Moving O
By Katrina

Chapter 2

Disclaimer: This story is for fan enjoyment. This story is in no way trying to infringe on the rights of Universal Studios or any "Others". No profits are being made of any kind.

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The party was in full swing when Athena entered the Officer's Club. In the corner behind the bar, a group of drunken Warriors were inventing a ballad about the recent victory. The crowd milled around them, some joining in, while others just listened.

Dietra, Rigel, Starbuck, Cassie, Boomer, Apollo and Sheba were already at their table celebrating. As Athena approached the table, Bojay appeared by her side. "Bojay, I thought I left you in the Life Center arguing with Dr. Salik?"

" Dr. Salik released me 5 centons ago. I came here hoping to catch up with you and to celebrate our victory over the Cylons," Bojay said as he winked at Athena.

"Well then, come and join me and we can celebrate together." Athena linked her arm with Bojay's.

As Athena and Bojay made their way through the crowd over to their friends, Rigel noticed that Athena and Bojay made an interesting couple. She had seen the concern on Athena's face when Bojay signaled he'd been hit during the battle.

"Well, look who Athena found on the way to the party. I was wondering when you were going to show up, Athena," Rigel teased her friend.

"I just had to stop in the Life Center and see how one of our other heroes was doing," Athena told her, blushing as she saw the knowing look in Rigel's eyes.

"Bojay, what are you doing out of the Life Center? I mean, I'm glad to see it, but so soon?" Sheba asked, surprised.

"Yea, how did you talk Dr. Salik into releasing you so soon?" Starbuck asked as he polished off the last of his grog. Starbuck wanted to file this bit of information away for the next time that he was stuck in the Life Center.

"It was just a minor jolt and after convincing Dr. Salik that I was only shaken up a bit, he agreed to release me." Bojay said as he put his arm around the back of Athena's chair after they had sat down.

"Convincing Dr. Salik? That must mean you were arguing with him until he couldn't stand it anymore," Sheba said as the merriment danced in her eyes.

"Well, I for one am glad that you could join us this evening," Athena said, smiling brightly at Bojay.

Apollo noticed the smiles and glances being exchanged between Bojay and his sister. He was glad for Athena. Bojay was a good man and Athena deserved to be happy.

Apollo looked at Sheba and saw her answering smile.

Sheba was watching Bojay and Athena, wondering why she hadn't set the two up herself. But then, Apollo had been taking up most of her thoughts lately.

Apollo's arm tightened on Sheba's shoulders and he leaned over to whisper in her ear. "So, did you have anything to do with setting up Athena and Bojay?"

"No, but I wish I had," She whispered back. She was happy for her two friends.

"Anyone need a re-fill?" Boomer asked as he stood up, glad for a chance to stretch his legs.

After several affirmatives, he headed to the bar. Bullock was on duty tonight as usual.

"How many do you need Boomer?" Bullock asked as the warrior leaned his hands on the bar.

"I need six grogs," Boomer told him over the noise.

"Coming right up." Bullock turned away to get the drinks.

Boomer leaned his back on the bar and looked over at his friends. They were all in high spirits and so was he. It looked like Apollo and Sheba had finally gotten together and Starbuck had Cassie. Even Athena seems to be starting something with Bojay. Maybe it was time for him to do something about Dietra. He had been putting off any type of relationship because of what Apollo went though with Serina.

Maybe it was time for him to start living again also.

Boomer turned around to face Bullock as he filled the mugs. He was well over 60 yahrens, but Bullock still had the physique of a man half his age. His jet-black hair was turning gray and his face was covered with the deep laugh lines of a man who knew how to enjoy life. Boomer knew Bullock had lost his only son, Abram, during the Destruction, but Bullock never talked about it. Instead he treated the warriors like his own children and they, in turn, treated him like a father or favorite uncle.

"Here you go Boomer. Say, you Warriors did a fine job today. Everyone should be proud. Just tell Apollo and Starbuck to hold onto that transmitter next time," Bullock said as he placed the drinks on the bar, a knowing grin on his face.

"Thanks Bullock. We lost some good people out there. That means a lot coming from you. And believe me, when I get through with Apollo and Starbuck, they'll think twice before they lose another transmitter."

Boomer told him, a wicked grin on his face, as he gathered the drinks and headed back to the table.

Bullock watched Boomer head back to his table and friends. He had no doubt Boomer would extract some type of payment from Apollo and Starbuck. As Bullock started to wipe the bar down in front of him, he glanced to the end. When a Warrior didn't come back from a mission or battle, it was Bullock who set up each of the fallen Warriors a mug of grog, at the end of the bar. Tonight was no different. Five mugs of grog were lined up at the end, one for each of the fallen Warriors.

Tomorrow a memorial service would be held and the names of the fallen would be added to the memorial wall in the Chapel of the Faithful.

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"Boomer, nice juggling act," Starbuck joked as Boomer set the six grogs down carefully on the table in front of him.

"Real funny Starbuck. Next round is on you, good buddy. You two clowns owe me for the waggling," Boomer replied as he took his seat next to Dietra.

"And we appreciate it Boomer," came Apollo's wholehearted reply, as he lifted his grog in a silent toast to Boomer.

"Well, you and Starbuck can start showing me that appreciation anytime now," Boomer told them, arching his eyebrows, much to the amusement of the others.

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As the festivities continued in the Officer's Club, Colonel Tigh was on duty on the Galactica's bridge. Sergeant Ajax appeared by the Colonel's side.

"All repairs to the Galactica should be completed by 0600 centars tomorrow Colonel," Ajax said.

"Good, Sergeant. Let me know if anything changes. Dismissed," Tigh replied taking the report from Ajax.

After reading the report, Colonel Tigh glanced around the bridge. All was quiet and he hoped it would continue. There were no more raiders making suicide runs at them and as far as he could tell, there weren't any more Cylon raiders period. But, he knew they couldn't let their guard down. "Status report, Bowfinger."

"All is quiet Colonel. There is nothing on long-range scan and Red Squadron is still on yellow alert. Greenbean and Giles are due back from patrol in two centars. Captain Picus is still checking on the fuel

status for all ships in the fleet. He should be reporting back before the end of the cycle," Bowfinger replied, glancing back at the Colonel.

"Continue to monitor long-range scan closely, Lieutenant and let me know the moment Captain Picus returns to the Galactica," Colonel Tigh said as he rubbed the bridge of his nose before going back to his reports.

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"Well, I think I need to call it a night. Boomer and I have patrol tomorrow morning. Besides, I'm beat. If I don't get some sleep soon, you are going to be picking me off the floor," Sheba said as she covered a yawn with her hand, then smiled at Apollo.

"I'll walk you back to the women's barracks. I can't have you falling asleep on patrol tomorrow," Apollo said as he stood up and pulled Sheba's chair out.

"We'll see you all tomorrow," Apollo said as Sheba waved and they headed out of the Officer's Club, hand in hand.

"Shall we take our leave as well, Starbuck?" Cassie asked coyly, smiling at the brash Lieutenant who had stolen her heart.

"That we shall. Goodnight everyone," Starbuck replied a huge grin on his handsome features, his blue eyes twinkling. Putting his arm around Cassie, the two left the O'Club and headed towards her quarters and their own private celebration.

"Well, as Sheba said, I have patrol tomorrow morning. I guess I'd better head back to the barracks. What about you, Dietra? Can I walk you back or are you going to stay for awhile yet?" Boomer asked, his deep chocolate eyes bright.

"I'll walk back to the barracks with you Boomer," Dietra replied, smiling invitingly at Boomer. Boomer returned her smile as he pulled her chair out.

After bidding Athena and Bojay goodnight, Boomer and Dietra left for the evening.

"Well, looks like everyone is leaving except us," Bojay said to Athena. He was having a wonderful time with her and really didn't want to leave. He was hoping she wouldn't want to leave either.

Athena looked at Bojay. She wasn't ready to leave and hoped Bojay would be willing to stay.

"That doesn't mean we have to leave. I am not on duty until noon cycle and the night is still young. What do you say we continue to party?" Athena asked, a hopeful smile on her face.

"I was hoping you would say that. I'm grounded tomorrow by Dr. Salik, so lets stay awhile longer," Bojay told her, a totally beguiling grin on his face.

With that, Athena and Bojay spent the better part of the night talking, getting to know one another and discovering that they shared many of the same views and dreams.

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As Apollo and Sheba walked down the corridor to the women's barracks, neither one of them wanted to say goodnight. As they passed a supply closet, Apollo couldn't resist pulling Sheba into it.

"Apollo what...?" Before Sheba could finish her sentence, she was in Apollo's embrace and he was kissing her.

"Apollo, if you keep kissing me like that, we are never going to get any sleep tonight," Sheba said when she could talk again, noticing that Apollo looked mighty pleased with himself.

A grin lit up Apollo's face. "Do you have any idea how many times tonight I just wanted to reach over and kiss you?" Apollo asked as he ran his fingers through Sheba's long, soft golden brown hair.

"Probably as many times as I wanted you to do just that," Sheba said as she traced her finger along Apollo's lower lip.

"Oh, lords, I had better let you go or we're never going to leave this closet tonight," Apollo told her quite seriously. But he had to kiss her one more time.

After pulling her into his arms and kissing her, Apollo led Sheba out of the closet. Unfortunately, Boomer and Dietra were standing outside in the corridor. Upon seeing Apollo and Sheba, Boomer and Dietra started to laugh.

"See, I told you I thought I heard voices coming from the supply closet," Dietra told Boomer between fits of laughter.

Apollo and Sheba both turned red. "Umm..Boomer, Dietra. We'll say goodnight now. See you both tomorrow," Apollo choked out, as Sheba tried hard not to laugh herself.

"See you both in the morning," Sheba smiled.

Apollo walked Sheba down to the door of the barracks. He gave her a tender kiss and said, "Goodnight. I'll see you tomorrow."

"Goodnight, Apollo." Sheba turned and walked into the barracks.

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Bojay sat his empty mug on the table, and looked at Athena. "I love kids too. I have always wanted a large family someday. When I was growing up, I didn't have any brothers or sisters. My parents weren't

able to have anymore children, so it was just the three of us. They died when I was seventeen in a navel accident. Sheba is the closest thing I have to a sister or any type of family left. I guess that's why I'm so protective of her, what with Cain missing and all," Bojay said.

"I can understand that. You and Sheba are family and families look out for each other. You have known Sheba since she was what five yahrens old?" Athena asked.

"Yes, since she was five and I was nine yahrens old. She was climbing up a tree in Colonial Street Park to save a feline, when the branch broke. I ran to try and catch her, but didn't make it in time. Sheba

ended up breaking her arm, but we became fast friends," Bojay explained, remembering that day.

"Cain was home on leave at the time. You should have heard him when he found out how Sheba broke her arm. He actually told her that next time, she needed to learn how to fall and roll like a Warrior, but that he was proud she didn't cry," Bojay said smiling.

"I guess that was when I started picking up those over-protective instincts where Sheba is concerned. I have always felt like her big brother and I suppose that comes with the territory." Bojay told Athena, leaning back comfortably in his chair.

"Apollo has always been over-protective of me. You know, being the big brother and all. It was just his responsibility with Father being gone so much and Apollo is good at it. In fact, it can be quite irritating at times, but I've gotten used to it," Athena said with a rueful grin on her face.

"So, is Apollo going to give me the third degree after tonight?" Bojay asked, halfway seriously.

"Probably, but you could always turn the tables on him and ask his intentions towards Sheba," Athena replied, a wide and mischievous grin on her face.

Bojay's answering grin was all Athena needed to see. Apollo was about to get a taste of his own medicine. Athena couldn't be happier. She loved her brother, but sometimes he interfered way too much.

"Do you want anything else to drink? I think Bullock is about ready to close," Bojay asked, glancing back towards the bar.

"I don't think so. In fact, I had better get back to my quarters. It's already 0230 centars and I have to report at noon cycle," Athena replied sadly.

"I'll walk you back if it's all right?" Bojay asked, hope lighting up his hazel eyes.

"It's more than all right," Athena replied happily.

As the two left the O'Club, Bullock watched them from the bar. They were among the last to leave this night cycle.

As he went to the end of the bar, his eyes filled with tears as he saw the grogs. Five of his Warriors didn't make it back. Bullock picked up the five grogs and poured the contents down the washbasin, as a single tear escaped from his tired blue eyes.

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"Colonel, Captain Picus has returned to the Galactica. He is on his way to the bridge," Bowfinger informed Colonel Tigh.

"Thank you, Lieutenant," Colonel Tigh replied looking up from the monitor he was studying.

Tigh hoped that the news was good, but he doubted it. It had been some time since the fleet had stopped to refuel. He knew that the Galactica alone was down to about one-third fuel capacity. He reasoned that the other ships in the fleet were probably worse off. Soon he would know for sure.

Colonel Tigh paced the bridge as he waited for Captain Picus to arrive. As he heard the lift doors open, Tigh turned around to face Captain Picus as he walked up onto the bridge deck.

"Captain, what do you have to report?" Colonel Tigh asked.

"It doesn't look good, sir," Captain Picus replied. "More than half of the fleet is down to about 20 percent of maximum fuel levels."

"The rest of the fleet is not much better. I would estimate that given current levels and with no unnecessary expenditures, the fleet has about a two sectons supply of fuel remaining." Captain Picus wished he had better news for the colonel, but he didn't.

"I expected as much. Thank you Captain Picus. I will be informing the Commander. If he has any questions for you, I will contact you. Dismissed," Colonel Tigh replied.

As Captain Picus made his way off of the bridge, he glanced back at Colonel Tigh. Tigh was speaking into his headset, presumably to the Commander. As much as Picus wanted to deliver good news, he couldn't. The fuel shortage was once again rearing its ugly head and he doubted there would be any spare Cylon fuel tankers to use this time.

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"Colonel Tigh, increase recon and long-range patrols immediately. We must find the fuel we need before the fleet comes to a halt," Adama replied as he rubbed his tired eyes.

"Then, I want a meeting scheduled for 0700 centars in the briefing room. Have all senior officers present. I want a plan of action in place for when we find the fuel we need," Adama said as he started getting dressed. He would get no more sleep this cycle.

"Yes, Commander. I'll have it all in place by the time you reach the bridge," Colonel Tigh responded before he signed off.

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The next morning, as Sheba performed the routine pre-flight check on her viper, she watched Apollo walk across Alpha Bay towards her.

"So, what brings you here so early this morning? I thought you would still be having morning meal with Boxey," Sheba asked as Apollo stopped in front of her.

"Boxey and I have finished morning meal and I wanted to see you this morning before you left," Apollo told her, smiling.

"Did everything check out okay? No problems?" Apollo asked Sheba as casually as he could.

But Sheba wasn't fooled. She knew he was worried and understood why. "Everything checks out perfectly, with no problems." Sheba smiled, tenderly.

"I'll be on patrol with Starbuck by the time you get back, but would you have evening meal with Boxey and me?"

"I would love to have evening meal with Boxey and you, Apollo," Sheba told him happily.

Apollo smiled and cupped her cheek with his hand. "Great! Boxey was very excited when I asked him about it this morning."

"I'm glad," Sheba replied.

"Be careful out there," Apollo told her quietly, as he caressed her cheek.

"I will. I promise," Sheba told him.

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"Boomer, are you ready to go?" Sheba asked, as she sat in her viper, the engines ready for launch.

"Ready, willing and able, Sheba, " Boomer replied.

"Galactica launch control, this is Blue 3 and Silver Spar 2. We are waiting for launch instructions," Boomer signaled Rigel on the bridge.

"Blue 3 and Silver Spar 2, this is launch control. You are cleared for launch. Launch when ready." Rigel's voice replied in both Boomer's and Sheba's headset.

"Copy that Launch Control. Blue 3 and Silver Spar 2 launching now."

Boomer and Sheba pressed down on the viper's controls in unison. The white-hot streaks trailing the two vipers dissipated quickly. And another routine patrol was started.

END OF CHAPTER 2
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