Bridging the Gap By: Melissa B. 1998 Disclaimer: This is a fiction story based on the series Battlestar Galactica and its characters created and owned by Glen A. Larson. This story is not being sold for profit and no infringement of any copyright rights are intended. All unrecognized characters and plot lines are mine and any resemblance to any person living or dead is purely coincidental. Chapter 2 Apollo and Starbuck entered the O-Club and found exactly what they had expected. Every pilot in the fleet was either already drunk or on their way. Starbuck laughed as he saw his friend Boomer engaged in a grog-guzzling contest with a fellow warrior resulting in both of them getting more on their flight jackets than in their mouths. He looked over to Apollo who was definitely not sharing in the amusement. "C'mon Apollo," Starbuck offered, "lighten up. When's the last time everybody really cut loose?" "I just hope that the Cylons don't pick this moment to reemerge. Look at everybody Starbuck! I don't think there is one sober pilot in this whole room," Apollo said, somewhat disgusted. "That's right," Starbuck responded with his famous smile, "and we have a lot of catching up to do." Apollo stared at his friend. "I see you're taking your new freedom rather well," he observed, referring to Starbuck's recent break-up with Cassiopeia. "Let's just say that it had been coming for a long time and that it was a mutual decision," Starbuck replied diplomatically, trying to hide the fact that he truly was relieved to be free of his previous association. "There's no hard feelings between us and we are probably better off as friends." "It sure took you a long time to figure that out," Apollo remarked, wondering why his friend wasn't a bit more despondent about the end of his ten yahren relationship with the mother of his child. "Apollo, don't get me wrong, I still care for Cassie a great deal. I love her and I always will," Starbuck explained. "But she wants something from me that I just can't give to her. She knew what she was getting into when we met and, over the last couple of yahren, that hasn’t been enough for her. She wants me to be something I’m not and I admit that I’m not willing to change that much. "I'll always be there for Dalton," Starbuck continued, "but I realized that I needed to give Cassie the freedom to find someone that would make her happy and I'm glad that I have grown enough as a person to be able to do that." "Oh yes Starbuck," Apollo laughed, "forgive me for not commending you on your maturity." "Thank you," Starbuck chided, placing a fumarello in his mouth, "you're forgiven. Now let's go join the party." Apollo followed Starbuck to the liquistation and realized that his friend was right. The Cylons hadn't shown their ugly faces in sectons and he should really learn to relax. Of course Starbuck hadn't been the only one recently to point that out to him. Sheba had tried to get him involved in some other activities lately to fill up the free time that, until recently, had been filled with double-patrols and defensive drills. He then felt a hand on his back and he turned to see Sheba's face smiling back at him. "It's about time you two showed up," she remarked. "I was afraid I was going to have to send a recon patrol out for you." "Sorry," Apollo said, grinning, "but Starbuck had to fill me in on the latest chapter in the saga that is his love life." "Yes, I'm sure it’s very colorful," Sheba mused, staring at Starbuck. Of course, she had only heard Cassie's version of what had occurred. She was certain that Starbuck's version would be slightly different but wasn't sure that she wanted to bring it up just then. This was Bojay's novayahren and she didn't want all of the attention to be focused on Starbuck, although most of the conversations taking place at the party were about the latest “uncoupling”. The gossip factory was grinding out it’s usual felgercarb. Instead of fueling it, she decided to ignore it. She knew the truth, Cassie's truth anyway, and she was satisfied with that. She wanted to concentrate on Bojay. The last thing she wanted was for him to feel upstaged on his novayahren. Starbuck had begun a conversation with Lieutenant Royce about the already infamous Pyramid game of the previous cycle. Sheba found it to be the perfect opportunity to steal Apollo away from the new bachelor. She and Apollo rarely spent any leisure time together, outside of their quarters, and she wanted to take advantage of the party. They walked over to the table that Bojay and some friends were sitting at. She really wanted Apollo and Bojay to become friends and thought that perhaps a jovial atmosphere was the perfect starting point. Bojay looked up as they approached the table. Normally, he would have made an excuse to slip away from the impending obligatory conversation, but he had had a few tankards of Ambrosa and was feeling a bit bolder than usual. He rose from the table and stretched out his hand to Apollo. "Glad you could make it!", Bojay exclaimed, casting a glance at Sheba, knowing that he had scored points by making the first move. Caught off guard, but not to be outdone, Apollo took Bojay's hand, then pulled him closer to grab his shoulder with his other hand. "Wouldn't have missed it Bojay!" This was a gesture Sheba had only seen Apollo offer to his closest friends and she smiled as the two shook hands. She knew that they had probably done this for her sake, but she was hopeful that this behavior would continue until it actually became sincere. She and Apollo sat down at the table. Starbuck joined them a few centons later. They talked about various subjects and eventually, as always, the conversation turned to stories of previous victories won against the Cylons. Of course, they all had their favorites. The Triumph at Kinsey, the Battle of Molecay, even the Victory at Gamoray albeit bittersweet. Since they hadn’t seen any Cylons for sectars, there weren’t many recent triumphs to discuss. The last big battle had been on the planet Qamra. They had run into a Cylon outpost there, one that had been left by one of the base stars destroyed at Gamoray. As Bojay and Apollo began disputing the sequence of events of that particular conflict, Sheba remembered how it had been one of Athena’s last missions with Silver Spar Squadron. When Athena had been reassigned to active patrol duty, Sheba had been surprised that Athena had rejected an offer to fly with Blue Squadron in order to fly with Silver Spar. Not as surprised as Apollo and Starbuck though. Who wouldn’t want to fly with the Blue? Sheba still felt some pride knowing that someone had had the guts to let a little air out of the somewhat inflated egos of the fleet’s premier squadron. After all, she thought, Silver Spar was just as good, if not, in some cases... "Where is Athena?" Sheba suddenly thought, looking around to see if she had missed her coming in. Sheba knew that Athena and Bojay had regained some civility in their relationship and had expected Athena to attend his party. She couldn't see much from where she was sitting, so she decided to excuse herself from the table to take a look around the club. She walked around, stopping occasionally to speak to friends. She inevitably found herself back at the liquistation where she ran into Starbuck. "Bored with the conversation already?" she asked, referring to the previous tales of triumph. "I just wish we had some new stories to tell," he replied, taking the fumarello out of his mouth. "Don't get me wrong," he added, "I hope to never see a Cylon again. I have to admit though, things have been a little too quiet around here for me lately." "I know what you mean," she agreed, her eyes still scanning the room. Starbuck leaned forward towards her. "She's not here," he volunteered. "I've already looked." "Yes," she said, bluntly, "I'm sure you have." "Now what is that supposed to mean?" he asked, a bit defensive. "Look, I don't know what you've heard but..." "Cassie told me the whole story Starbuck," Sheba interrupted, placing a hand on his shoulder. "I know that you both decided that it was for the best and that you're still friends. I'm just giving you a hard time." She smiled and reassured him that she had not passed judgements on anyone and was glad that all involved were comfortable with the situation. "I want her to be happy Sheba," he conceded. "She deserves that and I know I can't do the job anymore." Nor did he want the job anymore. "Well, you deserve to be happy too," Sheba replied, alluding to the conversation she'd had with Cassie a few cycles earlier. "I'm definitely planning on it," Starbuck nodded with a smile, confirming Sheba's suspicions that he was on the prowl. "So, why don't we leave for a bit and go look for her together?" "If you don't mind, I'd rather go alone. She and I have a few things to discuss." "Like what?" he grumbled, wondering if Sheba was about to stick her nose where it wasn't welcome. Sheba just smiled confidently. "Girl stuff, can't discuss it. Tell Apollo where I've gone and hopefully I'll... excuse me... we'll be back soon." Before he could object, Sheba turned and walked out the door of the O-Club. Starbuck let out a deep sigh and, putting the fumarello back into his mouth, wondered if he was letting things get out of hand. It had been a few days since he and Cassie had split up and he hadn't bothered to talk to Athena about any of it. In his head, and heart, he was making plans for their future and yet, he hadn't given her an opportunity to tell him how SHE felt. He had a feeling that she still cared for him, but maybe it was just wishful thinking on his part. He wanted desperately to tell her that he still loved her, but figured that he should wait until the gossip about he and Cassie had become yesterday's news. But perhaps he had waited too long. There was no telling what she had heard by now. He didn't want Athena to think that he was coming to her for consolation. He had messed things up too many times before. This time, he was going to do it right. He just hoped that she wouldn't laugh in his face. * * * * * * * * * * * Cassie stood in front of the portal in her office. She had never felt so alive. And yet, she felt a bit guilty. She had, only a few days ago, broken up with the man that had been her world for ten yahren. But instead of sorrow, she felt relief. She still loved him for the joy he had brought to her life, especially Dalton, and was determined that they remain close friends. And while she couldn't help but feel somewhat remorseful that they hadn't made it work for Dalton's sake, she couldn't deny the exhilaration she felt now. She tingled from head to toe! She had experience this feeling before... Cain, Starbuck... but not at this intensity. She felt renewed and, as she looked out the fleet, saw a new and exciting future ahead of her. She smiled with excitement as she felt a pair of hands reach around her waist, strong arms drawing her near. "I was just thinking about you," she sighed, laying her head back on his shoulder. "Mmmmm," moaned a familiar voice as he nuzzled her neck, "and what kind of thoughts were they?" "The best kind," she giggled. She turned around, caressed his face with her hands and proceeded to lose herself in a deep kiss. ******************* Athena sat in front of the console, feeling very frustrated. She had been working with this data for sectons now and couldn't get the program to work. She admitted that it had become her obsession. Almost to the point that she had barely slept the last few days, spending much of her rest cycle in the Tech-Lab. She had thought about asking one of the engineers to look at the figures, but had been afraid that they wouldn't take her seriously. They often gave her puzzled looks when they would see her in their section. They probably thought, "Oh look, it's the Commander's daughter trying to make herself useful." Then again, it was probably her own insecurity thinking that. She didn't know why she still felt this way. She had proved herself invaluable on the bridge and, when needed, she could pilot a viper with the best of them. And now, she was working on a program that, once installed into the central computer, would greatly enhance their defense against the Cylons, or any other enemy they might encounter on their way to Earth. She hadn't shared her theories with anyone, just in case she couldn't make them work. Her friends, her family... they had all proven themselves indispensable and she couldn’t help but feel as if she were always two steps behind them. Apollo’s shadow was especially long. She had kept a lot of things to herself lately. She had to admit that she had felt useless these last few yahrens. They hadn't seen much of the Cylons, thank the Lords. But for many on the battlestar, it left them with a lot of free time on their hands. For the pilots especially. There were still the routine patrols and occasionally a recon mission to find fuel. Some of the people of the fleet had even chosen to colonize on a few of the planets they had encountered. Not everyone shared her father's visions of Earth and were tired of life in space. And, at times, she was too. Since the lull of Cylon activity, she had chosen to return to the bridge full-time. Occasionally she went on a routine patrol, but not as often as she used to. In a way, she was glad. She had proven that she was an accomplished pilot and she was satisfied with that. Now she wanted something more. She had thrown herself into research of military strategic defense systems and had attempted to implement a theory of her own. It had taken a lot of her time, but time was something she had a lot of. Until recently that it is. She was still teaching in the Education Center during early cycle and it still proved, on many occasions, to be the highlight of her day. She loved all of the children and knew that teaching them was truly where she could make the greatest contribution to her people. She had especially enjoyed some of the latest additions to her class. Boxey, or Troy as he preferred to be called now, had grown and moved on to the more advanced class. She missed his bright smile everyday, but had now grown quite fond of its replacement. She now looked forward to seeing Dalton in her class, her giggles always brightening the room. She looked so much like Cassie, yet was so much like Starbuck. She had told him that recently at the Triad Semi-Finals they had attended. Remembering that made her think about how much time they had spent together lately. Over the last yahren, they had become quite close. Their friendship had suffered as a result of the Destruction. Another casualty of the war. She had missed him and was glad that they had become good friends again. He even felt comfortable enough to ask advice about Cassie at times. She tried to help as best she could, but decided to try to stay out of their business. One of the nice things about this much needed relief from Cylon activity was that she had been able to rekindle old friendships and even make some new ones. She and Cassie had actually had the opportunity to get to know one another and had found that they really liked each other. Sure, Athena was still stung a bit over the whole "Starbuck thing", but she had come to accept that he loved Cassie and, now that they had become friends again, Athena could live with that. She had even found herself being civil to Bojay again. That surprised her considering she felt she had every right to never speak to him again. While she had really enjoyed being with him, she found that she could not accept his constant belittlement of Apollo and Starbuck. She knew that it was nothing more than petty rivalry, but it had gotten excessive. After many an argument, she decided she'd had enough. She would miss being with him, but her loyalties lay with family. Lately, they had found it easier to be around each other. She knew that his feelings towards Apollo and Starbuck hadn't changed, but as long as he didn't bring it up, they got along fine. As a matter of fact, a novayahren celebration for Bojay was currently in full swing and she knew she would catch hades if she didn't go. And yet, she couldn't take her mind off of the schematics that now mocked her on the flatscreen. "You know, sometimes you can be impossible to find," Sheba said, entering the Tech-Lab. "Perhaps I didn't want to be found," Athena replied, eyes fixed on her monitor. "Oh give me a break," Sheba retorted in a sarcastic tone. "And why aren't you at Bojay's party? Everybody else is there." "Apparently not," Athena noted, slightly annoyed. "I was planning on being there shortly. There were just a few things I needed to work on first." Sheba moved toward the console and asked, "What exactly are you working on?" Athena quickly changed the subject. "Why aren't you at the party Sheba?" "I was! I left to come look for you. Do you know it took me over a 1/2 centon to find you? Apollo is going to wonder what happened to me. So c'mon," Sheba said, a mischievous grin on her face, "turn off that thing and let's go to the party!" "Sheba," Athena replied, in a rather somber tone, "I don't know if I should go to the party." "And why not? If Apollo can go, you can go," Sheba remarked, making a reference to the rocky relationship between her wingmate and both of Adama's children. "The only reason Apollo is there is because you're there," Athena said bluntly, eyes never leaving the flatscreen. "That isn't necessarily true Athena. Bojay and Apollo have been getting along better these days. Besides," Sheba laughed, "far be it from Apollo to miss a good party." "You're right about that," Athena returned with a laugh, "and, if you've been gone for a while, you'd better get back. I really don't think I'm very good company right now. I'd just put a damper on things." Sheba pulled up a chair and sat down. "Okay, spill it - what's going on." "Nothing. I've just got a lot on my mind," Athena muttered, her fingers working feverishly on the keyboard. "One of those things wouldn't be Starbuck would it?" Sheba asked, knowing that it would get Athena to stop whatever she was doing. She was right. Athena turned her chair around and shot Sheba a defensive look. "Now why would you say that?" she snapped, assuming that her friend was accusing her of something. She had heard that Starbuck and Cassiopeia had broken up and she knew that rumors would place her right in the middle of it all. Sheba was a bit surprised by Athena's reaction. "Well," she said, squirming a bit, "I can only assume that you've heard." Turning back to her screen, Athena declared, "Of course I've heard. As far as gossip is concerned, this fleet is quite small." Curious, Sheba asked, "So, what do you think?" Nonchalantly, Athena answered, "I didn't know that I was supposed to think anything." "Oh, c'mon Athena I know you too well," Sheba urged, becoming impatient with her friend. "What do you want me to say Sheba," Athena replied, taking a deep breath. "Quite frankly, what goes on between Starbuck and Cassie is none of my business. I suppose there was a time when I would have made it by business, but that was a long time ago and I'm past that. Starbuck and I have been able to re-establish the friendship we had before we became involved and, as a matter of fact, our friendship is actually better than it was and I value that greatly. Hell, even Cassie and I have become friends. If either one of them had wanted to talk to me about their problems, they would have." Athena was putting up a good front but Sheba wasn't buying any of it. Especially after the conversation she'd had with Cassie a few days ago. Sure, Starbuck and Athena had become close friends again and that was great, but apparently Starbuck had different ideas about where it would lead. Sheba suspected Athena herself had some thoughts in that direction as well, whether she had admitted it to herself or not. "Besides," Athena continued, "they have a daughter to raise. Starbuck loves Dalton more than anything and I can't believe that any disagreement he and Cassie have had will keep them apart for long." "That's not the story Cassie's telling," Sheba teased. "Okay Sheba," Athena turned her chair around, exasperated. "Obviously you want to tell me the story and you're not going to let me get anything done until you do, so go ahead." Just then, Starbuck entered the room and said, "Whatever story she's going to tell you can wait. Right now there's a party going on and I've been sent to bring you both to it." Sheba and Athena stared at each other. How long had he been there? How much had he overheard? "There's just one problem," Sheba said, breaking the silence, "Athena doesn't feel like going... says she has too much on her mind." "That could be dangerous," Starbuck chuckled. "Very funny," Athena said, sarcastically. "It just so happens that I'm working on something important and I would really like to finish it." "Well, let's take a look." Starbuck moved forward to take a closer look, only to watch the flatscreen suddenly go black. "I'd rather you didn't," Athena said, as she quickly turned off the monitor. "Okay...," Starbuck said, backing up. Was it his imagination or was she being rather cold. Granted, he hadn't seen or spoken to her in a couple of days and there was no telling what she had heard about him and Cassie. Maybe she was upset that he hadn't told her first before she had to hear it from the rumor mill? "In that case," he continued, "there's no longer an excuse for you not to go to the party." He took her hands and gently pulled her up from her chair. "Besides," he instructed, "whatever you're working on can wait until tomorrow." Athena realized that she had lost this fight. "Fine, it's obvious that the two of you aren't going to let me get anything done. Perhaps I'll work on it later tonight." "Something tells me you'll have more than enough to keep you occupied for the rest of the cycle," Starbuck hinted with a sly grin. He glanced over at Sheba, "Wouldn't you say Sheba?" "Oh yes," Sheba responded, as she rose from her chair, "I'm certain of it." Sheba took in a deep breath as she followed Athena and Starbuck out the door of the Tech-Lab. One thing was for sure, Starbuck wasn't wasting any time. "Bojay, how can you say that?! The military commanders had collected all the data necessary for that attack. It was the squadron leaders themselves who are to blame for its failure." "The squadron leaders had every right to question Colonel Orestes' aerial offensive strategy Apollo, it had as many holes as the Anatolian Galaxy..." "...Challenging tactical command, mid-battle, was a blatant disregard for orders and they were lucky that more pilots didn't get blown to smithereens!" Starbuck, Athena and Sheba watched in amusement as Bojay and Apollo debated the Battle of Alsatia and its impact on military strategy. "I don't believe them," Sheba groaned, "the Battle of Alsatia was over 100 yahren ago! What are they trying to prove?" "That they can disagree about anything and everything," Athena stated, having become bored with the rivalry between her brother and former beau. "However, they do seem to be enjoying themselves." "Well that's what we're here for," Starbuck chimed in. "Ladies, can I get you a refreshment?" "I was drinking Artesian Spirits earlier," Sheba said, "I guess I should stick with that." "Artesian Spirits it is," Starbuck declared. "And for the brooding brunette?" Athena glared at him. "Don't start with me Captain, it's already been a long day." Starbuck flashed her the smile that, although Athena hated to admit it, could still brighten even her worst moods. "I really don't know what I have a taste for," she resolved. "Surprise me." "One surprise...coming up!" In more ways than one, Sheba thought as they watched him make his way to the liquistation. As she glanced back over to Apollo and Bojay, still embroiled in their discussion of strategy, she had to wonder what Starbuck's "strategy" was for the evening. Perhaps she should bring up the subject to Apollo and Bojay and let them debate that for a while. The idea made her laugh out loud. "Did I miss something?" Athena giggled in response. "Nothing important, just my warped sense of humor." "Please share it, I need a good laugh right now." With genuine concern, Sheba turned to face her friend. "Athena," Sheba began, "what's wrong? You've been really down lately. Every time I've seen you in the last few sectars, you've seemed so.... preoccupied." "I don't know Sheba," Athena responded, shaking her head. "Maybe it's all the down-time we've had recently. I feel as if I'm in some kind of holding pattern, waiting for something to happen. We've been in such a state of chaos for so long, I guess I just don't know what to do with all the peace and quiet." "I know," Sheba agreed, "I've been kind of bored myself." Athena looked at Sheba with an inquisitive grin. "I would think you'd be enjoying it. You and Apollo can finally spend some quality time together." As they both glanced over as Apollo made yet another point about the benefits of the Torian manouever versus the Icharun strategem, they began to laugh. "Oh yeah Athena," Sheba joked, "real quality time together!" "Well," Athena acknowledged, "I guess we're all going to have to adjust to our new situation." "Speaking of adjusting to new situations...," Sheba teased, as Starbuck approached them, drinks in hand. Starbuck walked past them to the table of debate, motioning with his head for them to follow him. "Okay you two," he demanded, setting down a series of shot glasses on the table in front of them. "Enough of talking about the past. Let's toast to the future!..." They all picked up a glass. Starbuck continued. "...One with no more sorrow, no more Cylons, and...," looking at Bojay, "many novayahren to come!" "Here here!" came a cheer from the crowd of people around them as they drank from their glasses. Athena couldn't help but notice that Starbuck had not yet drank from his but, instead, was looking at her, a mischievous gleam in his eye. She smiled at him, curious, but wary. "...and to new beginnings," he said softly, yet loud enough for only her to hear. As he finished his personal toast and drank from his glass, Athena felt her heart skip a beat. What exactly did he mean by that? * * * * * * * * * * * After Starbuck had decided to join in the increasingly libation-influenced military discussion with Apollo and Bojay, Athena and Sheba decided to engage in more enlightening conversation with the others who had joined the party. They figured that, as long as the three men were getting along, they should support it and leave them be. As the night wore on, they found themselves discussing all matters of life, love, and the future of both. Athena had masterfully avoided the subject of Starbuck that Sheba would bring up every so often and Sheba was practically bursting. It seemed that Sheba knew something that Athena didn’t and yet, even though Athena was curious, she was apprehensive about listening to someone else’s interpretations of the events. She had to admit that she was surprised that Starbuck hadn’t told her himself about the end of his relationship with Cassie. “Stop it Athena!” she shouted in her head. “You don’t want to get mixed up in all this!” Sheba and Athena heard some cheering up ahead of them. They walked towards a cluster of people who appeared to be watching something very interesting. There were whispers of overlapping discussions about what the participants would do next and the possible outcome. Their curiousity peaked, they approached the crowd and came upon a familiar site... Starbuck engaged in yet another exciting round of Pyramid. "Doesn't he ever get tired of playing that game?!" Sheba exclaimed, exasperated. Athena laughed. "When you find something you're good at, you stick with it." "Yeah, but everyday?" Sheba asked. "You've been researching viper modifications everyday," Athena pointed out, turning towards her friend. "That's different Athena," Sheba defended. "I'm actually learning something. You know, using a skill." "Have you ever tried playing Pyramid against Starbuck?" Athena teased. "Now that requires skill!" "I'm serious Athena," Sheba responded, watching Starbuck prepare to take down another opponent. "You'd think that after all these yahren he'd have grown up a little." Athena turned, smiled, and looked adoringly at the man she had known her entire life. With a deep sigh, she replied, "He has grown up Sheba, he just hasn't grown old." With a suddenly sad look, Athena turned back to Sheba. "Tell Apollo I'll talk to him later and please, again, wish Bojay a blessed novayahren for me." Athena started towards the door, then stopped and turned. "And Sheba," she smiled and added with all sincerity, "thanks for persuading me to come to the party." Sheba returned the smile. "It wouldn't have been a party without you," she replied. As Sheba turned her attentions back to the Pyramid game, she thought aloud, "Besides, I don't really think that I'm the one who persuaded you." ************************* Athena walked down the corridor towards the Life Center. She wanted to get back to the Com-center and continue working, but not without first seeking relief for the headache that had crept up on her. "Maybe Arturian Ale wasn't such a good idea," she wondered aloud. She walked into the Life Center and was surprised to see light glowing from beneath the door of Cassiopeia's office. It wasn't often that Cassie worked late, usually wanting to spend her evenings with Dalton and Starbuck, if he made himself available. Athena realized that she had taken herself out of the loop as of late, wanting to concentrate on more productive things rather than everybody's personal lives. Yet she hated to hear about her friends through the gossip mill. Perhaps she should offer her ear to Cassie if, indeed, Cassie wanted it. "Hey Cass, what are you doing here this time of...," Athena began as she opened the office door, immediately startled at what she had stumbled upon. Her face turning crimson, she added slowly, "I am really sorry. I should've knocked first." Unlocking lips with her companion, Cassie replied, "That's okay Athena, I probably should've locked the door." Cassie was slightly annoyed, but surprisingly found herself feeling giddy that they had been discovered. She felt like a teenager again. "Have you met Brogan?" she asked, realizing that the leocub was out of the bag. Athena was completely dumbfounded. She really was out of the loop! "I don't think we've ever formally met. I have seen you on the Agro-II though haven't I?" He gallantly stepped forward, extending his hand, "Captain Brogan, head of Nutrigenesis research on the magnificent Agro-II, at your service." Athena took his hand, "A pleasure to meet you Brogan, I'm..." "Major Athena," Brogan finished for her, "Yes I know. It's hard not to know of the commander's daughter." Smiling at Cassie, "I'm not sure if that's good or bad," Athena replied. "All good I assure you," Brogan flashed a smile reminiscent of someone else Athena knew. This one's a charmer, she thought. He was quite tall with sandy brown hair cut in a grown-out military fashion. His eyes were a bright green, the color of the Marjeta Sea as the sunlight bounces off the gentle waves in the morning. Beneath his lab coat he was in casual dress. He wore dark pants and a loose-fitting white shirt that slightly exposed a well-defined chest. She also couldn’t help but notice his ample hands. This man didn’t belong on a research vessel... he belonged on the Vid... EVERYDAY! Every micron! Just a constant still image would be enough, almost. Cassie raised an eyebrow. Was she noticing sparks between these two? She'd already lost one man to Athena, she wasn't going to lose another. She quickly erased the thought from her mind. "So Athena, I assumed you would be at Bojay's party... what brings you here?" Realizing that she still held Brogan's hand, in greeting of course, Athena casually broke the connection and turned towards Cassiopeia. Her friend appeared nervous. Athena tried to hide her curiosity about the handsome stranger, but really wanted to kick him out of the room and get every juicy detail. "I made an appearance, but I have some work that I need to finish," Athena said, desperately trying to suppress the grin that kept finding its way across her face. Cassie, in turn, was trying to stifle giggles of her own. What a couple of schoolgirls, she thought. She had to admit, she had longed to share her affair with her girlfriends, yet hadn't dared since most of them were friends with Starbuck. And here was one of his closest friends discovering her secret! Athena didn't appear to be angry though. If anything, she was bursting with girlish curiosity. Cassie glanced over to Brogan who was watching the entire scene with amusement. "Perhaps I should leave you ladies alone for a..." "No!" Athena insisted with a little to much enthusiasm. "I really just stopped by for some Prasek for my headache." Cassie walked over to a cabinet. "Just made an appearance huh?" "Well, you know how novayahrens are... one toast here, another there..." Cassie took a bottle out of the cabinet and handed Athena a couple of tablets. "Sounds like a good time to me," Brogan chimed in. Athena responded, all the time looking at Cassie, "Then hopefully we'll see you at the next one Brogan." She now turned to leave, "It was nice meeting you." "The pleasure was mine Athena. Don't work to hard," he replied, the smile never leaving his face. Athena looked back at them. They made a handsome couple, she thought. "Oh, I won't," she chuckled. "I'll a... talk to you later Cassie." Cassie knew that that was inevitable. * * * * * * * As she left the Life Center, Athena realized that her heart was beating double-time. She recalled telling Sheba earlier that life had been a little boring lately. She laughed, "Well that's changed," she thought to herself. Captain Brogan... a fine speciman. I wonder what Starbuck thinks of... If he had known, he would've told her. Starbuck wasn't one to keep secrets like that. It was hard to keep any secrets at all on the Galactica. And, among the many rumors about Starbuck and Cassie that she had heard, Brogan’s name had never been mentioned. Athena stopped dead in her tracks. He doesn't know. To her knowledge, Starbuck and Cassie had only broken up a few days ago. From what she had just seen, it looked as though Cassie and Brogan had been together longer that that! Suddenly Athena wasn't so giddy anymore. Cassie was her friend and she was happy for her, but why would Cass keep this from Starbuck? She must have a good reason for not telling him, but what? Athena continued walking down the deserted corridors leading to the Tech-Lab. It was late. Starbuck had been pretty engrossed in his Pyramid game, hopefully she wouldn't run into him anymore tonight. She had kept secrets from him before, but nothing like this. She would have to visit Cassie first thing in the morning. She entered the Tech-Lab and sat down at her usual console. Taking a deep breath, she attempted to focus on the task at hand. Unfortunately, her headache had just gotten worse.