed. He pulled away for a while his lips hovering near her earlobe, little puff of air teasing her and he whispered "Then I am honored." He nipped the soft skin of her neck. "Very honored that you let me in one of your deepest secret Starbuck." He did not let her anytime to react and went back to kissing her mouth angrily.

It was the small voice of Kacey that broke them apart. She was looking at them with wide round eyes. "Why you kissing?"

"heum…" But before they could formulate an adequate answer the toddler said:

"Daddies kiss mommies." She obviously was not awaiting an answer. Lee answered anyway.

"Yes they do." They watched her silently. Her little face was scrunched up in concentration as she mulled over the problem that was presenting itself.

"Mommies and daddies sleep together uncle Helo say." This drew a choked cry out of Kara.

"He said what!!! Oh I am going to kill him!!" But Kacey oblivious to her mother anger kept on talking.

"So Lee is Daddy!!" A wide smile lit up her face. She looked from Kara to Lee expecting a confirmation of her brilliant conclusion. Lee not knowing what to say sat dumb stuck clearly waiting a reaction from Kara. She took his hand and squeezed hard, he squeezed back and gave her a small nod witch was all she needed to make her decision.

"Yes sweetheart, Lee is your Daddy now."

The epilogue will be up soon. I hope you enjoyed the story.