Athena's Fury
	      By  Lt_Athena


Athena went limp in Apollo's arms. She had stopped breathing; stopped 
moving. Frantically, he tried to find a pulse; his mind refusing to believe 
what his eyes saw. Pushing back her brown hair, he placed two fingers on the 
side of her neck. His heart fell when he found nothing.

Athena was dead.

"NNOOOO!" Apollo's scream echoed through the empty room as he clutched 
Athena to him. "Athena, no! Please don't leave me!"

Starbuck prepared himself for the worst as he heard Apollo's scream, but he 
was still stunned by what he saw.  Starbuck rushed to kneel down next to 
them. Pushing Apollo's hand aside, Starbuck checked for a pulse. He shook 
his head in disbelief, "Oh God. Athena - no!"

Recovering from his initial emotional outburst, years of training took over 
and Apollo quickly regained his senses as he picked Athena up and placed her 
in the middle of the room. Looking up at Starbuck, no words were necessary 
as Starbuck took up a position opposite Apollo and placed his hands on 
Athena's breastbone.

"One and two and three ..." As Starbuck counted the compressions, he 
thought, *Don't leave me now Athena. Please! There is still so much I have 
to tell you!*

Apollo already had her head tilted back and nose pinched as he blew two 
breaths into his sister's lifeless body. He placed one hand on her forehead 
in between breaths as if that simple act would transfer his life energy into 
hers. As if he could will her to live.

As Starbuck continued to count the compressions, Apollo prayed to whatever 
God was listening, to save his sister. *You can't die Athena. You can't 
leave me. I won't let you! I love you! Please, please live!*

The seconds passed with agonizing slowness as Athena continued to appear 
lifeless.  Working smoothly as a team Starbuck and Apollo continued with the 
measured counts, the routine of training the only thing keeping them from 
being overwhelmed by the chaos of emotion and loss.

"Damn you, Athena! Breathe already! BREATHE! I am your older brother and you 
will do as I say! Do you hear me?" Apollo leaned in and blew two more 
breaths into Athena.

He had just finished the last breath when Athena started coughing and 
gasping for air. Finally allowing his emotions through, Apollo gathered her 
back up into his arms hugging her tightly, ignoring the tears that began to 
run down his cheeks.  Trying to soothe her and reassure himself, he 
whispered, "It's okay Athena. You're okay now. Just breathe." Still holding 
her close he rocked her slowly and realized that Starbuck had also gathered 
her close as well.  The three sat huddled together for several microns as 
relief overcame the two men.

Apollo and Starbuck both mentally thanked all the Gods of Kobol that she was 
alive. But Apollo, starting to regain his composure, was still concerned by 
the wheezing and her labored breaths. They had to get her out of here to the 
Life Center.

"Cold," she managed to say.

Quickly shrugging out of his jacket, Apollo placed it over his sister.

Reading Apollo's mind, Starbuck pulled himself together and immediately got 
on the porta-link. "Sheba, we have to get out of here right now! Athena 
might not make it if she doesn't get immediate medical attention!"

"We're on it, Starbuck. Stand by. Boomer thinks he can get the door open, 
but you're going to have to move quickly. He's not sure how long he can hold 
it open for. Tell Apollo, Life Center is standing by and awaiting their 
arrival."

Apollo looked up at Starbuck and nodded. Placing his arms underneath Athena, 
he picked her up and stood by the door.

After about one centon, the door slid open one inch and then promptly 
closed. A few microns later, the door slid open enough to get them out. 
Apollo emerged from the room first carrying Athena. Clasping her tightly to 
him, he ran down the corridor and headed towards Life Center.

Starbuck told Sheba to make sure the area was secured and for them to begin 
looking for Atreus. "He can't be too far from here. And he's going to pay 
for what he did." Then he took off after Apollo.
=============================================================================
Life Center

Adama paced anxiously as he waited for Apollo and Athena to arrive. He had 
monitored the communications and knew that they were on their way to Life 
Center. Adama had to see first hand just how bad Athena's condition was; 
finding out any other way was unacceptable. He needed Athena to know that he 
was here and that he loved her. He glanced back at the empty, sterile, exam 
bed, knowing that soon his daughter would occupy it. Adama had a sinking 
feeling as he watched Dr. Salik and Cassie put on surgical gowns and gloves, 
that the worst was yet to come.

Finally, Apollo burst through the door and ran past his father; proceeding 
to place his sister on the exam bed. As he removed his jacket from his 
sister's still form, he said to Doctor Salik, "We had to perform CPR on 
her." Not knowing what else to say, he gently squeezed Athena's hand and 
stepped back to give Cassie and Dr. Salik room to work.

Starbuck arrived at Life Center just as Adama and Apollo were walking over 
to the waiting area.

"How is she, Apollo?" Adama asked.

Shaking his head, Apollo sat down in the nearest chair. "Not so good. When 
we found her, she was in pretty bad shape. She didn't recognize us at 
first." Pausing, he added, "Starbuck and I had to perform CPR on her."

Sitting down next to Apollo, Adama said, "Dear God."

There were a few centons of silence as everyone was still a bit shocked and 
lost in their own thoughts of Athena and the recent events. "And what about 
Atreus? Was he there when you arrived?" Adama asked.

Starbuck, who was silently pacing the waiting area, replied, "No. There was 
no one else around when I found her. Sheba and the others have secured the 
area and are looking for him as we speak."

"He's got to pay for what he's done to Athena!" Adama said.

"Don't worry Father, he will. Trust me - he will pay."

Adama put a hand on his son's shoulder. "No, Apollo. You must let justice be 
done. Do not take matters into your own hands." Looking over towards 
Starbuck, Adama added, "That goes for you too. I understand your need to see 
him suffer, but you must let our laws do the justice."

Apollo started to speak, but was interrupted by his father. "Inform Sheba 
that when Atreus is found, he is to be put in a holding cell and charged 
with kidnapping and assault on a colonial warrior."

Apollo and Starbuck knew that it would do them no good to argue with Adama. 
But that didn't necessarily mean they would listen to him.
=============================================================================
1 centar later

Sheba entered the waiting area of Life Center with good news. Walking over 
to the three men she said, "We caught him. Atreus is in a holding cell and 
being charged as we speak."

"Thank the Lords," Adama replied. "Hopefully we can put an end to this 
nightmare soon."

"Has there been any word on Athena?" she asked.

Sheba could only watch as Apollo stood up and walked away from them.

As he watched his son walk away, Adama shook his head no. "Dr. Salik hasn't 
been out to talk to us yet."

Sitting down next to him, she took his hand in hers. "Athena is going to be 
fine. I know it. She's got your strength to help her through."

Adama patted her hand. "Thank you for everything you've done, Sheba."

"I haven't really done anything."

"You have been a tremendous source of strength for Apollo - whether he 
realizes it or not. He needs you Sheba," he said, glancing up to where 
Apollo was standing.

Nodding, Sheba stood up and walked over to Apollo.

"Apollo?"

"Hi Sheba."

"Is there anything I can do for you?"

"No. We're just waiting for word on Athena."

Putting her hand on his jacket she said, "You have blood on your jacket. 
You're not hurt, are you?"

Apollo looked down at the bloodspot. "It's not my blood. It's Athena's." As 
he pushed away from her, Sheba could clearly see the anger in his eyes. 
Apollo wanted vengeance.

"Apollo," she started, but was interrupted by Dr. Salik's presence.  
Everyone stood up and gathered around him.

Nodding Dr. Salik said, "Athena's alive and she's going to be okay ... given 
time."

Everyone let out the breath they were holding.

Dr. Salik continued, "She has a concussion, two broken ribs and numerous 
cuts, abrasions and bruises. Athena lost some blood and is extremely 
dehydrated."

"What aren't you telling us?" Adama asked.

"Given everything that's happened in the last few days, I'm extremely 
concerned about Athena's emotional health. Until we get the final results of 
the paternity test, I'm afraid her emotional state may be a little ... 
erratic; she may start to withdraw. Now I know that Athena is a very strong 
person, but even the strongest person has moments of weakness and doubt. 
She's going to need everyone's support to get through this."

"We're all here for her, Doctor," Apollo said.

"I know that and you know that. But Athena is the one who has to realize it. 
In the short period of time she's been here, she's been in and out of 
consciousness. When Athena's awake, she's confused and upset; which is 
normal considering recent events. What I don't know is how much of her 
confusion is related to her concussion and how much is related to her 
emotional trauma. Either way, we have to keep a close eye on her for the 
next few sectons."

"How long will she have to stay in Life Center?"

"If everything goes well, she can be released in two days. She will be off 
duty for at least four sectons. And, most important, I do not want her 
staying by herself. She needs to stay with someone until I determine that 
her concussion will cause her no further harm."

"She will stay with me," Adama replied.

"With all due respect, Adama, I don't think that's a good idea. Considering 
everything that's going on, I think she needs to stay in more neutral 
territory."

"Athena will stay with me then," Apollo said firmly.

"That's a better idea. I think she'll get more rest with you watching out 
for her then she would in her own shared quarters. We'll deal more with this 
later when I know definitely when she's going to be released."

"Can we see her?" Starbuck asked.

"Give Cassie 30 centons. She's just getting Athena settled in her room."

The vid screen chimed as Colonel Tigh's face appeared on screen. 
"Commander?"

"What is it Tigh?"

"Atreus is causing problems in the holding cell. He is demanding to see 
Athena." *His actual words were that he wanted to see his 'daughter'. But 
I'm not going to tell Adama that!* Tigh thought.

Apollo spoke up. "Demanding to see her? He's the one who inflicted her 
injuries! Father, you can't let him anywhere near her!"

Looking at his son, Adama said, "Apollo, if Atreus really is her father, I 
can't deny him access to Athena. As much as I don't like it, we have to go 
along with it for now." Turning back to address Tigh, he continued, "You may 
send him up. But I want a security team standing by outside, just in case he 
tries to escape. And Tigh, make sure that there is always a guard on duty 
outside of Athena's room."

"I can't believe you're doing this! Hasn't Athena been through enough?" 
Apollo said angrily. Then, turning his back on his Father, he walked away.
=============================================================================
30 centons later

When Atreus arrived in Life Center, the tension in the room rose 
considerably. It was pretty obvious that Apollo and Starbuck were 
restraining themselves from going after Atreus. And when Adama did speak, it 
was short and to the point. He made it perfectly clear that Atreus was only 
going to have a few centons with Athena - and that was going to be 
supervised. Atreus would not be left alone with Athena.

As they all entered Athena's room, Sheba and Starbuck held back and stood at 
the doorway. They watched as Atreus walked over to Athena and picked up her 
left hand. Before he even said one word, Athena was becoming visibly upset 
as she tried to reclaim her hand.

Apollo's heart swelled with pride. Apollo now knew that Athena could tell 
just by touch, that Atreus wasn't her father. Clearly she didn't want to 
have anything to do with him.

"It's okay honey, you just get some rest. You're going to be all right." 
Atreus gently put her hand down and took a few steps back, not wanting to 
upset his daughter, but not willing to leave just yet.

As Adama approached Athena, he picked up her right hand. But again, Athena 
became visibly upset and tried to pull her hand away.

Apollo's hope faded as he realized that Athena was just as confused as to 
who her father really was.

Still holding her hand, Adama tried to calm his daughter. "Shhhh. It's okay, 
Athena. I'm right here." But still she became more upset and started pulling 
away from Adama.

"Mama?" Athena said, softly.

Adama's heart broke as he heard her cry out for Ila. Athena's voice sounded 
so lost, tiny and confused. She sounded just like the little girl who used 
to crawl into bed with them when she had a nightmare and wanted the comfort 
of her parents. Except right now, she wouldn't allow Adama to comfort her 
and the one person she wanted comfort from, has been gone for 1 1/2 yahrens.

Dr. Salik said worriedly, "I don't want to give her a sedative as it might 
mask the symptoms of the concussion."

Apollo placed a hand on Adama's shoulder. "Let me try."

Adama nodded as he let go of Athena's hand and backed away, making room for 
Apollo.

"Mama?"

Kneeling down next to his sister, Apollo picked up her hand. This time 
Athena didn't struggle. Gently, he wiped a stray tear from her cheek. "Shhh. 
It's okay Athena, just try to relax."

"Apollo?" she said, weakly.

He spoke softly. "It's me; I'm here."

After a brief pause, she said, "Mama?"

A stray tear slipped down his cheek as he heard his sister asking for their 
mother. "Mom's not here. But I am and everything's going to be okay. I 
promise. Just get some rest." He soothingly stroked her hair until she had 
drifted off to sleep.

Dr. Salik walked over and put a hand on Apollo's shoulder. "She's asleep 
now, Apollo."

Sheba whispered to Starbuck, "How did he know that would get her to sleep?"

Whispering back, he replied, "Sometimes when Apollo was baby-sitting Athena, 
she would have nightmares. She would wake up screaming that there were 
Cylon's under her bed." Starbuck chuckled at the memory. "Apollo would 
always stay with her until she fell back to sleep."

"I knew he had a sensitive side," Sheba muttered to herself.

"Except for Adama and Atreus, everyone else needs to leave now that Athena 
is asleep. I need to take some small blood samples for the test," Dr. Salik 
said.

Apollo, who was still kneeling beside his sister, softly kissed her cheek 
and stood up to leave.

Cassie handed Dr. Salik the necessary supplies to draw blood. "If you don't 
need me anymore Doctor ..., " she said, looking over towards Starbuck.

Smiling, Dr. Salik replied, "Of course. Have a good cycle."

Cassie walked over to Starbuck and gave him a kiss.

But Starbuck's mind was completely focused on Athena. "Are you sure Athena's 
going to be okay?" he asked, not taking his eyes off her still form.

Cassie turned his face towards her. "I promise you that given time to 
recuperate, Athena will be fine." Continuing she said, "Have you eaten 
anything today?"

"Cassie, I'm not in the mood to go out for dinner."

Snuggling closer to Starbuck she suggested, "Who said anything about going 
out?"

Starbuck frowned. "All I really want to do is take a turbo-shower and catch 
some sleep. Besides, I don't think Apollo should be left alone."

"Don't stay home on my account, Starbuck," Apollo said. "I have to pick up 
Boxey, so I won't be alone."

"Thanks a lot, buddy," Starbuck muttered so that Cassie couldn't hear him. 
Pushing her away, he said, "Maybe another time Cass. I'm really tired."

She was disappointed, but couldn't blame him; the last few days had been 
long and exhausting. "Sure, maybe tomorrow night."

Once again intensely staring at Athena, he replied, "Yea, whatever. Maybe 
tomorrow."

Sheba was standing next to Starbuck the whole time and had heard every word. 
As Cassie left Life Center without a backward glance, Starbuck continued to 
watch Athena with intense concentration.

And that's where Sheba left him as she exited Life Center with a knowing 
smile on her face.