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This Much, I Can Give
Formality
She made it out of the courtroom and to a deserted area of the corridor before she let herself slump against the wall and bend forward. Since she was alone, she allowed herself a soft moan as she massaged her temples.
"Headache?"
Laura straightened so suddenly the world around her spun, but she ignored that as she turned to face Tom Zarek. "You'd have one too, after that testimony."
He raised his hands in a peace gesture. "I'm sure I would. But you're the one who insisted on Dr. Baltar's trial in the first place. I tried to handle it less formally."
"Yes, you did, Mr. Zarek. I remember it quite well."
"'Mr. Zarek?'" His tone was light. "I thought we were on a first-name basis, Madam President."
Not interested in continuing the conversation, she pushed off the wall to stand up completely straight. But the world spun around her again and she was forced to grab for balance. Closing her eyes, she fought through the nausea, desperately seeking equilibrium.
His hand was at her waist. "Catch your breath."
She would have nodded, but was afraid that might make the vertigo worse. Instead, she limited herself to opening her eyes. "Thank you. I'm fine."
"Let me get you to Sickbay –"
"I'm fine," she repeated. "And I'm going back into that courtroom. I won't flee in defeat."
After a long moment of searching her face, he offered an arm in support. "All right. Let's go, then."
He guided her gently to the courtroom door, but didn't object when she stepped away as she turned and un-latched it.
She turned back just before she actually pushed it open. "Thank you, Tom."
"Anytime, Laura."