Pilots by the Twin Goddess

See Chapter 1 for disclaimers
Battlestar Galactica/The X-Files Crossover
No Archiving without permission
Rated: NC-17
 
Chapter 4 - Advancement

Galactica Natatorium

Athena and Mulder watched the dim, artificial light play over the 
gentle waves of the pool. Feeling the gentle press of the other's hand 
and listening to the breath of the other imbued in them a sense of 
relaxation neither had felt in a long time. So, they strolled silently, 
soaking in the peacefulness of the otherwise empty room.

Neither felt the need to break the silence, content to be in the 
company of the other and finally _alone_. Mulder pulled Athena's hand 
closer to his body and began a slow caress with his fingers. Athena let 
out a sigh at the pleasure and comfort his simple touch created. She 
moved closer and dropped her head against his shoulder as they 
continued their slow promenade.

Mulder felt a content smile relax his features at her nearness. This is 
what his better dreams consisted of, the two of them alone in the semi-
darkness. 

Athena reached her other hand over and placed it gently over their 
entwined fingers and began her own caress, keeping time with their 
synchronized heartbeats.

"I wish we could stay like this forever," Mulder's words boomed loudly 
in the silence.

"Me too," Athena sighed dreamily.

Mulder pulled them over to a lounge and sat them down side by side. He 
moved his hand from hers and put his arm around her, pulling her even 
closer. He began to gently stroke her arm as she put her hands on his 
leg and began her own gentle caresses.

After a few centons, Mulder felt his contentment begin to shift gears 
as his body stirred at her touch. He shifted, trying to ignore the 
urgings of his body, reluctant to disrupt the peace they had found 
after leaving the overcrowded dining room. Or to pressure Athena on 
their first date.

Athena glanced down and smiled at the effect her touch was having. She 
stopped her ministrations and looked up at Mulder. "Hey," she 
whispered.

"Hey yourself," he smiled and touched his lips to her forehead. 

Athena pulled away, sensing his desire to keep things relaxed. "So tell 
me about Libra."

Mulder sighed and rested his head on hers. "It wasn't all that 
different from growing up on Caprica I imagine, except where I grew up 
we never had any cold weather. No white Yule and all that. I also 
imagine it was different since I didn't grow up the son of a great 
Colonial hero," Mulder lifted his head and moved them into a reclining 
position.

Athena turned onto her side and pressed herself against him. Silently 
encouraging him to continue his story, but unable to help herself from 
teasing him just a little.

"My Father worked for the Council." He chuckled briefly as he felt her 
grimace on his chest. "Yeah, those bozos. But they weren't as bad then 
as they are now. He did good work. At least I think he did. It was 
important enough for him to be away a lot anyway," Mulder paused and 
studied the ceiling above them for a few centons trying to get his 
thoughts together and ignore the press of Athena's body against his. 

Athena began to caress his chest.

"He was away a lot more after Antha, my sister, was killed. I was 
twelve. She was eight. After that there was a sadness in my house. And 
anger. I escaped as much as I could. I spent a lot of time in school, 
at clubs and applied to the Academy as soon as I could. But you know 
most of that already."

"But you didn't tell me when I was lying in your arms," Athena 
continued to move her hand gently against his chest. Mulder smiled at 
her sentiment. "My Father was away almost all the time. We were lucky 
if we got to see him a few days in a yahren," Athena continued.

"I saw my father more than that. Sometimes it was too much. I think he 
blamed me for Antha's death," Mulder paused to swallow back his tears. 
"We were home alone when the attack came. I tried to get her to the 
bomb shelter, but she refused to come. I'm not sure what happened next. 
One centon I was fighting to drag her with me, the next thing I knew I 
woke up in the hospital and they told me she was dead. All they told me 
was that she had been killed by the explosion. I didn't even get to go 
to the funeral, they had it before I woke up. Not that there was much 
to bury, so I was told. Our home was destroyed and they wouldn't let me 
go see it. Not that that stopped me. I went anyway."

Athena pulled herself out of Mulder's embrace and turned to look at 
him. She reached over and softly brushed aside the tears that were 
streaming down his face. Her heart broke at the despair she saw in his 
eyes.

"Some first date," Mulder said wryly. "I finally get you alone and here 
I am telling you a sad story and blubber all over you."

"Oh yeah, that would be a first for us," Athena quipped. "But 
seriously, this may be our first date, but it isn't our first meeting. 
Lords Mulder, we're best friends and there is nothing you can do to 
scare me away. Well, you could make a pass at another woman, that might 
work, if you're so inclined," Athena smiled at her embarrassed friend.

Mulder shook his head and sighed. "Still, I wanted this night to be 
special."

"It is special! We're together, in each other's arms and we're _alone_, 
and if that's not special I don't know what is," Athena replied with 
certainty and lay back down in his arms.

Mulder brought his arms around her again and kissed her hair. She never 
failed to make him feel better about the tragedies and failures in his 
life. "Well, now that I have you _alone_ whatever am I supposed to do 
with you?" Mulder asked, his leer back in place.

Athena smirked and briefly wondered how she should respond to the 
obvious innuendo. Apparently Mulder still felt the need to ask 
permission before making a move on her. Quickly tossing away the idea 
of responding with words, Athena turned over so that the front of her 
body was flush against his side again.

Mulder gulped at the sensation, but still didn't touch her.

Athena let a small grin flit across her face before schooling her 
features to her stern teacher's expression. She let her gaze roam over 
Mulder's body, drinking in a sight she had denied herself for so long. 

His legs were long and lean, but pleasantly muscular. His hips and 
waist were slender enough to be almost feminine, but not quite. His 
chest, well, it was broad and strong. She knew from previous glimpses 
that it was strong without being too muscular and was covered with just 
the right amount of hair. Especially around his belly button, which for 
some reason turned her on immensely. His shoulders and arms, well, they 
always made her swoon. His lips, oh Lords, they were the source of many 
women's fantasies. His lower lip was full and pouty and his obvious 
oral fixation was the topic of many interesting women's locker room 
conversations. Of course, as his wingmate she had never participated in 
those conversations. Why bother...she was going to get the real thing.

After she had taken in her fill, she decided to put him out of his 
misery. "Just what do you want to do with me?" she asked in a husky 
whisper.

Mulder squirmed at her question as he felt her words slip sensuously 
down his body, straight to his groin.

Athena was gratified at his body's obvious and immediate response to 
her suggestive words. She almost reached out to touch him unthinkingly, 
but had fortunately controlled the impulse at the last micron. She 
wanted to savor this night. 

She looked up to find Mulder looking at her, a fever in his eyes. He 
reached his hand over and touched her face. "Nothing you don't want to 
do," he answered, just as huskily as she had asked.

Athena took a deep breath as her body experienced a similar reaction to 
his words. She looked up at him, fear suddenly shining in her eyes. 
They had finally reached this moment and she was suddenly uncertain 
what to do. They had been platonic friends and coworkers for so long, 
could they really take this step without ruining everything?

Mulder watched as Athena's earlier confidence fled. This time, however, 
he didn't join her insecurities. Laying there with her in his arms, his 
body humming in anticipation of finally being able to touch her, his 
heart fairly bursting with tender emotion for this woman and his strong 
need to comfort her, he knew they were going in the right direction. 

"This _is_ right," Mulder said as he moved his face until their lips 
were millimeters apart.

Athena felt his breath merge with hers and closed her eyes. She tried 
to slow her breathing and her pounding heart, but it was no use as she 
realized that their hearts were beating in time. 'This has to be 
right,' she thought as she moved forward and put her lips against his.

Their kiss was everything they had imagined. It wasn't their first and 
it wasn't overshadowed by worry or uncertainty. Which way do I turn my 
head? Will he be too wet? Can I do this right? Will she like this? All 
of these questions were gone now and the partners let their lips and 
tongues merge and caress.

The kiss went on for centons and both were becoming breathless. And 
more aroused. 

Athena felt a moistness pooling between her legs and she reflexively 
moved her leg until she was straddling Mulder's leg. Mulder moved his 
hand down her back and pushed her closer to him. His arousal was a 
pleasant buzz, making him dizzy and delirious as he continued to 
explore her mouth.

Athena felt her lower arm, trapped between their bodies, begin to fall 
asleep. She pulled her mouth away and shyly told Mulder of her problem. 
Mulder smiled and continued to pant as he helped her sit up. He let her 
sit down in front of him, between his legs, and began to massage the 
numb limb. 

Athena squirmed in pain as blood began to return to the limb. Then she 
felt Mulder's left hand reach around her and pull her closer to him. In 
this position she felt his arousal against her back. Before she could 
completely melt he moved his hand and began to caress and pinch her 
nipple. 

The dichotomy between the pleasure of her breast and the pain in her 
arm was overwhelming her senses and her head fell back against him.

Mulder did nothing else for centons but caress her left breast. Then 
slowly he began to move his right hand and caress her neck and hair, 
bringing his lips against her ear to kiss and nibble it.

Athena felt as if she was floating in a sea of sensation. She felt too 
lethargic to begin reciprocating the quiet adoration Mulder was 
treating her to, but at least her earlier fears were gone.

Mulder moved his left hand from her breast and whispered in her ear. 
"Is this okay?" he asked shyly.

Athena felt a jolt of pleasure in her aroused center at his words, at 
his caring even while he was so obviously aroused. She could feel his 
need against her back, but he was still offering to stop his worship of 
her. And she had yet to return the favor.

Athena moved away from him and heard him let out a breath of 
disappointment. She turned her body around and stood on her knees. 
"This is better," she finally answered and leaned forward to kiss him.

Athena put her hand to the back of Mulder's head and pulled him toward 
her. Her other hand kept her balance on his shoulder. Mulder moaned 
with relief and at the pleasure he found in her mouth.

After a few centons, Mulder, sufficiently confident that she was open 
to pleasure with him that evening, put his arms around her waist and 
pulled her closer to him. She lost her balance and fell on top of him 
as he lay back down. He sighed as he felt her breasts press against his 
chest.

Athena smiled at him from her position. She was laying on top of him, 
her legs stretched out between his. She wondered what further pleasure 
the evening held.

"How far?" Mulder asked cryptically. 

Athena, however, knew what he meant. He wanted to know how far they 
were going to go that night. Athena looked deeply into his hazel eyes 
and pondered the question. She began to consider the facts. It was 
their first date. But they had known each other for yahrens. They had 
always been close friends. They had been wingmates for yahrens. They 
had been considering whether to take this step for sectons. It was 
technically their first non-platonic date. 

Then she turned her thoughts to other things. Such as how it felt to be 
held in his arms with his erection pulsing against her stomach. The 
answering sensation between her legs. Her sensitized nipples digging 
into his chest. His large, but tender, hands on her body. She looked up 
at him and prepared to give him an answer.

Mulder, meanwhile, lay silently as she slowly considered his question. 
He could feel her body flush against his and it took all of his control 
to remain still and let her think. He watched fascinated at her face 
and eyes as her mind worked through to her decision. When she looked up 
at him, apparently ready to tell him what she had decided, he couldn't 
help but hold his breath.

"I want to make love to you," Athena said simply.

Mulder closed his eyes and released his breath. 'Oh Lords,' he thought. 

Athena took advantage of his closed eyes and leaned over and began to 
kiss him. Slowly and tenderly. Within microns the kiss turned hot and 
passionate as their minds and bodies prepared for the promised 
activities.

Mulder rubbed his hands sensuously over Athena's body, enjoying the 
feel of the velvet dress and her body beneath it. 

Athena began to squirm under his touch and moan into his mouth as she 
felt his hands slide over her body.

All thoughts of playfulness were chased from his head by her sensual 
sounds and he began to move his mouth down her chin and neck. Athena 
moved up to make his job easier.

She moved her hands to his shoulders and spread her legs until she was 
straddling his hips. Her velvet dress fluttered down and covered them. 
It was then that he realized she wasn't wearing any underwear. He could 
feel her moist center seeping through his pants. 

'Oh my Lords, she sat in the restaurant, across from me, in front of 
everyone with no underwear!' he became further inflamed at the idea and 
he began to thrust against her. He moved his hands under her dress and 
began to caress her hips. At the same time he pulled her harder onto 
him and thrust even harder. 

"Oh Lords," Athena moaned as she felt the friction of his pants against 
her. "Mulder," she whispered erotically.

Mulder moaned in return and moved his hand to her center and began to 
caress her wetness. After a few centons he pushed her ass up and 
plunged a finger into her. 

"Oh, oh," she cried out as she felt him enter her. Her muscles 
immediately contracted around his finger and she felt him slip another 
in. Her hips began to undulate around him, pushing him deeper inside. 
Now she was the one who was panting. She even forgot to continue 
kissing him, something he rectified by plunging his tongue into her 
mouth.

"Mulder, Mulder, Mulder," she cried out as he pulled his finger out and 
began to caress her clitoris.

Mulder felt her wetness begin to spread across his crotch as his 
jealous erection began to press its way out of his pants. Before he 
lost his mind entirely he moved his hands away.

He heard her disappointed whimper and grinned evilly. He pushed her 
away from his body and saw her pouting at him. Her wet lips and half-
lidded eyes painting her into an erotic portrait he wanted on his 
barrack wall. He pushed her legs until they were again between his. She 
pressed herself against him, trying to entice him. As if he needed it.

He pushed her shoulders until she understood. He wanted her below him.
Athena eagerly complied.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Special Agent Fox Mulder moaned and licked his lips as he shifted 
positions on the couch.

~~~~~~~~~~

Laying above her Mulder looked down at the sensuous offering set before 
him. Athena's dark hair was spread across the lounge, her lips were 
swollen and still wet from his kisses. Her eyes were dilated with 
passion. Her nipples stood out under her velvet dress. The dress itself 
skimmed her body and caressed it everywhere he wanted to. Her long legs 
seemed to go on forever.

He leaned down and began to pluck at her lips. He felt her moan at his 
renewed seduction. He straddled her body and sat up. Before she could 
object he placed his hand at her neckline and slowly began to caress 
her chest through her dress.

She gasped at the feel of his lips and arched her back. Then he began 
to suckle the top part of her breast. 

"Oh Mulder," she moaned as her entire body jolted at the long-awaited 
sensations. He gently pulled her neckline down and began to slowly 
caress her breasts with wet kisses.. She turned her head sideways and 
began to run her fingers through his hair.

As Athena lay a prisoner beneath Mulder a sudden sound caught her 
attention and she opened her eyes to see the door to the natatorium 
open.

"Oh sweet Kobol! Mulder, stop!" Athena whispered loudly and forcefully.

Mulder raised his head and turned to see Cassi entering the room. She 
appeared to be sobbing. 'No doubt a result of something Starbuck did,' 
he thought bitterly. He quickly ducked his head down so Cassi couldn't 
see him over the wall he and Athena were behind.

Mulder sat up and Athena fixed her dress before propping herself up on 
her elbows. 'Cassi looks pretty upset. I wonder if Starbuck is still 
looking for her?' Athena thought. 'Oh Lords, all I need now is for 
Starbuck to walk in here and see me in this position! Wouldn't that be 
perfect?!' She rolled her eyes at the thought of her ex seeing her with 
Mulder's head on her naked body.

"Mulder, we should probably leave," she whispered to him, her eyes 
speaking disappointment as well as urgency.

"Yes, I think you're right," he reluctantly agreed and slid off her. He 
looked to see Cassi head further into the large room. He got to his 
feet and pulled Athena off the lounge, grabbing her towards him for one 
last deep kiss.

They smiled at each other as their lips parted. Mulder grabbed her hand 
and quietly led them out the side door.

'Thanks again Starbuck for a wonderful evening!' Mulder grudgingly 
thought, wondering how Starbuck had managed to once again interfere, 
this time without even trying.

~~~~~~~~~~
Council Brig

"It seems you're going to have a visitor tonight Barry," Krycek taunted 
through the invisible shield over the dark cell Barry was being held 
in.

"No!" Barry cringed away and curled his body into a ball, trying to 
hide in the corner.	

Krycek laughed. "You can't hide from him."

"Go away Krycek and watch the door for unwanted visitors," the figure 
in white commanded.

Krycek's laugh abruptly ceased. He had known _he_ was going to show up, 
but still got the creeps when he suddenly appeared from nowhere. "Yes, 
yeah," Krycek agreed and headed away.

"You're useless," Iblis said conversationally as he lit the cigarette 
in his mouth and began to puff. He pulled it away and blew out a stream 
of smoke. "Worthless. I picked you Barry. I chose you. When did anyone 
in your life ever pick you for anything? I had faith in you. But you 
are useless."

"No!" Barry sobbed. "Leave me alone."
	
Iblis took another drag of his cigarette and ignored the pitiful cries 
of the creature in front of him. "And soon you will be dead. You could 
have had power. I would have let you live to serve me after I took over 
the Fleet. But no, you are useless," Iblis shook his head in 
disappointment.

"No, no, no, no," Barry whined.

"Enough," Iblis finished his cigarette and dropped it to the floor. He 
motioned with his hand and a few microns later Krycek appeared at the 
cell again. "Come in here," he commanded.

The Security Officer turned off the security grid and walked into the 
cell.

"I am finished with this one, I need you to carry until I pick a new 
one. This one is worthless. He has provided me with no information. Our 
next one will have more contact with those we need to destroy," Iblis 
explained. Then he stuck out his finger and pointed it at the huddled 
animal in the corner.

Barry's cries were immediately silenced and he flopped down onto the 
ground. Krycek walked over and kicked the body, as if ensuring it was 
dead. Microns later a viscous fluid began to flow out of the body's 
eyes and nose. Once on the floor in a cohesive puddle, it began to move 
toward the Officer.

Krycek twisted his lips in distaste. He hated this part. The black goo 
reached his feet and began to crawl up his body. Krycek's body began to 
twist in reaction to the organism's invasion.

Iblis watched the proceedings impassively as he inhaled deeply on 
another cigarette. When the process was complete he tossed the 
unfinished stick to the ground and waited patiently for Krycek to turn 
to him.

After a few centons Krycek straightened his uniform and turned back to 
Iblis for his new instructions.

"I have chosen," Iblis informed him.

"Who?" Krycek asked in anticipation. He enjoyed the games that Iblis 
allowed him to play, and he couldn't wait to get this stuff out of him. 
"Who is it?"

"This Med Tech Cassiopea. She is friends with all of them. I should 
have chosen her earlier. This one, he was incompetent."

"Cassi?" Krycek asked. How in the heck was he going to get close enough 
to infect her?

Iblis read his mind. "She is a former socialator," he spit out the last 
word with distaste, as if he disapproved of the profession. "I'm sure a 
man of your... _attributes_ will be able to relate to her on her level. 
Yes, she is open to corruption. She will be perfect. You must go to her 
tonight. We have no time to lose. Yes," he took a drag on another 
cigarette before he disappeared.

Krycek shook his head. Now he had to get back to the Galactica. His 
lover was going to be pissed off. They had both been so looking forward 
to tonight.

~~~~~~~~
Blue Squadron Barracks

Starbuck stirred in his bunk restlessly as if his dreams were tearing 
him in multiple directions.

Cassi. 

After he had left the Dining Hall earlier he had changed his mind and 
decided to look for her, but she had effectively hidden herself. He had 
gone back to his bunk, tired and despondent after his emotionally 
draining evening. In his dream he was running down corridor after 
corridor searching for her again. It was as if something terrible was 
going to happen if he couldn't find her. Everywhere he went people just 
stood there watching him, but not helping him find her.
 
In one hallway he saw Apollo with Dr. Scully in his arms. They were up 
against a wall in a passionate embrace. Apollo didn't even turn around 
when Starbuck asked him where he could find "her."

In the next hallway he entered, Sheba stood alone. She just shook her 
head when he asked where he could find "her."

In the next hallway was Ensign Barry, the troubled man from the Dining 
Hall. "You have the dreams too, I know you do! You can't sleep either," 
Barry yelled as Starbuck fled from the truth in the Ensign's words. He 
too had been having nightmares about Iblis and other things he could 
never remember when he awoke. The dreams were so troubling that he 
himself had dozed off during patrol.

"But Apollo can take care of himself!" he yelled as he continued down 
the hall, trying to justify his hypocritical threats to Mulder. The 
people in the hallway just shook their heads.

Suddenly the next hallway was dark and empty. It was a residential 
section of the ship. All the doors were closed, except for one at the 
end of the hall. Starbuck slowed his pace and began to walk towards 
that door. "She" was there... he knew it. This was the end of his 
search.

He entered the room. Like the hallway, it was dark. But she was there, 
he felt her presence. Her scent permeated the air. He looked around the 
room, spinning until he was dizzy but he couldn't find her. "Cassi," 
the dream Starbuck called out.

"Lay down on the bed. I know how tired you've been. Let me take care of 
you," a familiar voice told him.

Starbuck still couldn't see her but decided to comply. He sat down on 
the bed and removed his shoes and gun and lay back. Then he heard her 
laugh.

"Is that how you lay in my bed Lieutenant?"

Starbuck smiled. He had found her. He sat up and began to remove his 
clothes. Once he was naked he again looked around the room trying to 
find her, the dim light highlighting his strong musculature and other 
endowments. 

"You know I'm here with you. I always have been. Just relax," her voice 
told him.

Starbuck smiled and nodded. This woman, the woman in the room with him 
was always with him. He moved the covers to the bed back and eased 
himself down onto the bed and closed his eyes.

Within microns he felt the air of the room change. His breathing 
increased in speed as he tried to figure out what the change was. But 
his body knew. He felt his penis begin to harden and pulse. The 
innocence of the past centons was gone. There was a dangerous hum in 
the air now. All the light in the room had disappeared.

Suddenly Starbuck felt a nibbling on his right nipple. He opened his 
eyes but couldn't see who, or what, was nipping him. But his erection 
ensured him it felt good as it grew and hardened. "Cassi," he moaned, 
certain that his body knew what he could not see.

Then soft, wet lips began caressing his body as they moved south to his 
muscled stomach. He felt his desire burning as her silky hair tickled 
his groin. He felt a tongue snake out and begin to lave his abdomen. He 
moaned as he felt a nipple rub against his scrotum. "Oh Lords," he 
moaned as the tongue moved, way too slowly, lower.

Before he could moan in anticipation again she began lavishly stroking 
his shaft with her warm, wet tongue. This time his moans were those of 
ecstasy. It had been so long since he had felt her touch, he began 
running his fingers through her hair. 

She gently took him into her mouth, allowing her teeth to ever so 
slightly graze him. Starbuck's back arched at the sensation as he felt 
a frenzy of pleasure bolt through him. His moans became louder. 

"Oh Athena," he cried out. He opened his eyes, frightened by his own 
words. 'Oh Lords, it's Athena,' he realized with certainty.

"You finally figured it out hotshot," she said around his erection 
before taking it deeper into her throat.

"Oh Lords, it's always been you, only you," he moaned and arched his 
back, his breathing hitching in his throat as he felt himself near the 
precipice. "I was such a fool, it's you, you, Oh Lords," he cried out 
as he be began to fall.

"Starbuck, Starbuck," said a decidedly masculine voice.

Starbuck's eyes jolted open and he sat up in horror. "What the...," he 
started until he saw Boomer standing next to his bunk with a look of 
concern.

"Starbuck, you okay?" Boomer asked, placing a comforting hand on 
Starbuck's shoulder. Boomer had grown accustomed to the occasional bad 
dreams that Starbuck had experienced over the past sectars, but this 
dream had seemed particularly vivid. 

Starbuck sat up, closed eyes and took a deep breath.

"You were squirming and moaning. You started to call out, loudly, I 
figured you were having another one of those bad dreams again," Boomer 
continued.

Starbuck flushed as his dream came back to him and he belatedly 
realized that, under his covers, his penis was still hoping to find the 
release it had almost gotten in sleep. Starbuck felt a small sense of 
relief that he apparently hadn't revealed the true nature of his dream 
to the entire Squadron. It was small consolation to his throbbing body 
right at the moment.

He looked back over at Boomer. "I'm okay Boomer, thanks," he gave his 
friend a reassuring, if not a bit uncomfortable, look.

Boomer smiled. "Anytime... dreams can really be unsettling sometimes," 
he remarked as he returned to his own bunk.

Starbuck ran a hand through his hair and mumbled, "you have no idea." 
He lay back down and took deep breaths, trying to will his traitorous 
body back under control.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Galactica Natatorium

Cassiopeia entered the natatorium, tears hindering her sight. The dim 
lights above were her only guide as she walked to the far side of the 
pool to a dark area that she and Starbuck had shared on many occasions. 
She wasn't sure why she was coming here now, the memories were so 
painful that her tears became more intense. Privacy was a luxury aboard 
the Galactica and this had been the place that they had found solace in 
each other's arms when going to the Rising Star wasn't feasible. She 
sat down on a lounge and buried her head in her hands as her tears 
continued to flow uncontrollably. 

'Don't know why you're crying so much Cassi,' she thought to herself, 
'you knew that this was inevitable.'

She took a deep breath and raised her head to look out at the Fleet 
through the small portal.

'I came on to him to fulfill my own needs at a time when he was 
extremely vulnerable. Of course I didn't know that at the time, I 
didn't know that he had asked Athena to be sealed just centars before. 
I didn't even find out until sectars later when Sheba told me,' Cassi 
tried to justify her guilt.

'But I did know that they were together. I knew that on Carillon when I 
saw them in the casino. I knew when she took the key to the suite out 
of my hand,' Cassi's tears slowed as she recalled the beginnings of her 
relationship with Starbuck.

'But dammit that key was also the key to my future! Everyone I knew was 
dead, everyone that knew my past. Here was a Colonial Warrior that was 
treating me like a real person and not just using me solely for his own 
pleasure. I knew that I could find a new life with his help, a new 
purpose, and I wasn't going to let anyone stand in my way. I knew that 
Starbuck still had feelings for Athena, but he chose to leave her and 
come to me. She had hurt him and I could make him feel better. I helped 
him escape his own pain and hurt!'

Her eyes welled up with tears again. 'But I never expected to fall in 
love with him. I never expected to need him so much. When I started my 
med-tech training I hardly noticed we had been spending less time 
together. I didn't realize until I saw him with Athena one night. I 
couldn't believe how I felt when I saw the way they looked at each 
other. The way he looked at her, even behind his playful grin I saw the 
sincerity in his eyes, but I didn't care.

'She buried her head and began weeping again. "It's the same way he's 
looking at her now!" she cried through her tears. 'I know that he loves 
her, I've always known.'

	"A beautiful woman like you shouldn't be sitting her in the dark 
crying alone," a deep, obviously masculine, voice interrupted her 
reverie.

	Cassi looked up startled and saw Krycek, Chief of Security, 
looking at her tenderly. She hastily tried to wipe away the evidence of 
her tears and averted her eyes from his piercing gaze. "I want to be 
alone," she said pointedly.

	"It's not safe for a lovely woman to be all alone," he moved 
closer.

	"I thought you were protecting all of us now," she said 
sarcastically as she swung her gaze back to the intruder. She felt a 
frission of fear down her back as he just stared intently at her. "Do 
you mind leaving? I would like to be alone." Hinting hadn't worked.

	"I mind very much. Why are you so sad? Has that fool Lieutenant 
Starbuck finally screwed things up with you too? I'm not surprised. I 
think you might find that I don't make the same foolish mistakes that 
child does. If I had a woman like you I would never let you go," Krycek 
moved closer.

	Cassi stood up and glared at him. "You could never have a woman 
_like_ me."

All of a sudden he was directly in front of her and his hand whipped 
out and grabbed the back of her neck. She forced herself to stand 
still, refusing to put herself into a more vulnerable position by 
struggling. If she seemed helpless she thought she might be able to 
hurt him and run. She was just about to bring her knee up when he moved 
closer and began to kiss her. Her earlier target was now pressing 
against her stomach.

His other hand whipped out and trapped her against his body. Now she 
began to struggle. Then she felt a stinging in her eyes and felt 
herself begin to suffocate. Now her movements became more frantic.

Before she could make any progress against her captor he let her go. 
She fell down onto the chair she had vacated earlier and tried to catch 
her breath. 

"I wouldn't want that warrior's leavings anyway," he laughed, wiping 
his mouth as he walked out.

"You scum," she hissed at his departing back.

Now she understood, first hand, why everyone hated him. She had thought 
much of the conflict was just competition between the warriors and the 
civilian security force. Now she knew better. 

Suddenly Cassi began to feel dizzy. 'Lords I'm so tired,' she moaned, 
chalking up the feeling to her distress over Starbuck and the encounter 
with Krycek. She pushed herself out of the chair and tried to regain 
her balance.

'Maybe I am coming down with something,' she admitted as she began to 
feel queasy. She put a comforting hand over her stomach and forced 
herself to walk to her quarters where, hopefully, she would wake up 
tomorrow and feel better.

~~~~~~~~~~~
Cassi's Quarters

Cassi finally reached her room, feeling even worse than before. She 
leaned her head against the cold mirror above her wash basin trying to 
fight another wave of dizziness. Luckily the feeling of nausea had 
dissipated, she just wished this damn headache would go away as well.

She reached her hand down and splashed her face with cold water. She 
winced as it stung her eyes. 'Something is definitely wrong,' she 
opened her eyes to check them in the mirror.

"Oh my God!" she screamed as she saw swirling black in the whites of 
her eyes. "What is happening to me," she gripped the counter as the 
pounding in her head began to spread through her body. Cassi began to 
writhe as if in the throes of passion, her head thrown back and a 
grimace of ecstasy on her face.

"Ooooh," she moaned.

After a few centons her body stilled. She straightened her posture and 
looked in the mirror. Her blue eyes were blazing and the blackness had 
decreased. She reached a hand up and began to caress her body. She 
rubbed her breasts and looked into the mirror, a smile of satisfaction 
spreading across her face.

"This is interesting," she purred. She smiled at her reflection one 
more time before turning and leaving her quarters.

END CHAPTER 4