A/N: If anyone is still reading this please let me know, I have the tendency to forget that I still haven't finished the story…. my apologies.

The President still had her doubts as she made her way down the corridors with the commander to her side. After their talk the night before she had thought it best to take a tour around the viper bay.

As the duo entered the bay, many workers had stopped to greet them hello as she passed. Adama merely grunted at some, others he offered a few simple words. She wondered if he had lost his voice around the crew, until he approached a group of men.

"Commander, Mrs President," the Chief greeted, turning to meet them as two of the men nodded their greeting before moving away. "What do I owe the pleasure?"

"The president wanted to have a proper tour of the Galactica," he shrugged while scanning to bay for some more familiar and personal faces.

"Not usually on the list of places to see, but I am pleased to see you here" the Chief lead with some charm. He was earn with a pleased smile from the brunette female while her companion gave a small chuckle.

"Is there someone you would rather be with?" the former teacher inquired, noticing his wandering gaze. He was obvious but she had no idea who he was looking for so she hadn't mentioned it straight away.

"Starbuck" both men stated with a unified grunt. All three parties smiled at each other.

"Come with me," the younger man motioned to the pair, setting off to find the viper pilot.

They found her not to long after, crouched at the back of the vehicle with a smile on her face. She was covered with grease stains on her hands and a smudge on her face but it didn't seem to impact much on her mood. Rather the opposite actually as she happily worked on the engine.

As the trio got closer to the blonde, they noticed Cally not too far away with her back to them all, chatting happily away about some item or place. The topic didn't really matter, but it was a nice fill in while the specialist worked on a small part.

"Got it!" she exclaimed, turning suddenly towards the viper pilot and their newest guests, neither woman had actually seen approach. "Madam President," she greeted happily.

Kara for her part simply stood from her previous spot and placed herself directly between the specialist and the former teacher. It wasn't that she felt threatened or that Cally had needed someone to protect her. But old wounds lay deep and the blonde had still not completely forgiven anyone for sending the specialist on the Astral Queen.

"Kara," she gently scolded, placing her free hand on the blonde's arm and walked forward to stand by her side.

No one made comment. They all did know that Kara's immediate non-resistance spoke volumes, but stating the matter out loud was not good for anyone.

"Kara, Cally," Adama greeted after a brief silence fell over the occupants. "The President wanted a tour of the bay and I thought it would be nice if she meet the good ones first"

His blunt honesty, proud puff of his chest and sincere tone made each occupant look at him in a new light. Well except from Kara of course, she had seen this side of him so many times that it was like water off a ducks back.

After a bark of laughter from the Chief, the former teacher stepped closer to their small group. "I wanted to invite some people to join me for dinner on my ship and I was hoping that the three of you could join me and the commander?" she asked with a genuine smile. "A few other people will be there too of course" she added as she noticed the younger brunette's slight unease.

"Like who?" the ton wasn't an accusation but the inquiry of the other occupants seemed demanded as Kara asked the simple question.

"Well Billy will be there of course, and the commander has made of list of a few others besides Lee" the former teacher explained hesitantly. She seemed to fit her presidential role rather well, but against the viper pilot she seemed rather put out.

"Lee, Boomer, Tigh and Dualla" the commander offered, smiling at Cally re-assuring. He was well aware that she could be slightly nervous around newer people, hence his select choice of occupants. "But coronal Tigh has already declined the invitation, choosing to stay behind to look after this ship"

Looking at the small and relieved expressions, President Roslin guessed that whoever else was listed as being invited would be alright with the three.

The President and the commander smiled: stage one complete.