BY YOUR COMMAND - Static ARCHIVE

The shuttle was crowded with the pilots from Blue squadron and those of the other squadrons that could wangle themselves out of duty that night. Blue squadron had been granted a furlon to celebrate the novayahren of one of its newest members, and the fact that in the last encounter with the Cylons they had the highest number of Cylon kills.

Starbuck and Boomer for once had made it down to the shuttle early and grabbed two relatively spacious seats, although they both fought over who had to sit next to Reese. Starbuck wondered what Reese was doing going over to the Rising Star, probably snooping to see if he could get any dirt. Reese met his unfriendly stares with a smug smile. Starbuck shifted in his seat, knowing they would have to be extra careful tonight if Reese wasn't going to get wind of what he was planning. Well, he wasn't sure exactly what his lover was planning but Reese still shouldn't get to hear of it.

He turned to Boomer who had nudged him in his ribs. "Hmm, Boom-boom?"

"Just wondering whether you were still with us, Bucko. Got any spare fumarello's with you?"

"Of course, do you want some?"

"Well the only time I get to smoke them is when we are on one of these nights out. Jenny keeps sneaking into my locker and grabbing whatever I've got in there and trashing them."

Starbuck smiled. "I thought you were the electronics expert, fix the lock so she can't break in." He reached into his pocket and produced three. "Three enough?"

Boomer smiled at this unexpected generosity, Starbuck was as careful with his fumarello's as he was with his cubits during a game of pyramid. "Enough? Three is great." He grabbed them out of Starbuck's hand before he changed his mind. For a joke Boomer planted a wet kiss on Starbuck's cheek.

"Boomer!" Starbuck jumped and jostled Reese. "Yuck, don't do that. Didn't you know fraternisation between members of the same squadron is frowned upon?"

Boomer laughed and handed Starbuck a cloth from his pocket. Starbuck snatched it out of his hand and wiped the cheek dry. Boomer looked at his timepiece and commented, "Did Apollo say he was coming tonight?"

The question was met with an answering roar from the other pilots as Apollo, Sheba and Bojay squeezed in through the closing door of the shuttle. Apollo mouthed over to the pair of them 'Women!' and pointed at Sheba who was using a piece of polished metal to adjust her hair.

Boomer moaned, "Why did he have to bring them two along?"

Starbuck jokingly answered him, "Diplomatic relations, Boomer. He had to include someone from Silver Spar or else they would have sulked all sectar." He paused as he looked at the trio. "Hmm he did have to bring the most attractive member of the squadron."

Boomer chuckled. Ever since Cassi and Starbuck had split several sectons ago there had been a running wager to see who would be Starbuck's next conquest. To date there had been little open activity on that front and yet Boomer knew that Starbuck was so happy and content he 'must' be seeing someone. He followed Starbuck's glance and thought 'Sheba?' He must have a little wager on that next time he saw Omega in the O' club.

At last the short flight was over and the warriors descended on the lounges. Starbuck and Boomer headed for the chancery. Boomer wondered whether this was a good idea as Starbuck began to rub his hands together with glee. He reluctantly handed his cubits over to the blond instantly regretting getting hooked up with one of his systems. He noted with relief Apollo approaching with Bojay and Sheba trailing behind him. He dragged Starbuck over to them before he could get near one of the tables.

"Evening, Apollo!" Boomer smiled at the two people behind him, "Bojay, Sheba."

"Hello, Boomer, have we arrived in the nick of time to save your cubits for another day or system?" Apollo laughed at the scarlet face of Starbuck behind him. He began to chat to Boomer to forestall any arguments or protestations about the reliability and profitability of any of Starbuck's systems.

Starbuck decided this would be a good time to get a drink. He saw one of the waitresses who patrolled the chancery providing free drinks so that people would be encouraged to spend more time in there. He smiled at the young girl, maybe 18 yahrens old. "Hi, aren't you new here? I don't believe I've seen you here before."

Helle smiled at the famous pilot stood before her actually speaking to her. She blushed. "First week, sir."

"With a smile like that I am sure you will be here a long time and rise to the top in no time."

Helle blushed even deeper.

Apollo and Boomer laughed as they observed the waitress wander off. Apollo turned to Boomer and commented, "How many feet do you think she is off the ground?"

"Oh, about six or seven. Bucko's charm has worked again, guess whose table is going to be the best served tonight? Oh no, I think you'd better grab him he's getting too close to the pyramid table."

Several centars later the party was beginning to break up. Boomer noted drunkenly from his seat that Apollo had gone missing along with Sheba and other of the pilots. He managed to raise himself to a position vaguely resembling upright and looked around for Starbuck. He frowned to himself. That young waitress was still flirting with him. Starbuck noticed him and kissed the young girl goodnight on her cheek and came over to Boomer. "Hey, Boom-Boom, you look as though you need a hand there. Come on old pal. I'll get you to bed." Boomer stared at his empty glass and nodded in reply. Starbuck slung a limp arm over his neck and pulled Boomer out of his chair effortlessly.

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Starbuck laughed to himself as he let himself out of the small cubicle that Boomer had rented for the night. It consisted of a small bunk and nothing else. Then again Boomer was so drunk he probably wouldn't appreciate anything else. Again a broad smile came over his face, he knew that his soul mate had rented something more spacious for the occasion. He was also glad that everyone else was so drunk that they didn't notice that he had barely touched anything all night. He walked down the corridor towards the more exclusive and expensive accommodations. He failed to notice that Reese followed him all the way down the corridor.

Starbuck reached for the door chime but suddenly took his hand down from the door. He knew once he stepped over the threshold there would be no going back. He moved from one foot to another. The thoughts that had kept him awake over the past few nights came back. Thoughts of pain and tears and yet more pain as the men used his young body. He stopped himself with an effort. 'No, he had promised it wouldn't be like that, that he wouldn't do anything he didn't want him to do.' He smoothed back his hair and took a deep breath. He pressed the door chime. The door slid back and Starbuck stepped through. The door closed behind him.

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From his vantage point Reese smiled. He muttered, "Lieutenant, don't you know the rules about fraternisation?" He slouched off down the corridor to get ready to do the job he had really come to the Rising Star to do.

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Starbuck stepped inside the door and waited for a moment for his eyes to adjust to the dim lighting. He smiled shyly as his lover was waiting for him naked on the large bed that dominated the room.

"Hello, love. You took your time, I thought you'd run off with that pretty young waitress." The voice waited for a reply and continued when he didn't get one. He put an arm out. "Come here, Sta, undress in front of me. I want to see your body."

Starbuck smiled and went over and quickly removed his dress uniform. He instantly relaxed, there was nothing now between him and his lover, no rank, no war, no destruction. He slid onto the bed and looked into those green eyes. "Well I'm here, Ap. What are you going to teach me tonight?"

Apollo laughed, "I want to make sure that you remember our last lesson."

Starbuck laughed back, "Of course I do!"

Apollo took a large shuddering deep breath in as Starbuck's mouth suddenly took hold of his cock and began to suck it in bit by tiny bit. Each tiny piece was taken in and treated to the same tongue, teeth and lips massage. Before he was even halfway in to Starbuck's mouth Apollo was trying to thrust to speed the process up. Starbuck easily put a hand on each hip and forced them back on the bed.

"Frak, Sta, you don't have to be this good so soon. Have I told you yet you are such a damn tease? Did you have to flirrrrrrrrr" Apollo's voice rose in frustration as Starbuck slowed down and the massage became even more intense. He became silent and smiled, as the silence seemed to spur Starbuck on. Apollo suddenly found he could move his hips. He began to thrust gently at first and then harder, faster. He felt fingers dancing all over his groin and ass. Without knowing it he was floating and pumping into the receptive mouth. He eventually came back down. "Sta, you are so good. Oh lords that was fantastic." He looked up into those blue eyes and grinned at the love he found there. "But, Lieutenant, there are certain things I have to discuss with you." He pulled a compliant Starbuck over onto his back and straddled his chest.

"Yes, sir, and what are those? Technical specifications for the new Viper?" Starbuck reached quietly behind Apollo and began to tickle the Captain's sac. He knew that this would distract the oh so serious Apollo from anything.

"No. Did you really have to flirt with that waitress all night? She must only have been on the Rising Star for less than a secton. Sta, don't do that, it's ticklish. And I'm sure you've got poor Boomer convinced you're after Sheba."

"Laying a smoke trail. Anyway how else to stack the wager that's on me? You know, Captain, it's not fair to let all the poor suckers string it out secton after secton."

"Ok, ok point made. Mmmm maybe you could go back with Cassi for a few sectons and then let it die down again. Then no-one will suspect us.. . Sta, don't do that!" Apollo rolled off Starbuck laughing at the way Starbuck broke up the awkward moments. He idly put a hand out and started playing with Starbuck's semi erect member. He looked up at the man beside him. "I think tonight we'll do something special, what about it?" He tried to remain relaxed but he knew of his lover's childhood and wanted him to get past that.

"Hmmm I'm not sure." Starbuck paused and swallowed, "What did you have in mind?"

Apollo grinned. "I thought you might like to experiment on me or more appropriately in me." He gently stroked Starbuck's face. "We'll take it slow and gentle. I've already prepared myself so we'll skip that part 'til the next time. How about it?"

Starbuck looked into those deep green eyes and decided yes, this was what he wanted. What he desired. He knew when he had come into the room tonight that this would happen. He nodded, not trusting his voice. Apollo raced a hand down his lover's spine and smiled at the tiny shudders this simple movement brought on.

Starbuck looked into those deep green eyes and decided yes, this was what he wanted. What he desired. He knew when he had come into the room tonight that this would happen. He nodded, not trusting his voice.

Apollo raced a hand down his lover's spine and smiled at the tiny shudders this simple movement brought on. He followed this up with a searching tongue finding the hollows on Starbuck's upper body. He took particular in delight in tracing the contours of Starbuck's throat, he knew from past experience that this particularly turned his lover on.

Starbuck gasped as Apollo's hands and tongue worked their magic on him. He lay back and let Apollo play with his body, not like those that played with him before he knew Apollo loved him. He arched his back again as that tongue worked its way round his neck. He was shivering with anticipation.

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Helle finished her shift in the galley area of the Rising Star. She smiled shyly as the staff teased her about her great conquest of the evening. She was glad that her father wasn't around to hear the comments, she was in enough trouble as it was coming to work here. She didn't notice the glowering man watching her as she moved round the galley.

Pallas looked at the time piece on the wall and decided to make a move back to his cabin. He took one last look at the petite girl, her long ash blonde hair floating round her as she tidied her work station. His hand strayed to the front of his hips. He left the kitchen.

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Chief investigator Gollat registered the late arrival of Reese with an annoyed sigh. He turned to confront the security officer. "Reese where have you been?"

Reese bristled at the investigator's tone. He smiled though, "Just following up something sir." It had been nothing to do with the case but he was pleased that his observations and suspicions of the last few weeks had been right after all. He was pleased that his friend had managed to fix up the monitoring of the suite. He idly wondered how much fun he could have with the resulting tape. It would be good to have the two most famous warriors under his thumb. With reluctance though he turned back to the case in hand. He questioned the investigator, "Are you sure sir that the assailant is going to hit again tonight?"

Gollat turned the pages of the file in front of him and sighed. "I don't know. The pattern fits, the assailant only strikes when Blue or Silver Spar squadron is on board." Gollat fixed his fish eye stare on Reese. "Make sure your men are ready. Psych reports indicate that the perpetrator is increasing in the scope of things he does."

Reese nodded; he knew how hard both security and the investigators had worked on this case and how quiet it had been kept.

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Starbuck was wondering how much more of this teasing he could take. He was putty in the practised hands of Apollo. With what shreds of consciousness he had left he wondered how shy Apollo had gotten so good at this. He shrieked as Apollo fingered his ass hole. "Ap,please. Oh gods, let me oh. Take me" He decided to take matters into his own hand as even Cass hadn't driven him this wild. He reached down and started to pump himself.

Apollo smiled. He was hard and rigid himself. Starbuck's response to his caresses had been earnest and wanton. He looked at the blue eyes that were beseeching him to give him release. His cock and ass ached, he wondered whether he should take advantage of his willing partner and shook the thought from his brain. He had promised Starbuck they would take it nice and slow. He felt the movement of the hands down his body and followed them, he brought them up to his lips and kissed them. "No, Lieutenant, you're not getting away with that."

"But, Ap, I can't hang on for much longer, I'm, I...."

"Sssh there." Apollo stretched for the lube and smiled as it had retained its warmth nicely. Without saying anything he reached down and started to gently spread the lube over Starbuck's cock. From the looks and feel of it, this first time would probably be over quickly. The next time they would be more confident of each other to play for longer. His fingers noted the large amount of pre-cum dripping from his lover's now engorged cock. He wondered for a second on which position would be best for a first time and then matters were taken out of his hand. Strong hands whipped him over onto his front and he felt the lubed cock tip at his entrance. He smiled.

Starbuck couldn't believe the time Ap was taking to lube him. The pain Ap's gentle hands caused him was so mind blowing; he couldn't wait any longer. Basic instincts took over. He whipped Ap over onto his stomach and straddled him. He paused for a moment and then pushed in. He chewed his lip as he went in, involuntarily remembering the pain as his users stretched and entered him. Then the memory was gone as a wave of adrenaline and sexual release pounded through his body. He screamed his release, "APOLLO!"

Apollo had been taken aback by the decisiveness of Starbuck but as his soulmate pounded past his prostrate he was taken along on the wave of release. He knew he must have screamed his lover's name at some point. For the second time that night he came and came hard. His penis pumped his cum out onto the bed for what seemed aeons. Eventually it stopped. Apollo rolled onto his side and looked at his soulmate. He quirked an eyebrow. "Well, lover, I think we've passed that test." All he got in reply was one of those special Starbuck smiles. He decided to try a question, "Were you like that with Cass?" He didn't even want to know about his sister.

He didn't get an answer for a centon or two, it was almost as if Starbuck had forgotten how to speak. "Erm, me and Cass? No it was never like that. Cass was good, don't get me wrong but that was fantastic." Starbuck stretched lazily as his energy and control returned.

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Reese with reluctance turned off the audio feed. 'Frak they had sounded as though they were flying!' Listening to their climax had almost made him climax at the same time. Luckily he had managed to control his body, as it would have been embarrassing to do that in front of Gollat. He saw with concern Gollat turn off an intercom.

"Anything, sir?"

Gollat nodded solemnly, "I'm afraid so. We have a report from A deck. Shall we go?"

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Helle heard the voices but couldn't process the words. She curled up trying to protect herself. Someone touched her she flinched. She felt a cover drape over her. She held it to herself; it cut her off from the outside world, from what had just happened.

***

At last her duties had finished and she was off on her way back to her cabin. She hoped that during her shift a message had arrived from her second cousin Demeter who was a trainee technician on the Galactica. She smiled at the thought of meeting up with him again soon. Their home ship was deliberately stationed at the back of the fleet. Their people were proud, aloof, and very traditional. Demeter's mini-rebellion in becoming a trainee and moving to the Galactica had spurred her to break out of the traditional roles that were earmarked for women in her society. Helle walked quickly out down the deserted corridor. She laughed to herself about the comments she would receive from Demeter about her meeting Starbuck and the other pilots. She was therefore unprepared for the hand that snaked round her waist and roughly pulled her into the alcove.

Events after that passed in a blur. She tried to fight but the person was too strong for her and held her down easily enough. Eventually she just let it happen. She didn't know who or how she was discovered. She didn't know that in her hand she held several blond hairs.

****

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Starbuck and Apollo had decided to take a quick turbo wash, by the time the morning came they wouldn't have enough time. Apollo had also insisted in changing the sheets on the bed. Starbuck sighed but knew this was all part of Apollo's 'no-one must suspect' paranoia. Personally he didn't care who knew but respected Apollo's wishes. His fingers and mouth itched for a fumarello but knew Apollo would refuse to let him smoke. He turned to Apollo who was now settling down in the bed. "Erm, Apollo, I'll think I'll go for a smoke. Be back in a while. Ok?"

Apollo grunted. Starbuck dressed quietly and let himself out of the room. He wandered down the corridor and onto A deck. He flopped down onto one of the seats and looked through the observation window onto the fleet. Gradually contentment and exhaustion claimed him and he dozed off.

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The medtech called to the scene, luckily female, had managed to uncurl Helle's hand to see what she clutched. Gollat immediately had the hairs bagged and held them up to the light. "Blond. How many blond males are there on board tonight?" He sighed.

Reese nodded. He thought about the situation, he had been talking to the woman who had found Helle. "Sir, the woman who found the girl said that she was drawn to the alcove by noises. So perhaps whoever it was didn't get too far..." Gollat nodded and indicated to Reese to make the necessary arrangements.

Reese strode down the corridor. He was followed by two subordinates who were on careful watch for any male with blond hair. Reese knew that they were probably chasing a phantom. It would be a fool who would keep himself out in the open. He was interrupted from his thoughts by a voice from behind. "Sir."

"Yes?"

The subordinate pointed to a row of chairs by one of the observation windows. Lying fast asleep across them was a sated Lieutenant Starbuck; his fumarello hanging from his fingertips.

Reese almost told his guards to leave him alone. He knew he was the only one with a cast iron alibi; hadn't he heard it himself? But then decided he wouldn't be able to explain the lapse to Gollat. Besides he could have some fun with this. Would the loyal lieutenant betray his lover and superior to save his own skin? Reese doubted it. He smiled thinly, he wondered what sort of excuse he would come up with instead. He shook Starbuck's shoulder to wake him. "Lieutenant, wakey, wakey."

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Starbuck woke up slowly. He had been having a wonderful dream and then some fool had to wake him up. He opened an eye and shut it again as he saw Reese. The shaking continued so he sat himself up and groaned. "What do you want, Reese? Sleeping on the chairs become an offence now and have you got the job of policing it?"

Reese smiled. "No, Lieutenant. We need you to answer a few questions on your whereabouts and actions this evening."

Starbuck ran his hands through his hair. "What do you mean?"

"You'll find out soon enough. I hope you'll come with us willingly."

Starbuck eyed the two heavies behind Reese and decided not to argue. He hadn't got a clue what Reese was on about. He nodded. He noticed Reese was relaxed so it didn't appear to be anything too serious. He got up and walked back down the corridor with them.

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Reese's face dropped when he saw that an IFB crew had already got wind of the story and was covering the doorway to the investigation office, there was no other way round it. He pushed through the crowd. He tugged on Starbuck's elbow, discreetly he hoped and pushed the confused warrior through the melee into the office.

They both heard as the door was closing. "Viewers, as you are no doubt aware that was Lieutenant Starbuck. Neither security operative Reese or the Lieutenant were prepared to answer questions about the attack earlier this evening or why the lieutenant was going into the office."

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Starbuck angrily turned to Reese. "What's this about an attack? Who?"

Reese was about to answer when Gollat intervened. "There has been a serious attack upon one of the staff of the Rising Star this evening. We are in the preliminary stages of the investigation but we hope that we can eliminate you quickly."

Starbuck sat down. He recognised Gollat as part of what passed for the Investigators department of the security forces. "Ok, sir, go ahead."

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Far away towards the rear of the fleet, the viewer was flicked off angrily. The man, Silanus, turned round and looked at his family gathered round him. "So that is what the rest of the tribes call progress. Things like that don't happen in our way of life." Some of the older men nodded and agreed, despite them being rescued from the Destruction they worked to keep the old ways going.

He stared angrily at the younger members of the group almost daring them to make a remark about wanting to follow Demeter or Helle off the ship and into the main culture of the survivors. They all hung their heads to avoid his gaze.

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Apollo woke slowly. A smile played on his chest as he remembered the early hours of the morning. He sleepily stretched out to touch his soulmate. He woke up rather quickly when his arm touched a cold and empty sheet. He looked around him confusedly, 'where was he?' He got out of the bed and looked in the turboflush area. He looked at the chronometer and swore under his breath, he had to get back to the Galactica now or else he would be late for the heads of department meeting. He dressed quickly. Doubtless Starbuck had got caught up in a pyramid game when he had gone out for his fumarello. As he dashed along to the shuttle bay he half-heartedly wondered whether he should try and get him out of that habit as well.

He arrived at the shuttle bay in time to catch a shuttle that would take him back in time. He looked round in vain for Starbuck but he wasn't there, but that wasn't surprising, as he wasn't officially on duty until the next cycle. Boomer was there. Apollo made his way over to him.

"Hi there, Boomer. You look as though you had a bit to drink last night."

Boomer grimaced as the shuttle banked to avoid a medical shuttle approaching the landing bay as they exited it. "You could say that. Say have you seen Bucko this morning? I want to thank him for getting me to bed last night." Apollo shook his head. Boomer continued, "Do you know what all those security men were doing rushing round A deck this morning?"

Apollo shook his head again and the pair lapsed into silence.

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Starbuck lowered his head into his hands and sighed. He just hoped Gollat would take his word for what he had got up to and not start digging around too much. He raised his head when he heard Gollat cough.

"Lieutenant, we need to, to perform certain tests to erm exclude you from the inquiry." Starbuck quirked an eyebrow. Gollat continued. "We need a semen sample and some blood and your clothes."

"My clothes? What am I going to wear to get back to the Galactica?"

"We've already requested a replacement uniform for you." Gollat paused; this was the part he was most embarrassed about. Although he guessed that Starbuck wasn't telling him the whole truth about what he was up to last night, he could see that almost certainly the lieutenant wasn't the person they were looking for. He coughed and continued, "The sample has to be given in the sample of two witnesses. One will be Dr. Salik and the other Reese."

Starbuck dropped his head again; his day had just gone from bad to worse.

Gollat continued, "It is for your own protection. We'll be doing these tests on everybody we pull in for questioning."

"It's just that I was the first one Reese and his boys has brought in?" Gollat reddened and then nodded.

Gollat indicated a small room off the main office. Starbuck sighed and walked slowly to it. He walked through the doorway. It silently swished shut behind him. He stood there looking at the two men in front of him. He smiled nervously at Dr Salik who smiled back and then he switched his attention to the smirking Reese. He gulped.

"Ok, let's get this over with."

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Silanus gripped the arm of his seat in anger. Just before he had left the Liviad to go to the Galactica to see his daughter, he'd received a vid tape of one of the fleet pilots flirting and chatting with his daughter, even worse he had dared to kiss his daughter. He glanced at his companions and smiled; fleet justice wouldn't be needed.

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Starbuck was having problems. Salik had ignored the regulations and turned his back but Reese was sat there leering, a definite turn off if ever there was one.

Reese coughed to attract his attention. "Lieutenant, perhaps you need some stimulation from an outside source."

Starbuck took a step back, "Not from you I don't." He shifted nervously at Reese's smile.

Reese knew that maybe he was perhaps showing his hand a bit early but the Lieutenant was obviously in need of some help, and he was certainly in no position to complain. He swept his eyes over Starbuck's limp anatomy. He took out the receiver which had the night's pleasure recorded on it. He handed it over and suggested, "Here use this, lieutenant. This might help."

Starbuck looked in confusion at Reese but decided not to refuse the help. Salik had retreated to the other corner of the room and was taking samples off Starbuck's uniform. He took the receiver and put the earpiece in.

His eyes widened as he heard the first words, "Come here, Sta, and undress in front of me." He threw an angry glare at Reese who just put a finger up to his lips and pointed at Salik. He looked down at his cock and realised that his cock was reacting to the tape almost as well as it had done earlier. He allowed himself to get lost in the emotion again.

Reese struggled to keep his reactions under control as he watched Starbuck climax. He was glad he was wearing black pants as he failed. He smiled as he realised Starbuck had to bite his lip hard when he had climaxed to stop himself shouting out Apollo's name.

Starbuck handed Salik the now used receptacle. He smiled confidently at Starbuck as he took it away for a preliminary examination. Starbuck gladly returned the smile. He knew that the match would be negative. He turned round to face Reese, he knew now wasn't the time to confront him. "Can I get dressed now?"

Reese nodded with a grin; though it was a pity such a fine body would be covered.

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Starbuck angrily gathered up his recently delivered clothes. He turned away from Reese and started to dress. When he was finished Reese ushered him back to the interview room. Starbuck slumped in a chair. Reese offered a drink of Java that he grumpily took. He heaved a sigh of relief when Reese moved out of his line of sight.

Gollat looked at the preliminary results that Salik had produced from both the initial samples taken from the girl and Starbuck. "Well, lieutenant, I think you are almost certainly in the clear. I would like to keep yourself available though we may have need of you again."

"Cylons permitting," commented Starbuck coldly.

"Hmm well yes." Gollat looked down at his shoes.

"Can I go?" Starbuck left immediately Gollat nodded.

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Starbuck leant his head against the bulkhead of the almost empty shuttle and tried to keep his seething temper under control. 'Damn Reese! Damn Gollat! Damn IFB! This would be plastered all over the fleet in centars and no one would believe him. Damn Apollo! He should have come out and told Gollat who he was with straight away but Apollo had infected him with this secrecy thing about their relationship. Damn! Damn!' His day couldn't get any worse. He heard a pinging from the shuttle control panel. His day had just gotten worse.

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Apollo rushed into the launching bay to supervise the launching of Blue squadron. "Come on, people, let's hurry it up here." He caught Boomer as he ran past, "Are you sober? Have you seen our favorite lieutenant yet?"

Boomer nodded and then shook his head. Apollo let him go to his viper. He picked up his helmet when he saw a flash of blond hair. 'At last.' He shouted across, "Starbuck, here now!" He knew now was not the time for a dressing down but ... "Where in Hades have you been?"

Starbuck flushed, "Can't explain now, not enough time. Had a meeting with Reese. See you later." He dashed off to his Viper.

Apollo stared after him and became angrier when he caught a scent hanging in the air. Starbuck's scent, the delicious one that hung around him after his climax. 'Well he had to put that to one side, the Cylons were waiting.' He climbed in his viper and launched.

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Adama watched the battle unfold and noted with satisfaction that once again the skills of the pilots were gaining over the greater numbers of the Cylons. He watched as the bridge crew went about their tasks as efficiently as ever. His gaze fastened on the communication station where Athena was stationed. He quirked an eyebrow at the amused expression she had on her face and at the amused figure of Tigh who was also listening into something. He quietly adjusted his console and picked up an earpiece that would relay whatever feed Athena had on her station.

The feed was from Blue squadron. Two voices Adama picked out straightaway.

"Lieutenant, would you mind helping Boomer over there."

"Of course, Captain."

"Thank you, Lieutenant."

The two voices were clipped and precise, very unlike their usual mid battle banter.

Adama jumped as a hand touched him on his shoulder. He saw the smiling face of Tigh. He rapidly got rid of the earpiece. He asked Tigh, "Any reason for the formality?"

Tigh sighed, "I heard from the ground crew that Starbuck arrived late, apparently Apollo was angry."

Adama joined him in his sigh he had the preliminary report from Gollat, "Well we know the reason why he was late. At least it looks as though he is in the clear." Adama paused although now was not the time to be thinking about this, he couldn't help but wonder where Starbuck had been for those missing hours. His mind suddenly brought up a picture and he chuckled at it. He wouldn't be surprised if it was true. He looked at Tigh and asked, "How is it going?"

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The shuttle pilot was swearing under his breath. He had been on his final approach to the Galactica when he had been forced to pull out by the alert. He had spent the battle hugging the superstructure of the ship, hoping the Cylons would ignore him. He tapped the console in front of him and finally saw that the battle was diminishing and the area now appeared to be safe. He contacted flight control who agreed with him and so he decided to go ahead. Now as he arched away from the super structure he saw a lone Cylon headed for him. He began to make evasive manouvouers but the Cylon was getting closer.

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Starbuck suddenly saw the shuttle appear from nowhere and then the lone Cylon following it. He peeled off from his original flight path and set off after the two craft.

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The shuttle pilot noted the viper peel off and follow. He only hoped it would get to the Cylon in time. All of a sudden he saw that the Cylon wasn't there anymore and the Viper overtook him and did a victory roll. He waggled the shuttle from side to side in answer. He looped round and landed. He was glad to get rid of his passengers, they didn't look happy people.

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Silanus didn't let go of the seat arm until they had landed and the doors to the shuttle were open. He had seen the frightened face of the pilot and knew how close they had been. He would be eternally grateful to whoever that Viper pilot was. He still wished he was back in time 3 or 4 yahrens ago and the Destruction had never happened. He stepped out of the shuttle and a figure came forward.

"Silanus? I am sorry you have to visit under these circumstances." Gollat held out his hand to greet the men.

"Where is my daughter? These are some of the elders of our family."

Gollat nodded at them, he wasn't surprised to find there were no women with them. Their culture was almost excessively patriarchal and repressive compared to the Caprican one. He indicated the way put of the landing bay and had to walk quickly to keep up with Silanus.

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Apollo sat through the debriefing with increasing impatience. He looked across at where Starbuck was sat almost dozing, indeed he was asleep. He knew Tigh had noticed it but wondered why he hadn't said anything. At last the debrief was over. Boomer poked Starbuck and he woke up. Apollo thought this would as good a time as any and got up to go over and ask him what was up but Tigh got there first.

"Lieutenant, the commander wants to see you in his office now."

Apollo was concerned about the fearful expression on Starbuck's face, "Yes, sir."

Tigh smiled at him. "It's ok. I'll come up with you."

Apollo went over quickly before they had chance to leave. He controlled his curiosity and simmering temper, "Starbuck, I need to see you straight after you've finished with the commander."

"Can't I have a turbowash first?" Starbuck was acutely aware of the sort of smell Apollo would pick up on.

Apollo smiled coldly. "No. I expect to see you straight afterwards. Understood?"

"Yes, sir."

Boomer and Tigh looked at each other over the heads of the two protagonists and shrugged their shoulders.

Apollo watched his love go out of the door. He knew he was jealous but he wanted to know why Starbuck had left him and gone straight into the arms of someone else.

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Starbuck left Adama's office and breathed a sigh of relief. Adama had been sympathetic and Starbuck was glad he was going to be ruled out of the investigation. Adama hadn't even inquired deeply into where he really was during the hours in question. Starbuck was relieved that even Adama seemed to accept the lie. Starbuck sighed, his next appointment would be the most difficult. He wandered down to Apollo's office and was surprised to find it empty. He wondered where he could be and then decided to avoid the issue. He needed a turbowash desperately and a sleep as well. Apollo could wait, he'd have to work out what to say to him about Reese.

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Apollo waited for Starbuck in the dome. He knew Sta would realise he would be here when he found that his office was empty. He guessed that the contents of the conversation would be too personal to take place in his office. He thought they would probably end up having a row but was looking forward to the make-up sex after that. Pity Boxey had his drama group presentation tonight. He glanced at the small chronometer and over two centars had passed since Starbuck had disappeared with Tigh. He absently tapped the console in annoyance; his father wouldn't have kept Starbuck that long. He made a decision.

He wandered down to the O'club to see if Starbuck was skulking in there. His mood was getting worse by the minute. He went up to the bar and pressed past the bunch of pilots looking up at the IFB broadcast. He asked the bartender "Seen Starbuck anywhere?" The bartender smirked and commented, "Yes in a manner of speaking!" He indicated the IFB broadcast that at present was showing the picture of Starbuck being escorted into an office in his dress uniform.

A pilot from the other end of the bar shouted, "No wonder he looked so exhausted. Captain, he's asleep on his bunk." Apollo indicated his thanks and walked out of the bar.

Boomer and Jolly passed him on the way in and decided that Starbuck had not kept his earlier appointment. Boomer grimaced inwardly, for some reason Apollo had been upset with Bucko all day.

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Apollo walked into the Blue squadron's bunk room and found Starbuck out cold on his bunk. He shook him angrily. "Lieutenant, when I give you an order I expect you to obey it."

Starbuck woke up slowly. This time the usually bewitching sight didn't work on Apollo. "Uh, Oh hi, Apollo. What time is it?"

"Two hours past our appointment time or had it slipped your mind?" Starbuck sat up, the bed covers slipped down to reveal that he had nothing on. Apollo's eyes briefly switched their focus and then with an effort he refocused them on Starbuck's face. Apollo reached into the locker beside the bunk and threw Starbuck a pair of under shorts and uniform trousers. "Put these on, now."

Starbuck deciding that speed was of the essence didn't argue and put them on. "Don't I get a tunic?" He asked when he was done.

"NO! Follow me, Lieutenant." Apollo strode off to the spacious store cupboard that doubled as the pyramid room when the pilots were so inclined. When both of them were in it. Apollo locked the door. "Ok, Sta, I want an explanation of what's been going on today."

Starbuck took a deep breath and nodded. "When I left you I went up to A deck. I fell asleep and then the next thing I knew was being dragged away by Reese and his goons. "

"Why?"

"Apparently one of the waitresses had been assaulted, I am not sure how badly but I think I can guess."

"Oh. And?"

"Well I gave an explanation for where I was and then they had me do a sample and took my dress uniform and then Salik did the matches and then I was told I wasn't under suspicion anymore."

"Is that all?" Apollo was relieved, no wonder he wanted to have a shower and a sleep.

"What do you mean 'is that all?'. I've been up half the night, accused of rape, made to masturbate in front of Salik and Reese and you say 'is that all?'." Starbuck paused as he worked through Apollo's logic. "You thought I was with someone else didn't you?" His face screwed up into a grimace. "You didn't trust me, the instant I didn't come back you thought oh there he goes off again. You didn't even look for me until the alert and then all you were concerned about was one more pilot to go out and risk being killed by the Cylons. Oh thanks a lot, Apollo."

Apollo began to get angry. Starbuck's analysis had cut a little too close to the bone. He thinned his lips. "Anyway what explanation did you give that was so convincing to make Gollat let you go? And my Father what did you tell him?"

"What do you mean what did I tell him?" Starbuck turned to the door and went up to it.

Apollo moved quickly and placed himself between the door and Starbuck. "I want to know, lieutenant, what alibi did you give to Gollat?"

"Don't worry, captain, you're not implicated. I didn't think you would want your tawdry little affair to be held up in public so I told him that I'd been too drunk to find my own way back to my cabin so I decided to flake out on one of the chairs. He is such a pathetic investigator that the man believed me."

"What about Reese?" Apollo had flinched at the words' tawdry little affair.'

Starbuck started, "He doesn't believe it but I don't know what he can do about it seeing as I'm not part of the investigation anymore." Now was not the time to discuss the real reason behind why Reese didn't believe him.

Apollo was still concerned with the alibi, "And my father?"

Starbuck sighed, not for the first time he wondered why Apollo was so paranoid about being seen to go out with another man. Perhaps it was their positions. He didn't care anymore; he had had it up to his neck today. "I told him the same thing I told Gollat, if one has to lie, one has to be consistent. This whole paranoia of yours, Apollo, is getting a little tiring. I'm sick of lying to everyone especially those closest to me about this whole subject."

Apollo grew cold at this change of tone in Starbuck's voice. "What do you mean?"

"Well perhaps I'm sick of skulking about with you. I like to be able to show my love off everywhere Apollo. All I can do with you is to have the occasional tumble in a bed. That's not a relationship it's more like, like." Starbuck broke off, unable to say the word. The voices from his childhood clamoured at him threatened to engulf him.

"You think I'm using you? You think I don't love you?" Apollo moved closer to Starbuck. He put a hand out and touched his arm.

Starbuck threw him off. He turned cold blue eyes on him. "Captain, just get out of here before I'm up on genuine charges of assault."

Apollo's eyes glinted, "Starbuck, it's not like that at all. Please believe me."

"Ok, go to your father and tell him about us, tonight."

"It's not that easy."

"Yes it is. Just say the words, 'Father I'm going out and having sex with a man, Starbuck.' But you won't will you, Apollo?" Starbuck's voice rose. "I'm not that important am I? You're just being a coward, using me to release your sexual frustrations just because you can't get Serina out of your mind and you don't want to sully her memory with another woman."

Apollo's mouth dropped open. Before he could reply the door opened and Boomer appeared. "Are you two ladies finished yet? We want to have a game of pyramid in here. Starbuck, are you in?"

Starbuck replied, "Yes we're finished. I'll be in the O'club if anyone wants me." He shot a glance at Apollo. He left the room.

Boomer raised an eyebrow at Apollo and then seeing his expression quickly retreated. Apollo stormed out of the store cupboard and went up to Starbuck's bunk. "Lieutenant. Remember we are on a deep space patrol tomorrow. I suggest that you take that into account when you are considering your alcohol intake. I would hate to put you on report for something only green cadets do."

Starbuck stood to attention, which he knew, would get Apollo's back up immediately. "Yes of course, sir. Advice duly remembered and retained. I would hate to do anything that would entail you having to put extra work in." Apollo turned on his heel and stalked out.

Boomer and the rest of the pilots were astounded by the actions of the pair of them. They had heard the general angry tone of the argument but not the words. Boomer went up to Starbuck and commented, "Bucko, you do know how to rub Apollo up the wrong way sometimes."

Starbuck wheeled round. He grabbed his flight jacket and finished tucking his tunic into his trousers. He snarled at Boomer. "Keep your nose out of my business, Boomer." He raised his voice so that everyone else could hear. "And that goes for anyone else you hear?" He stalked out of the room, passing Athena who had brought some notices in.

Athena went up to the shocked Boomer and queried, "Boomer, what's going on? I've passed Apollo who looks as though he is about to pop and then Starbuck who looks the same. "

Boomer smiled at Athena. "If I didn't know anything different I'd say a lover's tiff. Starbuck was reacting just the way he always used to do when you and him had an argument." Athena smiled at the memory. The rows were horrible, Starbuck always knew the right words to hurt a girl, but then his makeup sex was brilliant.

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Gollat looked at Silanus and his dour aides. He had just finished summarising his investigation so far. After the fiasco with Starbuck and the IFB he had not progressed at all.

Silanus pondered on what the fish eyed man had told them. "So this Starbuck is the only suspect you have?"

Gollat paused, "Well. He's not exactly a suspect, the initial tests were negative we are still waiting for confirmation. The alert held up them up." Gollat paused. "Yes he is the only suspect we have so far. You have to believe that we are investigating the matter with all due care and attention." He sighed inwardly when Silanus seemed to accept this.

Silanus asked a further question, "Is it possible for my nephew Demeter here to show us round this wonderful ship of yours? I know it is a strange request but we have so few opportunities to see anything of other cultures." Demeter shifted in his seat. He knew what his Uncle really thought of other cultures.

Gollat nodded. "Of course. There will be certain areas that you will not be able to go into. Your shuttle leaves in three centars."

Silanus rose to his feet, "Thank you. Please keep us in touch with your investigation."

He swept out of the room. At no time did Gollat register that Silanus hadn't spoken of his daughter once.

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The barkeeper looked at the extremely drunk lieutenant before him and touched the blond hair to rouse him from the stupor he was in. He wasn't surprised when there wasn't a reaction. Must be woman trouble, he only got into these moods when he was having woman trouble. "Oh, lieutenant." He cooed into Starbuck's ear. That finally got his attention. "Hmmm yesss." He looked down at his glass it was empty. "More ambrosa."

"No you've had 10. Shall I call Boomer and get him to take you back to your bunk?"

"Only 10? I'm slipping, I used to be able to drink 20 in two centars." Starbuck decided as he was on patrol with Captain Tight Ass Apollo in the morning he'd better go and sleep it off. "K, I'm going." He got up and slid off his stool and managed to just about retain a vertical stance. He struggled down the main corridor. On a whim he decided to go and see if Apollo was sulking in the dome. Maybe they could make things up partially at least. Otherwise it was going to be a very long patrol tomorrow.

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Demeter was getting more and more uncomfortable about his uncle's presence. He had shown some of the interesting points of the ship but he still had more than a centar to fill in before the shuttle went. He took the small party down past the O'club and slowed down when he saw who was ahead of them. He hoped his Uncle hadn't seen him.

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Apollo was finally relaxing, it had been a long and tiring day. The short drama presentation that Boxey and his friends had done was short and funny. He was waiting for him to come out of the dressing room. The door opened and Boxey ran out. Apollo swung him up into his arms and congratulated his son. "That was wonderful, son. What shall we do now?"

Boxey looked sheepish for a second or two and then asked, "Dad, do you mind if I stay with Dalla tonight as well as tomorrow? He's got this great game and we were playing it before we came here?"

Apollo frowned, "Does Dalla's mother know you want to stay with him an extra night?"

A female voice interrupted them, "Yes she does. I don't mind Apollo."

Apollo agreed, "Ok then!" Boxey struggled out of his dad's arms and ran back into the dressing room shouting for his friend of the month. Apollo laughed and thanked Dalla's mother and left Boxey in her capable hands. He was glad of the break from Boxey, he had to see his father.

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He half hoped Adama wouldn't be free but he knew Starbuck was right, there was no future in a relationship that had to spend its time skulking in the shadows. He got to the cabin door and announced himself and steeled himself at the greeting "Come." 'Well Starbuck I am going to do this for better or worse.'

Apollo entered and moved to where his father was sat in an easy chair looking out into the stars. "Hello, Apollo, is this business or pleasure?"

"Oh family, I think."

Adama looked up at his tone and gestured across to the desk where he had some ambrosa. He heard a glass being poured and watched his son sit down in the chair opposite. He waited a while for Apollo to begin. When he didn't look as though he was going to say anything he began himself. "I hear you chewed out someone this afternoon and then was chewed out yourself."

"You could put it that way," came the reply after a while. Apollo queried, "How do you know?"

"Athena told me." He paused. "She was laughing when she came back to the bridge after she had been to the bunkroom. She told me that Boomer described it as a lover's tiff. Is it true?"

Apollo swallowed, "Which part?"

Adama looked at his son for a while and smiled slowly. "Both."

Apollo looked at his hands and nodded. "I, I, was chewing him out for being late. Then it snowballed."

"How long?"

"A sectar and a half. It's been building for longer than that though but I'd finally convinced Starbuck to get past some of his childhood stuff and then I got mad and jealous and with the day it's been it all came out wrong. Starbuck told me to come and tell you, I wanted to keep it a secret. He lied in his statement this morning because of it."

"I thought he had. Why the secrecy though, afraid of me, the crew or yourself?"

"I don't know and I think I've lost him because of it." Tears started pouring down his face. His father came across and held him.

"I am sure you haven't, you know what Starbuck is like. Once he calms down he'll be all right."

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Starbuck saw the dimly lit service corridor and remembered it crossed with one of the corridors that led to the Celestial Dome. He started to walk down it.

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Silanus had speeded up the progress down the corridor, he stopped when he saw Starbuck turn off into a dimly lit corridor. Demeter's stomach told him to be cautious, he didn't like what was happening. His uncle twisted his arm. "Nephew, where does that corridor lead?"

"It's a service corridor, a corridor that is barely used. That's why it's got low lighting. It must connect somewhere with another corridor. People use them sometimes as a short cut. Please, Uncle, don't even think about it. They'll know it's you and then they will come and get you."

Silanus hissed, "That doesn't matter because I will have had my justice."

Demeter argued, "You heard Gollat, he didn't have any proof that it was him. If they did I'm sure he would be under guard."

Silanus laughed. He nodded to two of the group who sprinted up the corridor. Demeter hung his head; those two were the fastest and quietest hunters in the clan. Silanus pulled Demeter into the corridor with him. They followed the hunters.

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Starbuck wandered slowly along the corridor, wondering how they had gone from being lovers to a pair of fur flying felines within a day. A man suddenly hit him from behind. He struggled briefly but before he knew it he was hooded and his arms were bound painfully behind him. "Hey." His words were cut off by a thump to his nose and mouth. He could taste the blood starting to flow. He was pulled up and pushed back in the direction he came from. He stumbled along, falling heavily once or twice. Both times he was kicked painfully until he got up. He was rapidly sobering up. He had a deep fear in his guts. 'Apollo, it would be good if you could come down this corridor now.' After what seemed centars he was pushed to the ground.

Silanus looked at the lieutenant kneeling before him and kicked him in the stomach.

Starbuck let out a whoosh of breath but refused to let a cry of pain come forth. He was picked back up again.

Silanus saw that this man was going to be stubborn before he would give him the satisfaction of knowing he had extracted justice from him. He knew he couldn't do it in this corridor. He took his nephew a little way down the corridor and asked, "Can you get us into one of these store rooms?" Demeter paused and only nodded after a painful twist of his arm from Silanus. He saw a side corridor, which contained two store rooms. Both were locked, Demeter worked on the control panel of one of them. He struggled with it due to nervousness, he had an idea what Silanus had in mind. He hoped that Silanus would not expect him to take part. The door whooshed open at last. He stepped back as the lieutenant was pushed past him. To his relief Silanus told him to stay outside. The door closed silently, Demeter leaned on it.

Starbuck wondered what was going to happen as he was pulled up and pushed along a little way. He didn't think it was going to be anything good. He heard a door close behind him. He tensed and wasn't surprised when he felt an arm crash against his ribs. Another arm crashed across his kidneys. He stuttered forward a few steps and then felt a foot trip him up. He crashed to the floor; his head hit the floor hard. Kicks flew into his body from all directions. His control began to lessen as his head throbbed and the beating didn't stop. He tried to focus on something and smiled as Apollo's face came into view. He hung on to that. He didn't notice the tears flowing down his face. Starbuck hoped that all they wanted to do was to beat him. What scared him was they did this in silence. At least when the Cylons had tortured him they were asking questions.

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Apollo left his father's room with a spring in his step. Maybe he could find Starbuck tonight and they would make it up before the patrol tomorrow. He went down to the O'club. He went into it with a smile on his face and hope in his heart. He went up to the bar for the second time in a day. The barkeeper smiled.

"I sent him back to his bunk about 20 centons ago. He'd had enough. Has he got woman trouble again?"

Apollo smiled, "Something like that. Thanks."

He went down the corridor towards the bunkroom and saw the service corridor. He smiled; maybe he had gone to the dome. 'Hmmm it is time to christen it.' He walked down the corridor.

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Starbuck felt with relief the kicking stop. He coughed a little and tasted the blood. He doubted that he would make the patrol in the morning. Strong arms grabbed him and he felt something tugging at his flight jacket. He heard the tearing of cloth. He closed his eyes to try and block the sensations. He stiffened and tried to struggle but he was held tight. A hand slapped him heavily stunning him. An old mantra that he used in the orphanage at times like this popped into his head, he cried as the memories surged forwards. Past and reality became mixed.

Silanus smiled as the man's posture changed. He appeared to become accepting of his fate. The elders back home always said that this was an indication of true guilt. His conscience was further salved. The man appeared to be quietly muttering something, perhaps a prayer. Silanus thought 'good he is preparing himself.' He saw that the last of the man's clothes had been removed. He knew himself to be ready. Silanus indicated to the others who all nodded and smiled and indicated that they too were ready.

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Starbuck felt himself being moved into position. His mantra sped up. He felt the pressure and then a tearing pain that radiated throughout his entire body. He screamed, "Apollo, Apollo." He cried with shame as he felt the unwanted stimulation of his prostate begin to have effects elsewhere. He heard the laughter as he came. He relaxed as he felt the man withdraw. He shouted "NO" when he felt a second man take up position. His head was still ringing from the resultant slap when the man climaxed inside him. After that he just let them do as he wished, he tried to keep hold of the vision of Apollo in his mind. He lost count after the third and never even noticed when they had finished.

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Demeter, even with his head leant against the door, couldn't hear what was going on. The storerooms were soundproof due to the designer recognising the need for strong walls to prevent damage and also to aid temperature regulation. He could just about imagine what was going on, 'why couldn't he do something to help?' He knew he should but he also felt the pull of clan loyalty, he had been brought up to respect his uncle as clan leader even his rebellion of coming to the Galactica hadn't broken that. He wiped the tears away from his eyes. He tensed as he heard someone come down the corridor. He crept to the intersection with the main corridor and stared out into the dim light. He ducked back as the man passed him and then stopped breathing as the man stopped and turned round.

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Apollo creased his eyebrows as he 'heard' a cry of Apollo! Starbuck's voice. He listened out again but couldn't hear anything. Even so cold hands worked his way up and down his spine. He heard it again, this time weaker than before. He smiled to himself; it must be his unconscious bringing back sweet memories of last night. At last he turned round and made his way swiftly to the dome. His spirits lifted thinking of the make up sex to come. He smiled to himself, in a rash moment Athena had once told him the times after rows were the wildest for her and Starbuck. He wondered whether he could get Starbuck to repeat his performance of last night when he had taken him so decisively and forcefully. He patted his flight jacket pocket to check the lube was still there.

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Demeter breathed a sigh of relief as Apollo made his way down the corridor away from them. He then checked his chronometer; 'they would have to move soon or else the shuttle would be gone.' Just as he was thinking that the door opened. Silanus walked out looking satisfied, the same expression was held by the five other men. Demeter swallowed. Silanus shut the door. He turned round to Demeter and ordered, "Lock the door."

The group moved out into the corridor. Demeter wondered what to do, he knew if the door was locked the lieutenant might not be discovered in time. He flicked a glance and realised his uncle could not see him. He delayed a few microns and then left and walked with them back down the corridor. The lights of the open door lock shone out through the gloom like a solitary star in an interplanetary space.

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Apollo waited for two centars at the dome. He decided to check whether his errant lover was in his bunk like he should be. His earlier irritability returned when he wasn't there. He certainly wasn't going to descend to the level of searching Cass's room for him. He'd just have to have a 'chat' with him on the patrol.

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Starbuck awoke to a sea of pain and darkness. He was warm though. He tried to get up but his legs hurt too much. He decided to stay where he was, wherever that was. The darkness and warmth quickly lulled him back to unconsciousness

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Apollo paced up and down the launch bay beside Starbuck's Viper. Starbuck was now ten centons late. He was getting angrier and angrier. He had not gotten very much sleep as those cold fingers he had felt in the corridor returned and haunted him through his sleep. The voice of Starbuck had returned growing weaker over the night. Apollo decided that the dreams must mean that Starbuck had decided that he was giving up on them. He looked up as he saw Boomer enter the landing bay. "Well, Lieutenant?" he snapped.

Boomer spread his hands, "He's not there, his bunk hasn't been slept in. I asked Cassi, she swore she hadn't seen him in days."

Apollo came to a decision. He walked over to the Comm. unit on the wall. "Colonel Tigh, please."

There was a short delay. "What's the problem, Apollo?"

"More like who, Colonel. I'm formally reporting Lieutenant Starbuck AWOL."

Boomer's eyes widened and he inwardly groaned. 'You've really gone and done it this time, Bucko!'

"Captain isn't that a little premature, it's not the first time he's been late and."

Apollo interrupted Tigh, "Yes and if I have anything to do with it, it will be his last. Please place him on report. Boomer's down here already, he can go out with me instead." Apollo turned away from the communication panel and signalled to the Viper crew to replace Starbuck's Viper with Boomer's.

Jenny glared at Boomer who swallowed and went up to Apollo. "Apollo, I can't go out on a long patrol today, me and Jenny have plans for the late cycle tonight. Can't we wait a little longer for him to turn up?"

Apollo stared at Boomer. He asked flatly, "Are you disobeying a direct order lieutenant? Are you not the reserve pilot?"

"No and yes."

"No and yes what?"

"Sir!" Boomer said smartly. He only hoped he would be able to get to Starbuck before he was thrown into the brig, he would lay some bruises on him.

Apollo turned to complete his pre-flight checks on his viper. Boomer spread his hands helplessly at Jenny, who looked as if she wanted to get her hands on Starbuck as well.

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Tigh turned away from the screen as the two vipers launched. He hoped Apollo's temper had improved by the time he had got back in twelve centars time. He sighed as he made the necessary notes in the daily log. He would have to show it to Adama when he got back from the council meeting. He looked at the list of things to do today, just the usual range of housekeeping jobs. He saw one item on the list, a request by Dr Salik for a search to find some medical supplies he felt were somewhere down corridor d-4. He looked over the personnel working on the rota on the bridge. Athena was sat at her console looking bored already. Maybe he would send her out later.

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Apollo and Boomer circled round the Galactica making sure their instruments had the correct co-ordinates and were set to the right navigational frequency. Apollo looked down at the ship and fought the irrational urge he had to land and search it from top to bottom to find his soulmate. He was certain despite his anger and bluster that something was desperately wrong.

Boomer looked over at his wing mate and wondered what was going through Apollo's mind, it looked as though he had set the viper on a return path. "Hey, Captain. Is there a problem?"

Apollo started. He checked where he was. "No, Boomer. You set? Let's go." The two vipers blasted off along the planned trajectory. Apollo and Boomer both couldn't resist a look back at the Galactica.

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Cassi looked into Helle's private room and saw two sleeping figures. She smiled at the devotion of the young lad who had been into visit last night with the other members of her clan. She knew that they both were regarded as rebels in their clan.

The medtech she was taking over from commented. "He's been there all night." She smiled. "Her mood really lifted when he came back. Did you see her family at all when they came?"

Cassi thinned her lips. She knew she should not be judgmental but she couldn't help it in their case. "They weren't concerned about her more about catching who did it. I know that is important too but they were only here for about five centons."

"Know the type. Anyway my bunk is calling me. See you later."

Cassi started to check her patients.

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Starbuck found the darkness and warmth comforting. It allowed him to float without feeling the pain. He didn't notice the passing of time.

Outside the door lock open light shined like a beacon.

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Tigh looked at his chronometer, nearly mid-cycle. He called Athena over. "Dr Salik has requested somebody to locate some medical supplies that he thinks are located along D4. It's quiet today so I thought you might want to do the job for me. Oh and you'd better take a medtech along, what about..."

For the second time he was interrupted by a member of the same family, "Cassi, so I can gently pump her for any clue to the whereabouts of our missing Lieutenant Starbuck?"

Tigh smiled, "You'll make a command officer one day."

"I intend to, sir."

Athena quickly left the bridge and made her way down to life center. She knew Cassi would probably have no more idea where Starbuck was than she did but she would have a try.

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Cassi was making slow progress in trying to get Helle to open up. She would ask for the essentials but other than that she was silent. She left her to eat her mid cycle meal and found that Athena was waiting for her.

"Hi, Athena, what brings you down here?"

Athena returned Cassi's smile since Cassi and Starbuck had broken up they had become much better friends. "Oh, Tigh wants us to go on a mission to find some lost medical supplies."

Cassi laughed, "You mean he wants you to pump me to see if I know where Starbuck is?"

"Basically."

"I already told Boomer that I haven't seen Starbuck in days."

"Apollo's listed him as AWOL."

Cassi's face fell. "Oh no. I heard the two of them had a massive argument last night."

"Yep. Nobody knows what it was about though."

"I'll go and get my jacket, it's cold in some of those storage rooms."

Twenty centons later they were walking down corridor d4. They had looked in the few storerooms that were directly off the gloomy corridor. Cassi shivered as she walked down the corridor.

Athena queried, "Cold?" She hadn't felt a draught or the temperature drop.

Cassi stopped as though she was listening. Her training as a socialator had included a small amount of psi training, enough for her to sense emotions and atmospheres. She put a hand out to stop Athena talking. She concentrated on the emotion of fear and hurt that hung heavy in the air. She looked around with the flashlight wishing these service corridors were more brightly lit. Then as strongly as the emotion had hit her it disappeared. She was left with little more than an icy feeling crawling through her spine. "Yuk, Athena, sorry about that. I felt something. Hmm I know where the rumours come from about these corridors being haunted!"

Athena chuckled with relief, "Glad I wasn't the only one. I felt a little creepy there too. Maybe we should come back after getting some food?"

Cassi considered the idea but the knowledge that something was badly wrong spurred her on. "No, there is something wrong here. Badly wrong."

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The two quickened their pace down the corridor, their original search forgotten. They quickly found a small side corridor. This corridor was even gloomier than the one they had left. Athena was going to ignore it when something caught her eye, a small light on the wall panel. They both quickly went up to it and noted the room number d4f2. Cassi noted the door wasn't locked. She put her ear to it. She couldn't hear anything. The two women looked at each other.

Cassi opened the door. They both instantly recoiled at the smell that came from the room. Athena stepped back gagging. Cassi closed her mind to the smell and started analysing the components. They were all human smells, bodily waste and then there was blood and then something underlying it all, stale sex. She sniffed again and her stomach flipped when she recognised one of the sex scents. She shone her flashlight into the gloom of the half lighting and saw a body on the floor in the far corner. She turned to Athena. "Athena, find a Comm. panel fast. Ask for a medteam and security, ask them to come urgently." Athena looked blankly at her for a second. Cassi stressed, "Please, Athena, remember room d4f2 and tell them quickly." Athena nodded and ran.

Cassi went into the room; she found the switch to bring the lights up to full. She cried out in anguish as she saw who it was; who she had known it was. She ran over to him.

@@@

Starbuck heard the door swoosh open and then a raised voice commanding someone to do something. He hoped it wasn't him, whoever it was must know he couldn't do anything. It hurt too much. He flinched as footsteps came across to him.

@@@

Cassi saw him flinch as she approached. She knelt by him, not caring about what it was she was kneeling in. She felt for the pulse in his neck, it was weak and very erratic. She whipped off her jacket and gently laid it over him so that it covered his lower back. She couldn't do anything about his bound hands; she didn't have anything sharp on her. She started to softly sing an old Gemonese lullaby as she moved to remove the hood. Cassi noted how he had flinched at all of her movements. She took the hood off nice and slow. A tear dropped from her face when she saw the beating he had taken to his face through the hood. "Oh, Starbuck. I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry."

@@@

Starbuck couldn't help but flinch at each of the gentle movements. He heard the song, he didn't understand the words but it helped him relax a little bit when whoever it was moved to his head. He felt the material covering his face being lifted away. He was scared at that; the darkness had made him comfortable. His pain was rapidly returning. He heard the words the kind sounding lady was speaking. All he could think about was the trouble he got into at the orphanage the last time this happened. He remembered being locked away in a room for sectons because of it. He struggled to find his voice. The lady ssshed him. He suddenly found it. In a hoarse whisper he asked, "I won't get into trouble for this will I, lady?"

He felt a comforting hand on his face and the voice said, "Of course not. Don't worry."

He tried to open his eyes but they hurt so much, he couldn't.

@@@

Cassi wept as she saw him trying to open his swollen eyes. She continued singing her lullaby as she waited for the medteam to arrive. Her ears were alert for any sound of the Medteam even though she knew that they would probably only have just have got the message. She tried not to think of the injuries they would find when they started to examine him.

@@@

Athena ran down the corridor, trying to remember where the nearest Comm. panel was. At last she reached it. She thumbed the signal for the bridge.

"Bridge." It was Rigel.

"Rigel." Athena panted. "I, we need a Medteam and a security team to d4f2 immediately."

"Athena! What's going on? Are you alright?"

"We have a casualty." Athena paused as her mind finally latched onto one of the scents in the room. She crumpled against the wall for a micron. "I think we've found Starbuck!"

Rigel suddenly became businesslike. "Request logged and assistance requested. Repeat location d4f2."

"D4f2 correct. Please tell them to come quickly."

@@@

Athena ran back to the room. She arrived to stand at the doorway. She saw Cassi stroking a blond head and singing a soothing song. She forced herself to go over. She knelt on the other side of the head and looked across at Cassi. "He is still....?"

Cassi tried to smile but tears just came instead. She nodded. Athena joined her in comforting Starbuck.

@@@

Tigh saw the buzzing on his command console and pressed the intercom, "Yes, Rigel?"

"Sir, I've just had a request from Athena sir. She wanted a medteam and a security team." Rigel paused. "She said they thought they had found Starbuck, sir."

'Lords' prayed Tigh. He jumped up and leant over and looked down and saw Omega there, "Omega, you're in charge of the bridge until either the commander or I get back, understood?"

"Sir!"

Rigel shouted after him, "D4f2."

@@@

Adama stared at the wall chronometer and then looked at the two women slumped in chairs in front of him. It had been eight centars and they were still not finished in surgery. The Comm. panel in the room beeped. Adama went over to it, "Yes?"

"Sir, we've received long range scan indications of the Captain Apollo's patrol returning. They will be in Comm. range in five centons. Do we advise him of the situation?"

Adama thought rapidly. His son would be tired and if he heard what had happened over the comm doubtless he would put all speed on to get back and that would be dangerous. "No. Inform me when he will be landing and someone will inform him personally."

"Yes sir."

@@@

Boomer was glad that the patrol was almost over. Apollo had been so silent that occasionally he didn't know whether he was awake or asleep. He smiled at the thought of the dressing down that Starbuck would get when Apollo managed to collar him. He watched Apollo land and then quickly followed him in.

He popped the canopy open and threw his helmet down to the waiting crewman. He climbed out, relieved that the crewman didn't want to talk. He smiled as he saw the stern looking Apollo do the same on the other side. He wondered if he could get some form of monitoring gear into the room when that interview would take place. He was astonished to see Adama appear on the deck. Boomer followed closely behind Apollo towards the decom area.

Adama stepped in front of the pair of pilots. He could see the fatigue in both of them but he could also see the anger in Apollo's eyes. He swallowed.

Apollo put a hand out onto Boomer's chest to stop him and said, "Have you found him?" Adama nodded. Apollo smiled tautly, "Where was he in the bottom of the ambrosa vats in the O'club? The chancery at the Rising Star? Licking his wounds with Chameleon?"

Adama swallowed again, he knew his son rarely let go of his anger so he knew how much this had been building up over the past twelve centars or so. It made it even harder to tell him what he had to tell him. He nodded to Boomer to proceed to the decom room. Apollo deserved to be told in private.

Apollo stopped Boomer with a hand to his chest. "You can tell me, father, in front of Boomer. After all Starbuck not turning up for his duty disadvantaged him as much as it did me." Apollo stared his father out.

Boomer looked from man to man and saw something in Adama's expression he didn't like. He suddenly thought back to the mournful faces of the crew and the strictly business like way they had been guided in by the bridge. There had been none of the usual gossip or banter. His stomach started to flip. He knew Apollo was too angry to take note of any of these. He broke the stares by asking hesitantly, "Is Starbuck, erm, all right, sir?"

Adama was relieved that Boomer had broken the ice. He saw the sudden realisation on his son's face. He grabbed an arm to support him. He looked from friend to friend. "I am sorry. He was attacked, best guess we have is sometime last night. His condition is extremely grave."

Apollo looked into his father's eyes and saw the sympathy there. He was aware that someone, Boomer was supporting him. His mind flashed back to that wander through the corridor when he had 'heard' Starbuck scream his name. He forced his voice to work, "Where was he found?" He knew the answer before it came.

"Corridor D4."

@@@

Apollo barely knew how he got to life center, he certainly didn't notice Boomer or his father following him. He saw through a corner of his eye his sister sleeping curled up on a few seats strung together. He ignored her and went into the main area. He stood looking around for a few microns unobserved by the knot of staff gathered up by the station. He began to check the private cubicles, two were empty, and in the other were a young woman and presumably a relative. Another empty one and then he was there. He paused at the doorway and then entered.

Cass stood up in shock as Apollo entered. "Apollo, you shouldn't be here." Cass moved to stand by Starbuck's head.

Apollo ignored her comment for the moment. He was focused on the figure on the bed. Starbuck seemed to be cocooned in dressings, tubes, and wires. His face, his beautiful face was purple and swollen. A breathing tube went into his throat. 'Oh, Starbuck, love. Who did this to you?' Apollo picked up one of the limp hands and held it gently. He wondered at the flinch that resulted. Whilst still holding his hand, he finally commented on Cass's opening remark. "What do you mean I shouldn't be here? Who found him? What investigations have been done?" Without knowing it his voice had become louder and louder.

Cass looked up in alarm at the monitors. "Apollo..." She suddenly realised he didn't know. "Let's discuss this outside."

"Why not here?"

"Come on." Cass looked up the monitors, although she knew Starbuck was deeply unconscious, the monitors were showing that enough of Apollo's tone had filtered through to make him frightened. His pulse rate and blood pressure were climbing dangerously. She pleaded, "Please."

Another voice interrupted the pair, "Captain, please leave now. Cass take him to the relatives room."

Apollo looked up in confusion at Dr Wer, she was normally stationed on the agro ship. Somehow he let himself be taken out of the room. Cass comforted him; "Come on, Apollo, Starbuck'll be fine. We need to let him rest now."

@@@

On the Rising Star a figure crept around in the shadows. He had decided he wanted another try at what he did the other night. Hopefully this time he would get longer to enjoy the experience.

@@@

Apollo sat down in one of the chairs next to Athena. He noticed Cass speaking quietly to his father about something. Boomer was staring at the ceiling. Athena was quiet and pale but very awake now. He decided that he hadn't been told the full story. He coughed loudly. "Excuse me but what is going on here?"

Cass and Adama looked at each other. Athena bit her lip and looked at the floor.

When nobody answered Apollo appealed to his father. "Father, you know I have the right." he gestured to Boomer. "Boomer here is Starbuck's oldest friend. He has the right too. You three obviously know something. I think we should know it too."

Cass and Athena exchanged glances at Apollo's words, 'I have the right.' Suddenly they understood the reason for Starbuck's recent contentment. Athena closed her eyes as she knew it would make the words her father would say next all the harder. Boomer moved next to Apollo, smiling a little at having had his unconscious suspicions confirmed.

Adama breathed in and then nodded. "Apollo, Boomer. The medics have told us that at some point during his assault, Starbuck was raped. Several times." He put a supporting hand on Apollo's shoulder only to find it roughly shook off.

"No, No, you're joking. Not Starbuck, not again. I should have listened to him, stopped it." Tears crashed down his face.

Athena moved to embrace her brother, "Apollo. Don't cry. There was nothing you could have done. We found him in a storeroom, the door had been closed. If we hadn't been looking..."

Apollo's tone got cold, "How did you know where to look?"

Athena looked at Cass who answered, "We were in the corridor looking for some medical supplies. I, I felt something was wrong so we were looking around and we saw this door lock open light where there shouldn't be one." Apollo turned to face the wall whilst Cass was speaking.

After what seemed to centons he turned round. He laughed coldly. His gaze was fixed on the floor. "I was no more than 20 centons behind Starbuck. I went to the O'club to find him and the barkeeper said he'd gone back to his bunkroom. I then saw the corridor and decided to see if he'd come to his senses and had maybe, maybe had gone to the dome. I wandered along it and then when I was about halfway down I heard in my head Starbuck screaming my name." He paused and swallowed. "I even heard it again. I stopped and looked around but I just thought it was me thinking about what we did the night before." Apollo paused again. "So I went on my merry way. I couldn't sleep all night because I kept hearing him scream, I just stupidly thought it was because of the argument." He looked up at Boomer. "When I went out on patrol, I almost landed again because I thought, knew something was wrong. I should have done but no, all I could think about was how angry I was with him for not being around when I wanted him to be." Apollo snorted. "I didn't look for him again that night when I couldn't find him as I was so sure I'd find him your room, Cass. I'm sorry, I've been so stupid." Cass came and took in him in his arms as he started to cry again.

Cass briefly looked at Adama who nodded. She quietly whispered to Apollo, "Come on, Apollo, it's not your fault. Shall we get you to bed, I bet you're tired. Starbuck's gonna be fine. Dr Wer doesn't want him to have any visitors just for the moment. Sssh there come on let's go." Cass pulled an unprotesting Apollo out of the room, she shook her head at Boomer when he came over to help.

@@@

As soon as the door had closed behind the pair, Athena asked her father, "What did Apollo mean when he said 'not again'?" She didn't really want the answer.

Adama knew that whatever was said within the four walls of the room would stay there. He sighed. "According to his records, at one of the orphanages he was in when he was about 12 yahrens old, he was, was assaulted in a similar fashion." Adama stared at his hands for a few centons. He looked up when the silence became oppressive. He saw Boomer with his head against the wall letting the tears run and Athena sitting there staring. "You two look as though you need some rest. I'll check with Dr Wer and then I'm going to rest myself." He paused, as his words didn't seem to get through. He tried again, "Look, Starbuck will need us more in the next days than he does right now. We'll need to be strong and alert then not stupid now."

Athena nodded and gave her father a faltering smile. "Come, Boomer, you can walk me back to my cabin." Boomer nodded.

Before they left, he fixed them with a stare. "The rest of the ship know that Starbuck was attacked and is ill, they do not know the full extent of his injuries. Understood? Chameleon is on his way here, Dr Wer and myself will brief him when he arrives. " They both nodded.

@@@@

As the two of them left, Adama went into the main area. Dr Wer came up to him. "Commander, we've managed to stabilise him again. Do you want to see him for a few centons? I believe as long as people are calm and don't touch him, he should be fine." Adama nodded.

@@@@

The pair passed the open doorway to Helle's room. Helle, not being able to sleep with the comings and goings outside her door for the past two centars or so vaguely wondered what was going on. She looked at Demeter who for the second night running had come to sleep in her room. He wasn't his usual cheerful self either. Must have something her father said or done last night when he had come over to see her. She recognised the old man as the Commander, Adama. After a short time he passed again going in the opposite direction. This time he was wiping his eyes.

A medtech came in to check on her and was surprised to find her awake. "Hello, Helle. Are you ok? Need anything? Something to help you sleep?"

Helle whispered back not wanting to wake Demeter. "I'm fine I think. I can't sleep with all the noise tonight."

"Oh sorry about that. We have a very ill patient down the corridor." The medtech turned to go.

Helle whispered a question, "I know I shouldn't ask but is it one of the Commander's family? I saw him before and he looked really upset."

The medtech shook her head but because this was the longest conversation anyone had had with her she gave her the information she wanted. "No, well not quite. It is one of the Viper pilots, Lieutenant Starbuck. He was assaulted last night; no one found him until about nine centars ago. And now, young lady, I think you ought to go to sleep like your young friend there." Helle slid down the bed and pretended to go to sleep.

Helle let a tear drop from her face. That night must have been fated, first her and now Starbuck. She smiled a little at the thought of the way he had been so kind to her. It had been her first night in the chancery and she had been secretly frightened at the thought of being there with all the pilots there. She'd heard stories from the other waitresses about the amount they could drink and what they got up to but there had been none of that, well apart from the drinking. She opened her eyes again when she knew she wasn't going to go to sleep anytime soon. She saw Demeter staring out of the door, tears dripping down his face. She nudged him.

"What's the matter?"

Demeter wiped his face, "Nothing."

"Yes there is. Tell me."

"I'm just worried about you. You didn't deserve anything like this to happen." Over the past few centars he had tried to convince himself Starbuck was guilty, that he deserved what had happened to him. He had been walking through Life Center when they had wheeled him through out of surgery. He was glad that he had been found.

Helle closed her eyes as the words brought the feelings and pain back. She knew she wasn't to blame but she could hear her father's voice tell her that she had brought it on herself. The fact that he hadn't asked the staff if she could go back with him told her plenty about her position in the clan now. All he seemed to ask her was if he had seen who had done it. She had to say no like she had said to everyone who asked. She wondered if even Demeter would have her now. He would probably go back to the clan when he had finished his training and use his skills on the Liviad. She was alone and friendless now. She flinched from the touch of Demeter.

Demeter sighed. He knew she was hurting, more than he could possibly know but he also knew he couldn't stay here on the Galactica at least at the moment. He had to go back to the Liviad and see what his uncle intended doing, he knew that tradition demanded a public announcement that the Kav'shar had been carried out. He also feared that if this were done then who knows what backlash would follow. He would speak to her in the morning.

Helle spent the rest of the night awake unable to sleep for fear of nightmares and worrying over the tone of Demeter's words. Her thoughts kept turning back to the Kav'shar, the ancient ritual of justice. Her mind refused to allow the possibility of it happening. They were supposed to be fully integrated in a civilised and advanced society; things like that didn't happen anymore. She noted with pain she knew all too well things like that did happen. She would talk with Demeter in the morning. She finally slept.

@@@@

Apollo lay staring into space. His heart bursting with pain for his love. How could he have not listened to what his heart was telling him. He knew he must only have been yards away from him when he 'heard' him scream, he could have stopped it then, but no all he could think of was his own selfish desires. Well he had learned to live without them after Serina's death, he would do so again. That was the only he could protect his friends and himself from this type of pain ever happening again. He knew Starbuck would probably never want to have contact of that sort again anyway.

@@@@

Three sectons later...

Boomer was chatting to Jenny about a date when he saw one of the early passengers arrive for the inter-ship shuttle. Chameleon. He excused himself to Jenny and walked over to him. "Hi, Chameleon. Going back?"

"Yes, Boomer. Have to keep the Siress happy. If I don't keep going back I'm sure she'll forget me." He didn't smile for very long after his attempted joke; it was a little too near the truth.

Boomer looked at his shoes, "How is he?"

Chameleon shook his head, "Still stuck. Unfortunately Starbuck was obviously never a good kid like Boxey either." Chameleon stopped. If it were anyone else he would probably have been amused but seeing how streetwise the kid was at the age of twelve really made him hurt. He missed what Boomer was saying. "Sorry, Boomer?"

Boomer repeated himself. "Do you know if anyone else will be let in to see him? Is there anything I can do for him."

Chameleon smiled to help ease Boomer's pain. He personally thought the psychologists were wrong in cocooning him away from everyone apart from himself, Adama, Cass, and Athena. He had taken it upon himself to tell Boomer once he had got over the shock that Apollo hadn't told him of Starbuck's true status. He knew there were lots of Starbuck's friends who would help if they knew what sort of state he was in. "Maybe there is. Like any kid he's getting bored and when he gets bored... Do you know of any electronic games that a twelve yahren old might like? I am behind the pace these days."

Boomer smiled, it would take a bit of tinkering, but he knew exactly which 'game' Starbuck might like. "Yes, I'll find something suitable. When are you coming back?"

"Oh, a secton or so. There'll be lots to catch up with on the Seniors ship." Boomer nodded.

@@@@

Athena was having the daily whispered argument with Apollo whilst Boxey got himself ready for a study trip. "Look, Apollo, he really needs you. Please come and see him."

"No. He doesn't need me, I don't think he ever really did. Anyway what's the use, I don't need another kid to look after."

Athena with an effort remembered to keep whispering. "This is Starbuck we're talking about. You love him, don't you want to see him well? Look if he doesn't get better soon they're talking about sending him over to the 'Hospital ship.' Do you want him to spend the rest of his life over there? He really would be in the best environment there wouldn't he? I can just imagine that he would be really protected and cared for over there!"

Apollo winced but going to see Starbuck would mean admitting to himself his guilt about starting the whole damn thing off by having that argument and that was caused by jealousy. He said nothing in reply.

Athena looked at her brother and knew he was hurting too inside. 'Damn him. He's got a guilt complex about arguing with Starbuck that day and won't admit it. So what does Captain Apollo do? Shut down on everybody including the one person who needs him the most.' She raised her voice, "Boxey, are you ready yet? We're running behind time."

Boxey bounded through the doorway. "I'm ready. I've been ready for ages I was just waiting for you and dad to stop shouting at each other."

"We were whispering," Apollo objected pedantically.

"All the same to me." Boxey paused. "Were you arguing about Uncle Starbuck again? I miss him."

Athena knelt down and embraced him. The first few days after the incident when Apollo had first refused to visit, making all sorts of excuses there had been some terrible rows between Apollo and her followed by him and their father.

Apollo's miserable voice surprised her, "So do I, Boxey, so do I." Perhaps there was hope after all, she thought. That was the first tiny crack in the armour she had seen for three sectons.

@@@@

Starbuck pushed the food round his plate. That was the only thing wrong with this place. The food was well, horrible. It was much better than the orphanage. The staff were kinder and much more patient with him and they didn't expect anything... He remembered times when he was ill and they still would want or expect him to do things for them. He smiled, he liked one Medtech in particular. She brought him mushy bars and stuff when the doctor wasn't looking. The other visitors he had were much more serious though he felt they all liked him.

@@@@

Apollo and Athena waved Boxey and his friends off on their secton long study tour of the agro and science ships. Athena was wondering if Apollo could be persuaded to visit now that Boxey was out of the way. Cass had told her that the decision over Starbuck's immediate future was looming.

Apollo caught the play of thoughts over her face and caught her arm, "Athena, don't even think about it. I'm not what he needs. He needs, he needs."

Athena spoke quietly not wanting a public row on this subject. "Friends Apollo." She hissed, "Before you were lovers you were the closest of friends." She paused. "What was the basis of your relationship, brother? Was it just good sex? I know you must have had that, anything else?" She followed on, unconsciously echoing Starbuck's words, "Was that all he was to you? A good tumble in the bed because every time you tried it on with a woman you remembered Serina?"

Apollo went red and quickly looked round to see if anyone was near enough to overhear. He dragged his sister into the shadows. His hands bit into her arms. "No! You know that's not true."

"Do I, Apollo? Prove it!" Athena prised Apollo's hands from her arms and stalked angrily away. Apollo leant his head against the bulkhead wall for a few centons and then, shrugging, went to start the daily mound of paperwork that always came his way.

@@@@

He entered the duty office and found Boomer working away at one of the terminals. Boomer was whistling some nonsense tune. "You're happy with the world today," he snapped angrily at the absorbed Boomer.

Boomer absently nodded, he was dealing with a tricky bit of programming.

Apollo thought 'great I am nagged at by my sister for at least an hour and ignored by my best friend. Frak did I really think that? Boomer's not my best friend.' Apollo mentally shrugged, 'He is now. Even if he was well, when he gets well, he'll never forgive me for not being there.' Apollo took up a piece of paper and stared at it for a long time without registering its contents. He sighed and swivelled his chair to watch Boomer. His mood lightened as he watched Boomer try and play what obviously was a terminal game with the joystick under the desk. "Taking up a new career, Boomer?"

Boomer blushed and put the joystick down. "Erm, a friend of Jenny's asked me to create a program for her son's novayahren." Boomer flicked a glance at the chronometer anxious to avoid the subject especially with the mood the Captain was in this morning. "Actually can I go? Her duty cycle ends soon."

Apollo looked at him sharply for a centon or two and let the lie pass. He'd already had two arguments this morning, he didn't want a third. It was going to be a very long secton without Boxey. 'I'm glad Athena didn't accuse me of using Boxey as a shield.' "Yes ok. Remember we've got to test that new scanner after mid-cycle."

Boomer smiled and left.

@@@

Starbuck poked his tongue out at the retreating therapist. Her exercise sessions were boring and made his arms and legs ache.

"Don't do that. It's rude," commented the medtech behind Starbuck's back.

Starbuck turned round in shock. "Have you got eyes in the back of your head, Cass?"

Cass laughed. She pulled at his earlobe. "No, I just knew what you would do, you horrible brat. She's only trying to get you better. And you'd better not let Dr Salik hear you call me Cass."

"Salik, I can handle him." He grinned mischievously.

Cass sighed, much like Chameleon; she was shocked and saddened at how much the boy was like the man. She handed him a drink. "Drink this." At Starbuck's grimace she laughed. "Well, my young friend, it is either this or someone sitting with you through each meal making sure you eat your greens." She wasn't surprised when the drink was taken and rapidly disappeared. "Right I want you to get into bed and rest now and no IFB." She left the boyman curled up obediently in his covers. She doubted though that her last order would be obeyed. Indeed as she closed the door she could hear the opening strains of some program.

@@@

She sighed as she saw Sheba standing there talking to Boomer. She knew Sheba had been in for a dressing to a burn she had got from when her comm panel sparked whilst on patrol. She didn't know what Boomer was doing there. She took the opportunity to evade their attention when Helle walked past her. "Helle, how are you doing? Heard from Demeter?"

Helle, who was in Life Center to continue her counselling, smiled shyly at Cass. "Hi, Cassi. I'm doing a little better. Thanks again for finding me that accommodation with Rigel. No I haven't heard from Demeter." Her face fell as she remembered when Demeter had left for the Liviad, they had left so much unspoken especially about her father's visit and the Kav'shar, she knew from his expression it had been carried out. On the wrong man she knew for sure.

@@@@

Demeter sat on his bunk. He flicked through the technical manual he had for about the thousandth time. He knew his uncle had probably by now withdrawn him from his training program. He looked at the locked door and was frustrated that it was one of the few rooms on their level that did not have a lock inside the room. Demeter sat and wondered what the time actually was. He knew that Silanus was trying to break him and get him to submit to the discipline of the clan. Get him to admit that Silanus was right in doing what he did. Demeter sighed as he thought of Helle left alone, hurting, on the Galactica.

@@@

Cass swallowed as Helle left her to go into her counselling session. Boomer waved to her. She went slowly up to him. "Hi, Boomer." She flicked her eyes over the listening form of Sheba.

Boomer smiled nervously, he wished Sheba would go away. "Hi, Cass. How's things?"

She flicked an anxious eye over to the cubicle she had just exited. "Fine, he's still unconscious." That was the cover story that had been concocted for not allowing any visitors. She could see that Boomer didn't believe her. She wondered who had told him, probably Chameleon. She bit her lip.

Before Boomer could reply a door opened and a plaintive cry sounded out, "Cass, it hurts."

Cass's eyes rolled to the back of her head. 'Brilliant timing brat.' She walked back to the room. She heard the following footsteps of Boomer and Sheba. Starbuck was curled up on the bed hugging his stomach. She closed the door behind her. "What's the matter? What hurts?"

"My tummy."

"Ok, how many mushy bars did you eat overnight?"

"Seven, I think."

"How many are left?" When the brat didn't reply she started to look through the drawers. She found a stockpile of twenty. "Ok who's been getting them for you?"

"You." Cass almost laughed as he avoided her eyes just like he used to do sometimes when they were an item.

"And who else?"

"Erm one of the old gentlemen."

"Which one?" 'Chameleon, you spoiler of children especially this one.'

"Adama, the other one taught me to play pyramid." Cass laughed and mussed his hair.

"Don't do that!"

"Stomach better?"

"Hmmm?"

Cass thinned her lips. No doubt he had had a bit of stomach ache but what he had really wanted was some attention. "Will you go to sleep now for a little while? I'm going to be busy for a while and then I will be in with the mid cycle meal. Ok?"

"Ok."

She mussed his hair again and then watched him curl up. She left the room, sealing the door. She walked straight into Boomer and Sheba.

Boomer almost laughed at the guilty expression on Cass's face. He whispered into her ear and said, "Driving you mad is he? I came with something to entertain him. Sheba doesn't know but I think she will have to now."

Cass nodded. She had felt bad about leaving Sheba out of the circle on this. "Sheba, we need to talk, in private. Boomer, do you mind going in on your own? He won't bite - he's past that stage thank goodness." Boomer smiled.

@@@

Starbuck looked up as the door opened. His mouth dropped open, 'a Colonial Warrior! By the looks of it a member of Blue squadron!"

@@@@

Boomer took a deep breath as he saw that there were still deep bruises on Starbuck's face and the parts of his body not covered by the night wear.

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Boomer smiled. "Hi. I'm a friend of, of Chameleon's. He asked me to find something to entertain you. I bet it's boring in here?" He inwardly smiled as Starbuck could only nod. He knew that was what he would have been like when he was 12, if a member of Blue Squadron had visited him. "Got any mushy bars?" Starbuck smiled and opened one of the drawers and offered one up wordlessly to Boomer. Boomer took it. "I bet Cass tells you off if you eat more than two at a time."

"Yep. I ate seven last night though. Where is that entertainment thingy you brought me?"

Boomer hefted the small sack he was carrying onto the bed. "Ever played a terminal game?"

"No, at the orphanage, we didn't, didn't play those games."

"Ok, well I'll show you how to set it up."

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Sheba looked at Cass and knew she was only telling part of the tale. "Cassi, I understand what you're telling me about what the after effects have been but." She paused. "But the attack couldn't have been a 'simple ' beating could it? I mean Starbuck has probably had the same from the Cylons but it didn't send him into a flat spin then. Oh no." She suddenly paused. "He wasn't was he?" Cass could only nod. "Frak! How's Apollo coping? It must be hard for him to visit all the time."

Cass laughed coldly. "Yeah, Sheba, really hard, so hard he hasn't been here once since the first night." Cass looked at Sheba's shocked face and smiled sadly. "Come on, Sheba, let's go and see whether Boomer's survived him. I warn you he is just like the older version but without any of his redeeming qualities."

"What redeeming qualities? I don't what you and Apollo ever saw in him." Sheba smiled to soften her statement. Although she and Starbuck hadn't got on at first, she'd lately come to respect and like him both as a pilot and a man.

"Apollo?" queried Cass.

"It was so obvious. Apollo spent the entire night when we were last on the Rising Star watching him like a lovestruck cadet. Even Bojay commented on it."

Cass smiled at this comment. She knew to what lengths Apollo had gone to hide the relationship. He had told her that first night when he was hysterical with remorse.

They walked into Starbuck's room. Cass stepped back and let Boomer introduce Sheba. She nearly cried when she saw the innocent excitement on his face.

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Sheba watched them play the game over Boomer's shoulder. She smiled as she recognised the base of the program. It was the tactical training tape the cadets used now, it was mostly made up of post destruction actions, mostly those of Blue squadron and three special pilots in particular. She marvelled at the skills that Starbuck showed.

Boomer looked up at the chronometer and sighed. He mussed Starbucks' hair and said, "Have to go now, my Captain awaits."

Starbuck looked up at Boomer. "Captain Apollo?"

"Yep," said Boomer carefully. He looked into Starbuck's eyes and wondered whether he saw a small sign of recognition.

"He's Adama's son isn't he? Adama comes and sees me."

"It's Commander Adama, scamp, and yes he is. You can keep the equipment as long as you take good care of it. Ok?" He was answered by an eager nod.

Suddenly a pinging rang through the Life Center. "What's that?" a small voice asked.

"Nothing to worry about, just means we have to go now. See you later."

"Ok." Starbuck shifted uneasily as the two warriors ran from the room. He noticed suddenly people outside started to run around. He was worried without knowing why. He sat on the edge of the bed and swung his legs wondering if he should be doing something. Cass shouted at him as she rushed past, "Starbuck stay there and stay quiet."

Helle appeared out of her counselling session and shouted at Cass. "I'll make sure he behaves." She knew the signs of an alert. She went into Starbuck's room and smiled at the figure swinging his legs aimlessly. "Hi, Starbuck, got any mushy's?"

A shy smile appeared, "Yep want one? I'm not supposed to have one but I don't think Cass will get to know. Is she busy?"

Helle sat down on the bed next to Starbuck and they both sat there chewing. Finally Starbuck fell asleep, half eaten mushy bar in his hand.

tbc...