BY YOUR COMMAND - Static ARCHIVE

 

"Lieutenant," began Adama, "in recognition of your extreme bravery, the Council has decided to offer you the leadership of the newly formed Black Squadron."

Sheba smiled up at them. "Thank you, sir," she said, her mind working overtime. If she left Blue Squadron, she could see her chance at snaring Apollo slipping away from her. With the different rotations each of the Squadrons worked, she'd never get to see the Captain. Not to mention the fact that Black Squadron wouldn't even be based on the Galactica, but on the Gemini Star, one of the ships at the rear of the Fleet. No, this would never do. "But, if I may speak freely?"

Adama nodded. "Please do."

"I feel that I'm not ready to lead a Squadron. I would hate to accept the responsibility now, only to make a fatal mistake later."

The Council members started murmuring among themselves, until one of them looked down at Sheba.

"We really do believe that there must be some way in which we can award what you did for the Fleet. If it wasn't for you, we would have wandered straight into that Cylon trap." The woman paused. "Is there any position you want *other* than that of Squadron leader?"

Sheba thought for a moment. She was about to tell them that she was fine where she was, and then she recalled a story she had heard about everyone once thinking Starbuck was dead when he had been lost in a void. But it wasn't the part of the story where Starbuck had been captured and taken aboard a Cylon basestar that had interested her, it was the reason Starbuck had been flying so far ahead of Apollo that had caught her attention. A smile spread across her face as she looked up at the Council member who had spoken to her. "Yes, Ma'am, I do believe there is."

***

Apollo and Starbuck walked out of the Officer's Lounge, still laughing over the story Boomer had just told them. They were due out on patrol and only had a few centons before they had to be in the viper launch bay.

Glancing around quickly, Apollo grabbed Starbuck's arm and pulled him into an empty storage room. Pushing his friend against the door, Apollo pressed his lips to Starbuck's. Apollo felt Starbuck tense for a brief micron and then relax into the kiss, his tongue meeting Apollo's and gently mating with it. Pulling away, Apollo looked into the amused blue eyes of his lover.

"And I always thought I was the impulsive one in this relationship," Starbuck said, with a soft smile.

"What can I say?" Apollo smiled back. "You make me do these things."

"Oh, so it's all *my* fault," the blond replied, teasingly.

"Absolutely," murmured Apollo, leaning in for another brief kiss before breaking the embrace, eliciting a murmur of loss from Starbuck.

"I know," said Starbuck softly, as Apollo looked at him apologetically, "we need to get to the launch bay."

The Lieutenant's tone of regret sent shivers up Apollo's spine. Taking the lobe of Starbuck's ear into his mouth, he gently nibbled it, before quietly whispering to the other man. "When we get back from this patrol, I'm going to lock us both in my cabin and take you so hard, you won't be able to walk for a yahren."

"A full yahren, eh?" The tremble of arousal running through Starbuck changed the tone of his voice from amusement to need.

"At least."

"So what will you tell the others when they see you carrying me to and from my viper because I can't walk?"

"I'm sure I'll think of something." Apollo tried to keep the wistful tone out of his voice. If he ever *had* to tell the others anything it could never be the truth. Same sex relationships had always been frowned on in the colonies. He knew of at least two pilots who had been thrown out of their squadrons back on Caprica because they had been discovered to be in relationships with other men.

In Apollo's opinion, the main drawback of their need for silence was that women that Starbuck had once dated kept thinking he was still available. He'd lost count of the amount of times he'd seen a woman trying to get his lover into their bed for the night. Whenever that happened, Apollo had to bite down on the overwhelming instinct to go over and claim the Lieutenant as his lover. The Captain's greatest fantasy was to show the Fleet their love. But he knew what would happen if they ever did. He doubted they would get thrown out of the Fleet - he and Starbuck were two of the best pilots they had. But one of them would be moved to another Squadron, and everything would be done to keep the two of them apart. Sighing gently, Apollo looked into Starbuck's blue eyes. "I love you, you know."

"I know," replied Starbuck, placing a hand on Apollo's cheek. "And I love you, too."

Covering Starbuck's hand with his own, Apollo softly stroked the inside of the blond's wrist with his thumb before pulling away and heading back towards the door. "I don't want to answer questions about where we were if we're late for the patrol."

"Oh, I don't know," said Starbuck, mischief shining in his eyes. "It could be quite amusing-" His words were cut off as Apollo grabbed the sleeve of his flight jacket and pulled him out of the room.

***

Sheba hummed to herself as she headed to the launch bay. She couldn't believe that the Council had agreed to what she asked. She'd thought for a moment that Adama was going to object, but he hadn't. Not that it would have done him any good if he had. The Council had asked what position she wanted, and she told them, they could hardly turn her down. Turning the corner, she immediately backtracked when she saw Apollo and Starbuck coming out of one of the storage rooms. Pressing herself against the wall, she edged as close to the corner as she dared, and strained to hear what the two warriors were saying.

***

"I'm coming, I'm coming," laughed Starbuck, as he pulled his sleeve out of Apollo's grasp.

The dark haired Captain's eyes sparkled as he leant forward. "Not yet, love, but you will be when we get back."

"Frac," breathed Starbuck. "How am I supposed to sit in my viper and do a patrol with *that* thought running around my head?"

"Be grateful, when we get back you won't be *able* to sit," leered Apollo.

Starbuck raised an eyebrow. "So, I won't be able to sit, and I won't be able to walk, which eliminates just about every duty aboard the Galactica. Tell me, Captain, just what *am* I meant to do during this time?"

"Lie in my bed where you belong and look beautiful," replied Apollo.

The blond tilted his head slightly, an intent look on his face as he pretended to consider what Apollo said, before a blazing smile appeared on his face. "Okay, works for me," he grinned.

Apollo was just about to reply when he heard footsteps coming around the corner. He looked down the corridor just as Colonel Tigh came into view.

***

Sheba was stunned. Apollo and *Starbuck*? Together? As in lovers? She realised that meant that Starbuck would fight against the Council's decision even more vehemently than he would have had he and Apollo just been friends. Suddenly the grimace on Sheba's face turned to a smile. She could use this to her advantage. Leaning back against the wall, she had to stop herself from laughing aloud, and giving herself away to the three men around the corner. Oh, this was perfect.

***

Tigh looked at Apollo and Starbuck as they watched his approach.

"Colonel? Is everything all right?"

"Yes, Apollo, I just came down to tell Starbuck that he won't be accompanying you on your patrol."

Starbuck looked at him, a question written in his eyes. "Why not?"

"The Council has decided that Sheba is to be Apollo's wingman from now on."

"WHAT?" The exclamation came from both the young men in front of him.

Tigh sighed inwardly. He'd had much the same reaction when Adama had told him of the change. Apollo and Starbuck were the two best pilots the Fleet had, and they'd been flying as a duo for so many yahrens, they could anticipate what the other was thinking. Together they made an almost unstoppable team, especially when they flew with Boomer and Jolly and the rest of Blue Squadron. In the Colonel's opinion, Blue Squadron wouldn't be anywhere near as good as they were if they hadn't had Apollo and Starbuck at the centre. It was almost like the Squadron moved as one body. He'd told Adama that he thought that removing *any* of the Squadron was like cutting of a limb when you didn't need to.

"There's got to be a mistake," said Apollo. "I'll go and see my father, and get it sorted out." Apollo made a move to head towards the bridge, but was stopped by Tigh's hand on his arm.

"Captain, you're due in the launch bay. You can see your father when you come back from the patrol."

"But, Colonel-"

"*Now*, Captain," stressed Tigh. "Sheba will be waiting for you."

"Yes, sir." Apollo looked at Starbuck, an apology in his eyes, before he walked away towards the launch bay.

***

Starbuck turned to Tigh as soon as Apollo had walked around the corner. He was just about to ask what was going on when Tigh held up a hand.

"Commander Adama wants to see you immediately," the older man said.

Starbuck sighed. They'd already been through this when Serina has gotten herself appointed as Apollo's wingman. The blond pilot suppressed a shudder as he recalled how *that* little adventure had led to him being captured by the Cylons and taken aboard one of their basestars. Starbuck knew that he'd been childish by getting to the launch bay ahead of Apollo and Serina and launching anyway, but *he* was Apollo's wingman. He'd *always* been Apollo's wingman. Serina might have gotten the man he loved, but he'd been damned if she was going to take his position within the Squadron as well.

Starbuck felt a little guilty thinking of Serina like that. After all, it had been barely a secton after her marriage to Apollo that Serina had been killed. Shaking himself out of his morbid thoughts, Starbuck focused his attention back on Tigh. "Do you know why the Commander wants to see me?"

"I think he'd better explain that, Starbuck. You'd best get to the bridge." Tigh turned away, and then stopped and looked back at Starbuck. "Actually, have you just come from the Officer's Lounge?"

Starbuck nodded.

"Is Raeger in there?"

"Yes," replied Starbuck. He'd seen the pilot from Red Squadron playing pyramid with Jolly and Greenbean.

"Good," commented Tigh, "I need to have a word with him." Tigh nodded once to Starbuck and then headed into the Officer's Lounge, the door closing behind him and leaving Starbuck alone in the corridor.

***

Sheba let out the breath she'd been holding when Tigh had walked into the Officer's Lounge. She was lucky he hadn't bothered looking to his right, or he would have seen her. She quickly thought about what Tigh had said. If Starbuck was heading to the bridge then he would have to come past her. And if he paid attention to what she was going to say to him, this could all be over by the time she and Apollo returned from their patrol.

***

Starbuck sighed, and turned to head towards the bridge. He wasn't really watching where he was going, so he knew it was his fault when he walked into someone. "Sorry," he apologised, looking into the warrior's face. "Oh, Sheba." //Lords of Kobol, I can't deal with her now,// he thought. "I thought you were meant to be going on patrol with Apollo." He hoped his voice was steady.

"I was just heading to the launch bay now. But there's something I have to say to you first."

"Look, I haven't got time for this. Commander Adama wants to see me."

"I know," said Sheba.

"What do you mean 'you know'? *How* do you know?" Starbuck snapped, trying not to let his anger show too much.

"It doesn't matter *how* I know, just that I do." Sheba paused for a moment. "He's going to offer you a position as second-in-command of Black Squadron."

"What did you-"

"And you're going to take it," finished Sheba.

"I don't think so," retorted Starbuck. He knew that Black Squadron had just recently been formed in response to complaints directed at the Council that all the viper squadrons were focused at the front of the Fleet, with the Galactica. In order to show those ships at the back of the Fleet that they were just as important as those at the front, the Council had decided that the new squadron would be based on the Gemini Star, one of the larger ships at the rear of the Fleet. If Starbuck was moved to Black Squadron then he and Apollo would never see each other. "I'm sure if I explain to Adama that I don't want-"

"I know about you and Apollo," the female warrior interrupted.

"What?" Starbuck's shocked voice was almost a whisper.

"If you want me to keep silent, then you *will* move to Black Squadron. If not, then everyone in the Fleet will soon know that Adama's son is sleeping with his wingman. His *male* wingman. I'm sure you don't care much for *your* reputation." Sheba smiled ferally. "After all, the reputation of a whore isn't worth much. But think about Apollo. He'll lose his command of Blue Squadron, and the respect of all the warriors in the Fleet. Not to mention what it would do to his father if this information came out."

Starbuck stared at Sheba, his heart pounding so loudly he was sure she could hear it.

"Oh, it's no use denying it," said the female warrior. "But what I want to know is just how you managed to persuade Apollo to start sleeping with you. I mean, I know someone like Cassiopeia isn't picky, but I thought Apollo would have had better taste then to be dragged into a relationship with someone with *your* reputation."

Starbuck's head started spinning. He'd known since he and Apollo started their relationship that someone would find out. He'd known because for the first time in yahrens he was truly happy. And whenever he was happy, something always happened to end it. It was the reason he'd been so reluctant to enter into a relationship with Apollo. But the other man had soon persuaded him otherwise. *That* was where Sheba was wrong. It *hadn't* been Starbuck who'd approached Apollo, but the other way around. It had been just after the incident with Count Iblis. When they had got back to the Galactica Apollo had asked Starbuck to come to his quarters. When they had got there, Apollo had told him that he had realised that life was too short for regrets, and he wasn't going to waste the second chance he'd been given. And then he'd kissed him. Starbuck had felt like his soul was on fire. He'd wanted Apollo for so long he'd found it hard to believe it was actually happening. Ever since he'd lost his family on Caprica, Starbuck had gone through life surrounding himself with people he kept at arm's length. Apollo had been the only one to break through his defences, the only one to see him for what he really was. Everyone else saw the shallow playboy, but Apollo saw the vulnerable, young man who avoided getting hurt by not letting people too close. Starbuck had learnt the hard way that his looks meant that people often wanted him, but once they got him, they never wanted to keep him. Apart from Apollo. Apollo loved him, regardless of his faults.

"He doesn't love you, you know." Sheba continued, unaware of Starbuck's inner turmoil. "Someone like Apollo *can't* love someone like you. Oh, he might *think* he loves you, but he'll soon realise it was nothing more than a brief infatuation. An infatuation that'll disappear once you're not around."

Starbuck met Sheba's eyes, trying to ignore the multi-coloured spots dancing in front of him. "Can I at least say goodbye to him?" He couldn't let Sheba carry out her threats, it would destroy Apollo. And Starbuck would die before he'd let that happen.

"You won't have time. I don't want you here when we get back from patrol. If you are, I'll make sure everyone knows your little secret and Apollo will be thrown out of Blue Squadron before he knows what's happening. Am I making myself clear?"

"Perfectly," replied Starbuck quietly.

"Good," smiled Sheba sweetly. "Now, I have to get to the launch bay. I can't let Apollo down on my first patrol as his new wingman, can I." Passing Starbuck, she walked down the corridor towards the launch bay.

Trying to control his breathing before it developed into a fully fledged panic attack, Starbuck leant against the wall, feeling the coolness of the metal through his uniform. Waiting a few microns until his legs felt steady enough to carry him, Starbuck started off towards the bridge, ignoring the pain in his soul.

***

Boxey took his hand off Muffy's head and looked at the daggit. "What do you think Sheba meant when she said my dad would be thrown off Blue Squadron?"

The only reply was an electronic whuffle and snort as the daggit lumbered off in the direction of the young boy's quarters.

***

Commander Adama looked up as the chime to his office door rang. "Enter," he called out, switching off his computer and looking up to greet his visitor. "Ah, Starbuck, there you are."

"Colonel Tigh said that you wanted to see me, sir," said the pilot.

Adama's eyes narrowed. Starbuck's tone was flat, and his face was devoid of it's usual animation. "Starbuck, are you feeling unwell?"

"No, sir."

The Commander knew that Starbuck was lying, but he also knew that pushing Starbuck was no use, and often resulted in the younger man claming up totally. The only person he'd ever known that had been able to get anything out of Starbuck when that happened was his son, and Apollo was heading out on patrol with Sheba. Which led Adama back to the reason Starbuck was in his office. "I take it that Colonel Tigh has told you about the Council decision regarding the fact that Sheba is to be Apollo's wingman from now on?"

"Yes, sir."

"The Council has also decided to offer you the position of Black Squadron's second-in-command." Adama held up his hand to forestall any argument, but, to his surprise, Starbuck remained silent. "Now, I'm sure if both you and Apollo were to object to this decision, the Council would have little choice but to reverse it. Do you wish to object?"

Starbuck refused to meet Adama's eyes, staring at the wall. "No, sir."

The older man was taken aback. The last time someone had tried to split Apollo and Starbuck up was when Serina had requested that she be Apollo's wingman. Adama had agreed to the request, thinking it would be what Apollo had wanted. However, when Starbuck had discovered this he'd gone out on the patrol anyway, ahead of Apollo and Serina, and been lost in the void they were travelling through. Adama still remembered the tremendous guilt he had felt when the Galactica had lost contact with Starbuck's viper, and the people on board had thought he was dead. He'd felt that if he'd only spoken to Apollo first, before assigning Serina as his wingman, Starbuck would never have been lost. When Apollo had been grieving for his lost friend, Tigh had told Adama that on the way down to the launch bay, Apollo had gently, but insistently, told Serina that while she may be going to be his wife, it was Starbuck who was his wingman, and always would be. Adama had thought that alone spoke of the strength of the bond between the two men. So, he was shocked when Starbuck seemed to accepted the Council decision without so much as a token protest. "Very well, gather your things and prepared to shuttle out to the Gemini Star. I assume you'd prefer to wait until Apollo returns from his patrol before you leave."

"No, sir. I'd rather leave immediately."

Now Adama *knew* something was wrong. He studied the young man he thought of as a second son. Ever since Apollo had brought Starbuck home from the Academy on Caprica one holiday, Adama had felt a paternal link to Starbuck, inviting him into their family. "Starbuck," the Commander began, "are you sure there is nothing wrong?"

Starbuck still refused to meet Adama's eyes. "I'm quite sure, sir."

Neither man spoke for a few microns.

"Commander, if that's all, I should go and pack my things."

"Very well, I'll signal the Gemini Star and tell them to send over one of their shuttles to bring you across."

Starbuck nodded once, before turning and walking out of the office.

***

Apollo pulled off his helmet and threw it to one of the technicians, thanking the Lords of Kobol that the patrol was over. Several times when they were out, he'd started to say something to Starbuck, only to remember that it was Sheba in the other viper, and not his lover. He heard Sheba call out his name, but he was already on the platform lift heading towards the upper decks. Apollo stifled a grin. Just because Starbuck hadn't been out there with him was no reason not to keep the promise he'd made back in the storage room. The only thing he had to do before locking them both in his quarters was to find Starbuck.

Heading straight into the Officer's Lounge, Apollo looked over at the Pyramid table, expecting to see Starbuck playing a few hands, but the other man was nowhere to be seen. Walking over to the group playing Pyramid, Apollo leant over the back of one of the chairs.

"Boomer, have you seen Starbuck?"

One of the other players looked up. "You mean you haven't heard?"

Apollo glanced at Greenbean "Heard what, I've just come back from patrol," he replied.

Boomer looked at the other players before laying his Pyramid cards on the table and turning to face Apollo. "Apollo, Starbuck's gone."

"Gone? What do you mean 'gone'?"

"He's been transferred over to Black Squadron," Boomer explained.

"But they're based on the Gemini Star. I don't understand, Starbuck wouldn't just leave without saying anything."

Boomer quickly looked at the other warriors around the table, aware that all eyes were on him and Apollo. Standing up, he laid a hand on Apollo's arm. "Come on," he said, motioning to the door.

Apollo nodded, and numbly followed Boomer out of the Lounge.

***

"Frac," muttered Sheba under her breath, as Apollo jumped on the platform lift out of the landing bay. Tapping her foot impatiently, she waited for the empty platform to come back down. Stepping onto it when it finally arrived, Sheba smiled. Apollo would be looking for Starbuck. //But you won't find him,// she thought.

When the lift stopped, Sheba stepped off it, and headed towards the Officer's Lounge. She just got to the door when it slid open, and Apollo and Boomer walked out.

"Sheba," nodded Boomer.

Sheba smiled at Boomer, then turned to Apollo. "Apollo, I was wondering if I could have a word with you?"

"Not now, Sheba." The Captain sounded distracted.

//I guess he's found out that Starbuck's gone.// "All right, then, maybe later." Sheba watched as the two men walked down the corridor towards the living quarters. "After all," she muttered, "I've got time now that loverboy's gone."

***

Apollo opened the door to his quarters and walked in, aware that Boomer was following. When the door was shut behind the other man, Apollo turned around. "What did you mean back there? About Starbuck being in Black Squadron?"

Boomer sighed. "All I know is that when I went into the bachelor quarters, Starbuck was packing up his things. When I asked him what was going on, he told me that he's been reassigned to Black Squadron."

"But he wouldn't leave me without saying anything." Apollo looked at the only other person who knew about his and Starbuck's relationship. He'd known Boomer almost as long as he'd known Starbuck, and they'd trusted him with the knowledge that they were together, knowing that he would be happy for them.

Boomer placed a hand on Apollo's arm. "I don't know *why* he was reassigned, or why he agreed to go, for that matter. That's all I can tell you. I'm sorry, Apollo."

Apollo smiled shakily. "Don't worry about it, Boomer. You may not know, but I know someone who will."

***

"Father, I need to go over to the Gemini Star."

Adama looked at his son. He'd been expecting this ever since Apollo and Sheba had returned from their patrol. "I'm sorry, Apollo, we're heading into Cylon territory, I need you on the Galactica."

"But, Father-"

"No, Apollo. You're to stay here, and that's an order."

Apollo stared at his father. "You don't understand."

"I understand perfectly. You want to go over to the Gemini Star to bring Starbuck back."

Apollo looked down, unable to meet his father's eyes.

Adama sighed and walked over to his son. "You think I haven't seen the way you look at him?" Adama asked softly. "I know you love him, Apollo, but he's made his decision. He didn't even object to being assigned to Black Squadron."

Raising his head, Apollo looked at Adama. "And you're not upset that I love him?"

"Well, I can't say that I wouldn't have been happier if you'd chosen a woman to settle down with." Adama paused. "But I'm your father, and I will always love you, no matter what. If you believe Starbuck is the right person for you, then I'll trust your judgement. I'm just sorry for you that Starbuck doesn't feel the same."

"But he does," blurted out Apollo.

Adama watched as a blush rose to his son's face. "Apollo?"

Apollo sighed, and slumped down into the couch in his father's office. "Starbuck and I were... *are* lovers," he said quietly.

Adama was shocked. He'd never suspected that Apollo's relationship with his friend had turned physical. Over the yahrens, he'd realised how his son had felt about Starbuck. He'd seen the longing glances Apollo had given Starbuck when he'd thought no one was looking, and the overwhelming concern whenever anything had happened to the blond pilot. "How long?"

"Nearly half a yahren," answered Apollo. "Just after what happened with Count Iblis." Apollo raised his head and looked straight at Adama. "That's why I don't understand why Starbuck would just go off to Black Squadron. He loves me, I *know* he does."

The pain in his son's voice and tears in his eyes tore at Adama's heart. "Maybe that's why he went."

Confusion crossed Apollo's features. "I don't understand."

"Apollo, you know as well as I that Starbuck has gone through his life avoiding any sort of emotional attachment."

Apollo sniffed and nodded. "I always figured that he thought if he didn't love anyone, then he couldn't get hurt."

"Exactly," agreed Adama. "Starbuck was very young when his village was destroyed back on Caprica. It means that he hasn't always been surrounded by people who love him. The only real commitment I've ever seen Starbuck give to someone is in the depth of his friendship with you, Boomer and one or two others."

"But why would that make him leave?" Apollo questioned.

"Maybe he left because he was scared by what he was feeling. If this is the only time he's been in a relationship where love is a factor, and from what I know of Starbuck, I would say that's highly probable, the strength of what he's feeling may be frightening. Remember, Apollo, Starbuck didn't have a family around him when he was growing up. He most likely learnt *not* to form attachments to people in order to protect himself." Adama smiled. "Finding out you love someone is wonderful, but it can be frightening to realise that there's someone else in your life that you have to think of. For someone who's lived the kind of life Starbuck has, needing no one but himself for so long, it may be downright terrifying."

"So what do I do? I can't just leave him on the Gemini Star."

"Give him a couple of sectons," suggested Adama. "This is the sort of thing Starbuck needs to work out for himself. If he hasn't requested to come back by then, then you can go over and speak to him."

Apollo wiped his eyes, and smiled at Adama. "Thank you, Father."

"Apollo, you're my son, and if Starbuck makes you happy, then so be it."

The younger man stood up and walked to the door. "Father?"

"Yes?"

"I love you."

Adama smiled at the light in his son's eyes. He knew that many disapproved strongly of same sex relationships, but he'd meant what he said. As long as Apollo was happy, that was all he was concerned about. He just hoped that Starbuck *would* come back to the Galactica. "Blue Squadron aren't on alert for another few centars. Use the time to get some rest, Apollo, you look like you could use it," he said softly.

Apollo nodded, and then left the office.

***

Apollo watched as Boxey sat on the bed and absently stroked Muffy. He tried to pay attention to what his son was saying, but all he kept thinking about was Starbuck. *Why* had the other man left like that, without even saying goodbye. He'd thought Starbuck was happy with the relationship. He thought Starbuck felt the same way he did, thought Starbuck *knew* he was loved, but he was obviously wrong. He just hoped his father was right, and that Starbuck would come back when he realised that loving someone didn't mean you had to get hurt. Biting back the tears that threatened to spill over, Apollo realised that the thought of losing Starbuck hurt much more deeply than Serina's death ever had. Suddenly, the words Boxey had said penetrated his fog filled mind. "What did you just say, Boxey?"

"I asked why you would have been thrown out of Blue Squadron if Starbuck hadn't left?"

Sitting on the bed next the Boxey, Apollo looked at him. "Who said that?"

"Sheba," answered the young boy.

"When?"

Boxey looked down in his lap and fidgeted slightly. "I know you say I'm not meant to listen to conversations that aren't anything to do with me, but I couldn't help it." The plaintive voice made Apollo smile slightly.

"Boxey, I'm not upset or angry, just curious. Can you tell me exactly what Sheba said to you?"

"Not to me, to Starbuck."

Apollo's heart skipped a beat. "Boxey, it's very important that you remember what Sheba said."

Boxey looked up. "She told Starbuck that if he was still on the Galactica when you and she got back from your patrol, that you would be thrown out of Blue Squadron. She said that she knew your secret and if he didn't leave then she'd tell everyone." Boxey stopped talking and looked at his father. "What secret did she mean?"

Apollo bit his lower lip, trying to decide what to tell Boxey. If what Boxey said was true, then Starbuck hadn't left because he *didn't* love him, he'd left because he *did*, and he was trying to protect Apollo. Only Apollo was tired of denying Starbuck to the rest of the Fleet. Taking a deep breath, Apollo met Boxey's eyes. "Sheba found out that Starbuck is very important to me, and that's why she tried to get him to leave."

"Sheba likes you, doesn't she?"

"Yeah, Sheba likes me." Apollo sighed inwardly. //That's one way of putting it,// he thought. Sheba had made it clear that she wanted him soon after she had come aboard the Galactica, only Apollo wasn't interested. Oh, she was beautiful, and she could be kind and funny, and she was a excellent pilot and warrior, but she wasn't Starbuck.

"Is that why she was upset? Because you like Starbuck and not her?"

Apollo wasn't quite sure how he could explain it to Boxey. "Sort of. Sheba feels threatened by Starbuck."

"Because you love him and not her," said Boxey.

Apollo felt his jaw hit the floor. "What makes you say that?"

"I've seen you look at Starbuck. It's the same way my mother used to look at you. Dad, do you love Starbuck?"

"Yes, Boxey, I love Starbuck."

"The same way you loved my mother?"

Apollo nodded. "Yeah, the same way I loved your mother." //Only stronger, more intense. I survived Serina's death, but if anything ever happened to Starbuck, it would destroy me.// "Are you all right with this?" //Please say yes, Boxey. I love you, but I *can't* give Starbuck up, anymore than I could destroy the Galactica.//

Boxey thought for a micron, and then smiled at Apollo. "I like Starbuck, he makes me laugh. And he's much nicer that Sheba."

"Isn't he just," laughed Apollo.

"Does Starbuck love you too?"

"Yes, he does," smiled Apollo.

"And are you going to be together?"

Apollo's grin widened. "Yes, we are. I've just got to go over to the Gemini Star and bring him back to the Galactica."

But Boxey wasn't finished with his questions. "Are you going to get sealed?"

Apollo stopped cold at his son's words. "We... can't."

"Why not? You and my mother were sealed when you loved each other, why can't you and Starbuck do the same? If you did, it would stop Sheba from being able to send him away again."

"Well, yes it would. But you don't understand, Boxey, two men can't get sealed."

"Why? Is it against the laws?"

Apollo's mind whirred. There was nothing in the old laws to prevent two people of the same gender from being sealed, it just wasn't done. Apollo's smile returned. At least, it hadn't been done yet. "You know, Boxey, you're right. It *isn't* against the laws."

"So are you going to get sealed to Starbuck?"

Apollo laughed and picked up his son, spinning him around. "If he'll have me, Boxey. If he'll have me."

Boxey giggled. "He'll have you."

"What makes you so sure?"

"Because Starbuck looks at you the same way you look at him," replied Boxey seriously.

Apollo placed Boxey back on his bed. "I need to get to the Gemini Star," he said, heading for the door. He had just opened the door, when suddenly the red alert sounded. "What the-?" Grabbing a technician who was running past the quarters, Apollo asked him what was going on.

"Cylons have just attacked the rear of the Fleet," answered the technician.

"Frac," muttered Apollo, letting the man go. Turning back into the quarters, he looked at Boxey. "Stay here," he said, before he ran out and headed for the bridge.

***

Apollo skidded to a halt next to his father. "What's going on?"

Commander Adama and Colonel Tigh looked up from the display they were studying. "The rear ships were attacked by a Cylon convoy," answered Tigh.

"They came out of nowhere," sighed Adama.

"We've sent out Red and Green Squadrons, but it's no use, they're already out of scanner range." Tigh ran a hand over his face.

"Did they destroy any of the ships?"

"No," replied Adama, looking intently at his son.

"Father, what's wrong?" Apollo was almost afraid to ask.

"Apollo, we were going to send Black Squadron to intercept them, but only one of the vipers had been delivered to the Gemini Star. One of the pilots took it out, and tried to defend the ships."

//Oh Gods, Starbuck.// Apollo's legs suddenly felt weak. Somehow, he knew it had been his lover who had taken out the viper. "Was it destroyed?"

"No, it wasn't," came the answer.

Apollo studied his father. Something was wrong, he just knew it. "What aren't you telling me."

Adama glanced at Tigh, before turning back to face Apollo. "It seems that some of the Cylon ships purposefully surrounded it, forcing it to fly back with them."

"Who was it?" Apollo still asked the question, even though he already knew the answer.

"I'm sorry, Apollo, it was Starbuck."

***

Starbuck tried to pull his arms out of the grasp of the two Cylons marching him down the corridor of the basestar.

"Desist from your escape attempt, or we will destroy you." The mechanical voice of one the Cylons washed over him.

"Well now, *that's* a threat," retorted Starbuck, sarcastically.

The Cylons continued along the corridor for another few centons, before finally stopping in front of a large glass door. Pressing a button to open the door, the two guards marched Starbuck into the darkened room. Pushing him to his knees in the centre of the floor, the guards moved back, leaving Starbuck alone in the harsh glare of a single light.

Starbuck squinted, until his eyes finally adjusted as he could see the man on the chair in front of him. "Baltar!"

"Lieutenant Starbuck," smiled Baltar. "We should have you assigned permanent quarters, this is getting to be somewhat of a habit."

"And here I was thinking you'd be pleased to see me," replied Starbuck, insincerely.

"Oh, I *am* pleased to see you, Lieutenant." Baltar stepped down from the podium his chair was on and walked over to Starbuck. Reaching out, he took the pilot's face in his hand. "You see, *you* are going to be the reason the Galactica is finally going to be destroyed. I had told them to get me one of the Squadron leaders, and *look* at what they bring me. I thought they'd drag in any old warrior, but to get one that Adama thinks of as family is too good."

"Listen, Baltar," spat Starbuck, jerking his face out of Baltar's grasp, "I know you're insane, but even you can't be crazy enough to think I'd ever betray the Fleet."

"Actually, Starbuck, by the time we finish with you, you'll be begging to sell out Adama, the Galactica, and every single ship in that Fleet, and then thank us for the privilege when we let you do so." Baltar turned away suddenly. "Lucifer!" He yelled.

"There really is no need to shout, I'm right here." Lucifer's soft, melodic voice came out of the darkness, as the robot stepped forward.

"Ah, Lucifer, have the Lieutenant taken to a cold cell. And then inform Carilon that we'll be with them in seven centars."

Lucifer bowed. "By your command."

Smiling, Baltar turned back to Starbuck. "You see, the 'scientists' at the outpost on Carilon have developed a program guaranteed to rewrite your neural pathways. Trust me, Lieutenant, by the end of it, you'll feel like a whole new person."

Horror hit Starbuck as he realised they were planning on brainwashing him into betraying the Fleet. "Baltar you can't do this!" Starbuck shouted as he was hauled to his feet. "By the Lords of Kobol, Baltar, you can't destroy your own people!" The Cylon guards dragged him towards the door, ignoring his increasing struggles. "They won't let you live! They'll kill you, too!"

Pulling Starbuck along for several levels, the Cylons finally stopped at the end of a row of cells. Keying a sequence into a pad next to one of the cells, the door slid open and Starbuck was pushed in. Rushing back to his feet, Starbuck banged on the closed door. "BALTAR!" But the Cylons had gone, leaving Starbuck alone, and the temperature within the room was rapidly dropping.

***

Apollo grabbed hold of the console next to him, his knuckles whitening, as he tried desperately to stay on his feet.

Tigh watched with concern as Apollo's face went ashen. "Apollo?"

"We have to go after him."

Adama sighed. "We can't. We don't know where they'll have taken him."

"We can't just leave him!" Apollo's distressed shout caught the attention of most of the bridge crew.

Adama looked around the bridge, waiting until everyone went back to their stations before turning back to his son. "Apollo, there's no way we can track..." Adama's voice trailed off.

Apollo saw the glimmer of an idea in his father's eyes. "What is it?"

"The homing signal built in to all the vipers. Dr Wilker had been working on boosting the signal. Since Black Squadron is at the back of the Fleet instead of on the Galactica, we needed a way to keep track of them over further distances. He was working on fitting the vipers that were going to be part of Black Squadron with stronger beacons. The viper Starbuck was in should have had one of them already on it. If we can boost the power of the Galactica's sensors, we may be able to find where they've taken the viper." Adama looked at the overwhelming hope shining out of Apollo's eyes. "It's only a maybe, though. It might not work."

"It'll work," said Apollo. "It's got to."

Adama, Apollo and Tigh all walked over to the sensor station. "Omega," said Adama, placing a hand on the shoulder of the man sitting there, "I want all available power directed to the sensors. Extend them as far as you can."

"Yes sir," replied Omega.

Although only centons passed, for Apollo it seemed like yahrens before Omega finally turned to them.

"Commander," said Omega, excitedly, "I'm picking up a Colonial signal. It's Lieutenant Starbuck's viper."

"Where is he?" Apollo asked, thanking the Lords of Kobol that they'd been able to locate him.

Omega's voice lost it's hopeful tone. "The signal's coming from inside a Cylon basestar."

The smile left Adama's face as quickly as it had arrived, but Apollo was undeterred. "Where's the basestar heading?"

"Into the Gamlan sector," Omega answered.

Apollo quickly walked over to the star chart on the bridge.

"Apollo, what are you doing?" Tigh asked, as he and Adama followed the younger man.

"Don't you get it, Colonel. We've been passing through space that *isn't* controlled by the Cylons for the past 5 sectors. We haven't picked up reports of any basestars in the sector we're heading into, so that means the basestar had to have been following us outside of out sensor range."

"Following us since the last Cylon sector we went through?"

"Exactly, Father. But even basestars need to refuel, and since there haven't been any Cylon controlled planets, they won't have been able to do that for the last 5 sectors. Now they're back in their territory, I'm betting the first thing they'll do is head to a planet to refuel."

"Where's the nearest Cylon fuel base?" Adama asked, following Apollo's logic.

Apollo turned back to the map, and traced their route with his finger, until he stopped and pointed to a planet. "There, on the planet Tarilea."

"Tarilea?" Tigh looked thoughtful. "Where have I heard that name before?"

Adama looked at Tigh. "You know, now that you mention it, there *is* something familiar about the name."

"Isn't Tarilea the name of the planet the Cylons took Travis to?" A feminine voice joined the conversation as Athena came up to the group, laying a hand on Apollo's shoulder.

Apollo smiled shakily at his sister, feeling the warmth of her hand through his uniform. "Who's Travis?" He asked.

"By the Gods, Athena, you're right," commented Adama.

"Who's Travis?" Apollo repeated.

"You remember," said Athena, "he's the guy who tried to blow up the Academy back on Caprica."

A light suddenly went on in Apollo's eyes. "I remember. After he'd been stopped, he said he'd been forced to do it by the Cylons."

"That's right," added Tigh. "The doctors said they found evidence of neural tampering and readjustment."

"Oh Gods, Starbuck."

Athena looked at her brother. "You don't think they'd try it on Starbuck, do you?"

"Why else would they purposefully separate one of the vipers from the rest of the Squadron."

"Apollo's right," Tigh agreed. "If the process works, then Starbuck will just roll off the defences of the entire Fleet."

"Starbuck would *never* betray the Fleet," denied Athena vehemently.

"He wouldn't have a choice," replied Tigh. "He wouldn't be able to *not* do it."

"From what I remember of the doctor's reports, they said the technique used was very crude," commented Adama. "It hadn't been designed for long term readjustment."

"You mean it eventually wears off?" Apollo said.

Adama met his son's eyes. "They weren't able to determine that."

"Well, what happened to Travis?"

"He was found dead less than a secton after he was stopped," Adama answered.

Apollo's eyes widened in fear for his lover. "We have to get there," he said. "We can send a strike team in to get Starbuck out." Apollo's tone was pleading. "Father, please. Don't ask me to leave him there. I can't do that, I love him too much."

Adama nodded, ignoring the shocked looks Tigh and Athena were both giving Apollo. "Colonel Tigh, does our course take us within shuttle distance of Tarilea?"

Drawing his attention away from Apollo, Tigh looked at Adama. "Yes, sir," he answered, walking back into the main area of the bridge, leaving the three family members to talk.

Athena stared at her brother, aware of the shocked look on her face. "Apollo? Are you saying that you're *in love* with Starbuck?"

"Yes."

"Does Starbuck *know*?"

A slightly faraway look crossed Apollo's face. "Yeah."

"Oh." Athena was silent for a centon. "I knew I was going to have to fight other women for a place in Starbuck's heart, but I never once thought I'd end up losing out to my own brother."

"I'm sorry, Athena," said Apollo.

Athena knew that Apollo was apologising for having inadvertently hurting her, not for his love for his friend. "Are you both happy?"

Apollo just nodded.

"Then don't be sorry. I knew what I had with Starbuck could never be serious. He never trusted me enough to let me in. I'm just glad he trusted *someone*." Athena wrapped her arms around Apollo and hugged him tightly. "You take care of him," she whispered, "or I'll kick you so hard you won't be able to sit down for a yahren."

Heat flooded Apollo's body as he recalled telling Starbuck that *he* wouldn't be able to sit or walk for a yahren, although Apollo *kicking* him wouldn't have been the reason. Pulling away from Athena, Apollo looked back at Adama. "Then we're going for him?"

Adama nodded. "Starbuck's family, Apollo. *I* could no more leave him there then you could. How many people do you want to take with you?"

"As few as possible. Boomer and I can go in to get him and Jolly can fly the shuttle."

"You'd better take Cassiopeia with you, as well. Just in case you need a med tech," said Athena.

"How long will it take us to get to Tarilea?" Apollo asked.

"Approximately eight and a half centars," replied Tigh, walking back from the main bridge area to rejoin the conversation. "Add onto that another 30 centons it'll take you to shuttle there, and you should land on Tarilea approximately two centars *after* the basestar."

"I need to go and get Boomer, Jolly and Cassi and tell them what's going on." Apollo rubbed his hands over his face. "And I'll need to explain to Boxey."

Athena caught Apollo's hands in her own. "Apollo, calm down. You go and see Boxey, and *I'll* go and get Boomer, Jolly and Cassiopeia. If I have permission to leave the bridge, that is," she added, looking at her father.

"Permission granted," nodded Adama.

Athena smiled and headed off the bridge with Apollo.

***

Apollo crouched on the floor of his quarters and looked at his son. He'd explained that he and Boomer were going after Starbuck.

"It's going to be dangerous, isn't it?"

"Yes, it is. Boomer and I will be going into a Cylon city, but I *promise* you, we'll be as careful as possible."

Boxey nodded.

Apollo leant forward and hugged the young boy, before standing up and heading to the door of the quarters.

"Dad?"

"Yes?" Apollo asked, turning back.

"I hope Starbuck's okay."

"So do I, Boxey," replied Apollo. "So do I."

***

Apollo walked into the Officer's Lounge, and immediately saw Boomer, Jolly, Athena and Cassiopeia sitting around one of the tables waiting for him so they could go over the plan to rescue Starbuck. He started to walk over to them when he was stopped by a hand on his arm. Turning to see who it was, Apollo's vision clouded over with anger.

"I hear you're leading a rescue team to get Starbuck out of Tarilea. Is there anything *I* can do?" Sheba asked.

"Yeah," replied Apollo with a snarl. "You can take your hand the frac off me." Apollo violently yanked his arm out of Sheba's grasp.

Sheba's cry of surprise attracted the attention of everyone in the room.

"Apollo? What do you think you're doing?" Boomer asked, coming over from the table to see what the problem was. "What's the problem?"

"What's the problem?" Apollo repeated. "*She's* the problem."

"Apollo, I don't understand," said Sheba, placatingly. "What is it you think I've done?"

"Oh I don't *think* you've done anything, but I *know* you're responsible for what's happened to Starbuck."

Questioning murmurs came from the crowd that had gathered around them.

"Apollo, what do you mean?" Cassiopeia asked softly.

"Sheba got the Council to replace Starbuck with her as my wingman, and then blackmailed him into leaving Blue Squadron and the Galactica. If it wasn't for her, Starbuck would never have even been out there when the Cylons came."

"Sheba?" Apollo heard Bojay's voice behind him. "Is this true?"

Sheba didn't answer, but continued to look at Apollo. "How did he manage to tell you?" She asked, an annoyed tone to her voice.

"*Starbuck* didn't, someone overheard you," snapped Apollo.

"Wait a centon," Boomer looked from Apollo to Sheba, "you mean what he's saying is *true*? Why the frac would you do something like that?" Boomer's voice trailed off slightly at the end of his question, as he realised just *what* Sheba could have blackmailed Starbuck with.

Sheba laughed a slightly hysterical, victorious laugh. "Oh, I see that you already know, Boomer. Shall we let the others in on the secret?" Sheba glared at Apollo with venom in her eyes. "Well, shall I tell them?"

Apollo glared back at Sheba, refusing to back down, defiance seeping from every pore.

"Tell us what?" Greenbean asked. "Apollo, what's she talking about?"

"Go on, tell them," demanded Sheba. "Tell them that you're risking lives on what accounts to a suicide mission in order to save your little catamite. Tell them how Commander Adama's perfect warrior son is screwing his lieutenant."

Apollo closed his eyes as the surprised murmurs washed over him. In the midst of it all, he felt Boomer's hand squeeze in arm in an unmistakable gesture of support. Opening his eyes, he saw that Jolly was standing next to Boomer, and Athena and Cassiopeia were to his left. Apollo was grateful for the united front the five of them presented to the others in the room. Jolly's face betrayed his surprise, but he still stood next to Boomer, ready to defend Apollo. Glancing over to Cassiopeia, Apollo was surprised to see a look of knowledgeable understanding shining back at him. Her lack of shock at Sheba's announcement made Apollo think that, somehow, she already knew about he and Starbuck.

"Apollo?"

The Captain looked at Bojay, seeing the uncertainty on his face that matched many of the warriors surrounding them.

"Is what Sheba says true? *Are* you and Starbuck sleeping together?"

Apollo briefly closed his eyes, and saw Starbuck's smiling face. //Never again will I deny him.// "Yes, it's true," he answered, meeting Bojay's gaze.

Sheba's face twisted. "I think it's disgusting."

"I don't give a *frac* what you think," Apollo snapped, barely holding on to his anger. "I *love* Starbuck, and if you can't accept that, then that's *your* problem, but I'll be damned if you're going to make it mine." Apollo swept his gaze around the entire room. "When we get Starbuck out of Tarilea, he's coming back to the Galactica. If anyone has a problem with that, then I suggest they go and see Commander Adama; there's a squadron on the Gemini Star that needs some pilots."

"Apollo," said Boomer finally, breaking the silence after long microns, "we need to go over this plan if there's going to be any hope of us pulling this off."

"I don't see why you're going. Even the Lords of Kobol wouldn't have any chance of getting him out of there," commented Sheba, viciously.

"It wouldn't be the first time we've gone into a Cylon city and lived to tell about it," pointed out Boomer, feeling the anger simmering in Apollo.

"He's probably already dead," Sheba said, offhandedly.

Apollo's entire mind exploded into red, and before he realised what he was doing, he had jerked free of Boomer's grasp, and taken a step towards Sheba, his hand pulled back.

"Apollo, *no!*" Boomer grabbed hold of Apollo's hand before the punch managed to connect with Sheba's cheek.

Sheba was shaken. Apollo's eyes held nothing but utter fury, and she knew that if Boomer hadn't stopped him, then the Captain would have had no hesistation in hitting her. The realisation knocked her anger up a notch, and she glared at Apollo, who was still being held back by Boomer. "Go on, Apollo, hit me. Prove you're no better than that slut you're with. I mean, come on, Starbuck's probably slept with half the Fleet. He'd be better suited as one of the whores on the Rising Star than a pilot on the Galactica."

Apollo started to struggle more wildly. "Boomer, let me go."

"Not in a million yahrens," replied the darker warrior. "If I do you're going to do something you regret."

"Trust me, Boomer, I will *not* regret it," retorted Apollo.

"Or is that why he's with you?" Sheba continued, gleefully taunting Apollo. "Everyone else has had him, and he didn't want you feeling left out? Or has he discovered there are perks to screwing the Commander's son." Sheba paused. "Although, he didn't stay with Athena, so maybe the perks aren't *that* good. Or are you offering him more than she was."

"How dare you." Athena took a step closer to Sheba, causing Cassiopeia to place a hand on her shoulder.

"Athena, don't. You'll just get into trouble, and she isn't worth it," Cassiopeia said quietly.

Sheba carried on, ignoring the two women. "Yeah, I guess you do offer him more than Athena could." Her voice lowered, and she smiled viciously. "Tell me, Apollo, does he take it like a man?"

Apollo was fuming, but Boomer wouldn't let go of him, even when he ordered him to. He was seriously considering hauling the other man up before his father for disobeying a direct order, when Cassiopeia stepped in front of Sheba and slapped her as hard as she could.

The only noise heard in the Officer's Lounge for long microns was the ringing echo of the slap. Sheba lifted a hand to her flaming cheek, staring in shock at Cassiopeia. "Why you-" Lifting her hand, she started to strike back at the other woman, when she realised her arm was held in a firm grip.

"I think you've said, and done, enough, Sheba," said Greenbean, refusing to let go of the female warrior's arm.

Sheba jerked her arm out of Greenbean's hand, and stalked towards the door, stopping when she realised her way was blocked by Apollo, who had managed to shake off Boomer.

"Excuse me," she said angrily.

Apollo stepped to the side to let her through.

Sheba held her head up as she walked past the Captain, until an arm across her midsection stopped her. Looking down at the arm, she followed the sleeve along to Apollo's face.

"I swear to you, Sheba," said Apollo flatly, "if *anything* has happened to Starbuck, you'll wish your father *had* taken you with him on the Pegasus."

Ignoring the thinly veiled threat, Sheba waited until Apollo had dropped his arm before walking out of the room.

Boomer placed a hand on Apollo's arm. "Come on, Apollo, we need to go over that plan."

Apollo nodded, and followed the other warrior back to the table, resolutely ignoring the whispered comments flying between the other warriors in the room.

***

Starbuck pulled his flight jacket further around him, unable to stop the tremors running through him. The temperature in the cell had slowly declined since the Cylons had locked him in there. Huddled into one of the corners of the room, Starbuck tried desperately to conserve his body heat. He knew the Cylons weren't going to kill him; Baltar's plan needed him alive. Wrapping his arms tightly around his legs, Starbuck rested his head on his knees. Closing his eyes, a picture of Apollo sprang unbidden to his mind. //Oh, love,// he thought, //I'm so, so sorry. Maybe it'll be better this way. Sheba wants you, and at least if you're with her, you won't have to hide it from the rest of the Fleet.// Tears sprang to Starbuck's eyes. //Oh Gods, who am I trying to kid? Thanks to what the Cylons have planned for me, there won't *be* a Fleet for much longer.// Shutting his eyes tightly, Starbuck tried to stop the tears from leaking out, but the cold trails running down his cheeks told him he had failed. //Apollo, what I wouldn't give just to hold you one more time and tell you how much I love you.// Burying his head into arms, Starbuck finally let go of his emotions, and quietly wept.

***

"Okay," said Apollo, looking around at the people sitting with him. "Now, are we all sure about this?"

"I still think I should come into the city with you and Boomer, instead of waiting in the shuttle with Jolly," said Cassiopeia. "Starbuck may be injured."

"I wish we could take you in with us," replied Apollo. "But the simple fact is, we won't have enough time to stop and tend to any injuries Starbuck may have until we get to the shuttle. Boomer and I will have to be in and out as quickly as we can. They're going to be on to us as soon as we break him out, we won't have time to stop and check him over."

"Very well," nodded Cassiopeia. "But it doesn't mean I have to like it."

"I'll keep a constant sensor lock on the homing beacon the shuttle'll have on it," said Athena. "You've only got a centar once you land. If you're any longer than that, the shuttle won't have enough fuel to catch up to the Fleet."

Apollo merely nodded. He didn't care *how* long it took, he wasn't leaving that planet without Starbuck.

Athena studied her brother, following his chain of thought. "Apollo! Listen to me. The Fleet can't afford to slow down while we're so close to a Cylon planet." Reaching out across the table, she took her sibling's hand in her own. "No one wants to lose Starbuck, but we can't afford to lose you, Boomer, Jolly and Cassi either. *One centar*, not one micron more."

"I understand, Athena. If we haven't found him within the centar, then..." Apollo's voice trailed off.

"Hey," Boomer covered Apollo and Athena's hands with his own. "We'll find him. And then all we'll have to worry about is the massive party we're going to have to welcome him back."

"Boomer's right," agreed Athena. "I mean, this is *Starbuck*. When have you ever known him *not* to come out the other end smelling of roses?" Athena smiled at Apollo, but she was unsure whether she was trying to reassure him, or herself.

***

Starbuck lethargically raised his head. He wasn't sure how long he'd been in the cell, but it felt like yahrens. He'd tried to keep alert, but as the time went on, the cold had made it more and more difficult to think. Shivering uncontrollably, Starbuck focused on the now open door to the cell, and the two Cylon guards walking towards him.

Yanking Starbuck to his feet, the guards pulled him out of the cell and down the corridor. His legs felt numb, and he stumbled so many times, he eventually gave up even trying and just let the Cylons drag him along.

***

Baltar looked up as the door to the shuttle swung open, admitting two guards, and what looked like an unconscious Lieutenant Starbuck. "Is he alive?"

"Yes," answered one of the guards.

"Good. Tie him in and take us down to Tarilea."

"By your command."

Studying Starbuck's slumped form as the shuttle finally left the basestar, Baltar smiled. At last he had the means to destroy the Galactica. And nothing was going to stop him.

***

Apollo checked over the tight fitting black uniform one more time. Checking his laser was fully charged, he slid the weapon back into the holster strapped to his thigh. "Boomer? Are you ready?"

The other man quickly tightened his belt and looked over at Apollo. "Ready as I'll ever be."

Apollo watched as Boomer opened his mouth as if to say something else, and then closed it again. "Boomer?"

"I'll wait for you outside," said Boomer, nodding towards the door.

Apollo turned, to see his father standing next to the entrance to the room.

Adama stepped towards his son. "I just came down to wish you luck."

Apollo looked down briefly, before meeting Adama's gaze. "I..." Apollo's voice trailed off. "Thanks."

Adama covered the floor in long strides until he was next to the younger man. "Starbuck's lucky to have someone who loves him so much," he commented.

Apollo's wide eyes betrayed his surprise at Adama's words. "I thought you'd be so disappointed when you found out how I felt about him," he said softly.

Adama smiled. "I meant what I said in my office. You're my child, and your happiness, along with Athena's, is the most important thing to me. If Starbuck makes you happy, then that makes *me* happy." Adama paused. "All I ask is that you be careful down there, and come back safely." Reaching out, the Commander enveloped his son in an embrace.

"I will. I promise." Breaking the embrace, Apollo smiled at his father, before walking out to meet Boomer.

***

As the Apollo followed Boomer off the platform lift into the shuttle launch bay, he noticed a group had already gathered around Jolly and Cassiopeia. Recognising the warriors as some of those who had been in the Officer's Lounge when Sheba had announced the truth about his and Starbuck's relationship, Apollo sighed inwardly. He needed all his concentration for the plan to rescue Starbuck, he didn't have time to hear negative opinions. As they got closer, those standing next to the shuttle turned to face them.

"Apollo," Bojay began.

"Yes?" Apollo hoped the wariness in his voice didn't sound as obvious to everyone else as it did to him.

"We just wanted to wish you luck," finished the younger warrior.

"And to tell you that members of Red, Green, Blue *and* Silver Spar Squadrons are standing by. If you run into trouble on your way out, we'll be there." Greenbean paused. "I don't care *what* Sheba says, Starbuck's one of us. And you don't pick a fight with *one* of the Galactica's pilots, without picking a fight with the rest." Murmurs of agreement followed Greenbean's statement.

"Thanks, guys," said Apollo. "You don't know how much this means."

"Just be careful down there," said Bojay.

"Apollo, Boomer, we've got to go now if we want to have the full centar on Tarilea," called Jolly from the entrance of the shuttle.

"We're coming, Jolly," yelled back Boomer. "Ready?" He asked, looking at Apollo.

"Yeah," answered the Captain. "Let's do it."

***

"How will it work?" Baltar asked, looking at the chamber in front of him.

"When the human is placed in the chamber, his nerve centres will be stimulated to the point of agony. After three centars, images of the colonies and the Galactica will be sent to his brain. If he responds with positive emotions, then the nerve clusters will be stimulated further. If he responds negatively, he will be given a brief respite from the pain. Eventually, his body will associate the human race with it's pain. He will be broken within the hecton."

"The last time you tried this the subject was dead within the secton," pointed out Baltar. "Will this happen again?"

"No, the process has been modified, and upgraded. The subject will be perfectly viable."

Baltar thought for a moment, and then a smile spread across his face. "Could you adjust his neural patterns on *any* subject?"

"Yes, it would merely be a case of altering his response to any given stimuli."

"So, you could make him hate his closest friend, and love his worst enemy?"

"Correct."

"Excellent. While you're altering how he feels about the Galactica, I want you to add in some images of myself. When he comes out of that machine, I want him ready to drop to his knees and worship me."

"By your command."

An image of Starbuck's prone, supplicating form flashed through Baltar's mind, and heat radiated through his body. With only a slight smile still evident on his face, Baltar turned to the two guards standing by the entrance of the room. "Go and fetch Lieutenant Starbuck. I think it's time to begin."

***

Starbuck looked around the small cell. He'd woken up some time ago, to find himself in the dark, tiny room. His head throbbed, but at least the nausea that had threatened to overwhelm him when he'd first regained consciousness had abated. As soon as he could move without being sick, he'd examined the entire cell, but as far as he could tell, there was no way to escape. He sighed and slumped back down onto the hard bed. *If* he could escape somehow, then he could find a ship and fly it off the planet. He knew they were on Tarilea instead of the basestar as there was no shimmer in the deck plates. On every ship Starbuck had been on, he'd been able to detect the slight shimmer that the engines made through the decks. His second year flight instructor at the Academy had told him that it was a gift only a few natural-born pilots seemed to have. //Not that it can do me much use now,// thought Starbuck sarcastically. His thoughts were interrupted by the noise of the door opening.

The two Cylons headed straight to Starbuck and grabbed him by the arms. Walking out of the cell, with Starbuck between them, the Cylons weaved through corridors, until they finally stopped at a door. Keying in a sequence, the door opened and admitted them.

"Ah, Lieutenant, I'm so glad you could join us."

Starbuck stared at Baltar with undiluted hate. "Go screw yourself, you son of a daggit," he spat, wincing slightly when the guards increased the strength of their grip on his arms.

Baltar laughed. "I'd get all of the insults out of the way while you can, because when this is over, you're going to feel *very* differently towards me." Walking over to Starbuck, Baltar took the younger man's face in his hand, forcing him to look up at him. "You know, the main problem with being the only human on that basestar is that it gets rather lonely at nights, and, well, the Cylons may be able to do many things, but warm a bed isn't one of them."

Starbuck's eyes widened in horror. "You can't mean that," he whispered.

"Oh, but I do. Trust me, Starbuck, over the coming yahrens, you and I are going to get to know one another *very*, *very* well." Walking away, Baltar turned to one of the other Cylons in the room. "Begin the process."

"NO!" Starbuck struggled wildly as he was pushed towards the chamber in the centre of the room, but he was no match for the two centurions holding him, and within microns he was locked inside the chamber. Through the frosty panels, Starbuck watched as Baltar smiled at him before pushing a switch on the terminal attached to the chamber. The blond was aware of a low hum, that quickly gathered in intensity as an amber light washed over him. He felt like red hot needles were being pushed into him, and his skin felt like it was being flayed from his body. With his entire body feeling like it was on fire, Starbuck screamed.

***

Apollo and Boomer quickly unhooked the parachutes from their uniforms and started to run towards the buildings that, hopefully, held Starbuck. The Galactica had sensed only two main facilities on the planet's surface, and the other one had been identified as the fuel base.

Ducking in and out of cover, the two warriors managed to reach the door of the main building unseen by any of the guards.

"Have you got that device that Dr Wilker gave you?" Boomer asked.

"It's right here," replied Apollo, pulling a small black box out of his pocket. Fitting the device over the keypad next to the door, Apollo flicked a switch and watched as several lights blinked on and off. After a few microns, a green light went on, and the door opened. "Remind me to thank him when we get back," grinned Apollo, amazed that it had actually worked.

"You and me both," answered Boomer, slipping into the building behind Apollo. "Which way?"

"I don't know." He was just about to suggest going left when he heard voices coming from around the corner. Motioning Boomer to do the same, Apollo pushed himself into a dark alcove. Holding his breath, Apollo realised why the voice sounded so familiar - it was Baltar.

***

Baltar looked at Lucifer as they headed back towards the launch bay, where the shuttle was waiting to take them back to the basestar. "After a few centars, I'll come back down and see how it's going."

"I understand the need to get the Lieutenant to give up the defences of the Fleet, but why did you order the scientists to alter his perception of *you*?"

Baltar glared at the Cylon walking next to him. He had no desire to admit to Lucifer that there were times he hated being the only human among a race of machines. Just because the Cylons felt no need for companionship, that was one human trait that Baltar had not managed to rid himself of. "Why not?" He answered, nonchalantly. "After all, once the Galactica, and the Fleet, is destroyed I'll have to have *something* to keep me occupied. And Lieutenant Starbuck *is* rather attractive."

"I will never understand the human need for physical... 'closeness'," commented Lucifer, as they turned another corner.

***

Apollo had to be physically restrained to stop him from going after Baltar.

"Frac, Apollo, will you *calm down*!"

"Did you hear what he said? He was talking about Starbuck like he was some sort of love toy. We *have* to find him, and get him out of here."

"No arguments there, my friend," said Boomer. "But look at it this way: at least we know which way to go now." With a flourish of his hand, Boomer motioned down the right side corridor.

Luck was on the two warriors' side as they headed down the empty corridor and they soon reached the end door. Looking through the glass, Apollo could see Starbuck trapped in some sort of chamber, his face contorted in dire agony.

"How are we going to do this?" Boomer asked.

"As quickly as possible," replied Apollo. "We can't afford to be subtle about this."

"Understood," nodded Boomer.

Together, the two of them unholstered their lasers and aimed them at the door. Twin arcs of light shot out and obliterated the door, leaving the way clear for them to run into the room. Just as they entered, everything was bathed in red and an alarm sounded throughout the building..

Diving to the floor as one of the guards fired at him, Apollo quickly aimed his laser and destroyed the centurion. As he got to his feet he looked over to see Boomer had done the same.

Pointing his laser at the one remaining Cylon, Apollo slowly advanced on him, while Boomer went to the door. "Get him out of there," he said, motioning to Starbuck.

"I cannot do that," the machine replied.

"Get him out, or I *will* destroy you."

"Irrelevant, once started the cycle cannot be stopped."

Apollo briefly turned to the chamber, despair on his face. Only his reflexes saved him as he registered a movement out of the corner of his eye. Spinning around before the Cylon had a chance to aim the laser he was holding, Apollo fired, and the Cylon crumpled to the ground, a mass of burnt wires.

"Apollo! If you going to get him out of there, now would be a good time." the sentence was punctuated with laser fire, as Boomer aimed at the centurions trying to get to them.

Apollo hurried over to the console in front of the chamber. "I don't understand the controls," he yelled, over the laser fire.

"Well we don't have time for you to learn," came the reply. "Just hit a button and hope for the best."

Apollo's hand hovered over the control panel, as he looked at the machine holding Starbuck. "Oh, *frac!*" He shouted, aiming his laser and praying to the Lords of Kobol before shooting the controls. Sparks shot out from the terminal, as lights flashed wildly. After a micron, the door to the chamber opened, and the barely conscious form of Starbuck fell out. Diving to his knees, Apollo caught his lover before he hit the floor.

"'pollo? that you?"

Apollo strained to hear the ragged whisper. "Yeah, love, it's me," he answered, softly stroking his fingers through Starbuck's silken hair.

"knew you'd come. you had to."

"Ssh, it's okay, I'm here now. Boomer, we have to get out of here," he yelled, never once taking his attention off Starbuck.

"We're there." Boomer pulled two grenades out of his pocket. Throwing one down the corridor to the advancing centurions, he then turned and threw the other at the wall he knew connected to the outside. Coming into the room, he helped Apollo lift Starbuck and between them they managed to half carry, half drag him into the corridor, and through the hole in the wall to the outside.

***

Cassiopeia paced the shuttle. Apollo and Boomer had been gone over 40 centons. They still had enough time to get back, but the wait was making Cassiopeia nervous.

"Cassi! I can see them!" Jolly yelled from the entrance to the shuttle.

Cassiopeia ran to the shuttle door, focusing in on where Jolly had run to help the other two with Starbuck.

As soon as the four men were in the shuttle, Jolly slid into the pilot's seat and took off. Cassiopeia could hear him radio the Galactica, and tell them they were on their way back.

Ignoring everyone else, the medical technician pulled out her medical kit and concentrated totally on Starbuck. "What happened to him?" Tears were leaking out of the pilot's eyes and he was whimpering softly.

"We're not sure," admitted Apollo, never once relinquishing his hold on Starbuck's hand. "They had him in this chamber. I don't know what it was doing to him, but I know he was in agony."

Shooting a painkiller into Starbuck's arm, Cassiopeia briefly glanced at Jolly. "How soon can we get back to the Galactica? We need to get him to the Life Centre."

"We'll be there within 15 centons," replied Jolly.

"Cassi!" Apollo's distressed yell brought Cassiopeia's attention snapping back to her patient. Starbuck's head had lolled to one side, and his entire body had gone limp. Checking his vital signs, Cassiopeia laid a hand on Apollo's arm. "He's still alive, Apollo, just unconscious." Taking in the shocked, white face of the Captain, Cassiopeia turned back to Jolly. "Jolly?"

"Yes?"

"You know that 15 centons?"

"Yeah?"

"Make it ten."

"Understo- *Frac!*"

"What's wrong?" Boomer asked, walking up to the front of the shuttle.

"We've got a Cylon patrol on our tail. It's going to be within firing range in 30 microns." Jolly flicked the radio control switch. "Galactica, we've got a patrol coming after us."

"Don't worry about it, we're already here," came Greenbean's voice over the radio.

Jolly's sigh of relief was audible as a dozen vipers shot overhead on their way to intercept the Cylon patrol.

***

"Out of the way!" Cassiopeia yelled, as she ran through the corridors of the Galactica. Behind her, two technicians were pushing a trolley with Starbuck on it towards the Life Centre. Apollo was running alongside them, Starbuck's hand still tightly encased in his own.

Dr Salik was already waiting for them when they got to the Life Centre. "What happened to him?"

"We're not sure," answered Cassiopeia, "but if it's anything like what I've read of standard Cylon techniques, it's a massive over-stimulation of the nerve clusters."

Standing over Starbuck, Apollo ignored the two as they sank into medical speak. His full attention and concern was with his lover, until a hand on his arm brought his out of his reverie. Apollo looked into Cassiopeia's soft blue eyes. "What?" He asked, his voice thick with emotion.

"Apollo, we need you to wait outside," she said gently.

"No, I want to stay here." Apollo was adamant that he wouldn't leave Starbuck.

Dr Salik came over to them. "Apollo, we need to check out Starbuck thoroughly. Now, we can't do that if you're in here."

"But I don't want to leave him," Apollo whispered.

"Apollo, trust us to do our job," implored the doctor.

"You can go and get changed while you're waiting," suggested Cassiopeia. "And I promise I'll come and get you as soon are we're through."

Reluctantly Apollo let go of Starbuck's hand. "You'll let me back in to see him as soon as you're finished?"

"I promise," said Cassiopeia.

Slowly walking to the door, Apollo cast one look back at Starbuck, before Cassiopeia shut the door behind him.

***

Athena nearly gasped in shock when she saw Apollo. The worry was clearly etched on his features, and his face had drained of all colour. As soon as the shuttle had landed back on the Galactica, she had headed down to the Life Centre to see how Starbuck was. She had turned the corner of the corridor just in time to see Apollo walk out of the door. Making a quick decision, Athena decided to let Cassiopeia and Dr Salik worry about Starbuck for the time being, while she took care of Apollo. "Apollo?"

Her brother raised his head and looked at her.

"Come on, you need to get back to your quarters and rest," she said, taking his arm in her hand and attempting to steer him in the direction of his cabin.

"I can't," he said, refusing to move. "I need to be here, so I can go back in when they're finished."

"And you can come back, but until then you're coming with me," persisted Athena. "You can get a turbowash, and get changed."

Apollo nodded, and allowed Athena to lead him to his quarters.

***

Stepping out of the bathroom, Apollo looked over to where Athena was sitting on his bed. His eyes fell on the clothes she had laid out for him.

"Father has taken you off duty for the next few days, until Starbuck is well, so I figured there was no point in you wearing your uniform."

Picking up the black trousers and shirt, Apollo smiled at his sister. "Thanks."

Smiling back, Athena motioned through to the main area of the quarters. "I'll let you get dressed; I'll be through there."

Apollo looked at the clothes in his hands for a few microns, before getting dressed. Still buttoning his shirt, he walked through to where Athena was sitting. "So what happened while we were gone?"

"What do you mean?" Athena asked.

"Athena, you *know* what I mean. Before we left, it was all but broadcast on IFB that Starbuck and I are sleeping together. So, has anything been said?"

"Well, three pilots have requested transfers to Black Squadron, including Sheba."

"I can't say that I'll be sorry to see her go," admitted Apollo, running his hands over his face. "Anything else?"

Athena sighed. "We were going to wait until we knew how Starbuck was before we told you, but since you asked, the Council has told Father that they want an audience with you and Starbuck as soon as possible."

"I thought they would, although I admit, it's sooner than I thought. I figured it would take at least a hecton before the Council found out."

"Well, I've got a feeling that Sheba had something to do with that. Colonel Tigh saw her speaking to two of the Council members."

"What do they want?"

"I don't know. And, for some reason, they're not telling Father either."

"Forget it," said Apollo suddenly. "I don't have time to worry about it. I've got more important things to care about." Pulling his boots on, Apollo walked over to the door. "I need to get back to the Life Centre." He was just about to hit the button to open the door, when it slid open, and Boxey came barrelling into the room.

"Dad!" he yelled, throwing his arms around Apollo.

"Hey there," smiled Apollo, returning his son's embrace.

"Grandfather told me you were back. Did you get Starbuck?"

Apollo nodded. "Yeah, we did, he's in the Life Centre."

"Is he going to be all right?"

"I'm not sure yet." The words felt like they were sticking in his throat. "We'll have to wait and see."

As though sensing her brother's distress, Athena came over and knelt by them. "Hey, Boxey," she said, cheerfully, "how would you like staying with me for a few hectons?"

"Can Muffy come too?" Boxey asked.

"Of course Muffy can come," laughed Athena.

Boxey turned to Apollo. "Can I, Dad?"

"Of course you can stay with Athena," agreed Apollo. "I think it's a great idea." Turning to his sister, he smiled at her. 'Thanks,' he mouthed.

Athena stood up and held out a hand to the young boy. "Come on, it's nearly time for your bedtime."

"Can we go and see Starbuck first?"

"Maybe tomorrow, okay?" Athena said.

Apollo watched as Boxey took Athena's hand and walked towards the door. "Boxey, I love you."

"I love you, too, Dad."

"I'll come back when Boxey's asleep," said Athena quietly.

"I'll be in the life centre," Apollo told her.

"How long for?"

Apollo looked her in the eyes. "However long it takes," he replied.

***

Starbuck gingerly opened his eyes, aware that the room was spinning slightly. Feeling a pressure on his arm, the blond warrior carefully looked down to see a mop of dark hair spilling over his arm.

"He hasn't left your side since we got you back here."

Starbuck gently turned towards the soft voice, to see Cassiopeia looking at him, relieved concern written on her face. "how-" Starbuck coughed, jostling Apollo, who's head snapped up.

"What?" Apollo's eyes fell on Starbuck's face, and he broke out in a grin. "You're awake! How'd you feel? Where do you hurt? Is there anything you want? What did-"

Apollo's rapid fire questions broke off as Cassiopeia placed a hand on his arm. "Apollo, he's going to be fine. Unlike you, if you don't calm down."

Apollo grinned his apology at the blonde medical technician, then turned his full attention back to Starbuck. "Welcome back to the land of the living," he said softly.

"how long's... it been?" Starbuck voice was rough and scratchy.

"Since we gone you out? Two hectons. You slipped into unconsciousness on the shuttle." Apollo brought Starbuck's hand up to his lips and placed a soft kiss on the palm, gently stroking the wrist with his thumb. "I was so worried, love."

Starbuck looked at Cassiopeia, but she didn't react to Apollo's words and gestures. "some... something tells me... there was a 'development'... while i was out of it," he said, pointedly looking at his and Apollo's clasped hands.

"You could say that," laughed Apollo softly, reaching out with his free hand for a glass of water. Bringing the glass to Starbuck's lips, he held it while the other man carefully sipped at the liquid. "I know about what Sheba said to you," Apollo said, returning the glass to the table next to the bed.

"how?" Starbuck asked quietly.

"Boxey overheard the two of you in the corridor," explained Apollo. "Starbuck, why didn't you just wait and tell me what she'd said?"

"couldn't take the risk... that she'd do what... what she said. couldn't let that happen to you."

"Oh, love." Apollo reached out, brushing stray strands of hair of Starbuck's face. "Don't you get it? I don't care if they dump us on a planet and leave. As long as I've got you, it doesn't matter."

"wouldn't say that around sheba. she might take you up on it." Starbuck tried to laugh, but ended up coughing instead.

"Oh, it wouldn't be too bad," mused Apollo. "You, me, a tropical paradise, and nothing but the stars to keep us company."

"yeah, but knowing our luck, she'd dump us on an ice planet."

Apollo wiggled his eyebrows. "Well, then we'd just have to keep each other warm, wouldn't we."

Starbuck's soft laugh was interrupted by a yawn.

"That's it," said Cassiopeia gently. "Starbuck, you need to get some sleep."

"but, cassi, i've been sleeping for the past two hectons," the pilot complained.

"And you'll probably be sleeping for the next two as well. You can't overdo it, Starbuck, not if you want to get out of here within the next centari."

"Cassiopeia's right, love," said Apollo. "Get some sleep, I'll still be here when you wake up."

"promise," asked Starbuck, his eyes already closing.

"I promise," replied Apollo. "I'll be here for as long as you want me."

"want forever." The words were barely audible before Starbuck's breath evened out into sleep

"You'll have it," answered Apollo in a whispered promise. "You'll have it."

***

"Apollo, stop it!" Athena slapped his hands away from his dress uniform

"I just want it to look perfect."

"It does, now will you *leave it alone*." Athena rolled her eyes, causing laughter to come from the young boy on the bed.

Apollo turned to face his son. "I don't know what you're laughing at."

"You," said Boxey.

"Well, don't worry, when you decide to get sealed, and you're panicking about it, I'll sit on the bed and laugh at you."

Jolly walked over from his position by the door "Apollo, I honestly don't know what you're worrying about, it's going to be fine."

Apollo appeared to consider Jolly's words, and then he turned back to Athena. "Are you *sure* this looks okay?"

Athena shook her head in exasperation and cast a besieging glance at Jolly. "I'm sure Boomer and Cassi aren't having this much trouble with Starbuck," she muttered.

***

"Starbuck, will you *stop* fiddling with that." Cassiopeia stepped back and looked Starbuck up and down. "Perfect," she declared.

"You're sure?" Starbuck said, turning around, so that Cassiopeia could see the entire dress uniform.

"Positive," nodded Cassiopeia. "Stop worrying about it."

"I'm allowed to worry." Starbuck paused. "After all, I've never been sealed before," he said softly.

"You're not changing your mind, are you?" Boomer asked.

"*No!* It's just that..." His voice trailed off.

"You're nervous as frac, and frightened you'll fall flat on your face in front of the cameras?"

"Boomer! Starbuck, pay no notice, you'll do fine." Cassiopeia scowled at the dark warrior.

"Sorry," said Boomer, trying not to laugh.

"I still don't know why IFB want to broadcast the ceremony. Well, okay, I *do* know why they wanted to," he amended at Boomer's look of utter disbelief, "I'm just not sure why we agreed to *let* them."

"Probably because you're two of, if not *the* best known pilots in the entire Fleet, especially after over half the warriors in the Fleet threatened to quit if the Council threw you both off Blue Squadron," pointed out Boomer, referring to the meeting the Council had requested with him and Apollo. The Council had told the two of them that it was inappropriate for them to be in a relationship, and they were to be moved to separate squadrons. However, they'd soon had to back down after more than half the warriors on the Galactica had threatened to quit, especially after Adama *and* Tigh had backed them up. "And besides, they harassed Commander Adama until he agreed to ask you."

"Really? I thought it was just to annoy Sheba," said Cassiopeia with a twinkle in her eye.

"Cassi, I don't know *what* you're talking about," said Starbuck innocently.

"Come off it, Starbuck. You know fine well that IFB are broadcasting this to every ship in the Fleet, *including* the Gemini Star. And the odds are that it'll be on the monitors in the pilots quarters over there. If she's on that ship, then she won't be able to escape it."

Starbuck grinned and held his hand to his heart. "You wound me by thinking I would sink to something so low."

"So it never crossed your mind?" Boomer asked.

"I never said *that*," laughed Starbuck.

"Oh, come on," said Cassiopeia suddenly, "we're going to be late."

"But I thought that was fashionable," complained Starbuck as he was pulled out of the door.

***

Apollo's heart jumped as he saw Starbuck walking around the corner. The blond pilot looked perfect in his dress uniform.

"Hey there," said Starbuck, as he stopped next to Apollo, opposite the closed door to the room where everyone was waiting, neither one of the making the move to enter the chamber.

"Guys?" Boomer looked at them. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing," answered Apollo. "We just... we'll be there in a centon, okay."

Boomer nodded, as he, Jolly, Athena and Cassiopeia walked into the chamber, leaving Apollo and Starbuck alone.

"I can't believe we're actually doing this," said Starbuck softly.

"Neither can I," agreed Apollo. "You realise the vast majority of the Fleet may be watching this."

"Oh, trust me, that's the one part of this I'm completely clear on. Besides, the fact that so many people are watching *isn't* something I'm likely to forget."

"You want to jump in a couple of vipers and elope instead?" Apollo smiled.

"Are you kidding? After all the hassle he took off the Council for backing us on this, your father would kill us." Starbuck paused. "Besides, we can't."

"Why not?" Apollo asked suspiciously.

Starbuck looked sheepish. "Because there's a book running on whether or not we're going to go through with this, and I've got a secton's pay saying that we will."

"They let you bet on whether or not you're going to attend your own wedding?!"

"They didn't know it was me. I put the bet on through Jolly," explained the blond.

Apollo couldn't help himself; he started to laugh. "At least I can say this," he said, wiping the tears of laughter from his face, "being sealed to you *isn't* going to be boring."

"I aim to please," grinned Starbuck. "Now, come on, or they're going to think that we *have* eloped." Starbuck held out his hand, feeling Apollo's fingers curl around his own. "You ready?"

"I have been since I met you," replied Apollo, bringing Starbuck's hand up to his lips and kissing it.

"Good, I'd hate to think this was all one sided."

"Never." Apollo's looked into the blue eyes staring back at him. "I love you, Starbuck. I will *always* love you. No matter what."

Starbuck flashed a blinding smile. "I guess the only thing left to do is get sealed, then."

"Well, it just so happens that through that door is the Commander of the Fleet. He's licensed to do that sort of thing. I'm sure if I ask him nicely, he'll oblige." Apollo's voice dropped to a conspiratorial whisper. "I'm rather close to him, you know."

"In that case, what are we waiting for?" Starbuck asked.

"Nothing at all," replied Apollo, as, hand in hand, the two warriors opened the doors, and stepped through them.

THE END