Apollo stood on the edge of the dance floor and watched Starbuck making
moves on a woman.  How strange that they still came here and chased women
together, in spite of the fact that they were lovers. Well, maybe "lovers" 
wasn't the right word. Neither of them had ever used the "l"  word. They
were friends who had sex. That was all. It was just another thing they did
together.  They flew vipers together, played Triad together, chased women
together, and slept together.  Not that much sleeping went on. He'd never
invited Starbuck to spend the night in his quarters after they'd had sex,
and Starbuck had never asked to do so. 

Funny how it had started. They'd been here on the Rising Star one night,
chasing women the way they always did, but for once neither of them had
been successful. Usually at least one of them came away with a date for
the evening, possibly even someone to take to a private room. But for once
they'd both ended up alone. Finally Starbuck had said in an exasperated
tone, "Maybe we should just forget about women and get a room together."
He'd been joking, but Apollo had found himself saying, "All right, let's
do that." Starbuck had looked at him in surprise before searching his
pockets for credits, then signalling the waiter that they wanted a room.
They hadn't said a word when they got there, just started undressing, then
they'd moved to the bed and had quick and dirty sex. Apollo supposed he
should have regretted it afterwards, but he didn't. The only thing he
regretted was pretending that nothing had changed between them, and
continuing to watch Starbuck with women, and pretending that he still
wanted a woman himself. He still dated women, but he never had sex with
any of them. He usually led his dates to believe that he didn't believe in
sex before marriage.

On the other side of the room, Starbuck tried to make conversation with an
attractive woman.  His heart wasn't in it. His heart was actually over on
the other end of the dance floor, standing there alone, watching him. He
and Apollo still came here to pursue pretty women, but the difference was
that every so often they went to a private room or back to Apollo's
quarters and had sex. He'd thought it was just a one time thing, the night
he'd made the joke about getting a room together and Apollo had taken him
up on it, but the next time they'd come here to the Star, Apollo had
approached him about halfway though the night and whispered to him,"I'll
pay for the room this time."

The woman he'd been with at the time had probably wondered what the
Captain had said to him to make him disappear so quickly.

After that, it was a regular occurrence. They couldn't always afford a
room, so sometimes they went back to Apollo's quarters. Not every time
they came here - once in awhile he or Apollo would find a woman. Sometimes
Starbuck even had sex with a woman, but most of the time he just waited
for Apollo to leave, then went back to the BOQ on his own.

Not this time, he decided.

He was tired of pretending that he still liked women, or at least, that he
preferred a woman's company to Apollo's. He also didn't like the way they
avoided touching each other in public when they were all over each other
in private.

He had an idea.

Apollo watched Starbuck approach. He supposed that his friend was going to
tell him that he'd found a companion for the evening and wouldn't be going
back to his quarters with him. He wondered why he just didn't come out and
tell Starbuck how he felt. Probably because he was afraid to lose what
they had. If he brought actual feelings into it, Starbuck would probably
bolt.  He braced himself to watch Starbuck leave with his date.

"Dance with me," Starbuck said.

Apollo felt his jaw drop. "What - what did you say?"

The Lieutenant grinned at his obvious surprise. "Dance, Apollo. Sort of
like what we do in bed together, except standing up and with clothes on.
Come on, I *know* you can dance. So dance with me."

Apollo took the hand Starbuck offered and allowed himself to be led out on
to the dance floor.  When they were almost exactly in the centre, where
everyone there could see them, Starbuck took Apollo in his arms and they
danced. They danced the most raunchy, down-and-dirty dances that either of
them knew. Indeed, it was rather like having sex standing up. And he loved
every centon of it.

After a couple of centares of dancing, both warriors were extremely horny.
"I don't want to wait until we get back to the Galactica," Starbuck told
him. "Let's get a room."

No arguments came from Apollo. He wanted it just as much as Starbuck did.
He searched his pockets for credits, as did Starbuck, and they pooled
their money to pay for the room.

Their coupling was somehow different this time. Starbuck was more
attentive to his partner's needs. They went more slowly. If Apollo hadn't
known better, he would have said they truly were making love, rather than
just having sex.

They made their way to the Galactica and walked to the Bachelor Officers'
Quarters together. At the entrance, Apollo suddenly found himself saying,
"You could come back to my quarters and spend the night, if you want."

Starbuck hesitated. He wanted very much to spend the night with Apollo,
but he knew that if he spent one night in Apollo's quarters he'd never be
satisfied with the Bachelor Officers' Quarters ever again. Reluctantly, he
refused the invitation. "Got an early patrol tomorrow," he said as an
excuse. "Maybe some other time."

Apollo sounded disappointed when he said, "I'll hold you to that."
Reaching forward, he pulled Starbuck close to him and kissed him.
"Goodnight."

He walked away, leaving Starbuck staring open-mouthed after him. Apollo
hardly ever kissed him, even when they were in bed. And never in public.
Until now.

Maybe some things were changing, Starbuck thought to himself as he finally
turned to head to his bunk. Suddenly, he heard a shout.

"FAGGOT!"

Starbuck ran down the corridor just in time to see a large man swing some
sort of club at Apollo and connect with his head. With a strength born of
rage, he jumped the man from behind and managed to subdue him. He tied the
man's hands with his belt and held his laser pistol on him while he used
the communications panel on the wall to call for medics and security.

Then he pulled his friend's bloody body close to him and held him while he
waited for help to arrive.

When the medics arrived, they asked for details. Starbuck informed them as
calmly as he could about what he'd seen. When security showed up, he told
them the same.

"Do you have any idea why this man would attack Captain Apollo?" Reese
asked.

"None," Starbuck lied. "I did hear him shout something, which is what made
me come and see what was happening."

"What did he shout?"

"Don't know. Must have been too far away to hear it properly."

Reese and his security team took Apollo's attacker into custody, while
Starbuck followed the medics to the Life Centre. Once there, he sent a
message to Commander Adama, telling him that Apollo had been hurt. The
Commander arrived almost immediately. Athena wanted to come too, but she
was looking after Boxey and didn't want to upset him until they knew what
Apollo's condition was.

"What happened, Starbuck?" Adama wanted to know.

Starbuck shrugged. "Apollo and I went dancing on the Rising Star tonight.
When we got back to the Galactica we were talking so Apollo walked to the
Bachelor Officers' Quarters with me, and then when we were finished he
said goodnight and headed back to his own quarters. Just as I was heading
to my bunk for a good nights's sleep, I heard what sounded like someone
shouting, so I went to see what it was, and I was just in time to see that
boray hitting Apollo with some sort of stick or club."

"And you have no idea who this man is?"

"None," Starbuck answered. That, at least, was the truth.  "Could be he's
a member of another squadron who has a beef with the Captain. Maybe Apollo
had to put him on report for some infraction or other. Or maybe Apollo
danced with his girlfriend on the Rising Star and he was jealous. I don't
know."

"Thank the gods you were there, Starbuck," Adama said with a sigh. "I
shudder to think of Apollo lying in the corridor with a head injury
without anyone knowing anything about it."

Starbuck hated to think of that too. He also hated to think that it was
precisely *because* he had been there, and had most likely been seen with
Apollo, that the stranger had attacked him. The man had probably seen him
and Apollo kissing. "I love him," he suddenly found himself saying.

"What was that, Starbuck?" Adama asked.

"I love Apollo."

Adama smiled and patted his shoulder. "I know that, son. It's quite
obvious to everyone who knows the two of you how much you care for each
other."

Of course, Adama didn't know what he really meant when he said that he
loved Apollo, and Starbuck decided to keep it that way.

After an eternity, Dr. Salik came to talk to them.

"Captain Apollo has suffered a serious head injury, but thanks to
Lieutenant Starbuck's fast action in getting help for him, I don't think
he'll suffer permanent damage."

"May I see him?" Adama asked.

"Not right now," Salik answered. "He's unconscious, and likely will be for
some time. Perhaps tomorrow."

So Starbuck reluctantly turned to leave the Life Centre. Adama stopped him
for a moment.

"Starbuck," he said, "I know it's difficult, but try not to worry too
much. You heard Doctor Salik.  Apollo will be all right. You'll be able to
see him tomorrow." He smiled gently at the warrior who was his son's
closest friend. "And thank you again for taking care of him."

"It's nothing," Starbuck muttered. If only he'd accepted Apollo's
invitation to spend the night with him, maybe the attacker wouldn't have
tried to hurt both of them. Or together, they could have fought him off.
If only he hadn't asked Apollo to dance when they were on the Rising Star.
If only ...

Thoughts of that nature followed him all the way back to the BOQ, where he
tried to sleep, and failed miserably.

The next day he hurried to the Life Centre as soon as his patrol was
finished. There he found Adama waiting for him, but not the kind, fatherly
Adama of the day before. This was Adama in full Commander mode, and he was
not happy.

"I have some news, Starbuck."

Had Apollo's condition gotten worse? Starbuck couldn't imagine what else
could cause such a look on Adama's face.

"Apollo's assailant confessed."

"That's good, isn't it?" Starbuck asked.

"He had some interesting things to say," the Commander continued.

Uh oh. This did not sound good.

"Specifically, he told me why he attacked Apollo."

"And why was that?"

"He said that he saw you and Apollo dancing together on the Rising Star,
and that he saw the two of you kissing. He doesn't like men who have sex
with men, and he decided to demonstrate that dislike to Apollo."

"Oh." Starbuck couldn't think of anything else to say. "I guess that
explains a few things."

"Starbuck, were you and Apollo dancing together on the Rising Star last
night?" Perhaps the man wasn't telling the truth, Adama hoped.

"Yes, Commander. We were."

"And did you kiss Apollo outside the Bachelor Officers' Quarters?"

"No, Commander. He kissed me outside the Bachelor Officers' Quarters."

"Starbuck, are you and my son lovers?"

"Yes, sir."

"And who initiated this relationship?"

"It was mutual, sir."

"I don't believe you, Starbuck. However, I don't feel like discussing it
right now. You can go."

"I want to see Apollo," Starbuck insisted.

"No, Lieutenant. I forbid you to see my son. You are at least partially
responsible for his current condition. I don't want to see you anywhere
near him or I'll have you up on charges."

"Charged with what, Commander?" Starbuck challenged him.

Adama was flummoxed. He couldn't think of anything right away. Finally, he
said, "Insubordination."

Starbuck sighed. The Commander had him there. There wasn't anything he
could do. Maybe Cassiopeia would at least keep him up to date on Apollo's
condition. That was, if she hadn't already heard of his and Apollo's
relationship. She'd probably never speak to him again if she had.

He turned and walked out of the Life Centre.

Athena almost ran into him as he was on his way out. Concerned, she
followed him out into the corridor.

"Starbuck, are you all right? Did you get hurt catching the man who hurt
Apollo?"

"I'm fine, not that anyone cares."

"Starbuck, don't talk like that! Not everyone feels the way my father
does." She lowered her voice. "Look, I've always known that Apollo had
feelings for other men. Zac did too. I always thought he had a crush on
you, actually."

Starbuck was surprised. Zac with a crush on him? He'd always thought of
Zac as a younger brother, but looking back on some of the younger man's
behaviour before he was killed, it made sense.

Poor Zac and Apollo, growing up knowing they liked men, but having to live
with their father's attitude toward people like them.

"I never wanted anything but for my brothers to be happy," Athena was
saying. "It broke my heart to see Apollo trying to pretend to be something
he's not, even going so far as to marry Serena. If he's happy with you, it
doesn't bother me."

"Well, it bothers the Commander."

"I know," Athena said sadly. "I wish there was more I could do. Would you
like me to let you know how he's doing? Once he's out of the Life Centre
Father can't control who he sees, and you can go back to the way you
were."

Back to the way they were? Starbuck didn't think so. Their relationship
had already put Apollo in danger. It had led to his being attacked, and
would probably put a strain on his relations with his family. No, they
wouldn't go back to the way they were.

"Thanks, Athena. I do want to know how he's doing."

"Is there anything you'd like me to tell him for you?"

She probably expected him to ask her to give Apollo his love. "No, that's
okay. Well, tell him I'm sorry I can't visit him, if you can do it without
making your father look like the bad guy. I don't want to cause any more
problems than I have already."

"I think my father is going to cause plenty of problems of his own,"
Athena muttered. "Look, Starbuck, are you sure you're all right?"

"I'm fine," he insisted. Truth be told, he wasn't fine, but he wasn't
going to let anyone know it.  "Look, since Apollo's in Life Centre, I'll
have to take over his duties as squadron leader, so I'd better get down to
the viper bay and see to my duties." He hadn't seen any of his squadron
mates when he'd done his patrol earlier, but that was intentional, as he'd
just wanted to get done and get back to Life Centre. Now he had work to
do.

Athena watched him go, wondering why the gods had made men so stubborn.

Starbuck arrived in the viper bay to see that Boomer was giving orders. He
appreciated Boomer's helping out. He'd always been a good friend to him
and Apollo both. "Hey, Boom-Boom. Taking over my job, are you?"

Boomer realized that Starbuck didn't know what was going on. "Didn't Tigh
tell you?" he asked.

"Tell me what?"

"Bucko, I'm in charge of the squadron. Adama asked for me specifically."

Feeling as if he'd been punched in the gut, Starbuck realized what had
happened. "No, no one told me."

Trying to change the subject, Boomer asked about Apollo's condition.

"Afraid I can't tell you very much. He got hit on the head, but that's all
I know."

"Starbuck, some rumours are going around about exactly what happened to
Apollo. Specifically, there's some rumours about you and Apollo."

"What are they saying?" Starbuck asked, though he had a feeling he knew.

"They're saying that you and Apollo are lovers. But that can't be true."

"Why not?"

"I've seen you chasing women. We all have. I know that you're not seeing
Cassiopeia any more, since Cain was here, but -"

"It's true. Well, sort of true. We had sex, but just to blow off steam,
relieve stress. That's all." At least, that was all it had been before
last night. He still didn't know exactly what had happened that night. "We
weren't exclusive or anything. But Adama found out, so that's probably why
I've been demoted."

"Bucko, this isn't fair," Boomer protested. "Whatever was going on between
you and Apollo has nothing to do with how well you can lead a squadron.
Adama shouldn't let personal feelings into it at all."

"Don't worry about it, Boomer. I'm so worried about Apollo, I probably
wouldn't be a good leader anyway. Too distracted."

"It's still not fair," Boomer complained.

"Boom-Boom, life isn't fair. You should know that by now."

"So when can we see Apollo? Is he allowed visitors?"

"I don't know," Starbuck answered with a shrug. "That's something else I
can thank Adama for.  I've been forbidden to see Apollo, at least until
Apollo can speak for himself."

"You're kidding!"

"No, I'm not. Adama is afraid I've corrupted his heir apparent, and I
assume he's going to try to repair the damage, but to do that he has to
keep us apart."

"That sucks. Man, I'm sorry, Starbuck."

"Thanks, Boom. You're a good friend."

"Yeah, well, you look like you need a friend or two right now. Listen, do
you want me to talk to Tigh? You really should be leading the squadron,
not me. If I refuse, he won't have any choice but to appoint you as
leader."

"No, Boomer. Don't do that. You're a perfectly good squadron leader. Don't
do anything to get on Adama's bad side."

"I just hate feeling so helpless."

"I'm sure everything will work out. Apollo will get better and be released
from Life Centre in a secton or so, and then things will get back to
normal." Well, not entirely. He couldn't risk Apollo's getting hurt again,
or being estranged from his father, so he would have to give up their
physical relationship. But as long as Apollo was alive and well, and their
friendship was still intact, he'd live with it.

Then again, knowing how Adama felt, he might not have Apollo's friendship,
either. Hopefully Apollo would stand up to his father, but he might not.

In the Life Centre, Apollo came to. The first thing he noticed was that
his head hurt like Hades.

"Captain Apollo." Dr. Salik approached. "How do you feel?"

"My head is splitting," complained Apollo. "What the frack happened to me?
Why don't I remember getting hit in the head?"

"Retrograde amnesia, Captain. It always happens with head injuries like
yours. The brain injury causes you to forget everything that happened
immediately before you were hit."

"Wonderful," the Captain muttered. "So who - or what - hit me?"

"What's the last thing you remember?" the doctor asked.

"The last thing I remember ... saying goodnight to Starbuck outside the
Bachelor Officers' Quarters." He wasn't going to tell Salik he'd kissed
Starbuck. "Starbuck! Where is he? Did he get hurt too?"

"No, Lieutenant Starbuck didn't get hurt. He saw you get hit and he called
the medics. Good thing he was there, or you would be in worse condition
than you already are."

"But what happened? How did I get hurt?"

"Someone hit you in the head. Security has the assailant in the brig."

"But why would someone hit me over the head?" Apollo wanted to know.

Salik hadn't been looking forward to this, but he didn't want Apollo to
find out from his father that he'd been outed. "He saw you kissing
Lieutenant Starbuck. He didn't approve."

"Does my father know about this?"

"Unfortunately, he does. He's forbidden Lieutenant Starbuck to come
anywhere near you."

Frack. He'd been afraid something like this would happen. "I want to see
Starbuck."

"You can't."

"Excuse me? In case you hadn't noticed, I'm thirty yahrens old. I believe
that makes me an adult."

"Like it or not, your father outranks both of you. He can order Starbuck
to stay away from you, and there's nothing you can do about it. I suggest
that you take it up with him. In the meantime,"  Salik smiled, "there's
someone here who wants to see you." He went to the waiting area and called
for Athena and Boxey to come in.

Boxey was relieved to see that his father was all right. He didn't come to
the Life Centre very often, because it was the place where his mother had
died. Fortunately, beyond the usual childhood diseases, he didn't get sick
very much.

Apollo spent some time with Boxey, then asked Cassiopeia if she would mind
taking care of him while he talked to his sister alone. Cassie had heard
the talk around the ship and had a pretty good idea of what they wanted to
talk about, and she agreed to take Boxey for a little while.

When they were alone, Apollo said to Athena, "I guess you heard."

"Yes, I heard. And I want you to know I think the way Father is acting is
ridiculous. You and Starbuck are both adults, and warriors, and what you
do when you're off duty is none of his business."

"Is Starbuck all right?"

"Physically, he's fine. He wasn't with you when you were attacked, but he
heard the man yell something at you and went to see what was going on. He
saw the attack and called medics and security. But he's pretty upset about
your being hurt, especially since I'm sure he blames himself."

"That sounds like Starbuck," Apollo said sadly. "I guess he's keeping busy
taking over Blue Squadron for me."

"Actually ... " Athena hesitated, not wanting to upset Apollo any more.

"Actually, what?" her brother demanded.

"Father promoted Boomer over Starbuck and gave him command of Blue
Squadron."

"He did WHAT?" Apollo shouted. "Ouch! Frack," he complained as the
shouting aggravated the pain in his head.

"Should I get the doctor?" Athena asked in concern.

"No, no. It's all right. I shouldn't shout, I guess. I can't believe this.
Where is Father right now?"

"On the bridge. He'll be here to see you as soon as he hears you're awake,
though."

"Good. I want to talk to him."

Adama was happy to hear that his son was awake, but was dreading the
inevitable confrontation.  He had been shocked and disgusted to hear about
Apollo's behaviour on the Rising Star the night of the attack. His son was
a warrior, Strike Captain, third in command of the Galactica. And the
House he was descended from was of the line of Kobol. Yet Apollo had been
behaving in a manner completely unbecoming someone of his status.

He hadn't always approved of Apollo's friendship with Starbuck, but the
Lieutenant had grown on him. Starbuck had saved Apollo's life more than
once, usually at the risk of his own. But it had to have been Starbuck who
had seduced Apollo into this lifestyle. It wasn't something Apollo would
have done if Starbuck weren't around.

Adama had heard stories during his time serving in the Colonial fleet,
stories regarding warriors who became so close in combat that they formed
sexual relationships. He wondered if that was what had happened to Apollo
and Starbuck. A warrior's wingmate was the one he depended on in battle,
the one who covered his tail. Wingmates had to trust each other
completely.

He thought that he could have perhaps tolerated Apollo and Starbuck's
relationship if they'd been a bit more discreet and hadn't put on such a
display on the Rising Star. He'd heard the attacker's description of it,
and it sounded terrible.

Speaking of Apollo's attacker, he had a decision to make. He didn't want a
public trial in which the man would tell everyone what he'd seen Starbuck
and Apollo doing. Salik had told him that Apollo's head injury would cause
a memory loss, and he most likely would not be able to remember enough to
testify against the man who had struck him. That left Starbuck as the only
witness, and there was no way Adama was putting Starbuck on the stand.

He'd have to let the man go.

Reese was appalled. "But he confessed!" the security chief protested.
"Starbuck saw him do it!  What do you mean, lack of evidence?"

"Starbuck is unreliable as a witness. Apollo doesn't remember anything
about the attack. And the confession ... well, it's not something I want
to get around, if you know what I mean."

Reese knew. He wasn't exactly crazy about men who liked men, but he didn't
go around beating them up, either. "So what do you want me to do,
Commander?"

"The man Talos has agreed to stay away from Captain Apollo. Release him,
and ask your men to keep an eye on him and make certain he does just
that."

With a few muttered imprecations, Reese did as he was told.

Adama went to the Life Centre to see Apollo. "It's good to see you awake,
son," he said with false cheer.

"I want to talk to you, Father," Apollo stated.

"About what?"

"About Starbuck."

"Can't this wait? You're still recovering from a serious head injury."

"No, it can't. Dr. Salik told me that you've forbidden Starbuck to come
and see me. Why is that?"

"Starbuck is a bad influence on you. If you and he spend some time apart,
you'll realize that."

"Influence?" Apollo laughed. "You told me that yahrens ago when I first
met him. It didn't make any difference then, and it won't make any
difference now."

"The difference now is that I am your commanding officer, and you have to
do what I say."

"I don't believe that your sphere of influence includes my personal life,
*Commander.* And what did you mean by putting Boomer in charge of my
squadron? My and Starbuck's squadron to be precise. Starbuck is my
wingmate, and that makes him the person in charge of the squadron if I am
unable to perform my duties."

"Boomer is perfectly capable of leading the squadron."

"Sure he's capable, but it's not his job. It's my wingmate's job."

"I asked Colonel Tigh to assign Boomer to be your wingmate from now on."

Apollo exploded. "You had no right to do that!" He winced at the pain in
his head. "I'm in charge of the squadron, and Colonel Tigh is my immediate
superior. He's in charge of the warriors. You gave him that responsibility
yourself."

"Apollo, you're obviously not well. When you've recovered you will see
that my decisions are for the best."

Apollo loathed the condescending tone in his father's voice. "So what's
going to happen to the man responsible for putting me here in the first
place?"

"You mean Starbuck, or the man who hit you?"

"Starbuck is not responsible for what happened to me. He didn't hit me on
the head."

"Starbuck persuaded you to dance with him in public. Starbuck kissed you
where anyone could see you. It's no wonder someone took offense."

"Starbuck can't make me do anything I don't want to do."

"I think Starbuck has an influence on you, an unhealthy influence. The
Apollo I know would never have done any of those things."

"Then I guess I'm not the Apollo you know. Kissing Starbuck outside the
Bachelor Officers' Quarters was my decision. I kissed him, Father. I.
Kissed. Him. Now, what about the man that hit me?"

"He was released for lack of evidence."

"Lack of evidence? I thought Starbuck saw him do it! I thought he
confessed!"

"Starbuck is not a reliable witness. He has quite the reputation, as well
you know. As for the confession, it isn't something I want a court to
hear. I would rather not have your behaviour broadcast to the entire
fleet."

"I'm not ashamed of anything I've done."

"You should be," Adama said, and departed.

Apollo was angry. He had always known his father had a problem with those
men and women who preferred their own gender. Up until now he'd kept any
of his relationships with other men a secret. In public he'd pretended to
be heterosexual, even going so far as to marry Serena to keep up the
facade. Even though he'd been very sorry that she had died, as he had
cared for her, in a way he'd been almost relieved that he hadn't had to
try to make the marriage work. Starbuck was the one he truly loved.

He knew that Starbuck cared about him. His wingmate had demonstrated that
time and again.  But whether Starbuck actually loved him was a different
matter. Bucko had never been the type to settle down for long. He'd
actually been engaged once, to Athena, but she had broken it off.  Somehow
Starbuck hadn't seemed too upset about that. He'd simply gone on to find
another girlfriend. Apollo had been relieved that Starbuck wasn't marrying
his sister, but it had made him wonder about how long Starbuck would stay
with any one partner. That was why he hadn't tried to persuade Starbuck to
be anything more than a friend, albeit a friend he had sex with. But after
the way Starbuck had behaved the other night, he'd begun to wonder if
maybe something had changed.

Unfortunately, he wasn't likely to find out soon, if his father had his
way.

He knew that he wasn't ready to leave the Life Centre yet. His pounding
head told him that. But as soon as he was, he would find Starbuck and try
to get him to talk.

Meanwhile, Starbuck was trying his best to carry on with his duties as
usual. He wasn't used to taking orders from Boomer. He had nothing against
Boomer. After all, the man was almost a close a friend as Apollo was. He
simply was used to taking orders from Apollo, or occasionally from Colonel
Tigh. And any time that Apollo wasn't around to give orders, Starbuck was
always assumed to be in charge. That had changed, and he didn't like it.
Neither did most of the other warriors. Sure, they'd heard of his rumoured
liaison with Apollo, and there had been some crude jokes about it, but on
duty, the men knew that Starbuck and Apollo were the best warriors the
fleet had, and wouldn't give them any trouble. A few of them had even
approached Starbuck, asking his permission to lodge official complaints
with Colonel Tigh. but he'd asked them not to.  He didn't want to
undermine Boomer's authority. Boomer had been placed in a no win
situation, and needed his support.

Starbuck wondered how Apollo was doing. He hadn't heard anything from
Athena, either good or bad. He'd been surprised at how supportive she'd
been, considering that they'd been involved once. She'd been the one to
break it off, but deep down both of them had known that it wouldn't last
between them. They were just too different. One thing they had in common,
though, was that they both loved Apollo. Of course, at one time he'd
thought that his love for Apollo was the brotherly kind - until they'd had
sex that night on the Rising Star. That was definitely not brotherly. How
ironic that he'd blurted out to Adama that he loved Apollo, but had never
said the words to Apollo himself.

Not that he planned to tell him. Apollo might enjoy having sex with him,
but he doubted that the Captain was ready for a full blown romantic
relationship with another man. Even if he was, his father would never
approve. Starbuck didn't want to come between Apollo and his father.
Apollo loved his family, and had been even more fiercely protective of
them since his mother and brother had been killed in the
Destruction. He'd always envied Apollo, never having had a family himself.

As he sat on his bunk in the Bachelor Officers' Quarters, Athena came in.
She hurried over to him. Starbuck was immediately worried, but the look on
her face made it appear she had good news. "Apollo's awake," she told him.

He sighed with relief. "Good, good. What's his prognosis?"

"Doctor Salik isn't one hundred percent certain yet, but it looks like the
damage won't be permanent. He did lose a lot of blood - head injuries
bleed like anything - so it might take a while for him to get back to his
old strength. But he's healthy, and was in good physical shape before the
attack, so he should be back to normal pretty soon." She paused, then
added, "He asked about you."

"What did he want to know?"

"He was worried that the creep who attacked him got you too. He can't
remember anything about the attack - another head injury thing - and he
thought that maybe since the guy went after him because he kissed you,
that he would go after you too. He cares very much for you, you know."

Starbuck sighed. "I care for him too, Thee, but I won't come between him
and your father. And I really don't want to be thrown in the brig for
trying to see him, either."

"Starbuck, any charges against you for trying to see your friend and
wingmate wouldn't stick.  Apollo pointed out to me that the Commander's
authority only applies when you're on duty, when you're acting as a
warrior. He has no say in anyone's personal life."

Starbuck thought about that for a few centons. It was true that
technically, the Commander couldn't tell people what to do in their
personal lives. But with Apollo being his son, it was entirely possible
that Security would do what he said, regardless of the legality. His
Lieutenant's salary wasn't enough to enable him to hire a Defender.

"I have some other news for you," Athena told him. Her tone of voice was
serious now.

"This doesn't sound good."

"The man who attacked Apollo, his name's Talos, has been released from
custody."

"For Sagan's sake, why?" Starbuck demanded.

"Apollo can't remember the attack, and Father doesn't want the guy to go
to court and tell everyone that the Commander's son is queer."

"So even though this boray could have killed Apollo, the Commander is
releasing him because he doesn't want to make himself or Apollo look bad."

"He's trying to protect Apollo," Athena protested.

"Releasing someone who tried to kill him isn't my idea of protection."

"I know," sighed Athena. "But at least the man has promised to stay away
from Apollo." She checked the time. "I have to go pick up Boxey. I'll let
you know when there's more news."

Starbuck thought about what she'd told him. He could hardly believe the
way Adama had been acting. He sort of understood that the Commander didn't
want Apollo's behaviour made public, but the way rumours spread on the
Galactica, he didn't think it would remain a secret for long.  There was
simply too much gossip. Still, a public trial involving the Commander's
son, the Strike Captain, would probably be broadcast on IFB, and that
would be even more humiliating for Adama. Apollo probably wouldn't care.
That was one of the things he loved about Apollo. He seldom worried about
what people thought of him. He just did what he wanted.

Well, it was time for him to go to work.  Maybe Talos would stay away from
Apollo.

He didn't think about the fact that Talos hadn't promised to stay away
from him.

Back in the Life Centre, Apollo was going a little stir crazy. He knew
that his injuries hadn't healed yet, and that he was supposed to stay put.
But he was worried about Starbuck. He hadn't seen him in two days. Of
course, Starbuck wasn't allowed to see him. That was what had him worried.
He knew Starbuck blamed himself for what had happened, and he wanted to
tell him not to. He wanted to talk to him about the last night they had
been together, before all of this felgercarb had happened.

He wanted to tell him that he loved him.

There was always the chance that a declaration of love would scare
Starbuck away, send him running. He had decided to take that chance. If
Starbuck ran, well, it wasn't like he could run far.  And after what had
happened to him, or almost happened, he was more determined than ever to
tell Starbuck the truth.

A thought suddenly occurred to him. His father had said that Talos, the
man who had attacked him, had promised to stay away from him. He'd said
that Talos hated men who preferred other men to women, which was why he'd
attacked Apollo.

He hadn't said anything about Starbuck. What about Starbuck? Talos hadn't
promised to stay away from him, and now that he'd been released ...

Apollo yelled for Cassiopeia to bring him his uniform.

The med tech arrived with an annoyed look on her face. "What the frack is
it now, Apollo?" she asked impatiently. She didn't like the idea that
Starbuck's attention had moved from her to Apollo, even though she had
broken up with Starbuck.

"Bring me my clothes, Cassie. I have to go find Starbuck."

"The Commander said - "

"I know what the Commander said. I know and I don't care. Starbuck is in
danger, and I have to find him."

"Your injuries - "

"To Hades with my injuries. I'm sure I'll survive, but Starbuck might not,
so will you stop yammering at me and bring me my fracking clothes!"

Cassiopeia, surprised, did as she was told. Apollo's uniform was a
bloodstained mess, but she brought it anyway. Apollo wasn't exactly happy
about having to wear a blood-covered uniform, but he didn't have time to
ask anyone to go to his quarters and get him another one.

He went to the communications panel and called the Bachelor Officers'
Quarters. Greenbean answered, and told him no, Starbuck wasn't there. He
was on duty and had headed for the viper bay. Apollo thanked him and
called Boomer.

"Apollo? What the frack - "

"Boomer, have you seen Starbuck?"

"No, I haven't. He's scheduled for patrol right about now, and I've been
wondering where he is."

Frack, frack, frack. Starbuck had left the BOQ but hadn't made it to the
viper bay. Hopefully he was just late. Being on time was not a usual
practice of Starbuck's. "Boomer, meet me at the Bachelor Officers'
Quarters. I'm afraid Starbuck might be in trouble."

"Are you even supposed to leave the Life Centre?" Boomer asked.

"Forget about the Life Centre. I need to find Starbuck."

"But the Commander said - "

"To Hades with the Commander! I know what he said, and I don't fracking
care! Now get going and meet me at the BOQ!"

"Yes, SIR!" Boomer answered, and was on his way.

Talos lurked outside the Bachelor Officers' Quarters. He knew that the
blond lieutenant would come out sooner or later. He'd gone in there the
other night after Captain Apollo kissed him. He hated the lieutenant. Not
only was he a faggot, he had stopped Talos from killing the captain and
had put him in the brig. Now he was going to pay, and pay heavily.

Preferably with his life.

When they were out of sight and hopefully out of hearing of the BOQ, Talos
struck.

Starbuck was heading to the viper bay, late as usual, when the attack
came. One centon he was walking down the corridor, the next he was lying
on the deck staring up at the man who had attacked Apollo. "You again," he
commented.

It was the last thing he said before he was knocked unconscious.

Apollo and Boomer met outside the Bachelor Officers' Quarters. "You don't
look so good, Captain," Boomer commented.

"I don't feel so good either, Boomer, but right now Starbuck is more
important than I am. Which way do you think he would go?"

Boomer nodded at the corridor that was the shortest route from the BOQ to
the viper bay. "That way. He'd want to take the shortest route possible
since he'd likely be running late."

"Let's go, then." The two warriors headed down the corridor. They hadn't
gone very far when they heard the voice saying "DIE, FAGGOT!" They took
off at a run. Apollo knew that he shouldn't remember the voice, but he was
certain that he did. It was Talos. He was sure of it.

Apollo and Boomer rounded a corner to see Talos holding Starbuck's laser
pistol. It was aimed right at Starbuck's apparently lifeless body. Boomer
pulled his own pistol and fired at almost point-blank range, not seeming
to notice or care that it was set to kill. And kill it did. Talos was dead
before he hit the deck.

Apollo kneeled on the floor beside Starbuck, feeling for a pulse. "He's
alive," he told Boomer.  "Get medics and security up here on the double."
Holding Starbuck in his arms, he prayed that his friend and lover would be
all right. The blond man was covered in blood and bruises. "Hold on,
Starbuck," he whispered. "Don't leave me. I love you."

The medics and security personnel arrived at almost the same time. The
medics weren't happy to see Apollo out of Life Centre, and the security
people weren't happy to be confronted with a dead body.

"Captain Apollo, what are you doing out of bed?" one of the medics
demanded as he tended to Starbuck.

"Don't worry about me. I'll be fine. Take care of Starbuck. I'll come back
to Life Centre with you when you take him in."

Boomer answered Security's questions about the shooting. Reese wasn't
terribly happy about it, but there was no question that Boomer had done
what he had to do to save Starbuck's life. The trouble now would be the
fact that Talos had been released from the brig after attacking Apollo,
only to attack another warrior and injure him even worse than he'd
injured Apollo.

In the Life Centre, Cassiopeia was horrified to see Starbuck.  Even though
she had dumped him for Cain, she still was rather fond of him and hated
seeing how badly injured he was. Salik told her to look after Apollo while
he worked on Starbuck, but Apollo insisted that he was fine, and just
needed some rest.

"Can you tell me anything about Starbuck's condition yet?" Apollo demanded
after awhile.

"He has a serious head injury, several broken ribs - it looked like his
assailant kicked him in the ribs a few times - and the broken ribs could
have pierced his lungs. He's lost a lot of blood, and he's going to need
at least one transfusion, possibly several."

"I'm a universal donor," Apollo offered. "I'd be happy to donate however
much blood he needs."

"Not on your life, Captain," Salik answered. "And I do mean your life.
You've not recovered from your own blood loss."

Boomer stepped forward. "Starbuck and I are the same blood type," he said.
"Check my records, and you'll see."

"Thank you, Lieutenant Boomer. Cassie, draw a blood sample from the
Lieutenant."

While Apollo waited for more news of Starbuck, his father arrived. "What
are you doing here?" Apollo asked coldly.

"I was told that you'd checked yourself out of Life Centre, and then that
you were involved in a shooting. What happened?"

"The man you released from the brig tried to kill Starbuck. Boomer shot
him to save Starbuck's life."

Adama turned white. "Oh, Lords," he said. "I - I'm sorry, Apollo."

"Try telling that to Starbuck. That is, if he ever wakes up."

"Apollo, I had no idea that Talos would go after Starbuck. He said he
would stay away from you."

"And he never said he would stay away from Starbuck. He saw us together.
He saw us dancing. He saw us kissing. If he hated me because I love
Starbuck, he'd hate Starbuck just as much for - for being with me, as well
as for being the one to send him to the brig."

"You love Starbuck?" Adama asked.

"For Sagan's sake, Father, don't you know anything?" Apollo demanded
angrily.

"I just thought that it was some sort of recreation, some sort of fling or
something."

"It started out like that," Apollo admitted. "But it changed. It became
something more. I can't explain it except to say that I love him."

"The night you were attacked, Starbuck told me that he loves you. I
assumed he meant as a brother, a friend."

"He said that? He said that he loves me?"

Adama nodded.

"Father, if Starbuck dies, I don't know if I'll ever be able to forgive
you for what you've done. It would make me the happiest man in the fleet
to hear Starbuck say that he loves me, and now he may never have that
chance."

"Apollo, it's not right. Two men together - it's simply not natural. Two
men can't reproduce, have children, for example."

"So? Lots of heterosexual couples can't have children, or choose not to.
And I have a child."

"But - "

"Don't you dare say that Boxey isn't mine," Apollo warned.

Adama fell silent.

After Apollo, Adama and Boomer had waited for awhile, Colonel Tigh came
and joined them.

"Colonel," Apollo greeted him in surprise, "I wasn't expecting to see you
here."

"I came to visit you, Apollo, and update you on Blue Squadron, and I just
heard about Starbuck.  How is he?"

"Bad," Apollo said succinctly. "Very bad."

"Starbuck is in grave condition," Adama added.

"Adama," said Tigh, "may I speak to you for a centon? Alone?"

Surprised, Adama got up and followed Tigh to an unused room. "What did you
want to see me about?"

"You know, Adama, you and I have been friends for more yahrens than I can
count," Tigh began.

"Yes, and what has that to do with anything?"

"Right now, Adama, I'm ashamed to be called your friend."

Adama was shocked at his executive officer's boldness. "Excuse me?"

"The way you have treated Starbuck and Apollo is shameful. They're grown
men, Adama, and you should let them lead their own lives without
interference from you. Starbuck is lying in the Life Centre suffering
life-threatening injuries because you didn't want anyone to know that your
son was involved with another man."

"Surely you're not blaming me for what happened to Starbuck!"

"The same man who attacked Apollo attacked Starbuck, correct?"

"Ye-es."

"And he couldn't have attacked Starbuck unless you let him out of the
brig."

"I released him from the brig because there wasn't enough evidence to hold
him," Adama protested.

"Pull the other one, Adama. You know and I know that you didn't want
anyone testifying about what Starbuck and Apollo were doing before the
attack."

"I was trying to protect my son! If Talos had gone on trial, the entire
story would have been splashed all over IFB. I couldn't allow that to
happen to Apollo."

"Did you ask Apollo what he thought?"

"No, of course not. He was still unconscious at the time."

"And you couldn't wait until he came to."

"That could have taken days."

"Reese would have held Talos for as long as necessary."

"Tigh, you don't know what it's like - "

"I had children too, Adama," Tigh said quietly. "They died in the
Destruction along with their mother. I understand what it's like to want
to protect your children. If any of my children had survived I would be
just as protective of them as you are of Apollo and Athena because of what
happened to Zac. But we can't protect them from everything in life. Talos'
actions were simply a more extreme form of your own."

"You can't be serious!" Adama exclaimed.

"I am deadly serious, Adama. You and he have the exact same prejudices
toward people who love their own sex. Your denying Starbuck leadership of
Blue Squadron, and preventing him from seeing Apollo when he was injured,
had the same motivation as Talos' attack on the two of them."

"Talos was mentally unbalanced. I'm simply following the precepts of the
Books of Kobol."

Tigh smiled. "You know that the Books also say that a man must not shave
his beard, that a woman must always wear her hair long, and that it is a
sin to wear clothing woven of two kinds of cloth? You're no doubt familiar
with the story of David and Jonathan, the shepherd boy and the king's
son?"

"David and Jonathan were simply close friends."

"Of course. That's why David wrote when Jonathan died, 'your love for me
surpassed the love of women.' "

Adama was beginning to suspect he was losing this argument.

"Adama, if you want to have any kind of relationship with your son, you'd
better get over your prejudices, and do it pretty damn quick." Tigh turned
and left the room.

In the Life Centre, Starbuck had come out of surgery and had been moved to
a bed next to Apollo's. The Captain sat in a chair next to the bed and
held his lover's hand.

"I guess my father's rule about our not seeing each other doesn't apply
any more, huh?" Apollo asked the unconscious man. He kissed the hand he
held. "Wake up for me, Star, please? I want to see your face when I tell
you that I love you."

The vigil continued for the rest of the night and into the next day.
Occasionally, Apollo dozed, but not for long, and he never let go of
Starbuck's hand. Tigh checked in with him sometimes, as did Boomer.
Cassiopeia came to check both warriors' vital signs and administer any
medications either of them needed. Adama stuck his head in once, but the
look his son gave him made him reconsider, and he didn't do it again.

"Hey, buddy, it's morning," Apollo said when he woke up after one of his
brief naps. He rubbed his head. "Looks like we have matching lumps."

He continued to talk quietly to his friend, even though Starbuck remained
unconscious. Another day went by, and it was night again.

"It's been thirty centares since they brought you here, Star. I think
you've slept long enough.  Please wake up, my love. Please? I don't want
to lose you. I love you."

One eye fluttered open, then the other. Starbuck groaned. He saw Apollo
standing over him.

"Hey," he said.

"Hey yourself."

"Did you say that you love me?" Starbuck asked.

"Yes, I did, and I do. I love you."

"Frack," muttered Starbuck.

"What's that for?"

"If you love me, that means I can't leave you."

"Leave me? Why would you want to leave me?"

"I don't want to put you in any more danger. That boray attacked you
because of me."

"And he attacked you because of me."

"And there's your father. He doesn't want us to be together. I hate to get
between you and your family, Pol."

"Starbuck, my father's prejudices don't matter. You're all that matters. I
can live without my father's approval. I can't live without your love. You
do love me, don't you?" The last was said in an almost pleading tone.

"I love you, Pol."

Apollo smiled in relief. "I love you, Star."

Doctor Salik heard the two voices and came into the room. "Lieutenant
Starbuck, good to see you're finally awake. You had us worried for
awhile." He checked Starbuck's vital signs then turned to Apollo. "And
you, Captain Apollo, should be in bed."

Starbuck winked at Apollo when Salik said that, and both warriors burst
out laughing.

Salik had the feeling that keeping these two together in the Life Centre
was going to be an interesting experience. "We have no double beds here in
the Life Centre," he told them, "but I can move the beds next to each
other. If I do that, will you at least lie down, Captain?"

Apollo blushed and didn't say anything, but when the beds had been moved,
he got into his and lay down without protest.

Recovery for both warriors would take a long time. Salik hoped that they
cooperated with him, because if they didn't, their recovery would take
even longer. Having both of them here at the same time was a mixed
blessing. Having each others' company kept them from getting too bored, or
from worrying about each other and running off the way Apollo had done
earlier. But it also meant that he had *two* restless Colonial Warriors to
deal with.

They had a steady stream of visitors. Athena was thrilled to hear that
Starbuck and Apollo had declared their love and would be moving in
together. She was less happy at her father's behaviour, and tried to
mediate between Apollo and Adama, but had little success.

Boomer came to visit, and Starbuck thanked him for saving his life. Boomer
accepted the thanks with some discomfort. Shooting another human being was
different than blasting a Cylon out of the sky, but he'd done it to save
his friend's life, and he was dealing with it.

"Looks like you're going to have to take over the squadron for both of us
now, Boomer,"  Starbuck commented.

"Look, I didn't ask for this job, but since both of you are out of
commission, I have no choice."

"Boomer, you'll make a fine squadron leader. In fact, you already are a
fine squadron leader," Apollo told him. "I'm going to make certain you
get a commendation."

"I don't need a commendation," Boomer protested. "I just want the two of
you back where you belong, leading the squadron together."

Together. Yes, that was where they belonged. Starbuck hated flying
without his wingmate. It had been as if one of his arms was missing. When
they flew together they thought and acted as one person.

"You know, Bucko," Apollo mused, "you didn't have to go and get yourself
hurt just so that you could join me in here. You could have just come to
visit."

"No, I couldn't,' Starbuck reminded him.

"Oh. Right. My father. Frack," Apollo swore. His father had avoided the
Life Centre since the day Starbuck had been brought in and Tigh had given
him the dressing down.

"Apollo, I know he did a lot of things he shouldn't have, and that he hurt
you a lot, but he is your father."

"He didn't just hurt me, Star. He hurt you. That's what gets to me. He
hurt you because he couldn't face the fact that I prefer men to women." He
frowned. "You could have died, Star. You could have died!"

"Shhh, love, it's all right." Starbuck reached across to Apollo's bed and
took his hand. "I'm right here. I didn't die."

Apollo gave him a shaky smile. "You called me 'love'," he said.

"Yeah, I did. Do you not want me to call you that?"

"It's the first time you've called me that, is all," Apollo answered. "I
like it. I want you to keep doing it."

Starbuck kissed the hand he was holding. "Anything for you, love."

"Eww, mushy stuff!" came a familiar voice as Boxey entered the room.

"Hello, Boxey," Apollo laughed.

"Hi dad," said Boxey as he climbed onto his father's bed. "You better
today?"

"I get a bit better every day. Hey, listen, would it be okay with you if
Starbuck moved in to our quarters with us?"

Boxey shrugged. "Yeah, sure."

Father and son and adopted 'uncle' visited for half a centare, then Adama
came in.

"Apollo, may I speak to you alone? Is that possible?"

Apollo was allowed to get out of bed and take short walks, so he and his
father went to a private room.

"What do you want to talk about?" Apollo asked in an undisguised hostile
tone.

"I realize I'm not your favourite person right now, and you have every
right to be angry with me. But you are still my son."

"Well, I don't have much choice about that."

"Apollo, please. I'm trying. I can't approve of your relationship with
Starbuck, but I will try to accept it if it's the only way to keep you in
my life."

Apollo gave his father a sceptical look.

"I'm sorry for the way I've treated you and Starbuck. And I will apologize
to Starbuck too. Will you give me a chance?"

Apollo sighed. He was still very angry at his father, but he could see
that the man was trying.  "All right. If you can try, I can try too. I
can't promise to do anything but that."

"Thank you, son."

Adama went and apologized to Starbuck. The Lieutenant accepted the
apology. He wasn't ready to forgive Adama yet, but the man was going to be
his father in law, in a way, and he wanted all of them - Apollo, Adama,
Athena, Boxey and himself - to get along and perhaps even be a family one
day.

Apollo returned to their room where he saw Starbuck teaching Boxey a card
game. For a moment he simply stood and watched the man that he loved
playing with his son. They'd been through a lot in the past few days, but
things were getting better. Starbuck looked up at him and smiled.

"What are you looking at?" he asked.

"I am looking at two of the people I love most in the universe," was
Apollo's answer.

Athena came to pick up Boxey, and Doctor Salik ordered Apollo to get back
into bed. He did so, and started to drift off, Starbuck's hand held firmly
in his own.

"Hey, Pol?" came Starbuck's sleepy voice from the other bed. "Will you
promise me something?"

"Anything. What is it?"

"When we get out of here, can we go dancing again? Together?"

Apollo smiled. "As long as you save the last dance for me."

Starbuck squeezed his hand. "The first dance, the last dance, and every
dance in between. I love you, Pol."

Apollo returned the squeeze. "Love you too."

END