Brothers "There she goes," Boomer said as the new agro pods moved out of the Engineering vessels. "Stocked and ready," Apollo added. "Carmichael said that he could probably force grow the first harvest in a secton." "Thank the Lords," Starbuck breathed as they leaned against the rail to watch from the Galactica's main viewer. Apollo nodded. "I'm just glad that the fresh seed is growing so well in our atmosphere. They were use to a more oxygen rich environment on the planet." "Give me a full scan as each section comes out," Dr. Wilker ordered Omega then he caught a glance of Adama standing nearby. "Sorry Commander." Adama gave him half a smile. He knew that Wilker was tremendously excited about the new agro ship. "Please," Adama said as he gestured to Omega. "Our facilities are at your disposal Doctor." "All systems onboard the Wilker Pods are green," Omega reported. Apollo, Starbuck and Boomer turned from the view at the railing to stare at the doctor. "What?" Wilker asked then sighed. "It's my design. I do get to name it you know." Adama choked back a grin. "Why don't you tell us about your new ship, Doctor?" he suggested. "Love to," Wilker returned as he clasped his hands behind his back. "Each section of the Wilker Pods is completely independent from the others. There are three pods per section and each section links together through a generic port that can be severed in an instant should one of the sections become damaged. By using the standard port, more pods can be added later and they link together to become one long ship." "That will be convenient," Boomer interrupted. "Instead of replacing an entire ship, you would only have to replace one section." "Precisely the reason behind the design," Wilker commended him. "Also, if there's ever a problem with one section's propulsion unit, the others will compensate so the ship won't lag behind." "What happens if only one of the pods gets damaged?" Starbuck asked. "Do you have to replace the entire section?" The doctor shook his head as he smiled. "Each one of the pods can be removed and replaced without affecting the other two pods in the section. Not only that, I've installed a new foam sealant between the two glass layers of the dome. If the outer dome should get cracked, the foam instantly fills the space between the two domes to prevent any further breakage until it can be replaced. Hopefully, that will keep us from losing an entire crop again. It worked exceedingly well on the models, but there's no way of knowing exactly how effective it will be until the foam is triggered. "I've also created a new type of mesh system to protect the agro pods from virtually anything. A large metal frame has been constructed to fit over the pods for strength. The hybrid metal is strong enough to deflect asteroids or even suicide craft when used in a crisscross fashion. A metron below the outer structure is an additional tighter grid made from the same material with a fine mesh on the innermost layer that is capable of deflecting micro meteors. We won't have to concern ourselves with space debris any longer. Nothing aside from a direct laser hit will be able to penetrate the domes and that's only if it doesn't hit one of the grids." "Wilker Pod two and three accelerating," Omega reported. "You've got to watch this," Wilker insisted as all eyes turned back to the view screen. "Each of the pods is using a new thrust capability I put together with simple jet propulsion." "Will they be able to keep up with us when we start moving again?" Tigh asked. "Oh yes," Wilker returned as he folded his arms over his chest to watch the cosmic ballet. "I wouldn't recommend light speed simply because of the stress on the domes, but it is fully capable." His mouth opened slightly as two of the pods neared each other. "And now they use the jets once more to nudge into place," he said almost to himself as the second pod pitched slightly to line up properly. "And lock." Microns later the connecting vein between the sections lit up to show that they had merged. "Perfect." As the third pod moved into position, Wilker again orated through the docking procedure until the ship was complete. He let out a sigh of satisfaction. "The Wilker Pods," he said with pride. ~~~ "No! You must never touch me," Gaea ordered when Athena tried to grab her arm to keep her from falling as she stumbled. "Swear to me that you will never touch me." Athena pulled back with her mouth agape. "But why Gaea?" she asked softly. "You know that I can help you. You know that I can remove the scars that have kept you hidden all these yahrens." "And you will also take the horrors that have transpired in my life," Gaea returned. Although the thought of finally being healed of her scars was very tempting, she simply couldn't risk Athena's sanity. "No. I will not allow that." "Oh come on Gaea. How bad could it be?" "Think of the nightmares you suffered by helping Brie. Now multiply that a thousand fold and you may have some idea of what my life has been like." Her voice became a husky whisper as she spoke. "I still vividly remember what it felt like to have my skin seared away by fire even though I have spent yahrens suppressing those horrors." She shook her head. "I won't expose you to those torments." "But you've taught me how to protect myself from memories. How can you use that as an excuse?" "You have only begun to explore the extent of your abilities Athena. There is so much that you still need to learn, but one day you will be a great healer as long as you proceed responsibly. Taking on someone with my wounds, both mentally and physically, may be too much for you to handle." Gaea smiled reassuringly. "I'm only thinking of your safety, Athena. The Fleet needs your skills much more than I do. You will help ensure our survival." Athena shook her head as she watched Gaea continue toward her private quarters next door. "But why are you leaving so soon?" Athena asked as the connecting door between their rooms slid open with a swoosh. "I was hoping to learn more about dreamscaping." "Patience Athena," Gaea gently admonished as she stopped at the open door and turned to face her. "We will begin again later. Right now you have someone who needs you." At her confused look, Gaea nodded toward the door in Athena's room leading to the corridor. "He's still trying to work up the courage to speak to you." Athena glanced over to her door in curiosity then turned just in time to see Gaea's door slide shut. She shook her head at Gaea's persistence with speaking in riddles then went to see who was waiting for her. She looked curiously at the man pacing the corridor. He was silently debating with himself and completely oblivious to the fact that she was standing there watching him. "Can I help you?" she asked and his head snapped up. She didn't recognize him at first, but his face had a familiar look. After studying him for several microns it suddenly dawned on her who he was. "Croft!" "Uh, yeah," Croft returned nervously as he took a step toward her. "I mean yes ma'am," he corrected. "I'm sorry if I've disturbed you. I've just been." He shifted uncomfortably as he rubbed a hand across his face. "I mean I wanted to..Oh felgercarb," he muttered then his eyes grew wide and shot up to hers. "I sorry. I didn't.I shouldn't." Athena chuckled as she shook her head. "It's okay," she assured him. "Would you like to come in?" she asked and stepped aside so that he could enter. Once he took a tentative step in, she made her way over to a small table with a pitcher and glasses. "Would you like something to drink?" she asked politely as she started to pour herself a glass. "It's only fruit juice, but it's a special mixture that I make myself." "Uh.n." he started to decline, but quickly changed his mind when she said that it was her own concoction. "Yes, that woul.thank you." Croft shifted restlessly as he waited for her to pour another. He felt so out of his element. He wasn't even sure how he was supposed to address her. Was it Lieutenant Athena or simply Athena? Or was she a siress? Were healers royalty? Athena handed him a glass and watched as he cautiously sniffed at it. She smiled broadly then took a sip from her glass. Croft started to take a drink then stopped to raise his glass slightly in her direction before finally tasting the sweet tangy liquid. "What do you think?" she asked. He nodded as he swallowed then took a larger swig. "It's very good," he told her honestly. "I'm not much into fruit drinks, but I wouldn't turn this one down." She nodded slightly in appreciation. "So how are you doing? Are you still working on the salvage ship?" "And take a chance on getting beaten like a bovine again?" he returned then his eyes grew wide once more. "I mean no ma'am." "Would you stop with the ma'am stuff?" she insisted. She reached out and grabbed his arm to pull him toward the tiny seating area in her quarters. Croft froze for an instant when she touched him and nearly dropped his glass, but he allowed her to guide him over to the small bench which was barely large enough for two. He let her sit down first before he eased down next to her, but, when he heard a crunch, he jumped back up again. He had completely forgotten that he had a bouquet of flowers tucked into his utility belt and sat on them. "Way to go you st." he mumbled before catching himself. "I'm sorry. These are for you." He handed over the smashed and broken flowers then groaned inwardly. "Look, this is not working out. I'm just going to go and leave you alone." "Don't be silly," Athena returned as she reached out to grab his hand. "I want to hear about how you've been and what you've been doing." He looked down at her in awe. He couldn't understand why she was being so nice to him when all his life he had treated everyone around him like larva. As he stared at her exquisite features, he felt himself being drawn in by her eyes. When she patted the seat next to her, he suddenly remembered himself and sat down once more. "I've been, uh, working for a buddy of mine on one of the storage barges." He rubbed at his ear as he tried to think of what to say. "It doesn't pay much, but at least I've got someone covering my back." "Where are you staying?" "On the storage barge," he returned. "My friend lets me use his office to crash in." Athena used what limited abilities she had developed to read Croft's expressions. It was obvious that he was nervous, but she hadn't quite figured out why yet. "Sounds like a good friend to have." "Branch is one of the best," he said as he leaned forward slightly to rest his elbow on his knee. "He's the only one that hasn't judged me or tried to change me." He smiled at that. "Or judged me for changing." "What do you mean?" Athena took another sip of her drink as she leaned back against the thinly padded cushions. Croft sighed heavily. "Since our encounter." He gestured between the two of them then shook his head. ".something has changed in me. I don't know what it is or why it has changed, but for the last several sectons, I've been thinking back over my life and suddenly I'm wondering why I made certain choices," he confessed as he stared off into space. "All my life I have been fighting and clawing my way. I would take everything that I could get and then some. It was how I survived." He looked back into her face expecting to see disgust or revulsion and was a little taken aback when he only saw compassion. "So what's changed?" she asked softly. "Everything," he stated. "I don't think about what I can get anymore, but about what I can do." "Isn't that a good thing?" "Not when scavenging is the only thing you know how to do." Athena shook her head as she leaned up to put her elbows on her knees. "That's not true. Didn't you use to be a driller?" He jerked back slightly as he stared at her. "I was brought up in a drilling family," he said softly. "It's why I joined the Academy, to get away from it. How did you know that? It's not on any of my permanent records." She looked down at his hand gently clasping the glass of juice. They were rough and stained with yahrens of grime, but they trembled slightly. Was he afraid of her? "It's not exactly easy to explain," she warned him. "When Gaea and I were healing you, there was this man who confronted us. He was small in stature and thin, but very muscular as if he had toiled his entire life." She shook her head. "He was working on an oil rig when he wasn't yelling at us. I assumed that he was your boss at some point." Croft turned his head away as he closed his eyes. He had tried for yahrens to errase those memories. He could almost convince himself that it hadn't happened during his waking centars, but at night the dreams always returned. He leaned back in the seat and Athena followed suit. "He was my father," he said almost as an accusation. She gasped as she put her hand over her heart. "Your father?" she repeated. The presence of that man had been overbearing and outright hostile. She couldn't even begin to imagine what it was like growing up with that kind of man. "That's how you remember him?" He looked at her levelly. "You don't want to know what else I remember about him." When she reached out to take his hand, he flinched, but didn't pull away. "I'm sorry," she said simply, not knowing what else to add. Errors-To: bsg-fanfic-bounces- airys=mirarialpacafarm.com@lists.eyrie.org X-UIDL: )m~"!X:f!!'7Y"!YXl!! ~~~ "These are the only a few of the fragments that the research team found on the planet," Tigh explained as he and Adama examined the shards of clay and glass. "They haven't found any vessels intact, but they are still digging." "Have the researchers come to any conclusions about the civilization?" Adama asked as he gently turned a delicately etched piece of pottery over in his palm to study the markings more closely. "They were somewhat technically advanced although they don't appear to have been space travelers. There wasn't a very large populace, probably around a million or so at the pique of their civilization." "Any idea what happened to them?" he asked as he gently replaced the shard of clay onto the padded tray with the other pieces. "Most likely scenario is that the entire civilization was wiped out by a natural disaster. Erosion of many of the buildings would suggest flooding on a massive scale." Adama nodded solemnly. "That would explain the lack of relics in the area. The flood waters probably scattered the remains." "Actually, the team leader is requesting additional equipment to increase their scanning range for that very reason. He hopes that, if they can accurately read the ancient currents, they might be able to find some of the artifacts of the people who use to live there." "Do we have the equipment available?" Tigh nodded. "One of the mining expeditions has two of the research shuttles to look for more ore deposits, but there is still one available." "Very good," he said simply. "How are the preparations for the memorial dedication coming along?" "Boomer has already turned in the honor guard list and contacted each of the warriors with instructions," Tigh said as he replaced the shard of glass he had been inspecting onto the padded tray. "I haven't seen the monument yet, but the room itself is like walking into a garden." He shook his head. "Carmichael has really outdone himself this time." "Excellent." Adama glanced down at the star charts he had scattered out on his desk. He had been going over the detailed pages that Delos had created with growing enthusiasm. "Tigh, who's the leading expert in the Fleet on stellar cartography?" He thought for a long moment. "I believe that would be Dr. Quaye in the astrophysics department." "Ah yes. I recall the name. Could you ask the doctor to join me in my quarters at his earliest convenience?" "Of course Commander. Is there anything else?" Adama shook his head distractedly as he picked up a single chart for closer inspection. Delos' handwriting had been so shaky that he had trouble making out many of the notations. He needed to have a second opinion to confirm his suspicions. "We have a couple of centars before the promotion ceremony," Tigh informed him. "Should I have some food sent to your quarters beforehand or do you plan on attending the celebration afterwards?" "Hm?" Adama looked back up at Tigh for a moment in confusion. "Oh yes. Something beforehand would be good. I want to spend a little more time studying these charts." ~~~ Adama's eyes scanned over the lines of warriors filling the room as Tigh and Apollo attached new rank insignias on the warriors lining the stage just below him. He felt his chest swell out at the ceaseless dedication of the men and women of the Fleet. Despite the struggles they had faced, they were once again growing strong. He turned his attention to the row of warriors receiving their commendations. He smiled as he watched Brie trying to discreetly catch a glimpse of the new starburst on her cape. It had only been a few sectons ago that she was considering leaving the Galactica, but now she was an official Flight Sergeant. Adama abruptly brought a hand up to cover his mouth when a laugh escaped at the expression on Jolly's face. Jolly was so obviously thrilled at achieving Red Squadron Leader that he couldn't decide what expression to have. One second he looked about to laugh, the next cry, the next he seemed confused, then proud. Beside him, Bojay was astutely at attention having just received Silver Spar Squadron Leader. The two of them together were such a contradiction that Adama had to look away to avoid laughing at such an auspicious event. There were thirty-seven promotions in all not including the new cadets inducted into the squadrons. Once all of the starbursts were passed out, Apollo and Tigh returned to their station on either side of Adama and faced the ranks. "Attention warriors!" Tigh ordered in a loud voice and there was a collective thump of feet in the room. "Greet your honored ranks." "Hail warriors!" the group called out to the men and women lining the bottom of the stage then brought their arms up across their chest to salute them. A cheer went out and the room erupted in applause as the warriors on stage went back to their place in the ranks. The room fell silent once more as Tigh took a step forward. "Lieutenant Boomer front and center," he called. Boomer stepped out of line and marched up to the stage to stand one level below the Commander. Adama felt a surge of pride as he looked at Boomer in his new dress blues then he looked out at the ranks once more. "Even in the Colonies, it was a rare honor to be chosen for the command team of a Battlestar," Adama said then looked down at Boomer. "In our current situation, being chosen clearly shows the faith that your fellow warriors have in you. You have displayed courage in insurmountable situations, ingenuity under stress and dedication to the Fleet as well as your fellow warrior. It is my honor to commission you Command Captain Boomer." Apollo held out the crests that he had taken off of the table behind them. Adama and Tigh each took one then stepped down to the next level with Boomer and attached the starbursts to the corners of his cape. "I'm proud of you son," Adama whispered and saw Boomer bite at his lip. Once the pins were secured, Adama and Tigh took one step back and saluted him. Boomer returned the salute then sharply turned to face the ranks. "Attention warriors!" Tigh called out once more. "Greet your Command Captain Boomer." "Hail Boomer!" ~~~ "Excuse me," Athena said as she stopped a woman passing by. "Do you know which tent has the warrior celebration?" "It's the large blue tent at the end of the lane, Bomoh," the woman returned and bowed to her before hurrying away. Croft's brows drew together as he watched her scurry off. "What did she call you?" he asked Athena as she took his arm again. "Bomoh," she returned. "It's the Picon word for healer." He glanced around at the people moving away from them as they walked along. The crowd was slowly parting to give them several metrons of space even though the people stumbled over themselves to get a look at Athena. "Is this normal?" he asked in confusion. "The only time I've seen crowds part like this was when I was part of an armed convoy." She sighed as she looked up at him. "It has been lately." When she put both of her hands at his elbow, he unconsciously reached over and covered her hands with his. "You don't seem very happy about it." She smiled sadly. "I don't want people to be afraid of me or revere me." She dropped her head on his shoulder, grateful for his companionship. The last few centars they had spent getting to know each other had forged a strong bond between them. "I just want to be treated like everyone else." Croft looked around at the crowd once more. He had been one of those people before he had worked up the courage to speak with Athena and discovered that she is a loving, caring woman. He hadn't even met her when she had saved his life and she changed him by her compassion. When a little girl ran up to them, Athena stopped and squatted so that she would be at the same height. "Is that for me?" she asked when the little girl held out a battered white flower that she had picked. The little girl nodded and Athena took it out of her hand to give it a sniff. "It's beautiful just like you," Athena said and received a giggle. "What's your name?" "Sasha," she said shyly. "Well Sasha, this is the nicest thing anyone has ever given to me. Do you think I should wear it in my hair?" When the little girl nodded, Athena held the flower out to her. "Do you think you can help me?" Sasha took the flower back from her then moved closer to tuck it in behind Athena's ear. Once she had it just where she wanted it, she fluffed the hair across Athena's shoulders receiving a chuckle from the onlookers. "I like your hair," Sasha said in her tiny voice. "I'm sure it looks perfect now with your help," Athena returned and lightly stroked the back of her fingers across Sasha's dirt-smudged cheek. "Thank you Sasha." The little girl giggled once more then ran back to her mother. Athena smiled at the woman as she hugged her child and tossed Athena a wave. Athena slipped her arm back into the crook of Croft's arm as she smiled up at him. "That makes it all worth it," she told him. As they continued through the crowd, Croft was able to make out the soft whispers of "bomoh" as they passed and somehow he felt sorry for Athena. She had been given a miraculous gift to help people and yet it had isolated her more than ever. "I'd like to give that bomoh my touch," a man in the crowd commented then followed it up with lewd pelvic thrusts. Several of the men with him laughed bawdily and Croft's eyes narrowed as he watched them. "Oh look!" Athena said when a particular tent caught her eye. "We can get a drink. I'm dying for a fruit juice, what about you?" she asked as she looked up at Croft. "That sounds great," he returned, grateful that she had missed the comment. "Would you mind getting them?" he asked. "I think I just saw someone I know and want to say hi." "No problem," she said and started heading toward the tent. Croft waited until Athena was swallowed up by the crowd then he strolled over to the man who had made the rude comment about her. "She's a gorgeous woman, isn't she?" he said to prompt conversation. The large man laughed as he rubbed at his crotch. "She makes me want to turbo launch," he returned as drew more laughs from his companions. Croft nodded as he glanced around at the crowd. Everyone's attention was focused on where Athena was going and what she was doing. "You want to know something about her?" he asked as he slipped his arm over the man's shoulders and leaned in close. "She's a real lady." Croft brought his knee up as he shoved the man's head forward into it. The man recoiled with a bloody nose, looked around dazed for a few microns then fell forward onto the ground. Croft glanced around once more to make sure they were going unnoticed then looked back at the other men who had been laughing at the rude comments. "When he wakes up, tell him he should speak of a lady with more respect." ~~~ Athena tapped her finger against the counter as the proprietor mixed up a special blend of juices just for her. "How is it that the most beautiful woman in the Fleet should find herself alone?" Athena turned at the sound of the silky voice in her ear to see a tall dark-haired man standing close. "Is anyone ever really alone in the Fleet?" she returned. He leaned an elbow against the counter as he searched her face. "Then why do your eyes look so sad?" he asked and she pulled back slightly. "Because they're blue," she shot back and he gave her a gleaming white smile. "A quick wit," he said and nodded his approval. "Tell me that you want a castle full of children and you shall be my queen." She shook her head at him. "Do these lines usually work?" He laughed. "Yeah, usually," he admitted. Athena turned to the proprietor as he brought over her drinks. "How much do I owe you?" she asked. "No Bomoh no," he shook his head and waved his hands in refusal. "No pay." He gestured to the drinks. "Please take. You honor humble man." She gave him a warm smile. "Thank you," she said then took a sip. "It's perfect," she complimented him and he beamed in pleasure. "Thank you Bomoh. Thank you," he said as he backed away. Leto stood as Athena glanced through the crowd circling them. "Two drinks," he commented. "I see you're not alone after all." She gave him a fleeting smile then searched the crowd again. "Could I interest you and your companion in accommodations in my tent?" he offered. "We have a splendid group of performers with plenty to eat and drink." Athena shook her head as she gave him her attention once more. "I'm sorry, but we're on our way to the warrior promotion celebration." "Athena," Croft said simply as he stepped up to them. Although he had greeted Athena, his eyes were locked on Leto. "Oh there you are!" Athena returned and handed him his drink. "Croft, I'd like you to meet." "Sire Leto," he supplied for her. Athena darted a glance between Croft and Leto as they silently assessed each other then she rolled her eyes. She never would understand the posturing of men. "You're more than welcome to join us for the hazing ceremony," she told Leto to break the tension. Leto's brows shot up as he looked at her. "A hazing ceremony? Now that sounds interesting." ~~~ Errors-To: bsg-fanfic-bounces- airys=mirarialpacafarm.com@lists.eyrie.org X-UIDL: 3BT"![7