~ Bright, Shiny Futures - Chapter Sixty-Four ~
Lee drew in his first lungful of fresh clean planetary air with a deep sense of relief. Relief that it was actually real and that he'd survived the longest three days of his life to get here. No, not the longest by far, his subconscious reminded him. Remember when Kara disappeared and was gone for two weeks back on Caprica? Remember when she disappeared - right in front of your eyes, both times - and her ship blew up? You thought she was dead. Those were the longest days of your life.
He reached out and clasped her hand in his tightly, heart beginning to pound at the thought of losing her again.
"We're here," he whispered, voice awestruck. "We made it. It's real."
"I thought you were certain it was."
"I was, but ... "
He didn't need to put the thought into words. She knew and obviously felt the same way.
"It's utterly amazing."
The air buzzed with excitement and anticipation, the arrival of the Basestar barely causing a ripple of dissent among the former colonists.
"Alright everyone, we have work to do now. There'll be plenty of time for sightseeing and gazing about in rapture once we get everything we need off our ships and get ourselves some shelter."
Adama's words seemed to jump-start everyone, and they moved into high gear, everyone helping everyone else. Lee was kept busy for hours helping those who needed it, finding places for tents and tree-branch shelters, and helping those who were unable to build them alone. He didn't see Kara or the children for hours, only realizing the sun was setting as he felt her hand on his arm.
"Come," she said softly; it was a question as much as a request.
He nodded and spoke a few words to the elderly couple he'd been helping. Kara led him away from the main body of the group, far enough away to be alone but close enough to see the rest of the encampment in the distance.
"Here," she said with a little nod. "I want us to build our home here."
"Here?" Lee echoed. "So far away from the others?"
She nodded, biting her lip. It wasn't an obvious gesture but it was one he knew well. "I've never really part of the group; neither have you. We've tried to fit in but we're different. Strangers."
Lee took her two hands and held them firmly. "Unique. Out of the ordinary."
A slow smile spread across her face. "Extra-ordinary?"
"We are Apollo and Starbuck," he said softly, smiling. "There's never been anyone like us."
"And there never will be," she finished. They shared a long look before either spoke again.
"I like the idea of us being set apart from the rest," Lee said. "Especially after the close quarters we've had to live in over the last decade."
"I haven't, but I've grown used to having space," Kara said. "I can't imagine life as a sardine again. I want my own cabin in the woods far away from the settlement."
"Are you sure I'm the one you want to be sharing it with?" Lee glanced involuntarily at the Basestar.
Kara's cheeks reddened. She remembered. "You've always been the one I wanted to share it with. Always."
Lee swallowed hard, eyes prickling with tears he sought to blink away. "Let our bright shiny future begin here then."
* * * * * * * * * *
Tyrol returned to the spot he'd scouted for his tent to find it already assembled and everything set up perfectly. "What the ... "
Suddenly three children streaked past him, laughing as they ran.
"Hey Nick!" he called out.
His son stopped dead, noticing him for the first time, and causing Kiera, who'd been chasing him, to plow into him and knock him to the ground. This caused more fits of laughter.
"What's up dad?"
"How'd you ... I mean, when I left ... " He waved at the tent.
"Oh that. I got bored while you were off working on Galactica so I decided to get it set up."
"He only needed a little bit of help," Helo added, walking over from another cluster of tents nearby. "Boy's good with his hands, just like his father."
Tyrol smiled proudly as NIcky blushed. "Aw, it wasn't very hard."
Helo touched his shoulder as Nicky stood up. "You did well."
Nicky positively glowed and his dark eyes shone with pride.
"Now you kids get back to playing. That's an order," he added with mock severity. He grinned as they laughed and ran, dodging people and tents and acquiring more children as they went along.
"Thanks man," Tyrol said softly.
Helo glanced at him and saw the glint of tears in his eyes. "He's a good kid Galen. He's just ... had a rough time of it the last few months. I think the change will be good for him."
"I think so too."
"Change is good."
Tyrol sighed, heart feeling lighter than it had in a long time. "So say we all."
* * * * * * * * * *
"I hope you're not still expecting me to build that cabin in the woods for you," Adama said, as he caught the wistful look in Laura's eyes.
"Well ... " She kept a straight face as long as she could manage, eventually breaking into a large affectionate smile as she took his arm. "I'd love it, but I don't expect it."
"Maybe we can get someone younger to do it for us," he suggested. "I'm not sure how we'd pay them ... "
"You brought them to a new home, I think everyone here owes you. Besides, money hasn't been important to us since we left the Colonies, why should it start now? Bartering sounds like a better way of doing things."
Adama smiled. "I"ll put the word out that we're looking for a builder. Let's head back to the main encampment. I need to see how ... " He paused significantly, "Zero is doing."
"It feels strange calling her that, doesn't it?" Laura observed.
"Yes. But it feels stranger calling her my mother."
Laura pondered for a moment. "Doesn't she have a name? I mean if she lived among humans and even had a family she must have had a normal name. Did she tell you what it was?"
"Amelia. She said she was also called Amelia."
She squeezed his arm. "Perhaps that's how you should start thinking of her."
"Perhaps I will." He smiled.
* * * * * * * * *
Sam grunted and wiped the sweat from his brow. The other men made building a lean-to from sticks and twine look easy but it wasn't.
"I'm sure they're cursing inside just like you are, they're just too macho to let anyone see it."
He turned, smiling, and embraced his wife. "Will I ever get used to having you right inside my head, thinking my thoughts with me?"
"I hope so," Tory said, chuckling, "because even if you decide you don't want me there and walk away, I'll still be able to know exactly what you're thinking."
A wry grin crinkled his eyes. "What am I thinking now?"
She slapped him playfully. "Not now, in front of everyone."
"Tonight then, once it's dark and everyone goes to bed. I'm in need of some serious stress relief. It's been too long."
Movement drew his eyes away from hers, as he spotted a familiar figure headed their way. "Kara," he said by way of greeting, not quite sure what else to say, or think for that matter.
"Hi Sammy." She nodded at the he dark-haired woman beside him. "Tory."
"Starbuck."
Kara shifted her weight and looked back up at him. "Can I have a moment alone with you?" she asked.
He glanced at Tory then nodded. "Sure." She wandered off slowly, only looking back once. "So ... " he said slowly. "How've things been?"
"Good. Pretty good." She cleared her throat self-consciously. "I mean, considering the circumstances."
Sam smiled knowingly. "Are you and Lee ... "
She nodded. "Yeah."
"Good. I'm glad."
"You are?"
"Yeah."
"Good. I'm glad you're okay with it."
There was an awkward silence. "Did you come here just to get my approval Kara? Because it's been a long time since you and I were together, and ... "
"No," she interrupted. "That's not why I came." Her cheeks grew warm. "Although I am glad you're okay with me and Lee being together. Considering what happened between the three of us ... " She stopped, knowing she didn't need to say it aloud.
"Listen Kara, I loved you and I would have liked things to work out for us but I think I knew deep down inside that it never would because there were always three of us in that relationships. Threesomes don't work."
Kara snorted, despite her best efforts to hold it in. "Sorry."
His cheeks grew red. "That's not what I meant and you know it."
"I know. Really I do, I just couldn't help the thought."
"To get back to the subject, I'm glad you've found someone that can make you happy. I was never the one and it just hurt both of us when I tried. But we moved on and found different lives. I still care for you Kara, of course I do. But I'm happy with Tory. She and I have something you and I never did. I'm not quite sure how to describe it but I think it's the same thing that exists between you and Lee."
Kara smiled almost shyly at him. Their eyes held and they shared the smile.
"So what did you come for?" he finally asked.
"To say thank you."
"For what?"
"For being with us on this. For helping us find Earth and being behind us all the way."
"It's our destiny too, Kara. You may have been the arrow to point us in the right direction but this future belongs to all of us. We need to work together in order to survive."
"Is that how all of your people feel?" she asked candidly.
Sam nodded. "We are unified in purpose, though still retaining our individualism."
"Astounding."
"It certainly has its benefits. I think humans could do with a dose of joined minds. It eliminates the need for petty squabbles."
"Perhaps." She grinned mischeviously. "But it can be fun to fight. Gives you a need to kiss and make up."
He shook his head and clucked at her though his eyes danced. "You are incorrigible, Kara Thrace."
"I know. Always have been, probably always will be."
He stepped forward and pulled her into a hug. "Be well and be happy Kara. Know that I've always got your back if it ever comes down to it. I hope it doesn't but if it does, I'll be there for you."
She hugged him tightly, fighting tears. "I know. Likewise."
They held on for a few moments then he pulled away. "You'd better get going now. I've got a house to finish building for my wife and family."
"Family?" Kara arched an eyebrow.
Sam leaned forward and spoke in a conspiratorial whisper. "I don't think Tory's figured it out yet but I can sense it inside her."
"Congratulations! I'm happy for you Sammy. I know this is what you always wanted."
"Sometimes wishes do come true."
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
"It's tough work pushing a wheelchair through grass. A lot tougher than I would have expected." Adama stopped and wiped the sweat from his brow.
"You won't have to do it for much longer," Zero said softly. "I'm leaving soon."
"Don't talk like that," he admonished. "You're going to be fine. I'm sure the fresh air and sunshine will do wonders for you and you'll feel like a new woman in no time."
The air was strained as the three of them headed to a reclusive spot in the trees. Finally Zero broke the silence. "Stop."
He did and came around to face her.
"I'm volunteering."
He blinked. "For what?"
"You need a volunteer to remove your ships and all of their technology from this planet. I'm volunteering."
"You can't do that," he said firmly.
"I can and I am."
"You don't know what you're ... "
"Yes I do. It's a one-way mission. I'm well aware of that."
"But you'll die." Adama swallowed hard over the lump that had instantly grown in his throat. "I can't let you do it."
"I'm dying anyway. Nothing you can do will change that." She spoke gently but firmly. Adama looked helplessly at Laura.
"She's right Bill. Who else can we ask to do this?"
"No one," the elderly woman answered for him. "You can't ask anyone else to give up their life for the good of the community. They're all young yet and have lots of living to do. I'm old, ready to leave this world. I've survived long enough to see you make it home ... and I even got to see you again Billy, something I never even dreamed was possible." She reached out and took his hand. "It is all I could have wanted and more. I'm content to die now."
"No!"
"Bill." Laura's gentle but insistent arm held onto his. "This is the best way. You know it in your heart."
He continued to protest but his voice cracked. "No."
"It's time for you to let go, just as it once was time for me to when you were a child. It's painful but we must follow our destinies, wherever they lead."
A tear spilled out of his too-full eyes as he saw the sadness he felt mirrored in her eyes. "Amelia ... mother ... "
She squeezed his hand. "I love you too Billy."
* * * * * * * * * *
"That's a pretty large task."
Adama, now fully in control of himself, nodded at Gaeta. "I'm aware of that."
"I'm not sure we have the equipment we need. Networking our systems was always taboo so it's not like that part will be easy, but slaving it all to the Basestar's control?"
"Make it happen. And quickly." He put a hand on the younger officer's shoulder supportively. "I have faith in you."
Gaeta nodded. "Yes sir."
* * * * * * * * * *
"We're looking forward to having you teach Madam President."
Laura shook her head, smiling. "Call me Laura, please. I won't be President much longer."
Roberta Anderson, the more senior of the fleet's two teachers, cocked her head slightly. "Oh?"
"It's time for me to move on. Pass the reins to someone else. Someone younger." She emphasized the last word. "We're making a fresh start here and I think it's time we had some new blood in charge. I will content myself with lending a hand in the school part-time and spending the rest of it growing old with my husband and grandchildren."
Roberta smiled. "I can't think of a better way to retire."
Laura smiled as the warm breeze picked up and ruffled her hair. A chunk of it fell out and blew down to the ground between them. Her cheeks flushed as she reached gingerly down to retrieve it. "I guess I still need to take it easy for a while yet until the drugs do their thing and make me better."
Roberta laid a gentle hand on her shoulder. "You do that. Take all the time you need. There will always be a place for you here when you're ready."
* * * * * * * * * *
A gangly youth Gaeta didn't recognize stood before him, casting a shadow over his work. He frowned. "What do you want?" he said in a surly voice, annoyed at having his concentration disrupted.
"To help."
"I'm sure there are people who need tents put up or sticks gathered." He looked pointedly at the boy then back down at his work. "If you'll excuse me, I have important work to do."
"Chief Tyrol sent me here."
Gaeta swore to himself. The next time he saw that good-for-nothing ...
"I'm good with computers sir. He thought I could help with the networking. The Admiral wants the job done quickly before the local peoples see ... "
"Fine. Here." He shoved a bunch of papers at the boy. "See if you can figure these specs out. Once we do that, we might be able to figure out how these computers work. Then we'll have to figure out how to get them to talk to Galactica."
"Yes sir."
Two hours later Gaeta was interrupted again. "Sir?"
"What?" Gaeta couldn't keep the irritation from his voice. "Are you making some progress?" he added, attempting to be a little kinder.
"I think so sir. I've got all of the ship's computers talking to each other. Speaking the same language, if you know what I mean." He grinned. "Galactica is boss now; one word from her and the others will obey."
Gaeta pressed a few buttons, typed in some commands and sat back and stared at the panel in front of him. "Well I'll be damned. How the hell did you do that so quickly?"
"Easy peasey. Computers talk to me. I understand their language. My dad always said I spoke in mathematics better than I did in words and I guess he was right. I just know what to say to them to get them to do what I want."
Gaeta stared at the boy, a new respect growing in his eyes. "What's your name?"
"John Sutherland, sir."
"How old are you?"
"Eighteen. I think anyway, it's hard to keep track of time out here. They say it's been ten years since the Cylons attacked the colonies and I was eight at the time."
"How did Tyrol know about you?"
"I've been working with him for a year, helping with ship diagnostics for the small craft. Not that there weren't plenty of people who could do that, but he always said it was best to train up new people just in case. I mean you never know what might happen."
"No," Gaeta said slowly, almost wistfully. "You never know." He held out his hand. "Well, welcome to the bridge Mr. Sutherland. We can certainly use someone of your talents here right now."
"Thank you sir. I'm honoured to help. What do we do next?"
"Now we get Galactica and the Basestar talking to one another. I suspect this is going to be the most difficult part."
"Well, maybe it would be easier if we worked with one of them who know how the Basestar works. I'm pretty good with numbers but biological computers are something I've never worked with before."
"Good idea. I know just who to ask."
* * * * * * * * * *
"Bill."
Adama turned at the sound of his name. The face and the voice were unfamiliar, yet there was something about the man standing in front of him ...
"Do you know who I am?"
Vague memories surfaced, memories of the Cylon war fifty years earlier.
"Should I?"
It was so long ago now, all he remembered were fragments. Indistinct pictures, frozen in time. Bits of half-remembered conversations. More feeling than memory.
"Bill, you and I have shared many things over the years, including a deep hatred of the Cylons. Who ever would have guessed I'd turn out to be one of them? It filled me with disgust at first; I can't even begin to imagine how you're going to feel, finding out what I am."
Adama staggered backwards as the knowledge hit him. "No, it can't be," he rasped. "Saul?"
The younger man nodded. "In the flesh. So to speak."
"You, of all people ... "
"I know, I could hardly believe it myself. But before you condemn me ... "
"Why should I condemn you?"
Tigh blinked a few times. "Why? I was an enemy agent. Perfectly placed too. A sleeper who never figured out what I was until it was too late. I'm not one of you, I'm one of them."
Adama stared at him. Shame stared back at him through Tigh's young eyes. "You don't know? She never told you?"
"Know what? She who? What are you talking about?"
"Your leader."
"Zero?"
Adama nodded. "She's my mother." The two men stared at one another. "Which means ... "
" ... you're one of us too," Tigh finished, voice filled with awe.
"Or you're one of us ... or we're just all the same. I don't frakking know anymore."
Tigh grinned. "You're a Cylon. Adama is a Cylon."
"Looks like that idiot Leoben was right all those years ago."
Tigh let out a long, low whistle. "Of all the people in this frakking fleet, you and I would both turn out to be Cylons. The odds of that are ... "
" ... beyond calculation. I think there was no coincidence there Saul."
They stared at one another for long minutes as the sun began to dip below the horizon, digesting the information they'd shared and wondering how it was going to affect their future.
"So ... are we ... okay?" Tigh asked eventually, breaking the silence.
Goosebumps rose on Adama's arms that had nothing to do with the rapidly chilling air. "We're more than okay," he answered in an uncharacteristically gentle voice. He pulled the other man into a friendly hug. "We've been friends through the good and the bad, always having each other's backs no matter what the circumstances. A little Cylon technology can't change that."
Tigh squeezed and patted his friend on the back. "Together then, to the end."
They separated and Adama nodded. "To the end."
~ TBC ~
