It had been two days since the Galactica had been destroyed. At least that's what they told her. She still believed Bill was alive and would return to them. Laura was lying on her makeshift bed and thinking about her and Bill. He couldn't just disappear, not now, not when she needed him, their family. Ok I'm being selfish right now. The fleet needs Galactica and the pilots. We are completely alone now, and I only can think about how I miss my husband. My husband. It has nice ring to it. I love it. Laura and Bill Adama. Damn it! Don't go there. You don't have time for that. The Quorum's session is about… Laura looked at her clock. Frak. I'm late. She left the bed in a hurry and started to get dressed. When she was finished she walked to the bathroom and looked at her reflection in the mirror. She looked terrible. Dark circles under her red eyes from crying. Yep, she defiantly looked like she didn't sleep all night, which was true. She didn't close her eyes all night long. Ok, where are my… Lords! She buried her face into her hands when she remembered about Bill and Galactica. Laura! Laura! The Quorum. You have to go to the meeting. She told herself and combed her hair, then left the bathroom and headed to the Quorum's session.

She entered to the room and noticed that everybody was waiting on her. She smiled politely and placed the presidential mask on her face. She took her place and said.

"I'm very sorry for being late. I…"

"We understand Madam President." Said the Geminon's delegate and gave her a piteous smile.

I don't want your pity. "Right, so let's begin. Since Galactica…" it was a problem for her to talk about it out loud. She swallowed and looked at the Quorum. "Since Galactica didn't return, we have to make some decisions about the fleet's safety. The press needs the statement in about three hours so let's start with the military commander. Tory and I prepared some candidates. Theirs files are on page 3, 4 and 7. Next on our agenda are the CAP and the supplies."

The Quorum started their discussion. They ended about two and half hour past their planned time because they were arguing over and over again about one issue. So when Laura managed to leave the meeting and go to another one with the press she was relieved. She was tired, had a headache, and mentally she was broken. She really looked like a hell, which Tory pointed out. She entered to a room full of fleet's reporters and stood in front of the microphone. She cleared her throat and ordered silence, before making an announcement. It was the update of the fleet's condition and the information of the Quorum's session.

Ok that was easy. Now, where is Tory. She said to herself after she left the press and walked into her office. She walked to the phone and asked about her aide. Then she picked up the photo which was standing on her desk next to the photo of Billy and her. She looked at the picture. It was her wedding photo. She placed her hand above Bill's image and gasped. They were so happy that day, at least she was. Oh Bill why… Laura's thoughts were broken by Tory's appearance. The President put the photograph down on the desk and looked at her aide.

"Tory I need you to reschedule my agenda so I can prepare the… the ceremony to my husband and the Galactica's crew. " Somehow she couldn't say funeral. She still had a hope.

"Of course Ma'am. Anything else?" she only shook her head and looked at the photo again. "Ma'am is everything all right? Are you feeling all right?"

No, I just lost my family, again. What am I suppose to feel? Happiness? "Yes, I just need some time alone. Thank you Tory that will be all." The young woman smiled and left the room.

Laura left her office after she had signed some files. She grabbed the wedding photo and headed to her living space. She hadn't left her office yet, when she heard Tom's voice. She turned around and saw the Vice-President who was sitting on her brown armchair. She took a deep breath before speaking to him.

"Is there anything I can do for you, Tom?"

"The question is: what can I do for you Laura?" She didn't notice when he stood up and now he was standing in front of her with his hands above her shoulders. "It must be hard for you. The wedding was what? Like a week ago? And he has been killed." He said as he ran his hands down her arms. Laura immediately stepped back. "Laura, Laura." He said, shaking his head "I'm here if you need me. I always will be." With that he pulled her into an embrace. She didn't resist. "I can't imagine what we will do now. Without Galactica, but I believe in you. You are stronger than anybody I have ever known. We will manage this together. You and me, ok?" He kissed her forehead and then the cheek. Next he reached for her lips, and pressed his against them. She immediately started to resist. She didn't want it. Laura started to pulled away from his embrace, but without effect. Tom started to push his tongued into her mouth. She didn't respond to his actions and pulled away from him with every ounce of strength she had. She raised her hand and slapped him across the face.

"If you do that one more time I promise you'll regret it." She drawled and walked away to her living space with anger.

"Oh I don't think so Madam President!" he smirked to the empty room.

It was late at night when she finally pulled her nightgown and sat down on her makeshift bed. She looked at the wedding photo and gasped. Then she pulled the sheets up and lie on the bed. She closed her eyes, but the sleep didn't come. She rolled to her right side and put her hand on the pillow. She looked at it and saw the gold band on her ring finger. Laura hid her left hand under the pillow and wiped her tears when she heard Tory at the doorframe. She sat up in the bed and looked at her terrified aide.

"Ma'am, there are a contacts on the DRADIS. Apparently the Cylons found us!" Said Tory. Laura froze.

TBC

thanks to my beta Supernus