Summary: Not my usual pairing…see Author's note for the inspiration. It was challenging to write for characters we don't know much about…but it was tremendous fun also. (grins)
Title: Five Times Gunny and Mathias Share a Drink
Author: Monti
Date: June 27, 2007
Rating: NC17
Pairing: Gunny/Mathias…Yes…you read that right. (giggles)
Word Count: 5822
Category: Romance/Missing Scenes
Warnings: Angst, Violence (part 5)
Spoilers: Through season three…Spec for season 4
Author's Note: Written for Pi…cause she's awesome. We were chatting and I decided I want to see Gunny and Mathias sitting around having a drink while they did a running commentary on the rest of the crew. Pi upped the ante and asked for a scene with Gunny and Mathias after she escapes the algae planet. I'm hoping this sort of combines the two. (grins)
I take some creative license with quarters so the setting fits my plot.
Oh…and I totally made up the name for Gunny…and the first name for Mathias. At least she has a last name. (LOL)
Final Note: Pi tossed out the juicy morsel for the ending…blame her. (LOL)
FIVE TIMES GUNNY AND MATHIAS SHARE A DRINK
ONE
A laid-up Gunny hated the fact that Doc Cottle was keeping him overnight for observation.
Hell…it wasn't the first time he'd been shot. Probably wouldn't be the last, either.
And it was his leg! Not like the bullet hit vital organs or anything. Stupid frakking doctors. He was a marine, dammit.
Mathias nodded briskly at Ishay when the medic exited the alcove she was headed into. She waited until Layne rounded the corner then pulled the curtain around for privacy. It was a bit of a risk…but she thought it worth the trouble.
It was what she'd want a fellow grunt to do for her. Nobody liked being out of commission.
Checking the closure of the curtain, Mathias turned to meet the hopeful gaze of Gunny. She almost laughed, but stopped herself not wanting to draw any undue attention from the staff.
Nodding his head, he greeted his visitor. "Gunny." He hoped his counterpart wasn't just there to wish him well.
Mathias rolled her eyes at his joke. Because their ranks were the same he'd started referring to her as 'Gunny' whenever he bumped into her on their downtime until it developed into a kind of 'thing' with them. Gunnery Sergeant Daniel Makepeace might be from Pegasus and might be typically rough and ready but he had a wicked sense of humor. And Mathias liked that in a man…this one in particular.
Not missing a beat, she followed with her usual response. "Gunny." Glancing around to make sure they were well and truly alone, she pulled out the bottle of home brew she'd stashed in her fatigues.
With a smirk, she held it up shaking it a little to show it the jar was full. "Thought maybe you could use a drink." Placing the container on the bedside table, she carefully unscrewed the lid.
Groaning in appreciation, Gunny's head hit the propped up pillow. "Thank the gods." He licked his lips before grinning ruefully. "R & R sure went to shit." Now that was an understatement…he'd lost men…but at least he'd pulled Starbuck's ass out of the fire.
Mathias smiled sadly. Marines were never really 'off duty' as the situation on Cloud Nine proved.
And they'd lost enough people. She'd bet her next pay grade that clawed at him more than the leg did.
Shooting a glance his way, she commiserated. "Yeah. Heard that." Sliding the bottle in front of him, she watched him swallow at least five times before stopping. Her kind of man.
It took a second to recover from the liquid burn in his throat, but as soon as he could speak he rasped. "Much appreciated." Handing the jar over, he got a kick out of it when she raised it in mock toast then knocked back a healthy portion herself. His kind of woman.
Nodding at the chair beside the bed, Gunny asked. "Keep a guy company?" He'd love to get to know her better. Besides, he hated to drink alone.
Mathias pondered the invite for all of two seconds. What the hell? She didn't have anyplace she had to be.
Winking at him, she decided to run with it. Turning the chair around, she dropped down on it and leaned her arms on the backrest. "Thought you'd never ask."
fin
TWO
(New Caprica – Underground Bunkers)
The recently rescued detainees were all assembled, listening as Tyrol outlined the plan of action to get them the frak off this rock.
One small glitch. They were counting on two battlestars.
Mathias hated to break it to them…but she did. "No Pegasus. Just Galactica." And yeah…that got the resistance leaders' attention.
Roslin peppered her with questions. "Why? Why no Pegasus?" Her sharp glance was also tinged with concern. "What happened?"
The former president was asking her? She was a marine following orders. "Don't know, sir. Way beyond my pay grade." But damned if that wasn't the question on everyone lower than an XO's mind before they separated.
This planned was frakked at best, doomed to fail at worst. Being a marine, she was trained to follow orders and questioning the wisdom of their commanding officers' was something she didn't indulged in. Often.
Unless it was sitting with Gunny in an empty mess, a bottle of ambrosia on the table between them. Grabbing what might be the last moments they'd spend together their conversation naturally fell to debating the pros and cons of their respective missions.
Gunny was headed out with Commander Adama and what was left of the remaining fleet. Admiral Adama tapped Mathias for the New Caprica mission. Assigned to protect the Cylon officer so she could make contact with the insurgence leaders.
Orders were orders…and both would follow them.
But not until Gunny had to catch the last transport out for the Pegasus.
So they drank. Slowly. Knowing when the bottle was empty it would be over. Neither was really sure what 'it' was, but finding out wasn't exactly an option now.
Duty called.
When the last glass was empty, Gunny stood, ready to make tracks for the hangar deck.
His face solemn, betraying nothing. "You take care." It was all in his eyes…the regret of not knowing.
Mathias gave a curt nod. "Will do." Her own gaze was level…expressing her disappointment.
They weren't in uniform as both were on downtime until they lit out for their respective posts. And they both held the same rank, but he still snapped off a salute, indicative of his respect for her.
Then he truly surprised her by stepping forward and leaning down to plant a quick, hard kiss on her lips.
Not one to beat about, when he made to pull back, Mathias fisted her hand in his shirt and yanked him into a much more heated embrace. Rising from the chair, lips still meshed with his, she backed him up against the bulkhead deepening the kiss as they went.
Not to be outdone, Gunny switched their positions, trapping her hips with his before lifting her up to gain access to her throat, scorching a line of kisses down to the collar of her shirt.
Wrapping a single leg around both of his, Mathias kept him pressed against her, letting the heat flare between them a moment, before regretfully dropping her foot to the floor. Neither spoke as Gunny snagged the empty bottle from the table and backed out of the mess. It was too bad they couldn't take things further…they didn't have the time.
But it was a helluva goodbye.
If the insurgence were lucky…they'd get off this frakking rock.
And she might just be able to have another drink with the gunny.
"What about your evac plan?"
fin
THREE
Mathias scanned the makeshift lounge on the Rising Star looking for Makepeace. She didn't know if he'd received the request to meet her here, but either way she planned to get falling down stupid drunk. Between the quarantine, hauling sick Cylon prisoners around the ship…finding out they're after Earth, and a massively botched op to eliminate the Cylon threat she'd pretty much passed her saturation level for bullshit.
Hell…she might just blow past stupid drunk and head straight for passed out unconscious.
Angling further into the small area, her eyes fell on the Gunny sitting at a small, intimate table raising an eyebrow in invitation. On the table in front of him were two glass tumblers and a full bottle. Her lips curved up in an answering smile. Figured he'd be a step ahead of her…not that she was complaining. It sure as hell saved time.
Making her way through the crowded, too small room she arrived at the table, pulled out the chair and nodded at the bottle. "Gonna pour me some of that?" Sitting down with a tired smile, she all but cheered when he picked up the bottle.
Breaking the seal, Gunny jerked his head in acknowledgement. "You got it." After filling her glass he waited until she'd drained it then poured her another one.
Then he filled his own glass.
Picking it up, he raised it to her. "Helluva week." He swallowed back the alcohol while she did the same.
He didn't say anything else. Didn't have to really. The last few days had been a bitch. Lines of fatigue creased her forehead and her eyes held a simmering anger. It was well banked…but there nonetheless.
He didn't blame her. Their one chance to completely defeat the entire Cylon force was blown to hell. And by one of their own…had to be. They were all pissed…rightfully so. If he were Mathias…he'd be hell bent on getting as drunk as he possibly could to wipe that bitter taste away. But he had a feeling the evening might take a different direction…if they played their cards right.
Pouring again, he shifted closer to the table, their close proximity letting him casually work his knee between hers. After the kiss they'd shared on the eve of splitting the fleet, he figured she'd be open to something more. Since the rescue they'd been too busy trying to reintegrate to pick up where they left off that night.
Her eyes held his while she downed the contents of her glass, the liquid sliding down her throat in three gulps. At the same time the tumbler hit the table, he felt her foot hook around his ankle to draw him in a little closer. The anger and fatigue were still on her face but so was a knowing look and if he wasn't mistaken…his opening for more.
Emptying his own glass, he deliberately poured the remainder of the bottle in both tumblers. It was part challenge, part easy out. A way to let her know he was game for whatever. No regrets. No strings. Her call.
Mathias regarded the man sitting across from her. She wanted what he offered. But being attracted to him was a double-edged sword. Lords knew she could use the release that would come from going a couple of rounds in bed with him…and if that's all it was she thought she could walk away, no harm, no foul. But if it turned into something more…well…she'd be a-okay with that, too. As far as she was concerned, she couldn't lose.
Decision made, she glanced down at her drink then leveled her gaze back on his. By unspoken agreement they lifted their glasses at the same time and finished off the alcohol. Gazes still locked, the plan acknowledged, they placed the emptied glasses on the table and made their way out of the bar.
Falling into step beside Makepeace, Mathias let him take the lead. He secured a room for them then raised an eyebrow, indicating she could walk away now, if she chose. Her response was to grab the key card and ask 'Which way?'
Makepeace pointed out the direction. Following behind, he was happy to watch her stride confidently through the corridors.
He wondered if she'd changed her mind when she paused outside the room without keying the card…especially when she turned and leaned against the hard surface of the door. Was caught off guard when she grabbed his shirt jerking him into a kiss that practically singed his hair off before he responded in kind, turning the tables on her.
When she let him go, she was breathing hard. "That was an up-front thank you." Reaching around, she slid the card in the slot and opened the door then backed inside the room.
Following her in, he wondered aloud. "What for?" Catching the look on her face, he figured it out. The anger and fatigue were gone…replaced by anticipation and expectation.
Reved up about something not related to Cylons for the first time in days, Mathias looked up and saw that he got it. "You know what for…for knowing exactly what to do to get the job done." Tossing the keycard on the bedside table she made her way back to where he stood just inside the door.
Being responsible for her change in mood was a job he could live with. "I'm a marine. It's what I do." And he'd be damned if he wasn't going to keep doing it.
Her mouth curved up in a smile just this side of wicked. "Frakkin' A." And with a shove of her boot she closed the door and let him get to work.
fin
FOUR
Daniel Makepeace stood on the hangar deck waiting for Mathias to exit from one of the docking Raptors. She was damn lucky to be in one piece…all the returning ground crew was. Between the nukes, the Cylons, and the frakking star going supernova their safe arrival was nothing short of a damn miracle.
Dragging equipment out of the Raptor, Mathias felt his gaze as soon as she hit the ramp. Depositing the gear in front of the waiting deckhand, she signed off on the waiting clipboard then looked around for the man she wanted to see.
Spying him along the edge of the crowd, Mathias made her way past Captain Thrace and Major Adama reuniting with their spouses…good to see both women made it back…especially considering the tense standoff between the major and Anders. Walking to stand in front of Gunny, she was covered with sweat, grime and bits of the gods awful algae, but gods, gods…it was good to see him.
Makepeace thought she was the most awesome thing he'd ever seen. Didn't matter that she was covered in dirt and dust from head to toe and looking worse for the wear. She'd made it back and that's what counted.
He didn't speak…just raised his hand and cupped her face for a moment before sliding his fingers to the back of her head while he closed the distance between them. Wrapping his arms around her, he said a silent thank you to the gods.
Mathias knew she smelled like sweat and swamp…but caved in to the need to rest her forehead against his. Stepping back and getting a look at him, she shook her head at the transference of dust and grime to his otherwise clean clothes. Now they'd both need a shower. More than glad to see him, her eyes showed it and since he was already dirty she grabbed his arm and led him away from the rest of the crew. They would all debrief tomorrow and no one would miss them for a couple of hours. She wanted their reunion to be private.
Gunny didn't question where they were going. They'd had enough time together now for him to know exactly where she was headed. The visitor's quarters had become their prime meeting spot and it had its own head. He knew from experience the algae was sticky, itchy and a pain in the ass to remove…but she'd have a little help with that particular task.
After stopping to pilfer a jug of Tyrol's brew, Mathias filled Daniel in on some of the details. Between finding the temple, searching for the Eye and trying to hold an almost impossible position, the Centurions had managed to shoot down Captain Thrace leaving Lieutenant Dualla to make a rescue attempt. She sketched over the pissing contest between the major and Anders.
That was a story better left told behind closed doors…away from oversized ears and big mouths. There were enough rumors flying around about that little group and adding fuel to the fire wouldn't help. Instead she tried to describe the angry, roiling, multicolored sky that ended up being the Eye of Jupiter but in the end decided you had to be there to really get it.
Makepeace keyed in the code to open the hatch as she finished telling him about discovering their 'former' president in the temple. He added a disgusted snort to her eye roll. If they were both lucky they wouldn't pull guard duty for that one.
After undogging the hatch, he paused before pushing it open. Lucky. The close call of barely escaping the collapse of a planet wasn't lost on him. And he needed her to know what she meant to him.
Turning toward Mathias as she made to enter quarters, he stopped her. Catching a hint of question on her face, he knew what to answer…but not how. He wasn't a guy who used a bunch of flowery words and she wasn't a woman who needed them. But he had to tell her what he felt.
Still blocking her entry, he smoothed the loose hair back from her face. "If you hadn't made it back…well…" Pausing, he cleared his throat. "…Well…what I mean is…" Dammit why couldn't he just say it?
Mathias let him off the hook. "I get it, Gunny." She pushed the hatch open far enough for them to duck inside then dragged him in behind her. Turning around, she used one hand to shove the hatch closed while backing him up against it. "You know I feel the same, right?" There it was…out in the open.
Silence filled the room as their eyes held. Both let the moment draw out and hang between them. Then they each took the step that closed the space between them, lips meeting in a crushing kiss.
Coming up for air, Gunny started removing her gear. "Well…all right then." Good to know she had it as bad for him as he did for her. The vest landed in a dusty heap on the floor when drew her into another heated kiss while they both worked on the buttons, snaps, and zippers that got rid of their clothes.
Stepping back Mathias hiked her grungy shirt over her head and tossed it on top of the pile. "Good." She backed him into the shower. "Now that we have that settled…" She kissed him hard on the mouth then turned the water on full blast sucking in a breath as the cold blast hit her.
Ducking under the spray with her, he yanked her to his chest until the water warmed up then he spun her away from him and handed her a washcloth. "You do the front…" He nipped at her neck while squirting a healthy amount of cleanser on the fabric. "Back's covered." Grabbing another cloth he soaped it up and made short work of scrubbing every inch of flesh clean.
Gods, getting the layer of algae off her skin was wonderful. Almost as incredible were the big hands running the washcloth all over her while she rinsed the last of the shampoo out of her hair. She'd have to wash it again for it to be really clean but the worst of the dust and muck were gone. Shoving the length away from her face, she laughed when Daniel hauled her to him for a kiss while letting the water rain over them until he switched it off.
Stepping out of the head, they raced for the bed, tumbling in a tangle of arms and legs on the surface as both battled for control. Never keeping score…they both won in the end. This was the same game they always played heightened by the knowledge that now it was for keeps. They'd been headed toward this for a while now…and it felt good to know they were on the same page.
For Mathias, it was exactly what she wanted. The experience on the planet, the physical and emotional drama of it gave her the edge. Hooking a leg around Daniel's, she flipped him over then straddled his torso. Leaning forward, caught up in the powerful feelings, her lips hit his with almost bruising force. Sliding down and lifting her hips, she sank over his cock curling her fingers into her palm when he hit home.
Pulling away from the kiss, she tossed her head back grinding into the upward thrust of Daniel's hips. The sex was always good between them…but this time…this time it was like a final barrier had been breeched and everything was 'more' and 'better'. More satisfying, more intense, better than great…it was perfect.
The push and buck of hips against skin increased in rhythm. Hands gripped the sheets as bodies moved rapidly toward their approaching climaxes. Their breathing grew heavy and ragged as both edged closer to the release they needed with each other.
Mathias pitched forward, her lips latching onto Daniel's throat, teeth scraping along his skin. His back arched in response, burying his cock more deeply inside her sending her over the edge. Her head hit his shoulder as the orgasm rocked through her, hips moving faster to bring him with her. She was satisfied when she felt him grab her hips and surge up once, twice, to come hard his breath rasping out against her ear. It didn't get any better than this.
Collapsing against his chest, Mathias stayed put until her bones felt solid again. Only then did she roll sideways to slide down beside him. His arm curled around her keeping her snug against his body. Felt good.
For someone who usually jumped out of bed as soon as the sex was over, Daniel was damned content to stay right where he was. Maybe because Jillian Mathias wasn't a clingy, grasping woman. She was tough as nails and gave as good as she got. She didn't suffer fools gladly yet she still managed to keep him laughing with her dry wit. Gods knew that was tough to manage.
Drawing her with him, he leaned over the side of the bed to snag the glass jar with Tyrol's brew. He unscrewed the lid while Mathias bunched up the pillows for a backrest.
Grinning, Jillian maneuvered around so she was facing Daniel. Nodding at the clear liquid, she asked. "What're we drinking to?"
He didn't hesitate to answer. "Us." He raised the jar, drank deeply and let it burn down his throat. As he handed it over, he added. "And to making it out of the fire one more time."
Grabbing the alcohol, Mathias lifted it in return. "I'll drink to that." She took a small sip then leveled her gaze on Makepeace. "And to us." This drink was longer, a healthy gulp as a toast to them.
Daniel's hand moved up her bare thigh to where the jar rested against her skin. His fingers closed over hers before he took the glass and placed it on the floor. Then he drew her into his arms and settled her against his chest. They both needed some solid rack time and they might as well get it here. But there was one last detail he wanted to pin down before sleep.
Nuzzling his lips along her temple, he asked quietly. "So this…you…me…we're good, right?" As far as he was concerned they were perfect…
Mathias raised her head so she could look him in the eye before nodding. "Oh yeah, Gunny. We're more than good." Craning her neck, she kissed him wedging her tongue between his lips as she angled around to straddle his lap.
Makepeace decided sleep was overrated.
fin
FIVE
Earth.
They'd finally found it. Were, in fact, orbiting over their new home.
The revelry was in full force as Daniel walked away from the crowded flight deck teeming with almost everyone on board Galactica. He had a more private meeting in mind to celebrate finding their final destination.
Heading for the obs deck, he stopped to snag a couple of tumblers and a bottle of the 'good stuff'. He had a date with the woman of his dreams and he didn't want to keep her waiting. He'd promised not to.
Not surprisingly, the room was empty when he arrived…everyone who wanted to had already seen the big, beautiful planet with lots of land and water. He crossed the space to stand in front of the huge expanse that looked out into space and down on the rock they were claiming as home. Placing the glasses on a table, he uncorked the bottle and glanced at the clock on the wall.
Almost time.
He poured liquid into both tumblers then left the open bottle on the table between them. Walking the short distance to scan the exterior view, he waited. Everything that led to this final destination crashed through his mind just as it had taken the fleet by storm.
Captain Thrace.
Alive.
To lead the way to earth.
Half the fleet behind her…half out for her blood.
Former Major Adama.
Who saw that one coming?
Commandeered Colonial One for Starbuck and took half the fleet with them.
Man on a mission and nothing would stop him.
President Roslin.
Fighting to survive.
Left behind on Galactica.
Quietly furious yet compelled to follow the signposts left behind by Thrace and the younger Adama.
The Admiral.
Caught off guard.
Rock and a hard place.
He wanted to back his family but supported Roslin to hold the fleet together.
Gaius Baltar
The wild card nobody saw coming.
The man had a contingent of women.
Mucking about in everything and royally screwing shit up.
Baltar knew stuff no one else did…living with the Cylons came in handy and helped him figure some key things out. Roslin was ill, Adama distracted and Gaius tried to take advantage. His 'harem' of worshippers went out, spreading rumors and sowing seeds of discontent among the already frayed tatters of the population.
Roslin and Adama weren't having it. That's where he and Mathias entered into the fray. Dispatched with every marine available and whatever pilots weren't flying CAP they'd led what should have been a textbook mission executed with precision.
Of course that's not how it went down.
While he and his men methodically rounded up the woman and a handful of men on the ship, Mathias took Sam Anders to extract Baltar from his quarters. He'd argued with her about Sam being green. But Jillian insisted he'd need every man he had to maintain control over the zealot-like women who followed Baltar. Anders knew how to fight, had led men during the resistance and the insurgence. She'd worked with him to get off New Caprica and the algae planet…what could go wrong.
Oh Jillian…if you only knew.
Baltar was what went wrong. He knew who the final five Cylons were. When Mathias and Anders entered his quarters he was alone and calmly waiting for them. No guards, no sentries…just sitting on a huge, plush chair as if he were king. He motioned them closer, saying he didn't plan to resist.
Approaching cautiously, Jillian on one side, Sam taking the other they made their way to Gaius. The former president sat smugly and waited until they were on either side of him before speaking. "Well now. Isn't this pleasant. All nice and cozy." He crossed his arms in an affable pose.
Sam shot Mathias a questioning look, but she did what she was there to do. "Gaius Baltar, by order of President Roslin I'm placing you in protective custody for removal to Galactica. Please stand up and come with us." She stepped back expecting him to rise so they could leave.
Except he didn't.
Instead he flicked a glance at Anders. "It's just like a switch has been flipped isn't it?" Anders' hiss of response was followed by a sneering smile from Baltar.
In the space of a heartbeat it hit her – Anders was a Cylon. Son of a bitch. She backed up aiming her rifle at both men. "Do not move." She darted a quick look at Anders who to his credit appeared shell shocked and mortified…but wasn't denying Baltar's words. "Either of you." Frak. Frak. Frak.
She had to think fast before the surprise wore off and Anders had to pick a side. She sure as hell didn't trust it would be hers. Pissed off and wary, she kept her eyes on both men while reaching up to turn her headset on and call for backup…backup…for a simple extraction. Right. Simple.
Seemed they all underestimated Gaius Baltar.
Shifting forward Baltar spoke softly, too softly for her to hear. But the change in Anders was almost instant. She'd just hit the switch for her mic when Sam lunged sending them both to the floor in a heap struggling for control in a tangle of arms, limbs, and gear.
Mathias heard the shot from Sam's sidearm more than she felt it hit just below the sternum. Her hand was wrapped around his throat making him work for every breath. It was almost comical because she could feel the burn spreading throughout her body, feel the sapping weakness that followed it but she couldn't…wouldn't let go of Anders.
That was the scene Makepeace burst into…Jillian cutting off Anders air supply while she lay bleeding out. Already losing color, she turned her head turned toward him and mouthed 'Cylon' before she lost consciousness her hand hitting the floor, Sam collapsing down on her.
Yelling in rage, Daniel was on top of Anders dragging him away from Mathias before the man could even suck air into his inflamed lungs.
"It's not…" Sam choked hard trying drag in enough air to speak. "It's not…not…supposed to be…like this." Gunny's thrust his knife under Anders' diaphragm and was half way to his throat before Sam could get the rest out. "This shouldn't have…happened." Daniel saw the sincerity in Sam's eyes but didn't care. Not even Anders' barely gasped 'I'm sorry' stopped him from finishing the task.
Flinging Sam away from him, Makepeace advanced on Baltar. Makepeace didn't know how, but he knew this man was responsible for what happened to Mathias. The carnal satisfaction he felt when the scrawny man shrank back against the cushions wasn't enough. Baltar was going to suffer…one way or another.
Reaching his long arm forward, Gunny threw Baltar face first to the floor. Dropping down to secure him, Daniel put all his weight behind digging his knee into Gaius' kidneys. He chose not to hear the vocal protests spewing from Baltar's mouth.
Sick of listening to him, Daniel hauled Gaius upright by the hair. "Shut the frak up or my orders to bring you in alive are gonna be conveniently forgotten." He yanked hard on the long hair, making it hurt. "You got that?" The whimpered beginning of a protest was all he needed to shove his fist into Baltar's face, knocking him unconscious. Shoulda done that in the first place.
Dragging Baltar's prone form along, Daniel made his way to Mathias hoping against hope she was only passed out. Switching on his headset he called for a med team. Dumping Gaius on the floor, he knelt beside Mathias grabbing her hands in his. His heart skipped a beat when he realized how cold and lifeless they were.
Scared and furious, he checked and found a pulse…weak and thready. Okay…good. "Jillian…Jillian." No response. He reached into his vest and grabbed some gauze, pressing it against her wound. Frak…there was so much blood. "Mathias…come on…you gotta snap out of it." Still nothing. "Dammit, Gunny…you'd better not die on me." He couldn't lose her…not now. Not to this.
He felt it…faintly, but it was there. A twitch. He looked down and her fingers curled around his. "C-cold. Daniel." Her lips barely moved and he didn't like the sound of her breathing…but she was talking. That was a good thing.
Not daring to move her, he used his free hand to cup her face. "Hey…there you are. You scared the shit out of me." He ignored the blue tinge to her lips…she wasn't going to leave him. He wouldn't let her. "Med team's on the way…hang on for me okay?" At a loss, he smoothed the hair back from her face trying not to hear how labored her breathing had become.
Opening her eyes, Mathias blinked then asked. "Secure?" Mind on the mission…it was why he loved her.
Nodding, he gave her the sitrep. "Anders is dead. Baltar is…well…" He shot a scathing look at the unconscious form. "…ready for transport to Galactica." Where he would hopefully be meeting with an airlock in the very near future.
Her eyes slid shut…it was hard to keep them open. And dammit, there was so much she had to tell him…but it was all jumbled in her mind. Baltar, Anders, Earth…it was all spinning around in her head. The words the women from Baltar's ship had been spreading around were all rifling around in her brain until they clicked together like puzzle pieces. Son of a bitch.
Everything clear, she forced her eyes open. "Baltar figured it out…who the final five Cylons are. He's using them to lead the others to earth." Daniel nodded but didn't say anything…just let her talk. "I don't know how…but he can control them." She had to pause…the effort to talk was costing her. "You can't…can't execute him until he tells you everything. You won't find earth if you do." She could see it…he wanted to deny it…wanted Baltar dead. "You can't execute him."
Feeling her limbs growing numb, she knew she didn't have much time. "Gunny?" His head finally jerked up and she was satisfied he'd make sure they got every last scrap of information Baltar had.
Daniel wondered where the hell the med team was. He could feel her slipping away and he knew. Knew he was going to lose her.
Squeezing her cold fingers in his warm hand, he held on. "I love you, you know." It killed him how easy it was to say that now.
A weak smile turned up her lips. "Love you back." She swallowed, taking another shallow breath. "And Daniel…when you find earth…don't forget we have a date." Her fingers twitched in his hand…almost like a wave.
And then she was gone.
That was four months ago.
They'd reunited with the rest of the fleet, things moving at a rapid fire pace. They outsmarted and out ran the rest of the Cylon forces. With Baltar gone…so was the enemy's inside source and way to track them. Daniel was still pissed that watching Baltar fly out the airlock didn't ease the pain of losing Mathias. So far nothing had.
Not even finding Earth.
With a heavy sigh, he glanced at the clock again.
It was time.
He had a date to keep.
Reaching forward with an unsteady hand, he stopped. Frak. This was so much harder than he thought it would be. But a promise was a promise and he wouldn't break his word. This was her last request and he'd see it through.
Taking a deep breath, he picked up his glass and touched it to the one on the table. "To finding Earth." Knocking back the contents he savored the burn and warmth of the alcohol hitting his system.
One down, one to go.
He grabbed the second tumbler, the one for her, and walked over to the viewing area staring silently out at the never-ending space.
Gods, I miss you, Jillian.
Raising her glass, he toasted the stars and whispered. "To us."
FIN