Captain Apollo, followed closely by his wingman, Lieutenant Starbuck, stepped onto the bridge and approached the command position. Adama had summoned his son; he ought to have known that Starbuck would accompany him if at all possible. He sighed. It had been this way since the Academy. Apollo and Starbuck were such close friends that some of the warriors joked that separating them would require surgical intervention.
"You called for us, Commander?" For the most part, Apollo addressed him formally while on duty. 'Father' was reserved for more private occasions.
"I summoned you, Captain, yes," Adama said wryly, letting his gaze fall on the hapless Lieutenant Starbuck. He was, of course, teasing the man who was almost a son to him, but as usual, Starbuck stiffened and turned to leave. And as usual, Apollo caught his wingman by the sleeve of his flight jacket and pulled him back.
"I asked Starbuck to accompany me," Apollo announced. "Is that a problem, sir?"
"No, of course not." Adama smiled, to let both of the young hotheads know that he'd been teasing. Starbuck still did not appear to be very happy. "Perhaps we will need both of you for this mission." He looked at his second-in-command, Colonel Tigh, who was leaning over one of the com stations. "Any further transmissions, Colonel?"
Tigh shook his dark head. At least, it used to be dark. These days, there were a few flecks of silver creeping in. "Just the one, and the translators are still giving us the same read-out."
Adama keyed into the com station that was playing the transmission, so that Apollo and Starbuck could hear it.
"We are Rvrom, a dying race. We do not ask for help, but we want to pass our knowledge on to those who would use it wisely. Hail, Travelers of the Universe. This planet is Rvromelad. We are Rvrom...."
"Do you think this is a trick, to lure us into a Cylon base?" Apollo asked.
Adama didn't answer directly. There was always a possibility that his old nemesis, Baltar, had come up with some new scheme to set the Fleet up for Cylon destruction. "Our scans of the planet show one life form, but as you know, our scanners only recognize life forms similar to ours. Omega has reported that the planet is covered with fabricated structures, but no emanations consistent with a mechanized or technological society are present."
"This is a military matter, Commander?" Starbuck asked shrewdly, as Colonel Tigh ascended the steps to the command platform.
"Good question, Lieutenant," Tigh acknowledged. "So, Commander, is this a military matter?"
"Unless we decide to respond to the apparent spirit of the transmission, I would say that most definitely this matter requires military investigation." Adama glanced at Tigh. "We haven't replied to the transmission, have we Colonel?"
"No, sir. We were awaiting your orders, Commander."
The young warriors exchanged anticipatory grins.
The two Vipers swooped toward the planet, fixed on the coordinates of the detected life form. The planet itself seemed bleak and dreary, a panorama of greys, browns, sepia, black and smoky white. There were mountain ranges, muddy seas and streams, and vast plains that may have once been green. Domed, crystalline structures dotted the surface of the planet, yet there was no hint of movement that would have indicated anything other than complete abandonment.
"This sure looks like a dead planet to me," Apollo commented on the private channel that he and Starbuck shared.
"A shame, really," Starbuck replied. "It seems like this was once a thriving agricultural planet. Those domes look like greenhouses to me."
"They do - but I think they're the dwellings of the Rvrom. Do you see any other structures?"
"No, but there are worse places to live than in a greenhouse."
Apollo knew that Starbuck referred to the succession of orphanages and bad foster homes where he'd grown up. He'd always wished that his parents had officially adopted Starbuck. He'd overheard them talking about it once, but there had been some complication, and Apollo wasn't able to figure out what it was. Unofficially however, Apollo's mother, Ila, had considered Starbuck the son of her heart, and had almost smothered him with motherly love. Adama still treated Starbuck more as a son than a warrior under his command, but that had its drawbacks; it usually meant that Starbuck got more lectures from the Commander than he would have as an ordinary lieutenant. And Apollo wished that his father wouldn't tease Starbuck as he had earlier; why couldn't he see that Starbuck was never sure of his welcome in their family, and that he was just hurting his feelings? Could his father be so insensitive as to believe what many did - that Starbuck had no feelings to hurt? That he was a shallow-souled, ne'er-do-well, gambling womanizer whose only redeeming quality was that he was a hot Viper pilot? Apollo decided that when the time was appropriate - and it rarely was - he would have a talk with his father about Starbuck.
"Do you remember greenhouses from Umbra?" Apollo asked his wingman.
There was a long pause. "I'm not sure. I remember greenhouses from when I was little, but that may have been because the first orphanage I was in was near Umbra and the agricultural community. I don't know." Another pause, and a chuckle. "I remember the Conservatory at the Academy, though. All those dark pathways among the vegetation - great place to take a date."
"Only you, Starbuck!" Apollo shook his head. "You probably impressed the girls with flowers, too."
"Well, why not take advantage of the surroundings? What else did I have to offer the ladies, Apollo?"
You should have been enough for them, Apollo thought angrily. You wouldn't have needed anything else if you'd offered yourself to me. He sighed. Apollo had resigned himself to the fact that Starbuck was a man for the ladies only; all he could ever be was Starbuck's best friend. As his best friend, he replied with a raunchy suggestion that made Starbuck laugh. At least he could do that - make Starbuck laugh.
They landed beside one of the huge, domed structures, close to the signal from the single life form. Popping the canopies of their Vipers, the two warriors climbed out and jumped down to the ground. Apollo pulled his hand-held scanner out of his leg-holster and began to scan their immediate surroundings while Starbuck stood on guard with his laser drawn.
"There is vegetation and animal life here, but it seems to be dormant," Apollo said after reading the display. "The only strong signal of a humanoid life form is -"
"Standing in front of us," Starbuck finished. "Looks pretty harmless - no weapons visible."
Apollo lifted his head. The 'person' standing a few metrons from them was like no humanoid form of life that he'd ever seen - about one and a half metrons in height, with a head, two arms, two legs; slender and brittle in appearance, and covered with what seemed to be a tunic made of dead leaves. The skin was a scaly greenish-brown, the face was wizened, with two huge emerald eyes that lacked pupils. The rounded head was bedecked with the same leaf-motif as the tunic. Apollo pulled out the Languatron; it was the smaller, improved version that Dr. Wilker had invented. There was no need for an alphabetic keypad - all instructions were verbal.
"Hello," he began. "I am Captain Apollo from the Galactica, and this is Lieutenant Starbuck."
The Rvrom - Apollo assumed that was what this creature was - made a sound like dry, rustling leaves that was obviously intended to be a chuckle.
"I have monitored some of the conversations on your Galactica and your transmissions as you approached Rvromelad." The Rvrom's words were very understandable, if spoken in a husky, parched voice. It made Apollo want to offer the creature something to drink. "Our - or my - translators are quite sophisticated. Welcome to Rvromelad, such as it is. I am Grathe. As you have guessed, this was once a thriving planet. Between natural drought and the scorching lasers of those you call Cylons, our people were destroyed. It's been over a yahren since I have spoken with anyone." Grathe gestured toward the crystalline dome behind him. "Please come into the Conservatory - or is it called a greenhouse or a dwelling?"
"Conservatory is fine," Starbuck said. "Is the air in there - um, breathable?"
"It is similar to the air out here - except that it is warmer," the Rvrom replied. "Now, if you will follow me - and please do not shoot me with your laser."
Apollo nodded to Starbuck, who lowered his laser, but didn't return it to its holster. This could still be a trap.
After speaking with Grathe for three centars, Starbuck decided that there was no trap. Grathe did indeed seem to be the only living being on the planet. He (she? it?) had told them how the Rvrom's numbers had already been depleted by drought when the Cylons had struck. Grathe been exploring one of the deep caverns beneath the dome in a desperate search for an underground source of water.
"There were only six of us left here at HethlXar - this Conservatory," the Rvrom explained. "Ibthe and Faulq were close to - dead? My translator is very good, but there are certain things that it doesn't translate properly. I'm sorry if it makes it difficult for us to communicate."
"No, you're doing fine," Apollo encouraged. "The word your translator is looking for is 'death'."
"Yes. Thank you. Ibthe and Faulq were close to death, and were the only 'kfevthen' left. Urled, Crezv, Tweth and I decided that I should be the one to go down into the caverns to find water. I was down there for five cycles, and I had found enough water to keep all of us alive for eternity. With water, you see, Ibthe and Faulq would have lived to 'verle avfre qwoeselt', but when I returned to the dome all of them had died, burnt to shrivels by the Cylons."
"Ashes?" Starbuck asked for clarification. "Burnt to ashes? And what was it that Ibthe and Faulq would have lived to do?"
"Yes, ashes. 'Verle avfre qwoeselt'." Grathe paused, as if waiting for them to understand. Then the Rvrom made a sound like a rustle of leaves in a breeze. "I was afraid of that. Your people do not 'verle avfre qwoeselt' as part of your reproductive process."
Starbuck shrugged, and shifted uncomfortably in his wooden chair. "I guess not. Translators don't usually work very well when it comes to reproductive language. It's too - species specific."
Apollo gave Starbuck an odd look. "When did you ever need a translator for 'reproductive activities', Starbuck?"
Grathe turned his pupilless gaze on each man in turn. "Do either of you have a 'kfevth'? A 'vthoran dal'? A mate? I am afraid the translator has no word for what I am asking. Maybe it is too personal among your people?"
"My wife is dead," Apollo said. Starbuck could hear that the Rvrom's translator hadn't changed the word 'wife'. But he thought he understood what Grathe was trying to tell them.
"You mean that if Ibthe and Faulq had lived, there would have been children? Little ones?" Starbuck asked gently.
"Yes. That is what I meant. There would have been children and a renewal of life. But they and the others were shriveled in the heat from the Cylon's lasers. That is why the domes survived, but my people all perished. The 'svaelj' survived, but they are dormant, and will remain so until there are 'kfevthen' to 'verle avfre qwoeselt'.
Starbuck didn't know what to say. Poor Grathe! The very last of his people. The people of the Fleet were afraid that the Cylons would put an end to all human existence, but at least they knew that, besides the survivors from the Colonies, there were human survivors on many other outpost planets.
"I'm sorry," Apollo said. He had that misty-eyed expression that told Starbuck that his Captain was close to tears. He'd seen it too many times before to be mistaken.
"That is why I wanted to pass on the knowledge of the Rvrom to another race. We had art, and music, and literature; science and technologies that your people may not know of. But I need to feel that your people are worthy - no offense intended. I need to know that the knowledge will be used wisely. Are the two of you leaders of your people? Do you represent your people?"
"My father is the leader of our people," Apollo answered.
"I'm not sure that 'father' is a word that Grathe's translator understands," Starbuck said. "Grathe, Apollo is the future leader of our people." Apollo shot him a glare. "He may not want to be, but he will be." Starbuck laughed.
"Unwilling leaders are often the best leaders," Grathe said. Starbuck got the impression that he approved. Then the Rvrom turned to Starbuck. "What are you among your people?" he asked.
Starbuck couldn't meet those huge green eyes. "I am nothing," he said. "I have no parents, no mate, no money. Nothing."
Apollo grasped his arm. "Starbuck! You had parents - we just don't know what happened to them! So, you aren't sealed, but you have Cassie - and okay, maybe you don't have any money at the moment, but you know you can ask me for anything you need."
"Can I?" Starbuck's smile was wistful. "I have a new Pyramid strategy that I'd like to try out next secton."
"Grathe, Starbuck is a hero among our people," Apollo told the Rvrom. "He's just teasing you. He's the best warrior we have, and most importantly, he's my best friend."
"Warrior - I'm not certain I understand." Grathe's leaf-like clothing was making crackling noises, as though he were disturbed. "He kills? Is that why he has a laser? Not just for protection?"
"The laser is for protection only, " Apollo assured the Rvrom. "Starbuck and I are both warriors - we protect our people from the Cylons. The Cylons destroyed our home worlds, just as they did yours. Those of us who remain are looking for Earth - the planet where some of our people went long ago. The Cylons have been trying to kill us. We thought that your transmission might be a Cylon trap."
The crackling stopped. "I understand. I hope that you can find another planet you can live on. We should have tried while our people were plentiful, but there were many who didn't think it was necessary. We explored our moon and the other two planets nearby, but conditions were not livable for us, so we stopped exploring. It was a fatal mistake." Grathe rose from his chair. "I can offer you purified water, but I'm afraid that the nutrients I exist on are not suitable for you."
Apollo and Starbuck stood also, not certain whether they were being dismissed. "We brought some nutrients with us - in our ships," Apollo said.
"Good. Then you can go and get them and I will take you to a room where you can rest before the light fades."
Once they were back at their landing site, retrieving their survival packs, Apollo notified the Galactica that it seemed they would be staying the night on Rvromelad.
"Are you certain that's a good idea?" Starbuck could hear the Commander's voice on Apollo's comlink.
"Grathe is the last of the Rvrom, Father," Apollo told him. "I think he wants a little company before we move on."
"Be careful!" the Commander admonished. "Don't let him separate you and Starbuck."
"I won't, Father. Kiss Boxey good night for me." Apollo rolled his eyes after breaking the comlink. "I guess we'll have to share a room, Starbuck."
Starbuck shrugged. "It'll be like old times at the Academy." Oh, but not if he could help it. Not if there was any way at all he could convince Apollo that - that what? That they were meant to be together forever, yes, but not like brothers? He'd wanted Apollo for so long, but Apollo had been such an innocent at the Academy, and then later he only ever seemed to go for women, so Starbuck had resigned himself to the fact that all he could ever be was Apollo's best friend. And for an orphan with nothing, that had always been enough. Until a few cycles ago.
All of the smaller chambers, it seemed, were on the edges of the immense dome, while the center had once been a public area. There were benches, fountains, tall dead trees, and something that looked like a game court. Even in its desolate state, it was impressive.
"It is safe for you to drink from or soak in any fountain," Grathe told them as he led them to their chamber; he hadn't even asked if they wanted separate chambers. "The fountain in your resting chamber is one of my favorites. And there are plenty of fluorescent lichens on the trees; the lichens and fungi seemed to have survived, although the trees themselves didn't fare as well inside the Conservatory."
"Now that you have water, the trees and plants of your planet will grow again, won't they?" Apollo asked.
"Yes, they have begun to already. It will take yahrens before there are forests, but there will be forests again. Just no Rvrom."
Both Apollo and Starbuck gasped when Grathe led them through a winding maze of desiccated vines into the chamber where they were to sleep. There were tree trunks like pillars and a raised platform covered with a soft greenish-grey moss. This 'bed', for that was what Starbuck assumed it was, was flanked by two rows of large, reddish plants that grew low to the ground, their spiky leaves radiating from a sunken center. At the farthest end of the chamber was a three-tiered fountain. The lowest basin was large enough for maybe five or six bathers and the second basin was at least two metrons above that - smaller than the first, so that the water cascaded down in a clear sheet that looked like a lot more fun than a turbowash. The third basin was tiny, and emitted a fine spray. And above all was the crystalline dome, through which the purpling sky could be seen.
"This is just wonderful!" Starbuck exclaimed, disregarding all the diplomatic felgercarb he'd learned at the Academy that decreed that strong emotions should never be displayed when dealing with foreign dignitaries. He was thrilled, even if there wasn't a real bed.
"You like it then?" Grathe seemed to be pleased; his array of leaves made a murmuring sound.
"It's beautiful!" Apollo touched one of the reddish, spiky plants. "These plants are so unusual - I've never seen anything like them."
"That is because they are 'svaelj'. They are dormant. I hope they do not disturb you."
"Of course they won't," Starbuck assured the Rvrom. "Unless they have a taste for human flesh."
Apollo looked appalled. "Starbuck!"
Grathe's leafy tunic susurrated. "Your friend Starbuck has an amusing sense of humor. The Rvrom used to appreciate tales of humor and horror both. But I assure you that the 'svaelj' draw their nutrients from the soil - as I do. I take it that you humans are more related to animal-life that we Rvrom are - or were. I hope that this will be a comfortable place for you to rest until light."
Apollo and Starbuck both told the Rvrom that they would be very comfortable. After Grathe left them, Starbuck gave Apollo a mad grin, ripped off his flight jacket, and shouted, "Last one in the fountain's a rotten ova!"
"Oh yeah?" Apollo groaned silently, shedding his jacket. Lords give me strength, he thought. How was he going to hide his erection from Starbuck in the fracking fountain? Maybe the water would be cold enough to discourage such a physical reaction to Starbuck's gorgeous naked body.
Clothes flew, flesh was bared - and Apollo deliberately splashed water in Starbuck's face so that he could sit in the fountain's basin before the blond noticed anything. Starbuck sputtered in mock outrage, and returned the splashes with a flip of his hand.
"You asked for it, 'Pollo!" The lieutenant flopped in the fountain on top of his captain, splashing and wrestling. He managed to get Apollo's head under the water, which wasn't more than a metron deep. Apollo, wishing that he did have the nerve to ask for it, wriggled around and lifted Starbuck out of the water on his shoulders. They frolicked like children until they were both breathless and ready to just soak in the water for a while.
Starbuck let out a great sigh. "Ah, this is wonderful, Apollo! The only time you get to immerse yourself in water on the Galactica is if you need a therapeutic mineral bath."
"Oh, is that why you started to get serious about Cassie - she can order mineral baths for you?" Apollo decided that the water wasn't cold enough, and drew his knees up as far as possible.
The blue eyes opened wide and innocent. "I needed them a few times after Ortega beat me up during Triad matches. Besides, I'm not serious about Cassie. Not after she went running back to Cain. I may be a nameless orphan with nothing to call my own, but I have my pride. I forgave her after that, and I've even dated her - and fracked her once, but believe me, she knows that she's lost her chance with me."
Apollo's heart thudded wildly in his chest. "Then you're essentially free? I mean, if there were someone who's been kind of watching and waiting and wanting you, now would be a good time for them to make a move?"
Starbuck sighed. "I don't know, Apollo. I'm tired of the chase, tired of trying to romance women into sleeping with me, and tired of trying to avoid them when they decide they want me permanently. There's only one person I've ever wanted to spend forever with."
"Really? And here I thought you told me everything, Bucko!" Apollo wondered who it could be - not Aurora, surely not! And not Athena either. He sighed. "Well, I guess we're even, because there's only one person I've ever wanted to spend eternity with, but I've always been too much of a coward to say anything - and then I went and got sealed with Serina, because I thought she was a good second choice, and I wanted to be Boxey's father. And I'm still a fracking coward, and I still can't say anything!" Apollo brought his fist down on the surface of the water with all his might - and just managed to cause a mighty splash.
Starbuck laughed. "Hey, it can't be that bad. If the person you want is still alive, you still have a chance. Here, let's practice what we'd say when we see our true loves again."
Apollo groaned and squeezed his eyes shut. "I can't, Starbuck! Don't make me!"
"That's not very romantic, 'Pollo! How about this -" Starbuck moved closer and grasped Apollo's hand. "This is what I'd say: 'You've always been the best thing in my life, and I know that I'm an aggravation to you sometimes, but I'll love you forever , and I won't let you go anywhere without me.' How is that? Now it's your turn."
Apollo groaned again. "That was very nice, Starbuck, but -" The words sank into Apollo's brain, and his eyes flew open in annoyance. "Hey! You can't say that to anyone but me! That's what you always say to me - you can't use that on some woman!"
Starbuck laughed. "I wasn't planning to, 'Pol." His eyes were very close and very blue. "Now stop being a coward and talk to your first choice, hmm?"
Starbuck - in love with him all these yahrens? Apollo was stunned. "How did you know?"
The blond moved even closer to Apollo and his hand dove under the water. Apollo gasped with delight. "That, for one thing. I mean, why would you hide yourself from me unless there was a reason to?" Starbuck smiled into Apollo's eyes and gently kissed his lips. "Second, Boxey told me a few cycles ago that you talked about me in your sleep."
"Oh, Lords of Kobol, I hope it wasn't anything too - too inappropriate for a child's ears." Apollo had had erotic dreams about Starbuck for yahrens, but he hadn't realized that he talked in his sleep. He wondered if that was why Serina had disliked Starbuck.
"I don't think you said anything too awful. Boxey asked me a few cycles ago why I couldn't love you. Of course I told him that I did, but he shook his head and said, 'My Dad wants you to love him more than you love Cassie.' After a few questions, I found out that you'd been talking in your sleep." Starbuck leaned in close and captured Apollo's lips in a real kiss.
Apollo couldn't have imagined a kiss so incredible. Starbuck's lips were soft as they sampled Apollo's, and his tongue teased its way into his mouth with delicate finesse. Then their tongues twined together in a slow, sweet dance that quickly became a passionate duel. All the while their hands sought out caressable places, and their bodies pressed closer against each other.
When they finally broke apart to breathe, Apollo poured out all the words of love that he'd held inside for yahrens and yahrens. When he ran out of words, Starbuck kissed his nose quickly.
"I always wanted to do that," the blond smiled. "You have such a cute nose, 'Pol." Starbuck stood and pulled Apollo with him. "Let's check out that mossy bed."
Apollo stepped out of the fountain, but stopped right there. "Starbuck, I've never - I have no idea what to do with another man. I don't want to disappoint you."
Starbuck laughed. "Do you love me? Yes? Then you couldn't possibly disappoint me. After all, most women just lie there and wiggle a little - you could do the same and you wouldn't disappoint me. But don't worry. I'll show you exactly what to do."
Apollo let Starbuck lead him to the mossy platform, and tumble him onto his back. It wasn't a choreographed lovemaking, and truth be told, it was a bit clumsy. But amid the frantic clutching and sliding of two wet bodies, the needy kissing, and the fervent declarations of undying devotion, Apollo had never felt so loved. His climax was sharp and sweet, and he reveled in Starbuck's cries of release.
Afterwards, looking up at the stars through the glass of the dome, with Starbuck's arms holding him, Apollo was reminded of the Celestial Dome on the Galactica. He smiled. "When we're back on the Galactica, and need a place to be private, Starbuck, I know exactly where I'm going to take you."
"The Dome?" Starbuck chuckled. "Actually, I was hoping never to have to sleep in the BOQ again."
"I think that can be arranged." Apollo nuzzled his lover's neck. "I don't know how to break this to my father, but he'll have to get over it. It was one thing to appease him by marrying Serina, but now that we have each other, there's no way I'm going to be sealed to Sheba!"
"I was hoping you wouldn't get sealed to her - even if you never loved me." Starbuck stroked Apollo's chest, then let his hand wander lower. "'Pol, will you let me make love to you - I mean inside you?" He whispered the request almost timidly, as if afraid of rejection.
Apollo pulled the blond's head close so he could kiss him. "Whatever you want, Starbuck. I won't lie and tell you I'm not nervous about it, but I'm willing to try."
"I promise you won't regret it." Starbuck wriggled away from Apollo and leaned over the edge of the platform to grab his survival pack. In the light from the fluorescent lichen, Apollo could see his wingman rummaging through the pack.
"What are you doing, Bucko? While you're there, get out some K-biscuits and protein jerky. I'll be hungry soon, I think."
Starbuck found the tube of lubricant he was looking for, and put the packages of food within easy reach for later. He was so excited, anticipating finally being inside Apollo, that he thought for a moment that the spiky plants had somehow grown taller. He laughed to himself and turned back to Apollo. His beloved captain's green eyes glittered in the soft glow of the lichen.
"Is this going to hurt?" he asked apprehensively. "You aren't exactly small, Bucko."
"That's what the lube is for, 'Pol." Starbuck said soothingly. "I'm going to make sure you're ready. Trust me."
Centons later, Apollo would've had to admit that, in this at least, Starbuck was entirely to be trusted. Oh Lords, between Starbuck's fearless mouth and his clever fingers, Apollo was so thoroughly steeped in pleasure that he made no protest when Starbuck lifted his legs over his shoulders and began his entry. At first the stretching and fullness was odd and vaguely uncomfortable, but within a centon or two, Apollo was moaning with delight and begging for more. Starbuck gave him what he needed, and more besides.
Starbuck stroked his lover's dark hair, waiting for him to return to something that resembled consciousness. He couldn't believe that after all the yahrens of fruitless yearning, Apollo was finally in his arms, and that he'd made him moan and wail with ecstasy. Starbuck brushed tiny soft kisses all over Apollo's face until the green eyes finally opened. Dazed.
"Star- that was so - so beautiful!" Apollo heaved a great, romantic sigh. "I thought it might be disgusting, or degrading, but it wasn't at all! It was just so beautiful!"
Starbuck leaned down to kiss his lover. "Thank you for letting me show you, 'Pol. I love you so much. You know it sounds silly, but I think we really were made for each other."
Apollo smiled wickedly. "I don't know, Bucko. We'll have to see if I fit in you the way you fit so wonderfully in me. Give me a few centons, and we'll see."
Perhaps a centar later, they decided that indeed they were made for each other. Starbuck lay panting in Apollo's arms, a boneless heap of tingling flesh. Apollo blew a little puff of air under his lover's chin. "I don't think I've ever heard you make a noise like that before, Bucko," he teased. "I'd almost describe it as a scream, or maybe it was a shriek. Or no - I think it was a squeal. That's it - it was an extended squeal. Like a little porcine." Apollo giggled happily. "What would people think if they knew that I'd made the Great Starbuck squeal?"
"You aren't planning on telling anyone, are you?" Starbuck was still breathless, but smiling. "I thought we were going to keep this secret for a while - until we find a convenient time to mention it to your father. And I doubt that your father will want to know what sort of sounds his son makes while the Great Starbuck is fracking him senseless."
Apollo considered for a micron. "No, I guess you're right. He won't want to know at all." He snuggled behind Starbuck, and kissed the smooth shoulder, tasting the salt of their exertions, and the musky sweetness that was Starbuck. He sighed and dozed off.
"Starbuck!" Something was making the bed move. A geological tremor? No, someone was jostling him - Apollo? Again? Apollo had already woken him up twice for more lovemaking - not that he was complaining. Maybe later, he tried to say. "Starbuck!"
"What?" he responded irritably, not opening his eyes.
"Something weird happened overnight! Wake up!"
Starbuck opened his eyes to a canopy of verdant vines, from which delicate, lavender trumpet-flowers were suspended. He could still see the sky through the latticework of the vines, and it was blue with a few wispy clouds.
"It's a gorgeous day, Apollo What's wrong with you?" He closed his eyes again and stretched.
"Look at those spiky plants!" Apollo hissed. Didn't Grathe say they were dormant? And where did all these flowers come from?"
Starbuck turned his head to the side. He rubbed his eyes. The spiky red plants seemed taller and fuller, and each of them sported an enormous red and green striped bud, about a metron in height. As they watched, one of the plump buds moved. Just a bit, but it had moved!
"We'd better throw some clothes on and go get Grathe." Apollo began picking up their clothes from the floor, unaware that Starbuck was thoroughly enjoying the view of his captain's naked butt.
"Apollo, we don't know where Grathe is," Starbuck pointed out. "And I'm hungry." He dragged a K-biscuit out of his pack and started munching on it. "'Sides," he said through a mouthful of crumbs, "nothing bad has happened. Those buds aren't going to eat us." He swallowed. "In fact, it looks like they already have something inside them."
Apollo stared at the spiky plants in horror. "You're right." He picked up his laser and laid it within easy reach on the mossy bed while he struggled into his pants. It was difficult, since he was still damp from the fountain bath he and Starbuck had taken just before dawn.
"Relax, Apollo!" Starbuck chided. "Lords of Kobol! You always think the worst! I think it's rather charming, waking up in a fragrant, flowery bower after a night of the best sex I ever had. Look at those yellow and red beauties by the fountain! And the air! It smells like spring did on Caprica!"
Apollo sniffed the air cautiously. He couldn't help but smile. "It does smell like spring!" He rolled toward Starbuck, and caught his lips in a brief kiss. "And I'm in love! And this time," he said, suddenly solemn, "This time it's for real. And forever."
"Yes, forever," Starbuck echoed with a happy sigh.
They were so absorbed in their exchanges of love that at first they didn't hear the rustling that signaled Grathe's arrival. When they did, finally, they broke apart guiltily. Starbuck was still naked, however, and Apollo only had his pants on. The Rvrom and the humans stared at each other, startled for different reasons.
"You told me that you didn't know how to 'verle avfre qwoeselt'. I suppose that you do, after all." Grathe's leafy attire seemed to cackle with glee. "What a marvelous misunderstanding! You have saved my people! Rvromelad is coming alive again! My gratitude knows no limits!" The Rvrom shuffled toward them, embracing them in dry, leafy arms. "I didn't know it if it was possible for human 'kfevthen' to 'verle avfre qwoeselt', but you did it! All of the 'svaelj' are 'qwoeselti', not just those in this chamber!"
Apollo frowned and looked confused, and Starbuck decided it was up to him to find out what was going on here. "Grathe, I'm not sure how we could have saved your people. I thought you said that this 'verle avfre qwoeselt' thing was reproductive in nature?"
"Yes, it is. It is how new Rvrom are made." The Rvrom waited for Starbuck to continue.
"Apollo and I - well, um, how can I put this? Humans need two distinct sexes to reproduce. Apollo and I are the same sex, therefore we can't reproduce. Do you understand? Whatever happened here, it wasn't anything we did."
"You and Apollo cannot make humans?" Grathe seemed baffled. "I cannot understand. But you can 'verle avfre qwoeselt'. The evidence is clear."
Starbuck wasn't sure that he wanted to disappoint the Rvrom; the leafy fellow was overjoyed, if the cheerful rustling and flapping of his personal foliage were any indication. "Grathe, we're very sure that we can't reproduce. To make new humans, we would need a female human - or one of us would."
Grathe's rustling took on an indignant tone. "But you and Apollo are 'kfevthen', and you celebrated your oneness. The 'svaelj' are very sensitive. Only true 'kfevthen' can 'verle avfre qwoeselt'. They cannot be fooled. The history and mythology of the Rvrom are filled with stories of misguided people who try to deceive the 'svaelj'. It never works. But when the 'svaelj' are happy, all life wants to flower."
Apollo and Starbuck glanced at each other and Starbuck shrugged. He was going to leave the whole thing at that, but Apollo, as usual, needed to try to understand.
"Is celebrating oneness the same as what we humans might call sex?" he asked the Rvrom. "I don't mean to offend -"
"Yes, it is similar." The Rvrom seated himself on the mossy bed beside Starbuck. "I feel that this is a taboo topic among humans who are not well known to each other? Am I correct? I was attempting to spare you from embarrassment." Starbuck got the impression that the Rvrom's huge green eyes were staring at him. He pulled on his pants self-consciously.
"Thank you," Apollo said with dry humor. "Ah, how long will it be before the Rvrom - children are born? Or -" He looked at the 'svaelj'. "Or do they bloom?"
"They will bloom by tomorrow at dawn. There will be sixty-three new Rvrom by tomorrow - and I will help them learn and grow. I have already contacted your Galactica to express my appreciation, and to ask that you stay for several cycles so that you can 'verle avfre qwoeselt' at some of the other Conservatories nearby. When the children bloom, I will bring them here. Your leader granted permission, and will be sending a ship with people to whom I will show the Rvrom knowledge. We must twine our technologies, so that your Galactica can accept transfer of information from the Rvrom repositories."
Apollo and Starbuck just looked at each other, horrified.
"Are you sure we should just take off and head for that dome Grathe called Jsedalks?" Starbuck asked for the fifth time as they climbed into their Vipers. There was green vegetation all around them, tangles of vines and foliage and flowers. It smelled just like Spring.
"Bucko, we are not going to be here when the shuttle lands," Apollo said firmly. "You heard me talk to my Father - he's sending Dr. Salik and Dr. Wilker and a few biologists, and a hydroponics expert from on of the Agro Ships! And Boomer is piloting the shuttle! Don't you think that someone is going to figure out what Grathe means when he says that we 'verle avfre qwoeselt'? And if he starts with that 'celebrating oneness' felgercarb -"
"Apollo, I explained to Grathe that the others might not look so favorably on what we did. I think he understood, and he likes us. Relax!" Starbuck gave his captain a wicked grin. "If you don't want to stay and greet the shuttle, then I'm going to think of this as a furlon. We get to spend a few days - and nights - alone together. I don't really mind playing Fertility God at the same time, do you?"
Apollo finally smiled. "No, I guess not. Someone has to 'verle avfre qwoeselt', and I don't think that any of the folks on the shuttle are suited to it."
It was almost a secton later that Apollo and Starbuck bid farewell to Grathe and the adorably frond-like Rvrom children. There were over four hundred of them living in the Conservatory called HethlXar, and Grathe would go to Dosxlym the next day to pick up the last of them - the late-bloomers, as Starbuck called them.
The scientists who had gone down to Rvromelad were in a delirium of excitement over the information they had received from Grathe; there was speculation that the Fleet would soon be enjoying fresh vegetables on a daily basis, instead of just as an occasional delicacy. And some of the Rvromelad lichens and fungi had medicinal properties that had Dr. Salik practically skipping in the corridors.
It was strange being back on the Galactica, Apollo thought. Boxey was delighted with the little cactus-like plant that Grathe had given to him and Starbuck as a parting gift. The little imp also had many stories to tell of the things Aunt Athena had allowed him to do while he and Starbuck had been exploring the planet. That was what he had told Boxey - that he and Starbuck had been exploring. It was true, in a sense. They'd been exploring each other.
There had been questions about how the Rvrom had been regenerated, since Grathe had made it clear that he credited Apollo and Starbuck with that miracle. Starbuck had told everyone that they had simply performed some Rvrom ceremony, and poof! everything around them burst into bloom. If asked to elaborate, Starbuck confided that he thought that it was because of psychic energy left over from the Ship of Lights. It sounded reasonable.
Apollo had missed having Starbuck beside him last night. He'd become accustomed - so quickly - to having Starbuck's warm, lean body tangled with his, exchanging whispers in the dark. Vows of love neither of them thought they'd ever hear now spilled easily from their lips. The fecund soil of Rvromelad was a wonder that neither of them would ever forget; the burgeoning vegetation that followed their lovemaking was a gift and a blessing. It was a mystery that sealed them more strongly than any chain.
Tonight, Starbuck would sleep with him again, Apollo decided. He would explain to Boxey that he and Starbuck liked being together, sort of the same way that he and Serina had liked being together. He didn't anticipate any problems; Boxey loved his Uncle Starbuck. As for explaining to anyone else, Apollo would leave that for later. It would be several days before the rumors circulated. He would know what to say when the time came, he hoped.
Captain Apollo, followed closely by his wingman, Lieutenant Starbuck, stepped onto the bridge and approached the command position. Adama had summoned his son; he ought to have known that Starbuck would accompany him if at all possible. He sighed. It had been this way since the Academy. Apollo and Starbuck were such close friends that some of the warriors joked that separating them would require surgical intervention.
"You called for us, Commander?" For the most part, Apollo addressed him formally while on duty. 'Father' was reserved for more private occasions.
"I summoned you, Captain, yes," Adama said wryly, letting his gaze fall on the hapless Lieutenant Starbuck. He was, of course, teasing the man who was almost a son to him, but as usual, Starbuck stiffened and turned to leave. And as usual, Apollo caught his wingman by the sleeve of his flight jacket and pulled him back.
"Starbuck goes where I go, Father," Apollo said. "Is that a problem?"
"No, of course not," Adama smiled at his son's challenging tone. "Although under the circumstances, I'm going to have to recommend that you be sealed with each other immediately."
Apollo and Starbuck looked at each other, puzzled. And a bit nervous. "Um, how did you come to that conclusion, Father?"
Adama took his time answering. "You know that I've always had a fascination with ancient rituals and a flair for languages. Tigh, Omega and I were curious about that term that Grathe always used to describe the ritual that regenerated his people - you know the one: 'verle avfre qwoeselt'?"
"Yes, we heard it often, Commander," Starbuck said, his expression all innocence. "We have no idea what it meant. The translator didn't work properly."
"No idea, hmmm?" Adama scowled. "Well, let me enlighten you. I translated it several ways, all of which are listed here." Adama punched a few keys on the console in front of him. "Have a look, Starbuck. You too, Apollo."
Both men leaned over to look at the monitor. Both men turned quite interesting shades of red. "Oh frack!" Starbuck muttered.
"Exactly," Adama said smugly. "So, with that, and considering the fact that you apparently brought almost five hundred beings into the universe, I think a Sealing is in order, don't you?"
Apollo let out an uncharacteristic giggle and dropped to one knee, grasping Starbuck's hand. "Starbuck," he began, almost laughing - because this was all too funny and unexpected. And because he couldn't imagine his father keying in those words! "Starbuck, will you marry me?"
"Do you need an answer now?" He grunted as Adama's elbow connected with his ribs. "Yes, of course I'll marry you, Apollo. Oh Lords, everyone's staring at us!"
"Welcome to the family, Starbuck. I took the liberty of telling everyone that there was going to be a Sealing this evening," Adama informed them. "Now run off and find something suitable to wear to the Chapel."
Starbuck turned to go, but Apollo held him back. "Father, I know everyone was curious about the translation of 'verle avfre qwoeselt'. You didn't tell them, did you?"
Adama chuckled. "Of course I told them! The Rvrom language is very complex, with every word having various shades of meaning."
Starbuck winced. "So, what did you tell them?"
"The truth, what else?" The Commander gestured expansively. 'Verle Avfre Qwoeselt' means 'To Herald the Spring'!"