Lieutenant Wilda of GLADIATOR Squadron leaved over her drink and studied the tall, dark haired Caprican standing at the end of the bar.
His rugged, almost scruffy good looks and sun bronzed skin had caught her attention the centon he walked into the crowded Officer’s Lounge with his cronies.
She got to her feet and started across the room. Midway an arm encircled her waist and pulled her to her left.
“It’s just me, cherie’” a smooth voice whispered in her ear.
“Allas,” the woman protested. “Let me go before I lose my nerve.”
“I’ve heard of you losing a lot of things, but your nerve. That’s not the Wilda I know. You don’t have to lose anything with me, my sweet. Unless you want to that it. Tell you what. I’ll even let you seduce me.”
Captain Gyrona who had been sitting with his wingman Bader at a table behind the amorous lieutenant had heard Allas’ comment and laughed as he downed a mouth full of Ambrosia. His eyes widened as her realized, too late, what he had done. Then he started choking. Lt. Bader put a hand over his mouth to suppress his own laughter.
“You’re too willing,” Wilda returned. “I’d rather seduce that Caprican at the end of the bar.”
“Don’t bother. He’s got his head stuck so far up his astrobes he needs a recon probe just to comb his hair.”
“I have fingers that want to comb his hair,” the woman said sharply and extraced herself from the Sagittarans grasp to walking away.
Allas turned to the gasping Captain and put a hand on the man’s shoulder.
“Are you alright, mon’ami?”
Gyrona cleared his throat and grinned.
“Just because you struck out with her doesn’t mean you have to proposition me, Lieutenant. I don’t know what your type is. But you’re not mine.”
Bader could barely contain his amusement and snickered as his captain finished.
“You Sagittarans do it one way and we Aquarians do it another. It just wouldn’t work out between us.”
A hush fell around the revelers in their immediate area. It was unlikely a fight would break out between the men of different ranks, but the only thing that would work in the captain’s favor WAS his rank. Like many who possessed red hair, the normally placid and laid back Lieutenant Allas had a temper to match when provoked.
Bader’s laugh stopped suddenly as he took note of the surrounding faces all watching them. For the centon life beyond their little section of the lounge continued as if nothing were amiss.
“Gyrona, old buddy, suddenly I’m not feeling so well.”
“I think I’m through here, too,” the Captain said as he noticed that more and more people were taking note of the quiet corner they sat in.
“You’ve had a bit too much, Bader old buddy,” Gyrona said a little louder as he hauled his friend to his feet by the arm. “Let me get you out of here and sober you up.”
“Huh? Wha… Oh… yea. Maybe that’s a good idea.” B
Bader knew when to take a hint and his friend gave them both the excuse they needed to make a somewhat graceful yet hasty exit. Still, an air of tension was starting to grow. Or maybe that was just Bader. Who knew?
In the corridor the two men hurried their steps and left the area as quickly as their feet could carry them. By the time they got to an intersecting corridor they were practically running.
Around that corner, however, came three people. Two older women and a young man in a hospital gown and robe walking slowly between and being supported by them. They stopped, uncertain as to where the pair of pilots were in such a rush to get to. As the men maneuvered around the trio and raced away the blonde woman looked back over her shoulder.
“Really! I never will understand why people have to run everywhere they go anymore.”
“Mother,” the young man said, “they’re probably responding to an urgent call.”
“That’s no reason for grown men to race through the halls like wild children. I never let you and your siblings run around the house like that.”
“Father did.”
“You father was incorrigible.”
Cleopatra raised a hand to silence the pair. “Ila, let’s not forget the reason we’re talking Zac on this little walk. We’re supposed to be helping him regain his strength, and we’re not doing that by standing here in the corridors.”
“You’re right,” the other woman agreed. “When do you think Dr. Majel will release Zac from Life Center? I’d like to take him back to my quarters as soon as possible.”
“He’s made remarkable progress and what skin grafts they’ve done so far have taken quite well. If everything goes as planned he should be released in another day or two. Mind you I’m no doctor, but I was a licensed nurse before I married Tigh. I can help with changing his bandages, administering his medication and generally monitoring his condition if you would like me to.”
The young man raised his head and although his face was mostly bandaged the look of indignation was evident on his pale features.
“Hey. I’m right here, Mother. I’d really appreciate it if you two would stop talking about me as if I weren’t even here. It’s enough to make a guy feel unloved.”
“I’m sorry, Sweetheart.”
Cleo, too, nodded and gave Zac’s arm a reassuring pat. “That was rude of us. My apologies.”
Zac sighed and closed his eyes for a micron.
“I never thought I’d be saying this to two lovely women, but you’re wearing me out. I think we’d better get back before you have to get the techs to carry me.”
The three turned and retraced their steps.
☆★☆★☆
COMMANDER’S LOG
Scanners have picked up an uninhabited planet in the star system just ahead, All reports indicate a Class M planet, but signs of humanoid and animal life are not evident. The air is breathable and the gravity is somewhat less than that of Caprica.
SENTINAL Squadron has found what appears to be a city far beneath the planet’s surface. Why it didn’t register on our sensors is a mystery our scientists will have to solve. Since there seems to be no danger, I, personally, will lead this expedition planet side.
Signed Phoenix, Commander, Battlestar STAR KOBOL
Phoenix shut off the recorder and went to change clothes. She hadn’t heard the door open behind her as she stripped off her uniform and worked her way into a flight suit.
“I never should have expected you to change, Commander.”
Phoenix whirled to find Captain Charlane standing in the doorway.
“I never can seem to remember to lock that door when I’m changing.”
“What you plan for others you plan for yourself. When are you ever going to stop?”
“You disapprove, Captain?”
The older woman shook her head.
“It’s not my place. Eyjan could barely restrain you, why should I attempt to? Phoenix, you’ve been a good friend ever since you were my squadron leader, so please don’t take offense by my offering some advice: Let us handle this. You’re needed here… on this ship… with our people.”
In all her yahrens on the STAR KOBOL Charlane had come close to knowing Phoenix almost as well as Azriel. She had seen a lot of warriors come and go – had seen them change over the yahrens. Some for the better and some for the worse. Then there were those few who never seemed to change. Phoenix was one of the latter. The Captain was uncertain if this was one of those good things or one of the bad ones. Those who experienced change the most were usually the ones who held onto what they were with a vice like grip. Squadron leader, executive officer or Battlestar commander, Phoenix was one of those people who just couldn’t sit behind a desk while her warriors went to explore the unknown.
“Sorry, Charlane. I have to be absolutely certain that this is the right planet for our people. When they feel solid ground under their feet once more we’ll have a hard time getting them back on those ships. Remember the trouble we had herding everyone back on the ships after six days at Necropolis?”
Charlane remembered. She was one of those who hadn’t wanted to go back to the KOBOL. She had never felt so comfortable in a graveyard before, but the security the place afforded the weary fleet even for a short time was comforting. Almost like going home again.
Like a mother wanting the best for her children, Phoenix was bound and determined to provide the best possible safe haven for what remained of the human race. It was her Warrior’s duty.
Finished dressing, Phoenix donned her black battle jacket. The clasps slid closed with a metallic click. Picking up her weapons belt from the bed, she turned to the other woman.
![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png){kind=small}
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
branchandroot
no subject
Date: 2014-11-10 04:04 am (UTC)His rugged, almost scruffy good looks and sun bronzed skin had caught her attention the centon he walked into the crowded Officer’s Lounge with his cronies.
She got to her feet and started across the room. Midway an arm encircled her waist and pulled her to her left.
“It’s just me, cherie’” a smooth voice whispered in her ear.
“Allas,” the woman protested. “Let me go before I lose my nerve.”
“I’ve heard of you losing a lot of things, but your nerve. That’s not the Wilda I know. You don’t have to lose anything with me, my sweet. Unless you want to that it. Tell you what. I’ll even let you seduce me.”
Captain Gyrona who had been sitting with his wingman Bader at a table behind the amorous lieutenant had heard Allas’ comment and laughed as he downed a mouth full of Ambrosia. His eyes widened as her realized, too late, what he had done. Then he started choking. Lt. Bader put a hand over his mouth to suppress his own laughter.
“You’re too willing,” Wilda returned. “I’d rather seduce that Caprican at the end of the bar.”
“Don’t bother. He’s got his head stuck so far up his astrobes he needs a recon probe just to comb his hair.”
“I have fingers that want to comb his hair,” the woman said sharply and extraced herself from the Sagittarans grasp to walking away.
Allas turned to the gasping Captain and put a hand on the man’s shoulder.
“Are you alright, mon’ami?”
Gyrona cleared his throat and grinned.
“Just because you struck out with her doesn’t mean you have to proposition me, Lieutenant. I don’t know what your type is. But you’re not mine.”
Bader could barely contain his amusement and snickered as his captain finished.
“You Sagittarans do it one way and we Aquarians do it another. It just wouldn’t work out between us.”
A hush fell around the revelers in their immediate area. It was unlikely a fight would break out between the men of different ranks, but the only thing that would work in the captain’s favor WAS his rank. Like many who possessed red hair, the normally placid and laid back Lieutenant Allas had a temper to match when provoked.
Bader’s laugh stopped suddenly as he took note of the surrounding faces all watching them. For the centon life beyond their little section of the lounge continued as if nothing were amiss.
“Gyrona, old buddy, suddenly I’m not feeling so well.”
“I think I’m through here, too,” the Captain said as he noticed that more and more people were taking note of the quiet corner they sat in.
“You’ve had a bit too much, Bader old buddy,” Gyrona said a little louder as he hauled his friend to his feet by the arm. “Let me get you out of here and sober you up.”
“Huh? Wha… Oh… yea. Maybe that’s a good idea.” B
Bader knew when to take a hint and his friend gave them both the excuse they needed to make a somewhat graceful yet hasty exit. Still, an air of tension was starting to grow. Or maybe that was just Bader. Who knew?
In the corridor the two men hurried their steps and left the area as quickly as their feet could carry them. By the time they got to an intersecting corridor they were practically running.
Around that corner, however, came three people. Two older women and a young man in a hospital gown and robe walking slowly between and being supported by them. They stopped, uncertain as to where the pair of pilots were in such a rush to get to. As the men maneuvered around the trio and raced away the blonde woman looked back over her shoulder.
“Really! I never will understand why people have to run everywhere they go anymore.”
“Mother,” the young man said, “they’re probably responding to an urgent call.”
“That’s no reason for grown men to race through the halls like wild children. I never let you and your siblings run around the house like that.”
“Father did.”
“You father was incorrigible.”
Cleopatra raised a hand to silence the pair. “Ila, let’s not forget the reason we’re talking Zac on this little walk. We’re supposed to be helping him regain his strength, and we’re not doing that by standing here in the corridors.”
“You’re right,” the other woman agreed. “When do you think Dr. Majel will release Zac from Life Center? I’d like to take him back to my quarters as soon as possible.”
“He’s made remarkable progress and what skin grafts they’ve done so far have taken quite well. If everything goes as planned he should be released in another day or two. Mind you I’m no doctor, but I was a licensed nurse before I married Tigh. I can help with changing his bandages, administering his medication and generally monitoring his condition if you would like me to.”
The young man raised his head and although his face was mostly bandaged the look of indignation was evident on his pale features.
“Hey. I’m right here, Mother. I’d really appreciate it if you two would stop talking about me as if I weren’t even here. It’s enough to make a guy feel unloved.”
“I’m sorry, Sweetheart.”
Cleo, too, nodded and gave Zac’s arm a reassuring pat. “That was rude of us. My apologies.”
Zac sighed and closed his eyes for a micron.
“I never thought I’d be saying this to two lovely women, but you’re wearing me out. I think we’d better get back before you have to get the techs to carry me.”
The three turned and retraced their steps.
☆★☆★☆
COMMANDER’S LOG
Scanners have picked up an uninhabited planet in the star system just ahead, All reports indicate a Class M planet, but signs of humanoid and animal life are not evident. The air is breathable and the gravity is somewhat less than that of Caprica.
SENTINAL Squadron has found what appears to be a city far beneath the planet’s surface. Why it didn’t register on our sensors is a mystery our scientists will have to solve. Since there seems to be no danger, I, personally, will lead this expedition planet side.
Signed Phoenix, Commander, Battlestar STAR KOBOL
Phoenix shut off the recorder and went to change clothes. She hadn’t heard the door open behind her as she stripped off her uniform and worked her way into a flight suit.
“I never should have expected you to change, Commander.”
Phoenix whirled to find Captain Charlane standing in the doorway.
“I never can seem to remember to lock that door when I’m changing.”
“What you plan for others you plan for yourself. When are you ever going to stop?”
“You disapprove, Captain?”
The older woman shook her head.
“It’s not my place. Eyjan could barely restrain you, why should I attempt to? Phoenix, you’ve been a good friend ever since you were my squadron leader, so please don’t take offense by my offering some advice: Let us handle this. You’re needed here… on this ship… with our people.”
In all her yahrens on the STAR KOBOL Charlane had come close to knowing Phoenix almost as well as Azriel. She had seen a lot of warriors come and go – had seen them change over the yahrens. Some for the better and some for the worse. Then there were those few who never seemed to change. Phoenix was one of the latter. The Captain was uncertain if this was one of those good things or one of the bad ones. Those who experienced change the most were usually the ones who held onto what they were with a vice like grip. Squadron leader, executive officer or Battlestar commander, Phoenix was one of those people who just couldn’t sit behind a desk while her warriors went to explore the unknown.
“Sorry, Charlane. I have to be absolutely certain that this is the right planet for our people. When they feel solid ground under their feet once more we’ll have a hard time getting them back on those ships. Remember the trouble we had herding everyone back on the ships after six days at Necropolis?”
Charlane remembered. She was one of those who hadn’t wanted to go back to the KOBOL. She had never felt so comfortable in a graveyard before, but the security the place afforded the weary fleet even for a short time was comforting. Almost like going home again.
Like a mother wanting the best for her children, Phoenix was bound and determined to provide the best possible safe haven for what remained of the human race. It was her Warrior’s duty.
Finished dressing, Phoenix donned her black battle jacket. The clasps slid closed with a metallic click. Picking up her weapons belt from the bed, she turned to the other woman.
“Shall we go, Captain?”