Title: Involuntary Instincts (from the archives of the Cutting Room Floor) Author: The Twin Goddess (athena13@ixpres.com) Rating: NC-17 Classification: SB Summary: Sometimes you have to take matters into your own hands. Disclaimer: They're ours! All ours!! Bwhahahaha! Ahem, okay, maybe not so much. But imagine what fun we could have if they were. Thanks for letting us borrow them GL and Universal. ******************************* Adama breathed a sigh of relief. The crisis with the Borays had been resolved. Peace had been restored to the planet and the farmers had graciously offered the colonists enough seeds to plant on the remaining agro ship and on new ones once they were built. Adding to the blessings was the fact that Siress Beloby had decided he was just too stuffy to be her "companion." 'Thank the Lords,' he thought, trying to suppress any sign of his joy so as not to offend the woman. Adama was just as happy to be out from under the teasing of his progeny since Apollo hadn't been able to resist getting in his own barbs about the eccentric Siress' advances on his father. But Adama acknowledged that it wasn't often that his son got the chance to tease him about much of anything and there certainly hadn't been much to joke about lately. So now that this latest obstacle had been hurdled it was a time for celebration. So he stood outside the bar where Beloby had opened her pockets to treat the warriors to drinks and gave everyone the opportunity to find out a bit more about these people and perhaps find out if they knew anything about the Thirteenth Tribe or Earth. Adama still had taken the time, as he was wont to do, to contacte the Galactica and make arrangements for a team to come down and begin the process of transporting the seed back to the Fleet. Putting his usual caution to the wind he had assigned Athena to lead the team since she hadn't been planetside since Kobol and nobody had pleasant memories of that desert planet. And with Apollo and Boxey on the planet already, he wanted his entire family to have the chance to breathe some fresh air and be together. Since he had allowed Beloby and Boxey to tag along on the mission, it was the least he thought he could do for his daughter. As he conversed with Colonel Tigh over the Comm, he heard yet another cheering toast from inside. He couldn't remember how many toasts that made, but he was glad that Beloby's good will towards the farmers was fostering good relations. He just hoped they didn't indulge too much to be able to complete their mission and leave. Especially Starbuck. 'Starbuck,' Adama shook his head and sighed. 'How many times has that boy gotten us into trouble, only to turn around and get us out of it?' "The team is assembled and will rendezvous with you in about a centar Adama," Tigh's voice interrupted his thoughts. "Very good Tigh, Adama out," he replied, closing the Comm line. While he had been talking, Adama saw Apollo return to the camp where Boxey had been waiting with Jolly. Now Adama had to figure out, by himself, a subtle way to end the festivities in the tavern and get his warriors and Siress Beloby back to camp as well. It wouldn't be long until they had all the seed transported and, while the small farming community intrigued him, he was more than ready to resume their quest for Earth. "Commander Adama," Bogan greeted him with an outstretched arm. "Join us! Starbuck was just telling us some of your adventures of late." "No, no," Adama shook his head politely and smiled. "You've been more than gracious Bogan and I thank you. But I have to get my people back to our camp and prepare for the transfer of the seed to our agro ship." "I understand," Bogan replied, extending his hand to Adama. "Let us know if we can be of any further assistance to you." "Thank you," Adama shook his hand firmly. Looking around he asked, "Boomer, Starbuck... where is Siress Beloby?" "She's on the other side of the tavern, Commander," Starbuck told him. "I'll go get her." "Very well," he responded. "We'll be outside waiting for you." Starbuck made his way to the back of the tavern towards a group of men that were surrounding the Siress. They were apparently quite captivated by a woman who made Starbuck's hair stand on end. 'I guess beauty _is_ in the eye of the beholder,' he thought. "Sorry to break this up," he apologized as he approached them. "I'm afraid it's time to go Siress Beloby." "Aw, so soon?" she whined, furrowing her brow. "I was just starting to enjoy myself," she purred at the men around her. "Commander's orders," he conceded, a shiver going up his spine at her version of a seductive voice. "Oh well," she shrugged. "Gentlemen, it's been a pleasure." She extended her hand to Starbuck, prodding him to help her up from her chair. He did so hesitantly, still squirming from the bad taste in his mouth from when she kissed him earlier. As if she sensed his discomfort, Beloby impatiently brushed by him and made her way towards the front of the tavern. Before Starbuck could follow her, Dipper called him back. "Starbuck, join us for one more drink," he invited, gesturing the blond lieutenant towards the table where a round of short glasses awaited. Seeing as this would be a quick toss, Starbuck replied, "Sure, why not." He walked to the table and simultaneously raised a glass with the other men. "To a wonderful evening!" Dipper offered in toast. "Here, here!" they all chimed as they tossed back the red liquid. Starbuck winced as he swallowed the shot. He wasn't sure what he had expected, but it hadn't been this. It didn't taste bad. It was just sweeter than anything he had drank before, other than the punch he had been forced to drink in the orphanage as a child. "Thank you gentlemen," he placed his empty glass on the table. "I'm afraid duty calls." With a few pats on the back, Starbuck took his leave and exited the tavern. As expected, Siress Beloby was chastising Adama for ordering her back to the camp so soon and Boomer was trying to make himself as small as possible. Starbuck sighed. With the exception of obtaining the seed, this whole trip had been a fiasco. Eventually Adama was able to quiet Beloby, but she insisted that the Commander sit with Boomer at the front of the vehicle, leaving Starbuck to sit next to her for the ride back to camp. Her mood had definitely changed over the past few centons and she appeared more than ready to get back to the Fleet. Starbuck was ready to get off the planet as well. While he had originally enjoyed the fresh air and the interaction with new people, he was anxious to get back. While playing a few rounds of Pyramid with the locals he had actually learned a few new tricks and couldn't wait to try them out on the Rising Star. But perhaps a visit to the Life Center would be first on the agenda, Starbuck admitted, even as he began to notice that he was feeling... well... funny. Granted, he had tossed back a few tankards of grog but not enough to make him drunk. The only thing he could attribute this feeling to was that last toast with Dipper. He didn't know what the red liquid he drank was, but obviously it was potent enough to be causing his body temperature to rise. "Are you all right Lieutenant?" Siress Beloby inquired, not able to avoid noticing Starbuck squirming uncomfortably next to her. "Yeah," he replied uncertainly. "Is it hot out here or is it me?" "I'm perfectly comfortable, and I do believe that I have more layers of clothing on than you do," she pointed out. "Hmmm, all I need is to get sick now," he muttered in frustration. Adama was already miffed at him for getting duped into being the town sheriff. He would be even angrier if Starbuck had to be taken to the Life Center when there was work to be done. "You don't look sick," Beloby commented, studying him closely. She raised the back of her hand to his forehead. "You do feel awfully warm though." "Perhaps I shouldn't have drank on an empty stomach," he admitted shamefully. "You hardly had _anything_ to drink," she remarked. "And I don't think a little bit of grog would make you sick." "Well, maybe not the grog," he leaned in closer to Beloby so that Adama couldn't hear. "But I did share one more drink with those guys you were sitting with." "Starbuck, you didn't drink what was on the table did you?" Belloby's eyes widened. "Well uh... yeah," he responded nervously, his own eyes widening, as he feared what she knew that he didn't. "Do you know what that stuff was?" "Yes I do," she sighed, shaking her head before realizing that her reaction was probably causing him undue stress. "Don't worry, it's not going to kill you. It will, however, make for an interesting evening," she couldn't quite fight back a smile. "How interesting?" he inquired hesitantly. "What was that stuff?" "It's called... Viagrale," she cleared her throat. "Viawhat?" "Viagrale," she corrected him coolly as she concentrated on smoothing out her dress. "It's an aphrodisiac." "A what?!" Starbuck's jaw dropped open. "An aphrodisiac," she looked at him with surprise. "It makes you..." "I know what an aphrodisiac is!" he exclaimed, trying to keep his voice low. "What in hades would they be drinking _that_ for?" "Well apparently they need some help in that department," she shrugged. "Obviously so if they are drinking it by the round in the tavern." Starbuck suddenly wished he were back at that same tavern now. While he knew he couldn't do anything about the drug that was beginning to effect him, he remembered seeing a few fine ladies that could help him out with his, uh, growing problem. As if reading his thoughts, Siress Beloby remarked, "If I were a few yahrens younger, I could help you out but...," she looked at him, a bit of suggestion and a bit of hope on her face. Starbuck bit back a groan as he realized that while the thought abhorred him, his body wasn't being as discerning. Nevertheless, he'd rather endure the painful erection than have Beloby administer to his needs! "I'm sure I'll be fine, thanks," he gestured with a wave of his hand even as he admitted to himself that he didn't know if that was entirely true or not. He had heard stories of various love potions that were all the rage in the pre-War days and, in one of their more colorful conversations, Cassi had described a few different sexual enhancers that she had used during her career. When she had even gone as far as to suggest they experiment with one or two, Starbuck had immediately objected. To even insinuate that he could use some "assistance" was a huge insult in his mind. An insult that he wished he didn't remember right at this moment, as it only brought to mind how he had remedied the insult. His only consolation was that the way he was feeling now proved him right, he didn't like the effects of this particular drug one bit. Sure, the physical effects themselves weren't something he wasn't used to, but in a strange way he felt violated. Half the fun of getting aroused was enjoying the woman who caused it. Experiencing everything about her... her smell, her taste, the way she felt under his touch... What he was feeling now was artificial and involuntary. 'And getting more painful by the centon,' he realized as he tried to find a position in which he could sit comfortably. The rough terrain and the jostling of the vehicle weren't helping matters as his erection strained against his tight pants. Thankfully, they weren't far from camp and soon Starbuck would be able to resume a standing position. Realizing that his arousal would be difficult to conceal in the form fitting pants he was wearing, he quickly untucked his tunic so that it fell over his hips. He knew it looked bad and he might get yelled at, but the alternative was much worse. So now he had to figure out what to do next. He was getting the impression that walking was going to be difficult shortly and Adama was more than likely going to expect him to physically help with the transfer of the seed. He definitely didn't dare tell the Commander that his capabilities were temporarily hampered. And definitely couldn't say why. For that matter, he wasn't sure he could stand around long enough to weave a believable tale that wouldn't get him on report. Either way, going on report would only be half of the punishment he knew he would receive. Quickly acknowledging that he had inadvertently shared this embarrassing secret, he turned to Siress Beloby. "Uh, Siress, if you don't mind... I'd really appreciate it if this could be our little secret," he pleaded. "Of course Starbuck, I owe you one," she replied, referring to her rescue from the Borays. She gave him a reassuring pat on the thigh, a gesture that almost sent him bursting out of his pants. Starbuck smiled graciously, inwardly wincing at the fact that even her touch had aroused him even more. 'Mental note,' he logged, 'don't let anybody touch you!' As they approached the camp, they saw that the agro transport had already arrived and begun unloading large bins in which to store the seed. The team was moving so quickly and smoothly that it became evident that they wouldn't need any help. While Starbuck hoped that this would mean an early departure from the planet, Adama insisted that they stay behind just in case the new arrangement with the Borays took a sour turn before they returned to the Galactica. Starbuck sighed but figured as long as he kept focused and had nothing to distract him... "Oh frak," he muttered under his breath as he started to walk away from. If there was one person he didn't need to see right now, it was Athena. He didn't think it was possible, but he felt his pants get even tighter as he watched her coordinate the agro team's efforts. She was wearing her warrior uniform, customary for planetary missions, and her own form-fitting pants molding sensuously to her body as she stretched and bent. Starbuck quickly ducked behind the vehicle he had just left, trying to compose himself. 'Things are not going well,' he recognized immediately. He couldn't, however, figure out what was worse. The fact that his body was reacting this way involuntarily or the fact that it would have reacted this way upon seeing her anyway. If this were happening sectars ago, he could have pulled her over behind some rocks and they could share a good laugh. But he had made the decision a couple of sectons ago that they could never have a future together, both being warriors and facing death every day. That sort of killed the first option. 'So what can you do now Bucko,' he mused. 'Walk on up and say, hi, remember me? I'm the guy that dumped you after we made love all night. I've got this problem here and I was just hoping that you could see past all the hurt I've caused you and help me out.' 'Sure, and after she finishes laughing her astrum off she's going to look you straight in the eye and tell you to take a flying leap,' he conceded disparagingly. "Starbuck, how's it going?" Beloby's voice came up beside him, causing him to practically jump out of his skin. "Just fine, thanks!" he barked, catching his breath and grimacing at the pain the movement caused. "Don't get angry at me," she scolded. "This isn't _my_ fault. Besides, I thought you'd be in a better mood now that your girlfriend is here," she said waving her hand towards Athena. "She's not my girlfriend," Starbuck said, plainly wishing that the opposite were true at the moment. "Really? But I could've sworn I heard that you..." "We used to, we don't anymore," he interrupted her questions. "Hmm, that's unfortunate," she observed. "Especially for you right now." Exasperated and losing patience, Starbuck growled, "Siress Beloby, I'd really like to be alone if you don't mind." "Well that's _one_ way to take care of it I suppose," she chuckled and walked away. Starbuck took a deep breath and buried his head in his hands. Luckily, no one besides Beloby had looked for him yet, but it wouldn't be long until Apollo or Boomer approached him and discovered the problem. Meanwhile, Beloby's last words were ringing in his ears. At this point, he knew he would not be able to sit down again without passing out and it would only be about another half centar before they would have to return to the Galactica. While he would've preferred to wait for Cassi, or almost anyone at this point, to administer to his needs, Starbuck realized that he was on his own and would have to take matters into his own, er, hands. Literally. The question was where? Starbuck looked around. The place was crawling with warriors and other Fleet personnel. He had to find somewhere no one would either accidentally stumble across him or find him if they came looking. Distance was the key. 'Oh Lords,' Starbuck thought to himself as the reality of the situation started to sink in. He'd been held hostage, shot down and injured, flown dangerous missions and now he was reduced to a lusting heap of human flesh by some drink! 'Some warrior,' he thoughts humorlessly, as his hand absently stroked his thigh. Frustrated and angry, Starbuck began to stalk away from the center of activity and towards the woods. Certainly there he could be alone for a few centons and resolve this heinous situation once and for all. 'And never think of it again!' he vowed. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ After about five centons of walking Starbuck found himself unable to hear the sounds of either the town or the Fleet inhabitants. Practically gulping air, Starbuck leaned back heavily against a tree and closed his eyes. His hurried walk, combined with his dire physical need, had deprived him of needed oxygen. With all the blood flow diverted from other parts of his body, he even found himself a bit dizzy. "This is totally humiliating!" he yelled into the empty woods. Despite the humiliation Starbuck was unable to hold back anymore and placed his palm over his throbbing erection and began to stroke himself. The pleasure the friction created was so intense it blocked out any remaining mortification and with a sigh Starbuck's slid down the tree and he landed with a thud on the forest floor. Hurriedly, Starbuck undid his pants and set his penis free. With a relieved moan he clasped it in his hand as it sprung to life between his legs. Too aroused for preliminaries, he began to stroke himself quickly, tightening his grip every time he reached his highly sensitive tip. Despite the cause of his arousal, he couldn't pretend it wasn't pleasurable. In fact, he practically bit through his lip as he imagined he was "resolving his problem" inside a woman. Visions of a hot tub and candles, enjoyed a only a secton ago, had immediately come to mind. Soon Starbuck was engrossed in his task, oblivious to his vow to listen for anyone approaching. It was all too much. He was practically dizzy with ecstasy as he thrust into his grip faster and faster. Nothing else existed for him but his mounting need for release. A need that, thanks to the aphrodisiac, was still a long way off from being relieved. Breathing heavily, Starbuck opened his eyes in an attempt to ground himself, it was then he realized he wasn't alone. Starbuck gasped at the sight before him. "I do hope you're thinking of me," Athena stood over him, an amused grin on her face. "Although, I can see how this might be humiliating," she said, referring to his exclamation of a short time ago. Part of Starbuck was mortified at being caught, yet another part was titillated by that same fact. Athena stood before him, her legs spread and her hands on her hips. Her dark hair was flowing wildly around her shoulders and blowing slightly in the breeze. The fact that her warrior uniform fit like a second skin definitely did not escape his notice. Nor did the arousal evident in her blue eyes even though she tried to hide it. And he couldn't deny that it was her he was thinking of when she appeared and had in fact thought she was just a vision. He wanted her to touch him, and right now he wasn't afraid to ask. "Come here," he begged, his eyes burning with desire. Athena looked down at the man before her in shock. She had seen Starbuck slip off from the encampment and had wondered where he was going. Still, she had shrugged it off and returned to her duties. She had to admit that she missed him over the past few days, but had reminded herself for the thousandth time that she had to keep her distance and initially resisted the urge to follow him. When she had finished her work, however, Starbuck still hadn't returned. Considering that they were on a strange planet with a formerly hostile population she admitted that she couldn't just brush off her concern to spare her personal feelings. At the same time, though, she had been afraid Starbuck had snuck off with some native woman. To save them all from potential embarrassment she had followed his trail alone thinking that if she spotted trouble she could use her Comm to contact her fellow warriors. What she found was not anything she had ever expected. And certainly not something she understood. Unfortunately, it wasn't something she could just walk away from, despite the voice in her head screaming at her to "run!" Athena's flight jacket fell to the forest floor beside them; still she didn't say a word or make a move. Inside her heart was pounding. Just last secton he had decided they couldn't be together. Unfortunately, that decision and the hurt it caused didn't stop her from wanting him and finding him like this definitely wasn't helping, as evidenced by the moisture that was pooling between her legs. Her heart was pounding so loudly she was sure they could hear it back at camp, even though it was hundreds of meters away. Her breath was becoming ragged, still she held back. "Athena," Starbuck reached a hand up, silently pleading her to come to him. Athena unthinkingly placed her hand in his and allowed him to pull her down to the ground in front of him. "Touch me," Starbuck asked in a husky whisper. Athena's hand reached out of its own accord, almost, but not quite, touching him. "Please," Starbuck moaned, still stroking himself and thrusting towards her. Athena looked into his eyes and was jolted back to reality. This man had told her they didn't have a future together, yet she could see the love and hunger in his eyes. "What’s going on?" she asked. A blush stained Starbuck's already flushed cheeks darker. "I accidentally drank an aphrodisiac," he mumbled. "You what?" Athena asked, her eyes widening, anger and laughter warring in her breast. "I accidentally...," Starbuck began to repeat. "I heard you," Athena interrupted him, laughter starting to win. "Are you serious?" Starbuck nodded dumbly. His erection was beginning to hurt from the dry friction of his hand. He was completely aroused but couldn't bring himself close to release. He needed Athena to help him. "And you want me to help you?" she asked, uncannily echoing his thoughts. "Please," he pleaded. Athena's brows furrowed as she tried to figure out what she was supposed to do. His desire wasn't really for her; it was because of some concoction. And just last secton he had broken her heart, again. Still, he looked like he was in pain. And truthfully, she wanted to help. Truthfully, she wanted him no matter the circumstances. Starbuck was beginning to tremble and it took all of his remaining strength to stop himself from launching himself at Athena and ravishing her. Oh Lords, how he wanted to bury himself inside her and make her cry out over and over with pleasure. The fact that he had vowed to never do that again didn't matter at that moment. "Starbuck, um, I don't think...," Athena began, trying to sound logical. "No," Starbuck rasped. "I need you." "We agreed," Athena said lamely. Her own need was increasing as she watched Starbuck trembling before her. He was so hard and she wanted him inside her more than she had wanted anything, or so it seemed. She was afraid she would orgasm just watching him. "We agreed we had no future, not that we couldn't still enjoy each other's bodies," Starbuck desperately rationalized. Athena's sense of self-respect began to scream. He wouldn't commit to her but they could sleep together? How like a man! 'But I won't get hurt,' Athena tried to reason with herself. 'I know the rules. I know the limitations. Neither of us are committed to anyone else. Why can't we enjoy each other. And he needs help!' She had to have him. Just one more time. Before she could express her decision, Starbuck saw the answer in her eyes and pulled her by the wrist against him. He let go of his throbbing erection and began to ravish her mouth with his lips and tongue. Athena moaned as Starbuck's tongue began to plunge into her mouth. His soft lips caressed hers and his teeth began to nibble her bottom lip. It had only been days, but she had desperately missed kissing him. Starbuck, however, had more things on his mind besides kissing. His hand reached under her tunic and began to caress her sensitive breasts. In a matter of microns Athena found herself on her back and Starbuck looming above her. He continued to kiss her as he struggled to completely remove his pants. Then he leaned down and began to thrust himself against her still clothed center. Despite the barrier, Athena felt as if he was thrusting inside her. Her hands braced against his bare buttocks and pressed him deeper and her hips thrust into his every parry. "I need to be inside you," Starbuck whispered in her ear. "Now!" she eagerly agreed. Starbuck pulled back and hurriedly pulled her pants down. He was in such a hurry that he didn't bother removing them completely, but only removed them from one leg. And then in one smooth motion he plunged himself into Athena's waiting body. Together they cried out in ecstasy and began to move in a quick and hard rhythm. Starbuck had never felt anything so electrifying. He knew part of it was the Viagral, still the fact that it was Athena he was sheathed in made a noticeable difference. This was something he had sworn he would never feel again. This synchronicity. Together they moved in perfect time. Part of it was experience, but mostly it was something that had always been there between them. Even the first time he had made love to her they had come together without awkwardness or clumsiness. He felt then like he was coming home. And he felt it now. Then he felt her convulsing around him, crying out her pleasure into the fresh air. Lords! He was on land, in fresh air and inside the woman he... Before he could finish his last thought he felt himself joining Athena at the pinnacle. His own climax was so intense it reverberated through his entire body. And through a haze of ecstasy, he realized that the Viagrale had nothing to do with what he was experiencing. This was pure passion. Pure raw emotions that still existed between them. As his thrusting slowed, Starbuck reached a hand up to cup her face and devoured her lips with a searing kiss. At that moment, Athena felt as if she could abandon all rational thought and surrender herself completely to the love that was burning in her heart. But the harder she tried to ignore reality, the more it persisted. While this had been one of the more intense sessions of lovemaking they had experienced, Athena had to attribute it to the aphrodisiac and nothing more. While her heart said otherwise, she knew she had to accept that it wasn't true. The decision had been made to walk away and that was exactly what she was going to do now. And spare them both the necessity of discussing it again. As Starbuck finally collapsed on top of her, she let out a pleasured sigh. "Can I assume that you feel better now?" she asked languidly. Starbuck's eyes widened as he lifted his head and looked at her in shock. "Are you kidding me?! I would think that was obvious!" "Well I couldn't be completely sure since I've never taken one of those aphrodisiacs before," Athena smiled in self-satisfaction. From his reaction, she had apparently helped and then some. "And you don't want to, believe me," he told her. "So would this be going into Starbuck's rule book?" she teased. "Rule #69: Always ask what it is before you drink it." "Ha ha," he conceded, snickering at himself. "Yes, I have definitely learned that valuable lesson here." Her heart pounding in anticipation of the words she was about to speak, Athena took a deep breath and said, "Well, I'm glad I could help but, I really think we should be getting back." It was then that Starbuck realized he hadn't broken their connection yet, mostly because he didn't want to. While the feelings brought on by the Viagrale had been contrived, what Starbuck felt now, the safety of lying in her arms, was the most natural thing in the world. It had only been a secton, but he had missed her very much. His thoughts were interrupted as reality crashed its way into their corner of paradise. In the far distance, they could hear the sounds of the harvester powering down, indicating that the agro team had collected all the seed that was needed. Athena knew that she needed to get back to accompany the team to the agro ship and Starbuck knew that Apollo and Boomer were no doubt looking for him. Starbuck was already prepared for the strange stares he would get from Apollo and decided to confer with Athena on their way back as to what story they would tell him should he ask. But before he let go of her once more, Starbuck gazed into her eyes and lowered his head for one last kiss. In contrast to the ferocity of the one before, this kiss was deep and tender, their tongues dancing slowly and tenderly. Athena moaned in disappointment as she felt him withdraw from her and felt another wave of desire washing over her. It was apparent that she wasn't the only one feeling it as she felt Starbuck getting hard again against her. She knew that if they didn't stop now, there would be no stopping them at all. Breaking their kiss, Athena touched her forehead to his and tried to catch her breath. "Starbuck, we have to go," she declared, struggling to keep the tears from pooling in her eyes. For the second time that secton, Starbuck felt like he's gotten the wind knocked out of him. Reluctantly, he nodded in agreement and forced himself to get off of her. After they had dressed and felt sufficiently composed, they headed back to camp the lives they had chosen for themselves. On their way they decided to tell Apollo, and anyone else who might ask, that Starbuck had discovered what he thought was a new type of fruit and had asked for Athena's opinion as to whether it was worth harvesting it's seed. Athena would claim that it would not yield enough to be worth the effort and this would serve as their alibi. Beyond that conversation, they walked in silence. As they approached the camp, Athena quickened her pace and wordlessly branched off towards the agro transport, not missing a step as she immediately began taking inventory of the various seeds that had been collected. Starbuck was helpless to do anything but watch her walk away and out of his life once again. He couldn't be angry or blame her. This had been mainly his decision and she was only following his wishes. But he couldn't help the empty feeling inside of him. His melancholy was rudely interrupted by the abrasive voice of Siress Beloby. "So, I see you solved your problem," she said smugly, observing the way he was looking at Athena. Starbuck looked at the older woman, unable to muster any antipathy towards her. "Yes, Siress it's all been taken care of," he said briefly. He hoped that she wasn't one to gossip and that she would honor her previous promise to keep this whole thing a secret between them. "Good," she exclaimed, smiling nonchalantly. "Then it was all worth it then. Let's go home," she turned and headed towards the shuttle. Her last words suddenly struck him. The mission itself had been relatively easy. He had gotten a good chuckle watching Adama squirm in Beloby's clutches. He had engaged in a few rounds of Pyramid with some new blood. And won. He had successfully rescued Siress Beloby and solved the conflict between the Borays and the farmers. He had enjoyed a few drinks courtesy of the Siress. And, he had gotten to make love to the most beautiful woman he had ever known. While it pained him that it was probably the last time that would happen, he smiled and nodded. "Yes, it was all worth it." END http://www.ixpres.com/mitiori