Commander William Adama hated leaving his ship. He trusted his people but not the Cylons. It would take entirely too long to get back to the Galactica if the Cylons showed up.
Of course, it had nothing to do with the balance of power having the action come to him, having control of the place and situation. He figured Laura Roslin felt the same way. Though Colonial One would never be as imposing as the Galactica no matter how steely the gaze coming out of feeling her way and any attempt he could bolster to strengthen the Presidency was worthwhile.
That meant he now was in the jump seat of a Raptor double-checking the reports he carried. Both he and the President prided themselves on getting it done quickly, there was little time for familiarity or anything lighthearted.
Too many souls counted on them, too many problems loomed for fun and games.
Plus, there was something in the President's manner that hinted at some hidden motive that drove her. William Adama would love to know what that inner fuel was.
The Raptor pulled into the Colonial Bay doors and there was one security guard waiting. The Commander nodded to him and swept by him. "At ease and dismissed, I know my way."
The President's Security Detail were protective of their charge and rightfully so but there was no way in Hell that Bill Adama would be led through Colonial One by an underling. He boldly strode toward the part of the ship where President Roslin's office stood-he was anxious to see the white board to see if his census lined up with hers.
His better be right or someone on his ship would pay the price for making him look bad, wrong and unprepared in the President's eye. Her sometimes dreamy, sometimes hard gray-green eyes.
Where did that observation come from? He wondered as he rounded the corner toward the official office of the President of The Twelve Colonies. Bill Adama squared his shoulders, straightened his file folders and set a mental clock for how long he'd be required to accomplish things and be polite.
Adama steeled his features to meet the usual business demeanor of Laura Roslin.
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He came into the anteroom where gatekeeper Billy Keikeya usually presided as one more layer to insulate the President. But his desk was empty allowing Adama to bypass the fifth degree into President Roslin's office.
Adama saw a small group and before other than Billy's height registered on his senses, he homed in on Laura Roslin.
She was smiling and smiling down at a small bundle in her arms, a baby. He watched her throw back her head and laugh.
The sight of her with a baby sent a thrill through him and he felt a tightening in his loins. A feeling of possessiveness took over. She looked so natural, and he remembered her declaration. "We need to start having babies."
For a moment, their eyes met, and Laura's eyes echoed his longing, desire and possession. In her memory she heard herself proclaiming to him, "We need to start having babies."
The moment was broken when the tiny bundle in Laura's arms shifted and let out a tiny squeak.
Bill said, "I'm sorry to interrupt. I must have gotten our meeting time wrong."
She noticed the subtle emphasis on the word "our" and offered, "You're on time as usual, Commander. I'm the one making us late, but this little lady made me forget all about my appointments."
He extended his hand to Kermit, "Bill Adama."
Kermit Swick grasped his outstretched hand. "It's an honor, Sir. I'm Kermit Swick and this is my wife, Thetis. The President has taken over our daughter."
After shaking the hands of the parents and murmuring pleasantries, Bill stepped over to admire the baby. "And the little beauty?"
Laura laughed, "She had me so entranced I never asked."
The parents nervously shuffled, and Thetis said, "Laura, ma'am. She's named Laura."
Her husband added, "Full name: Laura Roslin Swick."
Laura looked stunned. Bill looked pleased, "A fine strong name. Well done."
"Would you like to hold her, Commander?" Kermit offered and then looked shocked when his wife hissed. "Oh, sorry if I overstepped."
"Perfectly okay, Mr. Swick. It's been a long time since my sons were little."
He turned to Laura. The President came toward him to transfer the baby, "Here make sure to support her head."
"I remember. I've got her." As Laura transferred the baby to Bill's arms, their hands tangled, their eyes linked.
Then Bill found himself being studied by the baby's alert gaze. "I can see this Laura is just as observant. The blue eyes don't want to miss a thing."
Laura noticed the Commander's usual deep voice lowered and softened around the baby in his arms. His crew wouldn't recognize him.
They'd forgotten about the photographer who'd returned and began snapping away.
The Fleet would go wild for the shots of the two leaders looking enthralled with the baby tomorrow when they were made public.
"Now that the Commander's here let's get a few more shots. Sir, next to the President please. And the proud parents next to you on the outside."
There were a few more clicks. Then, the photographer readied the flash to get a few more shots.
The President stopped him. "No flash. I don't want to hurt the baby's eyes or startle her. She's been so good. I'm sure you've got enough lovely shots."
The photographer was inclined to argue until Bill quietly said, "I think the President made her point." The look spoke with unquestionable authority.
He admitted defeat by lowering his lens and turning to go. Just then the baby squawked, and Laura realized this lovely interlude was over.
Before the baby started crying Laura gently bent to transfer her back to her mother's arms. Laura caught the Commander's eyes to share another look reminding them of what might have been in another time.
As the Swicks started to leave they passed by the leaders. "Thank you so much, Madame President, "said Kermit.
"Of course." The President offered a smile.
"When we set the date for the naming ceremony, may we invite you?" Kermit asked.
"Both of you." Thetis added.
The President and Commander nodded smiling. Simultaneously they locked eyes surprised they'd so easily agreed.
Billy stepped forward to lead the very happy family out of the President's office. He missed the wistful smile from both leaders that accompanied him down the hall with the Swicks.
On his return Billy found the pair back to business poring over their reports on the state of the Fleet and the civilian ships. He didn't interrupt but did notice speculative looks from the President to the Commander when he wasn't looking and vice versa.
The somewhat longing looks told him even though they were focused on today's reports they were caught in a personal web of what if we'd met earlier. One more regret in the life they lived before. It swirled like an undercurrent threatening to overcome them as they struggled with just surviving.
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