Nothin’ But the Rain

As blackness drifted into a foggy haze, Laura Roslin groaned and rolled over, her hand pressing against her side. “Frak…”

“Madame President?” At the soft voice, she blinked, wincing in the flickering light. “Madame President, where are you?”

“Here…” Coughing at the exertion of calling out, Laura groaned again, the guttural sound carrying farther than her whispered call.

“Found her!” The voice grew nearer then she felt hands gently supporting her. “Get the medic, now. Madame President, can you hear me?”

“Mmm hmm.” She tried to focus on the blurred face above her. “Wh…happened?”

“There was an accident, your Raptor overshot the landing spot.” The voice answered as she felt hands deftly opening what seemed to be left of her jacket and shirt. “Sorry about this, I need to see where you’re bleeding from.”

“S’okay.” Laura let her eyes shut, letting out a sharp gasp at a sudden stabbing pain along her side.

“Frak me…” the voice muttered. “Medic – now!” Dropping his voice, he leaned over her and she could vaguely make out his fatigues. “Madame President, can you still hear me?”

“Mmm.” A tear rolling down her soot streaked cheek, she nodded slightly. “Others? All right?”

“They’re being checked on now.” She felt another pair of hands join the ones already running along her body. “Madame…”

“Just Laura.” She opened her eyes slightly. “No shirt, no titles…” she broke off in a mildly hysterical soft giggle.

“Um, yes Ma’am.” He exchanged a glance with the medic, who was searching through her kit. “Um, I just need to straighten your legs out if I can?”

“I really can’t imagine…” she let out a hiss of pain as the medic gently probed at her side, “or I can, just frakking do it.”

“Yes ma’am.” He moved away from her side and carefully straightened her legs out, wincing at the bruises, cuts, and burns exposed by her ripped pants. “All right?”

“Fine.” Reaching out, she waved a hand. “Medic’s here, go check on others.”

“I’ll stay with her.” The medic glanced at the other bodies around them, shaking her head at his expression. “Go make sure the pilot’s still doing well, he’s in the cockpit.” When he moved away, she bent toward Laura. “I’m going to leave it in your side for now, it’s holding the bleeding at bay, do you understand?”

“Yes.” Her hand drifted to grasp the medic’s arm, her nails digging into the woman’s skin. “Can’t focus eyes.”

“Hold on.” The medic reached over her to pick up the glasses that had fallen out of Laura’s pocket. Sliding them on, she waited. “Any better?”

Laura squinted, everything was still blurry and dim. “No.” Her hand tightened on the medic’s arm. “Can’t see…”

“It’s all right, you’ve got a laceration on your head as well, probably a concussion as well.” The medic carefully removed Laura’s glasses. “I’ll put these in the kit for now?”

“Please.” Eyes closed again, Laura slowly became aware that not just her side, but her entire body was aching. “Who…?”

“Paramedic Ishay.” She replied, securing the President’s glasses and pulling out a syringe. “I’m going to give you a general antibiotic, just broadspan for now until we can get you back upstairs.”

“Ishay…” Laura nodded, inhaling quickly at the pinch of the needle. “You kept the Admiral alive…”

“Doctor Cottle did the surgery.” She disposed of the used needle and returned her attention to Laura. “But yes, I was there.”

“I’ve seen you there. Other times too. When…well, you know.” Laura turned her head slightly toward the woman, a wan smile touching her lips despite the pained expression on her face. “Always kind. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” Gently, she lifted the other side of Laura’s blouse, frowning slightly at the sight of more bruises and lacerations.

”Hmm.” Laura shivered. “Cold.”

“I’ll just be a minute then we’ll get you covered again. In addition to your legs, side and head, you’ve got a lot of lacerations and bruising. Is there any other excessive pain?” Ishay gently ran her hands along Laura’s body, glancing up at her face as she waited for a response.

“Just hurts all over.” Laura turned her head slightly, “others all right? Other injuries?”

“They’re being seen to, I promise.” The medic raised her head slightly at a noise in the distance, her alert stance relaxing as she realized it was another raptor coming in for a landing.

“So much for…” Laura coughed again, “seeing the algae processing and food procurement in person.”

“Yes, ma’am.” Bending over her again, Ishay frowned. “Does this…” as she gently pressed a spot on Laura’s stomach, Laura groaned, “All right then, and here?”

“Gods yes.” At the stab of pain, Laura arched slightly, groaning again. “Stop…please…need to breathe.”

“It’s all right.” Carefully pulling the remains of the President’s blouse back over her, Ishay reached out and caught her hand. “Try to breathe shallowly for a minute. Not too deep just yet.”

“How are the others?” Laura asked again after she’d caught her breath. “Don’t hear anyone.”

“Well…” as her voice trailed off, Ishay looked helplessly at the bodies in the charred hatch of the raptor, her eyes meeting those of the other crewman as he shook his head negatively.

Laura tightened her grip on the woman’s hand, her eyes fluttering open in concern. “What’s wrong…”

“Well, just you and the pilot…” She let her voice trail off as Laura let out a soft groan. “Ma’am?” As Laura’s head dropped back to the side, Ishay looked up as the hatch to the newly arrived Raptor opened. “Over here – now!”

When Laura opened her eyes again, it was to the all too familiar, yet blurry view of the ceiling in Sick Bay. “Gods…” she sighed softly, the sound ending in a soft groan.

“You’re awake.” At the husky voice, she turned her head slightly, still squinting in the bright light. “No, take it easy.”

“Bill?” Eyes closing again, Laura took a hesitant breath, wincing as she heard him stand and move around the bed.

“Right back. Stay still.” Touching her foot absently, he moved through the curtains. When he returned, he gently took her hand. “See? Right back.”

“Thirsty.” She breathed out, lacing her fingers with his. “Drink?”

“Not yet young lady.” Cottle strode into the cubicle. “Let’s check a few things first.” Ignoring the fact that her hand still lay clasped in the Admiral’s, he glanced at the readings on the equipment at the head of the bed. “Sorry about this.”

“What…” Laura hissed out as he slid his hands under the sheet, lifting it slightly so he could touch the bandage on her side. “Hey…”

“You’re going to tell me you’re modest in front of him?” Cottle raised an eyebrow and returned his attention to the area he’d operated on as her blush ran along her cheeks and down her neck when she realized she didn’t even have a medical gown on. “Please. And we were about to put you in a gown when you woke up, so be patient if you would, Madame President.”

“Your hands are cold.” She muttered as Bill chuckled softly. “What happened?”

Cottle glanced at Adama and nodded, returning his attention to Laura as the Admiral spoke. “Your raptor, there was a problem with the nav system, it overshot the landing area and went off a cliff.” He took a breath, angling his body so he could meet her eyes. “It clipped an outcropping going through a cloudbank, tore off one of the wings. Not much was salvageable.”

“The crew? My…escort?” As Cottle’s hands moved along her body, she spared him a weak glare before returning her attention to Bill.

“You and the pilot are the only ones so far…the…your security team didn’t make it…the co-pilot is missing.” Bill tightened his grip on her hand as she stared at him in horror. “You were found just outside the hatch…the others were inside.”

“I remember…” Eyes closing, she followed Cottle’s muttered instructions to inhale and exhale deeply for a few breaths before continuing. “Um, I remember rolling…hitting…there was light…my side hurt…”

“That would have been the piece of the bulkhead I took out of you.” Cottle replaced the sheet. “Gave it to the Admiral so you can have it as a keepsake, use it as a paperweight or something.”

“Hmm.” She turned her head as he touched her chin, pulling her face toward him. “Throw it at you?”

“Nothing wrong with your temper.” He bent over her. “Open your eyes, Madame President.” When she obeyed, he used a light to look in her eyes, muttering to himself.

”How long till I can get out of here.” She blinked when he shut the light off. “No offense.”

“None taken. Had enough of you here in the past.” Cottle straightened. “Both of you.” Ignoring the glance they shared, he lit a cigarette. “You’re here for the night. Then you go to his quarters or to guest quarters for at least 5 days. No Colonial One since I want you within close range of Sick Bay and myself, no extended time on your feet, and no more than three meetings a day, all taken in a seated position.” He raised an eyebrow, “one press conference tomorrow at which you may stand for no longer than ten minutes transported to and from in a wheelchair, you may work from your desk or his. You decide you want to go gallivanting all around the fleet I’ll hogtie you to a bed in here. Got it?”

“Put it in writing.” Bill interrupted Laura’s automatic protest. “She’ll be in my quarters, I’ll take the couch, she can have the rack. It’s private, quiet, and she won’t have to leave to work.”

“She can speak for herself.” Laura glared at him.

“Madame President,” Cottle shook his head at her all too familiar stubborn expression. “Laura, you need to listen to me. You had some surgery to take care of that chunk of metal you had in your side and a significant amount of blood loss from that and internal bleeding, all of which I’m just hoping I got. You have two broken ribs, a bruised kidney, contusions all along your body, along with minor cuts and burns, a concussion, and are showing signs of a detached retina. You were also one of only two survivors of a raptor crash that destroyed the ship and a sizable amount of area around it from what I hear. You don’t want to frak around with any of those things individually, and I’m not about to expect you to remain here peacefully, in mind of your penchant for privacy when not dealing with governmental meetings and details. You agree or you are sedated for at least four days. Understand?” Laura stared at him, trying to comprehend what he’d just said. “Madame President, do you understand?”

“Yes.” She finally whispered, taking a deep breath. “Well then. When you put it that way…”

“I do.” He glared at her for a moment then looked up at Adama. “Admiral, I’ll have that in writing for you to pick up at your convenience. If you wouldn’t mind assisting the President with her gown,” Cottle tossed a medical gown at him as he continued, “I will allow Tory in to discuss the upcoming scheduling needs, and then the President needs rest. Tory will have ten minutes, you…” he shook his head. “Not even going to try it.”

“Dismissed, Doctor.” He nodded briefly. “We’ll discuss the timing of the Press Conference with Tory, and the President will be remaining in my quarters for the duration.” When she opened her mouth to automatically protest, he gently rested a finger on her lips without looking at her. “Don’t start, Madame President. Doctor, please ask Miss Foster to wait a few minutes before coming in.” Waiting until Cottle had disappeared through the curtain, he glanced down at her. “Well?”

She raised an eyebrow, waiting until he’d removed his finger to speak. “I was going to agree.”

“With a counteroffer, I’m sure.” He carefully brushed her bangs off her forehead. “Oh, by the way, Medic Ishay left your glasses for you. She had them in her medical kit.”

“Good.” Laura smiled slightly. “Can you raise the head of the bed slightly please? It’ll be easier…” Carefully, they maneuvered her into the gown, Laura making a face as she held up her hair so he could tie the gown behind her neck. “Thank you…” her voice trailed off as he pressed a kiss against the cool skin of her neck, one of the few places she wasn’t bruised. “Bill…”

“Don’t worry.” Bill eased her back against the pillows. “Comfortable? It’s only one night…”

“I know.” She sighed softly. “And, I’m holding you and Cottle to that.” As he carefully adjusted her pillows, Tory hesitantly entered. “Good, Tory. I need to have a Press Conference set up for tomorrow morning…”

“Already taken care of, Madame President. At ten hundred.” Tory held out a piece of paper. “And here’s your amended schedule for the next several days. Doctor Cottle gave me some directions, and since you won’t be able to travel to Colonial One, I arranged the conference and larger meetings for the Wardroom here on Galactica, Colonel Tigh approved it.”

Laura absently took the glasses Bill handed her and slid them on as she read the paper Tory had handed her. “Well then.” She wrinkled her nose, “I suppose it’s all been taken care of?” She looked up at Tory, one eyebrow raised inquisitively.

“Yes, ma’am.” Tory waited expectantly. “Is there anything else?”

”I need clothes…” Laura began, “there’s not much left of what I had…”

“I already left one of your suits and the extra slacks and blouse at the Admiral’s quarters,” Tory’s eyes widened as they both looked at her, “I mean, because I wasn’t sure where else to leave them…”

“It’s quite all right.” Bill took pity on her as she blushed a deep rose. “I’ll make sure they get to where they’re needed.”

“Of course…” Tory took a deep breath, “um, and I brought you some things to wear…” she nodded toward a bag sitting by the curtain. “I had to borrow some things, the Doctor said you can’t, I mean shouldn’t be raising your arm?”

“I suppose not.” Laura moved her arm slightly and winced. “The Press Conference?”

“I also notified the Quorum and the Vice President.” Tory glanced apologetically at the Admiral. “They’ll be attending the Press Conference as well then Colonel Tigh suggested a tour of part of the Galactica between the Press Conference and meeting privately with the President. He said it would provide time for her transport?”

Bill chuckled softly. “He is a strategist.”

“He also said he can arrange for a delay in the landing of shuttles as well?” Tory shrugged. “As an option.”

“Knowing him, he’d rather blow up the shuttles.” Bill muttered as Laura reached out blindly and caught his hand, squeezing it gently.

“No, that’s you.” She smiled slightly. “Thank you Tory. Can you field all the inquiries as well?”

“Yes ma’am.” Tory handed her another piece of paper. “This is the release I sent out.”

Laura scanned it quickly, her face paling as she read the paragraph about the security detail. “They’d just…I mean, it was their first trip with me.” She glanced up at Bill, her eyes filling with tears.

“Shh.” He shook his head at her. “It wasn’t your fault, Madame President.”

“Still.” The hand holding the press release dropped to her side as her eyes fluttered shut.

“Cottle!” Bill yelled as her grip loosened on his hand.

“Here.” Pushing into the cubicle, Cottle edged Tory out of the way and bent over Laura’s body. Checking her eyelid, he glanced back at the monitor. “She’s asleep. Body shut down. She may sleep for hours, she may be in and out. I’d guess the latter.”

“I’ll just…” Tory stepped back, “uh, I’ll leave her schedule on the desk in your office, Admiral?”

“I’ll make sure she gets it. And thank you, Miss Foster.” He nodded. “Can you be here at nine to help her get ready?”

”I’ll be back then.” She turned and fled out of the cubicle as he watched, curious about her reaction.

“You need to get your rest as well.” Cottle looked back at him. “Not that you’ll…” he broke off as Kara Thrace pushed through the curtain. “Frak it all Starbuck, this is a Sick Bay.”

“Sorry sir.” She shrugged. “Um, Admiral, I need to ask the…” as she realized Laura was sleeping, her voice lowered, “Um, I need to ask the President something.”

“Can it wait?” Cottle interrupted her. “The President just fell asleep.”

“I’m not sure.” She shifted her weight nervously, her eyes moving between them.

“Try not to wake her while you two discuss whatever it is.” Cottle interpreted the look in her eyes. “I’ll check back later.” Turning on his heel, he strode out of the cubicle, pulling the curtain shut behind him.

“What is it?” His voice dropping, Bill gazed steadily at Kara.

“I need to find out where she was sitting. In the Raptor.” Kara moved around the bed to face him. “Which seat?”

Tilting his head, he frowned. “Unless she moved during the flight, she was in the one farthest from the hatch, near the aft storage cabinet. Why?”

Kara took a breath. “Frak.”

“Captain.” His voice was sharp even at the soft level he was speaking. “Why?”

“The harness in that seat.” She glanced down at Laura. “It was cut. Cleanly.”

“Cut?” Bill’s frown deepened. “By what?”

“By who.” She corrected, shifting her weight. “And I need Doc to check something for me as well. I, um, well I went by to check on a hunch…”

“A hunch?” His eyebrow lifted. “What kind of hunch?”

“Her security detail.” Kara took a breath, wrinkling her nose. “Their bodies were burned, but I wanted to take a closer look. They were shot. Before they burned. And the President’s harness was sliced cleanly, like a knife.”

“The security detail was shot?” He repeated softly. “The pilot wasn’t.”

“I didn’t get a chance to talk to Cottle about it, and he was busy with the President so someone else was with the pilot.” She swallowed. “And, we found the body of the co-pilot. It was along the path the Raptor crashed along, looks like he went out what was left of the front view screen as the Raptor hit. And sir, the pilot. He was one of the newer recruits, from the civilian fleet.” At that bit of information, Bill took a sharp breath.

“Stay with the President.” He relinquished his place next to Laura. “If she wakes, ask her…gently. I need to talk to Cottle.”

“Yes sir.” She glanced nervously at the unconscious woman on the bed. “Um…”

”I’ll be back, Starbuck.” Bill let his hand slide from Laura’s, pausing as she stirred. When she stilled, he continued on to the main part of Sick Bay. Looking around, he spied Cottle entering his office and followed him. “Doctor.”

“Admiral?” Cottle paused, looking over his shoulder. “What is it?”

“I need you to check on something for me.” He jerked his head. “Who did the work on the pilot of the Raptor?”

“One of the civilian doctors, I was just about to review his report. Why?” He looked confused.

“I need to know if there’s anything…confusing about it.” Bill hesitated. “And then, I need you to go check on the bodies in the morgue. I may need an autopsy done, seeing if…there’s anything about them as well.”

Cottle stared at him for a long moment then shrugged. “Why the frak not. That whole sleep thing is overrated anyway. Hold on a minute though.” Opening the folder he held, he scanned through the report as Bill watched him closely. “Frak.” Cottle glanced up at him before returning his attention to the report.

“What is it?” Bill stepped forward.

“Report says in addition to smoke inhalation and minor injuries, his main injury was a gunshot wound to his back. Nothing life threatening in itself, but enough to knock him out long enough for the smoke to get into his lungs.” Cottle’s eyes narrowed. “How’d you know?”

Bill shook his head. “I need to know who shot him. Or at least what kind of weapon. Same thing for the security detail in the morgue. Starbuck seems to think they were shot before the fire got to them.”

“Starbuck has a lot of hunches.” Cottle shook his head. “I’ll check it out.”

Bill watched as Cottle crossed the main part of Sick Bay before he turned back to slip into Laura’s cubicle and gazed at Starbuck. “I need you to guard the President.” He shook his head at her automatic protest. “Only until I can get someone else I trust down here. Then, you need to find out where the frak that pilot came from.”

“Yes sir.” She shifted her weight uncomfortably. “Um, she really hasn’t moved much.”

“He took a chunk of metal out of her side.” Bill absently reached out and traced Laura’s cheek, a faint smile touching his lips as she turned her face into his touch. “Among numerous other injuries. And she’s sedated.”

“Okay.” Kara took a deep breath. “Can I still talk to her if she wakes up?”

“Talk…me?” At the faint whisper, they both looked down to see Laura’s eyes barely open. “Starbuck?”

“Um, yeah.” She glanced at the Admiral and when he nodded, she bent toward the President. “Can I ask you something?”

“Try?” Laura sighed softly. “Really tired. Hurts.”

“I know Madame President, And I’m really sorry.” Kara took a breath. “During the crash, were you strapped in?”

“Strapped in?” Laura’s mouth tightened. “Think…yeah.”

“After the crash, do you remember anything?” Kara swallowed a yelp as Laura’s hand tightened on hers.

”Noise…stopped. I was pinned…someone released harness…fell. Hurt a lot.” She frowned. “Fire? Some small explosions…I rem’ber crawling…someone pushed…fell out?”

Bill leaned forward. “After the Raptor stopped, you were pinned, hanging? And someone released you?” She nodded slightly. “You could feel the fire, but then there were some smaller explosions, you were crawling to try to get away from the fire and someone pushed you out the hatch?”

”What I said.” She mumbled with a soft sigh.

“Madame President, could the small explosions have been gunfire?” Kara tilted her head slightly, watching for her reaction.

“Maybe?” Laura’s eyes opened and tried to focus on them. “Why? Someone shot?”

“We’re checking on it.” Bill touched her cheek. “Kara’s going to stay with you for a bit, I have to go to the CIC.”

“’Kay.” Laura managed a weak smile. “Tired. Gonna sleep.”

“You do that Madame President.” Kara swallowed nervously. “I’ll be right here if you need anything.”

“Kara.” Laura’s eyes moved to meet the younger woman’s. “Here, Laura?”

“Oh. Um, okay.” Kara’s eyes widened. “Um, Laura?”

”Good.” Laura sighed softly as her eyes fluttered shut. “Sleep…”

“I’m going to CIC. You’re only relieved if someone comes to tell you to take out the cat.” Bill straightened and met her gaze levelly. “They didn’t want to kill her, just get her out of the way for some reason.”

“Yes sir.” She nodded curtly. “I already, um, well took the liberty of having guards posted by the pilot’s bed as well.”

”Good.” With a final stroke against Laura’s cheek, he turned on his heel and left the cubicle.

“Frak me.” Starbuck let out a deep breath and sagged against the bed as the curtain closed behind him. She needed to get out there to keep…at a soft noise from the bed, she looked down. “Um…”

“He’s gone?” Laura smiled up at her sleepily. “Stubborn Admiral.”

“You were faking it?” Her eyes widened in disbelief.

“Not totally.” She turned her head slightly toward the other woman. “Am tired. But, he wouldn’t leave me if awake. So. Tell me what I missed. All of it.” As Kara repeated what she’d told the Admiral earlier Laura kept her eyes on the younger woman.

“And so, he went to…” Kara shrugged as she finished.

“It doesn’t make any sense.” Laura frowned as she rolled over slightly to face Kara. “Why do something down there? Where would I have gone?”

“I don’t know.” She sighed. “There’s something more going on, unless it was just a timing thing. You said the security detail was new?”

Laura nodded. “Just started, um…three days ago? They were rotated in, on the usual rotation….” her voice trailed off.

“What?” Kara leaned forward.

“No. It wasn’t the usual rotation.” She frowned, thinking. “Um, it’s usually in shifts, where there’s at least one that’s from the previous rotation for at least a week, but this time, the two new ones came in, and a day later, there was an accident, Bradley, the experienced one, broke his leg. We didn’t think any thing of it…”

“But it left you with an entirely new team.” Nodding, Kara sat back, thinking. “And you didn’t think anything of it?”

“Why would I?” Laura carefully rolled back onto her back and closed her eyes. “It was random.”

“Or not.” Kara frowned as Laura yawned. “I’m here for a while, go ahead and get some rest.”

“Thanks.” Laura’s lips twitched slightly as she sighed back into sleep while Kara watched over her, thoughts running through her mind as she tried to put it together.

“Starbuck.” At the soft hiss, she glanced up toward the curtain to see Lee Adama. “Here.”

“What is it?” Standing, she quickly moved around the bed and took the folder he held.

“The Admiral sent it down, some findings from the investigation so far.” He glanced past her at the bed. “How is she?”

“Sleeping. Has been for a couple of hours now.” Kara mumbled, looking over the folder he’d handed her. “So, the bullets in her detail were from the pilot’s gun, and the one in him was from one of theirs?”

“Looks that way.” He grimaced. “We’re still tracking down where he’s from, his papers don’t match any of the information we’re turning up.”

She looked up at him, eyes narrowing as she thought. “Hey, for kicks, run his prints and any other identifying features against what we have from the Pegasus.”

“You think…” Lee met her eyes and nodded. “Makes sense. Someone could have changed on New Caprica, lots of things changed on New Caprica.”

“Indeed.” She broke the gaze. “I’ll look over this again.”

“I’ll check on the Pegasus tie ins.” He stepped back, and with a final glance at Laura, turned and left the cubicle as Kara returned to her chair.

She’d just finished reading through the folder for the third time when a medic entered. “Can I help you?” Kara’s eyebrow raised.

“Just here to check on her.” He indicated Laura. “Cottle’s busy with another patient, sent me in to make sure she was doing all right.”

“Uh huh.” Kara leaned forward, absently jostling the bed slightly. “I didn’t think Cottle would let anyone else in here.”

“Guess the Doctor trusts me.” Stepping further in, he checked the readings on the monitor. “Her signs look good.” Pulling a needle out of his pocket, he uncapped it as Kara shot to her feet.

”What’s that?” Her hand latched onto his wrist as he raised the needle up.

Freezing at her grasp, he looked at her. “It’s the frakking painkiller that Cottle wanted me to give her, since her first dose is wearing off. You want to go check on it, go. But, he’s a bit busy, and didn’t want her in pain.” Kara stared at him, her eyes locked with his, until she felt a light touch against her thigh as Laura shifted her weight. “See,” he began again, “the pain’s kicking in again.”

Kara frowned, but went with her instinct as Laura’s hand brushed against her thigh again. “Fine.” Releasing him slowly, she watched as he administered the drug into the iv input and stepped back.

“See?” He turned. “I’ll tell Cottle you want to see him…” as an alarm sounded from the main part of sickbay, he swore under his breath and took off at a run.

“Frak.” Kara rounded the bed and peered out the curtain, trying to make sense of what she was seeing.

“What is it?” Laura winced as she propped herself up on one elbow.

“I don’t…” Kara froze at the sound of gunfire. “We’ve got to get out of here.”

“Get this out of me so I can let go of it.” Laura pushed at the sheet, which had hidden the fact that she’d had the iv tube pinched shut so whatever had just been injected wouldn’t go into her bloodstream.

“You did listen.” Kara managed a grin as she bent over Laura’s arm and carefully pulled the needle out, ignoring Laura’s hiss of pain. “Here.” Rummaging through the bag Tory had left she pulled out a shirt and pants.

“Frak it.” Laura groaned softly as she sat up. “I’m going to kill him for not letting me get dressed in real clothes earlier. And please, I perfected pinching an iv line long before you told me about that hospital on Caprica.”

“Don’t lift your arm.” Kara carefully eased the arm on Laura’s wounded side through a sleeve before releasing the shirt so Laura could pull it the rest of the way on. “Now, stand, carefully.” As Laura slid her feet into the pants Kara held, she staggered slightly.

“Hold on. One minute.” She begged, clenching Kara’s shoulder. “I know, but if I pass out, I’m not doing you any good.”

“I know.” Kara grabbed a pair of socks as Laura reached down with her other hand and pulled up the sweat pants. “Let’s get out to the corridor…” as another gun shot broke through the yells from the main room she slid her arm around Laura’s uninjured side and thrust the socks in her hand. “Hold these.”

“Back through there.” Laura jerked her head in the opposite direction from the chaos of the main room. “The back curtain.”

“You sure?” Kara looked dubiously at the back of the cubicle.

“Trust me.” Laura started moving the way she’d indicated. “The Admiral and I have found all the hidden entrances and exits to this place.”

“Point taken.” Supporting the other woman, they slipped out of the cubicle as another round of gunshots and yells followed them. Two minutes later they were in a darkened corridor. “Now where?”

“Left. Two hatches down, it’s a head with a second entrance, takes you through to another corridor, away from Sick Bay.” Laura caught her breath. “Frak me…”

”Excuse me?” Kara stared at her.

“Please.” Laura grimaced. “You’ve heard me swear before.”

“Still catches me off guard.” Glancing behind them, Kara made a decision. “Let’s get through the second hatch and we’ll stop so you can put on the socks.”

“And go where?” Limping along, Laura’s grip on Kara tightened at another wave of pain. “Sorry, pain killer is wearing off.”

“Know the feeling.” Kara leaned forward and peered at the hatch. “Let’s go.” Seconds later they were through the hatch and in a head. “Here.” Quickly grabbing a towel, she ran water on it, and handed it to Laura before easing her onto a toilet. “Sit.”

“Not much left of my dignity now.” Laura held the damp towel to her face as Kara quickly pulled the socks on her feet. “Where are we going?”

“Thinking about it.” Kara sat back on her heels for a minute, thinking before a grin crossed her face. “I know where we are and where we’re going.”

“That’s the look that got me in trouble on New Caprica.” With a groan, Laura managed to get to her feet. “Where are we going?”

“You’re going to come visiting, nugget.” Kara stood and pulled her hat off, tucking Laura’s hair up and settling it on her head. “Too bad you overdid it in the lounge after your first time out there solo.”

“I’m a drunken pilot?” Managing a chuckle, Laura waited for Kara to slide her arm around her waist before she managed to move forward. “Didn’t deal…well with first…flight?”

“Yep. Nugget…um, Airlock would be too telling. I know, Rain, cause you cried when you made training. And the Admiral will get it.” Kara grinned as they exited the far side of the head and down another corridor. “We’ll keep you safe in the pilot’s quarters until the Admiral tracks you down. We won’t head for his quarters because that’s where anyone would look for you as soon as they discover you aren’t in Sick Bay anymore. And until I know who we can trust, not gonna risk it.”

“Need to let Admiral know.” Laura whispered as they limped down another corridor.

“I’ll get word to him.” They fell silent as she led them through corridors, winding back on their path several times as they heard voices. Finally stopping next to a ladder, she looked at Laura apologetically. “Sorry, but we need to go up a level.”

“I can make it.” Laura looked up at the steps. It looked like a frakking mountain, but with no other options at the moment… “Which way when we get to the top?”

“Left.” Kara watched as she grasped the railing with her uninjured arm. “I’ll be right behind you.”

“Better be.” Laura took the first step, a soft gasp as pain ran through her entire body. “No. I can do it.” She forestalled Kara’s movement with a shake of her head. Five long minutes later, she leaned against the wall as Kara scrambled up beside her. “How much…farther?”

Looking around, she grinned. “Hold on.” Moving around a corner, she caught sight of a familiar back. “Hotdog!”

“Starbuck?” Whirling, he stared at her. “What the hell’s going on? Shooting in Sick Bay? Where’ve you been?”

“Shut up and come with me.” She ordered, grabbing his arm. “I need your help. I’ll cover with the CAG.”

“We’re supposed to get to…” as they rounded the corner, his voice broke off at the sight of a body crumbled against the wall. “Who the hell…Frak me…Starbuck, that’s the…”

“She’s a nugget, got it?” Kara grimaced as he stared at her. “We’ve got to get her in the pilot’s quarters, but she’s about to collapse. I can’t get her any farther.”

“Got it.” Looking at the way she was favoring one side, he moved to the other. “Um, I’m really sorry about this…”

“Just do it pilot.” Laura glared at him weakly, sliding her arm around his neck as he gently lifted her.

“She’s a nugget, call sign Rain.” Kara moved alongside him as they practically ran down the corridor. “Had too much to drink after her first landing. We’re putting her in my bunk.”

”Better off in mine.” He glanced at her. “Think about it. They look for her, they’ll think of you if you were with her. Me, they won’t expect. And it’s an upper. Harder to see in.” As Laura let out a soft whimper, he winced. “Sorry.”

“S’okay.” Laura’s head lolled against his neck.

”I hear people.” Kara skidded to a stop and peered around the corner. “Hold on….clear.” Together, they rounded the corner and paused as she opened the hatch. “No one. Come on.”

“Pull the curtain.” As Kara secured the hatch, Hotdog continued to his bunk and waited for her. As soon as she had the privacy curtain opened, he carefully lifted Laura up and eased her into the bunk. “We should be clear for some time. Got a call to report to our vipers.”

“Get on the phone, call the Bay and let them know you and I were pulled by the Old Man for something.” While he grabbed the hand set, she pulled a chair over, stepped up on it and gently arranged the pillows and covers around Laura. “Rain?” When there was no response, she bit her lip nervously. “Lar…Madame President?”

“Hmm?” Her eyes fluttered open and tried to focus on them.

“Hotdog, I need you to get a message to Lieutenant Dualla. This one not over the phone.” Kara ordered, her voice low. “You need to have her get a message to the Admiral that one of the nuggets won’t be able to fly solo for a short time, had a bad reaction to a rough landing, that Rain will be on special assignment to me, as will you for the time being. Use the name Rain, got it?”

”If I can’t get to Dee, then who?” He grabbed a washcloth and handed it to Kara.

“Tigh. Or Lee. No one else.” She paused as Laura caught her hand.

“Need Cottle or Ishay only.” Laura whispered. “Pulled stitches.”

“Frak.” Kara pressed the washcloth to Laura’s side, seeing where blood stained the shirt she wore. “Hot Dog, tell them we need one of them too. But it’s not too bad. Barely bleeding.”

”Good.” Laura’s eyes moved to the other pilot’s face. “Thank you.”

“Don’t mention it.” Frowning, Hotdog glanced at the hatch. “I can’t secure it, but I’ll tighten it. Should give you a few seconds warning.”

“Someone comes in, I’ll get to my bunk, be working on something. Disgusted by the fact you took advantage of a new nugget to get her in your bunk.” Kara grimaced as she lifted the shirt to peer at the oozing wound.

“Hey.” Laura protested weakly.

“So go already.” Kara looked back at him, her eyes worried. “Get Ishay.”

“Be back.” He managed a weak smile and turned on his heel, running out of the room.

“This is frakking nuts.” Laura closed her eyes and groaned. “What the frak is going on?”

Kara chuckled. “I like Nugget Rain, she speaks my language.”

“Shut up.” Her body finally granted some rest, Laura sighed softly. “I am the President of the Twelve Colonies, I was simply visiting to see the algae farming, and the next thing I know, I’m having a chunk of metal pulled out of my side, then being dragged off to the pilot’s quarters to hide in Hotdog’s bunk.” Opening her eyes, she stared at Kara. “And you are so explaining that part of it to the Admiral.”

“Like he’d believe you would be in anyone else’s rack.” Kara muttered, turning to rinse out the cloth.

”Excuse me?” Laura’s eyes narrowed.

“Um, nothing.” Kara reached out and wiped the damp cloth over Laura’s face. “So, any new threats against you lately that you haven’t told anyone about?”

“Just the usual ones.” Laura tried to relax into the pillow. “Nothing new that I knew about.”

“Hmm.” Kara reached out for another dry towel and folded it, pressing it against Laura’s side. “Okay?”

“Mmm hmm.” Laura fell silent for a moment as she thought. “Wait.”

“What?” Kara shot back up from the table she’d just perched on.

“Calm down.” Her lips twitched. “There was something, last week I think. When I was on…frak, what trip was it…check with Tory. I was visiting some students on the Gemenon Traveler …someone was watching us…didn’t think much of it…there was something, made Benjamin…itchy.”

“Itchy?” Kara’s head tilted.

“Don’t laugh.” Laura sighed softly, her hand lifting to pull off the hat on her head, her hair falling out over her shoulders. “His itchy is…was like your hunches. Miss him.”

“Got it.” She relaxed back onto the table. “And then a few days later, Benjamin was injured. Interesting.”

Laura sighed softly, “didn’t think anything of it,” at a sound from the hatch, she reached up for the curtain, pulling it to hide the top half of her body as Kara spun around and grabbed a pad of paper.

“And furthermore, nugget,” Kara began, “you will write out the policies and procedures for appropriate behaviors upon…”

“It’s me.” Ishay slammed the door shut behind her. “Where is she?”

“Here.” Pulling a chair over, Kara opened the curtain. “There’s not much blood, but the stitches did pull out.”

“Yeah.” Ishay stepped on the chair and handed Kara her med case. “Hold this. Hello again Madame President.”

“Medic.” She smiled slightly. “Sorry about the house call. Everything all right in Sick Bay? Please reassure Captain Thrace so that she can calm down?”

”Yes, ma’am.” Ishay peeled the towel away from Laura’s side and lifted the shirt up, peering at the pulled stitches. “All under control, so to speak. There was an attempt on the pilot’s life, probably about the same time you disappeared. The guards were able to control the situation, some injuries, but no loss of life. Doc Cottle’s working on the pilot again though, and the men who infiltrated are in the brig.” She glanced at Kara, “including one masquerading as a medic. Cottle spotted him as he came out of your cubicle. They found an empty syringe in his pocket, we’re running tests.”

“Good.” Laura’s breath caught as the medic pressed a medicated pad over the open wound. “Frak…”

At Ishay’s expression, Kara laughed. “I know, takes some getting used to.”

“Whatever.” She bent over the wound and quickly stitched it back up. “The Doc wants to look at it, but I only needed to call him if it was bad enough. As far as anyone knows, you’re sedated in a private room in Sick Bay. The Admiral…” as the door swung open, she turned, almost falling off the chair. “Um, sir.”

“Where is…” At the sight of the bloody towel, Saul Tigh froze.

“I’m fine.” Laura pushed the curtain back to gaze at him. “Really.”

“Laura, I know what you’re capable of handling.” His eye locked with hers. “Truth.”

“Hurts like frakking hell.” She finally whispered, wincing again as Ishay pressed a fresh bandage against her side.

“More like it. Medic?” He stepped forward as she took her case back from Kara and snapped it shut.

“She needs to stay still for at least another three hours, then she can head out. You need to move her before that, she’ll need a stretcher.” Ishay jumped off the chair. “I’ve got to get back to Sick Bay before anyone else misses me, Doc sent me to the supply room for bandages so I wouldn’t be missed.”

“Go.” Saul moved to the bedside, sparing a glance at Kara. “Nugget Rain?”

“Only thing I could think of that wouldn’t be too obvious that the old man would understand.” Kara pulled the chair back out of his way and straddled it as she watched them.

“Oh, he got it.” Saul grinned. “And I was supposed to tell you to watch out for the cat until you can bring her home.”

“Where’s Hotdog?” Kara rested her chin on her hands, still watching them with a confused look on her face.

“Well now.” He glanced at Laura, “seems the Admiral wasn’t too happy with Hotdog’s first nugget mentoring project going so wrong. What with his nugget getting drunk after first mission and such. So, he’s assisting with the investigation and clean up in Sick Bay, before he spends a few hours guarding a curtained cubicle. After which, he’ll be reporting back to the Admiral for further instructions. The pilots are all remaining on either active or stand by status in the Flight Bay, so this area will be clear for several hours.”

“Good.” She reached out her hand, waiting until he took it. “Hurts, Saul. It really does.”

”Same as before Airlock, hold on.” He tightened his grip on her hand as she clenched his, her eyes shutting in pain. “That’s it….”

“Rain, not Airlock.” She managed to get out with a groan.

“Whatever.” He met Kara’s confused gaze. “You never told Starbuck?”

”No.” Laura let out a soft whimper then eased her grip on him. “Frak…forgot…”

“Starbuck, get me a glass of water.” He leaned toward the bunk. “It’s not chamalla, but Cottle said it would help.”

”Anything.” Perspiring now, she turned her head slightly as Kara returned with a glass. “Hurts…can’t think…”

“Cottle said minimum amount of liquid for right now.” Sliding an arm behind her, he lifted her shoulders slightly, handing her two pills. “Ready?” When she nodded, he reached behind him and waited for Kara to hand him the glass. “Now.” She obediently put the pills in her mouth and swallowed them, wincing, before following them with two swallows of water. “Down?”

“Ick.” Laura nodded and sighed as he let her relax back down on the pillow.

“Good. You did good.” He caught her hand again. “You know the drill.” At Kara’s confused look, he sighed. “Airlock?”

“S’okay Kara.” Eyes closed, she smiled weakly. “We worked it out on New Caprica…”

When she remained silent, holding tightly to his hand, Saul sighed again. “It’s a bit confusing. Just chalk it up to too many shared recovery sessions from the Detention Center.”

“Yes sir.” Sinking back into her chair, she watched them. When Laura finally drifted into sleep, he gently released her hand.

“And if you tell anyone, I’ll airlock you myself, without her help.” Saul muttered in her direction.

“Oh, I believe you.” Kara winced. “And don’t worry, no one would believe me if I tried to tell them.”

“Keep it that way.” Stepping back, he faced her. “I’ve got to get back to the CIC. When Hotdog gets back, the two of you get her to the Admiral’s quarters…discreetly. Got it?”

“Yes sir.” She nodded, confused at the last few minutes.

“And Starbuck?” Saul’s eyebrow lifted. “This changes nothing between us.”

“Of course not sir.” Kara watched him leave, securing the hatch behind him, before she turned to stare at the woman on the bunk. That had been a confusing and really frakking strange exchange.

Several hours later, the hatch swung open as Kara’s head shot up, staring at it. “It’s me.” Hotdog whispered, easing his body through the hatch. “Cottle said it’s been three hours and we need to move her. We’ve got ten minutes of clear corridors between here and the Admiral’s quarters. Colonel Tigh arranged it.”

“She’s still sleeping.” Kara grimaced. “Hold on.”

“Make it quick.” He stepped toward the bunk. “If we take corridor H, I can carry her down the steps.”

“Fine.” Gently, Kara touched Laura’s cheek. “Laura…Madame President?”

“Hmm?” She turned her head slightly, eyes fluttering open. “Star…Kara?”

”That’s right. We need to get you back to the Admiral’s quarters.” Kara pulled the covers back and opened the curtains. “Hotdog is going to pick you up again, all right?”

“Not like…I can run yet.” Laura’s lips curved upward. “Hold on, need to sit up. Need shoes.Move closer to side.”

“Yes ma’am, but hurry.” Kara helped her sit up, watching closely as she swayed. “All right?”

“Peachy.” With a groan, Laura swung her legs over the edge of the bunk and waited as Kara quickly slid a pair of boots on her feet and laced them up. “Ready Pilot?”

”Uh, yes ma’am.” Gingerly, he edged Kara out of the way and eased Laura into his arms.

”Hold on.” Grabbing the hat left on the bed, Kara twisted Laura’s hair up and shoved the cap over it again. “You should be awake enough by the time we get near the Old Man’s quarters to look like a nugget being called in for a lecture, as well as the two of us for letting you get to that point.”

“You have a lot of plans at hand, Starbuck.” Laura shifted her weight slightly as she woke up some more. “Let’s go.”

“You’ve no idea, nugget.” Leading the way, she opened the hatch, looking both ways before gesturing them forward. “Come on.”

By the time they reached the corridor leading to the Admiral’s quarters, Laura was awake enough to stand on her own. “Hold on…” Hotdog bent, letting her catch her balance before straightening back up. “Ready?”

“Suppose.” Laura reached up and pulled the hat down over her eyes before falling in step with them, the three of them barely attracting notice from the few crewmen passing by.

“Captain.” The guard at the door nodded, his eyes widening in concern as he recognized the slight figure in the middle. “He’s expecting all of you.”

“Thank you.” Kara waited as the door swung open. “Front and center, nugget.”

“Secure the hatch.” Bill glanced up briefly before returning his attention to the papers in front of him until he heard the latch click shut. Shooting to his feet, he was at Laura’s side and helping her to the couch as Kara stepped back out of the way. “How is she?”

“Once again.” Laura glanced up at him, the hat falling off and her hair tumbling down over her shoulders, “she is fine. But in pain.”

“Admiral,” Hotdog began as Kara shook her head at him sternly.

“Don’t lie to me Laura.” Bill eased her back, reaching for a pillow as he did. “Kara, how is she?”

”She managed to get here.” Kara picked up the hat and tucked it back into her pocket. “Ishay restitched her up and Colonel Tigh got some pain meds into her, about three hours ago.”

“So he said.” Brushing her hair out of her face, he gazed down at Laura as her eyes fluttered shut. “Thank you both.”

“So what’d we miss?” Relaxing into his gentle caress of her cheek, Laura smiled slightly. “Happened?”

“You two, sit.” He gestured at the two pilots, still hovering nearby. “Anyone see you?”

“Couple of detours when we heard voices, she we got closer, she felt better and walked the rest of the way.” Kara perched on a nearby chair. “No one got close enough to see her face except your guards.”

“Sir?” Hotdog shifted anxiously from foot to foot.

“Sit Hotdog.” Bill returned his attention to Laura. “All right?”

“Mmm. Tell me. Us.” Opening her eyes, she reached up and caught his hand. “They need to get back to the flight deck.”

“The pilot was formerly Lieutenant Jarvis of the Pegasus, he changed his name on New Caprica, met up with some…others of a like mind, we’ll say.” Bill glanced at the pilots as he continued. “There was a plot, to hold you hostage…and to contact the Cylons. They believe that you are the reason they continue to pursue us, out of hatred and vengeance.”

”Me?” Laura frowned. “But…”

“And apparently, there were quite a few others who felt that way.” He tightened his hand around hers. “Zarek used his connections to ferret out some of the others. We believe they’re all in the brig at this point.”

“You believe?” Her eyebrow raised.

“Hence keeping you hidden for a few hours, then secreted back here as a nugget on report.” Bill shook his head. “Saul is following up on some loose ends. He’ll be here shortly. Last count there were five in the brig and three in Sick Bay here, fifteen in the Gemenon Traveler brig.”

“The medic?” Kara asked, “that came to check on her in Sick Bay?”

“In Sick Bay, injured during the altercation, and under guard. The empty syringe held traces of a sedative, strong enough to put you under for sometime.” He shook his head, “looked like they were going to use the distraction of Sick Bay to spirit you somewhere, but Starbuck beat them to it.”

“Luckily.” Laura smiled slightly, her eyes shutting. “I’m just gonna…” with a sigh she slipped into sleep.

“It’s okay.” Gently, Bill arranged her on the couch and draped a blanket over her before returning his attention to the two pilots. “Make sure you both bitch about how I yelled at you for dereliction of duty. And busted your new nugget out of training.”

“Yes sir.” They chorused, standing.

“Sir…” Kara hesitated, “you’ll…”

“I’ll expect a report from you in the morning, Starbuck. Hot Dog, your observations as well. I’ll clear it with the CAG, as well as your not being on the Flight Deck the past four hours.” With a nod, he dismissed them, following them to the hatch and securing it behind them.

An hour later, Bill glanced up from his desk, a soft noise catching his attention. When it was repeated a moment later, he stood and crossed to the couch, perching on the low table as he leaned over Laura, gently stroking her cheek. “Shh, it’s all right, you’re safe.”

”Bill?” At the low mumble, he bent closer.

“Yeah, Bill.” He brushed a kiss against her cheek. “You okay?”

“Hurt. All over.” Her eyes fluttered open and focused on him sleepily. “You okay?”

“I’m fine. I didn’t just go through a raptor crash and several trips through Galactica when I should have been in bed.” He chuckled at her indignant frown.

“How soon after your surgery were you back in the CIC?” Laura murmured, reaching up and touching his cheek. “Hey there.”

“You ready to go to bed now?” At her confused look, he lifted an eyebrow. “In the rack, not on the couch.”

”I want a shower.” She sighed. “Actually, I want to soak in a long hot bath, but I don’t think that’s ever going to happen again. So, I’ll settle for a shower.”

“If I help you, can you stay on your feet long enough for a shower?” Bill frowned slightly. “Or maybe you should wait…”

“Bill.” Her hand moved to rest on his chest, patting him slightly. “My hair still smells like smoke, I feel like I have smoke and sick bay smells all over me, not to mention the new experience of climbing through certain areas of Galactica that I usually don’t experience in heels and a suit. I’m dirty and sticky and I want a shower.” She smiled slightly, “trust me, I’ll sleep better for it. And after the shower, I’ll take whatever medicine Cottle left for me, and sleep. Promise.”

“You don’t smell like sick bay.” He muttered.

“I do to me.” Shifting, she slowly sat up as he helped her. “So, shower? I really didn’t think you’d mind. Helping me that is.”

“You know I don’t.” Together they stood, Bill supporting her as she caught her balance. “Would it be easier…”

“No, I need to move around some. And Ishay put a bandage on my side that should keep the water out.” When he slid his arm around her waist, Laura smiled and rested against him. “Thanks.”

“Together now.” A few minutes later, he was reaching past her to turn on the water. “All right?”

“Mmm hmm.” She glanced up and smiled at him. “You going to leave your clothes on?”

”No.” Quickly he stripped out of his uniform, tossing it into a pile in the corner before helping her finish undressing. “Ready?”

“Yeah.” Together, they stepped into the shower, Laura catching her breath as the stream hit her back.

”Here.” Bill moved to block the water. “Better?”

”For now.” She leaned forward, resting her forehead against his shoulder and letting the water wash over her. “Can you do my hair?”

“You steady?” When she nodded, he reached for the shampoo and quickly poured some out in his palm, then gently lathered her hair. “All right?”

“Do this more often.” Laura smiled slightly. “You’re good.”

“Maybe I should consider a career change.” He teased.

“Only if I’m the only one.” She sighed softly, “who gets to experience it.”

As he turned her, Laura dropped her head back and let him rinse her hair. “Still okay?”

“Mmm hmm.” As he repeated his actions with conditioner, Bill inspected her face. “Stop staring at me, I’m not going to disappear.”

He chuckled. “Promise?”

Laura opened her eyes and smiled before leaning forward to kiss him gently. “Promise. I’m not wearing anything right now anyway.” When he growled softly, she giggled. “I’m not going anywhere, Bill.” Closing her eyes, she tilted her head back so that she could finish rinsing her hair.

By the time they were out of the shower, both clad in tank tops and sweatpants, Laura was exhausted. “Just put a towel around my hair for now…” she broke off into a yawn as he wrapped a towel around her hair then led her out to the rack.

“Hold on just a minute.” Supporting her with one arm, he pulled the covers down with the other hand. “And here you go…” gingerly, he eased her into the rack, settling her down onto the pillows. “Okay?”

“Yeah.” She watched him move around his quarters, her eyes half opened. When he returned, she sighed. “Meds?”

“Yep.” Setting the glass on a shelf, he perched on the side of the rack and eased her shoulders up before handing her several pills. “Ready?” She made a face and nodded, but obediently lifted her hand to her mouth, gulping the pills before holding her hand out blindly for the glass. Swallowing the water, Laura grimaced slightly. “All right?”

“Not as bad as chamalla. But that’s not saying much.” Handing the glass back to him, she sighed and settled back down on the pillows. “Thanks.”

“Go ahead and try to get some rest.” When she opened her mouth to protest, he bent and kissed her. “I’ve just got a few more reports to finish up then I’ll join you. I’ll brief you on the reports about the crash, and the investigation in the morning. You’re too out of it right now. Or you will be in a matter of minutes, Cottle sent over the good stuff for you.”

”Oh. That’s why so fuzzy all or a sudden. Good stuff is fast.” As he stood, she sighed softly, pulling the covers up to her chin. “’Kay.”

“Kay.” Bill echoed and chuckled at her sleepy expression. “Sleep.”

“Mmm.” She sighed again, her eyes shutting. “Strong meds…”

“Strong indeed.” With a soft chuckle, he stroked her hair for a few minutes until he was satisfied she was sound asleep then returned to his reports. However, after reading the same page four times without realizing exactly what it was about, he sighed and returned to the rack, easing his body in beside hers as she sighed and nestled into him. “Shh…”

“Next time?” Groggily, she blinked up at him. “Next time, you pilot me to the frakking planet, ‘kay?”

“Yeah.” Like he was letting her out of his sight, or at least out of the sight of his trusted marines any time soon. Not likely. “Next time, Rain. Grab your gun and bring in the cat.”

“Hmm.” With a soft smile, she closed her eyes. “Boom, boom, boom.”