Title: Trading Up
Author: Kamikaze (fichtnerfan@hotmail.com)
Rating: NC-17
Archive: Oh please, Claire. ;)
Summary: Now, that would be telling. 
Warning: Ummm, explicate sex (but why else are we here?), violence
(remember who's story this is!), and language. What I mean is 
derogatory
terms, small minded stuff. 
Warning 2: The Kamikaze is back in action!! /eg/
Note: This is a sequel to 'Love Helps Keep Us Alive'.

On to the story:

Troy stumbled into their quarters, looking for all intents and purposed 
inebriated. He moaned as he collapsed on the longseat. Dillon bounded 
in behind him, and received a death's glare. "Do you have to be so 
happy??" 

Dillon knelt beside him. "Oh, come on, it wasn't that bad. So, you got 
embarrassed. So what?" 

Troy struggled to a sitting position. "'So what'? You're not the one 
who was laid out, dazed and confused, for ten centons!" 

The blonde rolled his eyes. "You're such a baby. It was only three, and 
I didn't even hit you that hard." 

"It wasn't the punch that did it. It was that over zealous shoulder 
throw afterwards. You just had to show off in front of Boomer," Troy 
grumbled. 

"Oh, you baby," Dillon ribbed. He'd barely got the words out when the 
other launched from the longseat and tackled him. They wrestled around 
on the floor until Troy straddled his chest. Dillon smirked up at him. 
"I thought you were wounded." 

"I can still beat you. What are you gonna do now, Dil? Who's the baby 
now?" he taunted. 

Dillon wrapped his hands around the slim waist and lifted his head. He 
knew he'd surprise his lover with this move. Taking the trouser button 
in his teeth, he undid it. Gripping the zipper he lowered it. A little 
wiggle of Troy's hips and his snack popped out. Taking the semi-hard 
cock into his mouth, he licked it like an ice mushie. 

Troy gasped and pulled away. "Where the frak did you learn that?" 

The blonde beamed. "Look, Ma, no hands. Now put that back, I'm hungry." 

The darker young man was never one to argue in times of his lover's 
starvation, and eagerly complied. He rocked forward and Dillon 
recaptured the tasty morsel. Licking and sucking until it gave up its 
delicious flavor. 

*****

It had been two months since Starbuck asked him to stay. Last secton  
Apollo had made his first venture out of the Captain's quarters on his 
own. He'd been apprehensive at first, not knowing how the others would 
react to him. For the most part they treated him like he'd never left; 
it was times like these when you learned who your friends were. 

The thing that hurt the most was how Athena completely ignored him, and 
she wasn't even ambiguous about it. As soon as he entered a room she'd 
just up and leave, not even an excuse. 

Apollo turned the corner to another innumerous corridor and spotted the 
blonde ahead of him. "Bojay, wait up," he called and ran to meet him. 

The pilot turned. "Captain!" He snapped his fingers. "Oh, that's right. 
You're not now, are you?" 

He stopped short and realized Bojay was one of the other kind. He made 
to turn away, but felt a hand on his arm. "Come on. I was only joking." 
Apollo turned. 

"It's just that I'm surprised the Captain let you off your leash." 

Apollo was trying hard to keep his temper in check. "I have to go," he 
stated through gritted teeth, and yanked his arm free. 

Bojay laughed. "That's right. Run crying to your faggot buddy! His 
hole's probably gettin' lonely." He sneered as his prey turned, one 
more and he'd reel him in. "Do you even know what the queer Captain did 
to your beloved Boxey? He turned him into a little boy dick holder!" 

"You lying daggit!!" Apollo roared and charged, tackling Bojay. They 
went down swinging. Each giving as good as they got, punch after punch. 
They rolled across the small width of the corridor, battering one 
another. Bojay landed his fist squarely in Apollo's chest, knocking the 
wind and fight out of him. Standing the pilot repeatedly drove his boot 
into his prey. Stomach, ribs, back, he didn't care. The Captain's pet 
was left prone as he writhed from the blows. He realized his victim was 
unconscious, landed three more kicks, and left him for dead. 

*****

Troy talked Dillon into a walk around the ship, with a promise to get 
him back later. For the most part they liked wandering the corridors, 
except when they ran into the small minds. Troy remembered their first 
walk. They hadn't thought to keep their feelings curbed, and strolled 
through the ship holding hands. They'd been out half a centar  when 
three Cadets walked up to them. The small minded trio had insulted and 
jeered them until Dillon fell for the goading and attacked. It had been 
a brutal five way fist fest, finally broken up when Boomer and Sheba 
happened by. 

Dillon kissed his boyfriend's cheek. "What are you thinking about, 
baby?" 

Troy squeezed his hand. "Just that run in we had with Masico and his 
buddies." 

He frowned. "Hey, we're careful now. Besides, Boomer said he'd look the 
other way if we wanted to kick the frak out of them." 

Troy shook his head, wrapping an arm around the taller's waist. "No, he 
didn't, and you know it. He said not to take their feldercarb, that's 
all." 

Dillon nodded. "Right. And I took that to mean 'beat the frak out of 
them'." 

"You're hopeless, but I love you, anyway." Troy kissed him and turned 
to look ahead. His eyes caught sight of a figure laying prone not five 
metrons away. His feet moved like turbos as he realized who it was, 
Dillon hot on his tail. "Sagan! Dad!!" 

*****

Starbuck barreled through the Life Center door before it had fully 
opened. He'd been on a long patrol, and when he landed Tigh was waiting 
for him. He didn't even have to get out of his cockpit to know 
something was wrong; the Commander never came down to the bays. 

Troy spotted him, ran over, and wrapped his arms around the distraught 
older man. "Starbuck, I'm so sorry. Salik's in with him now, but it 
doesn't look good." 

"What happened?" the Captain asked, brokenly. 

Dillon walked over to them and rubbed Starbuck's back. "He was 
unconscious when we found him. Apollo's been beaten, severely. His 
hands were bruised so we think it was a fight, and it just got out of 
hand." 

"'Out of hand'!!" Starbuck cried, and pulled away from them. "'Out of 
hand' would be a busted nose and cracked ribs. This is way different!" 
He glared at the Cadets. "I wanna know who did this." 

"So do I," came a voice from the door. The trio turned to see Reese had 
joined them. He stepped up to Dillon. "I hear you had a run in with 
Apollo a couple months back." 

The blonde Cadet stared at him. "That was a set up, and didn't mean 
anything. You know that." 

Reese smiled. "Of course I do. But maybe you liked Starbuck a little 
more than you let on. Or maybe Apollo wouldn't accept your advances. Is 
that it? You've had the son, now you want the father. Much the way the 
Captain here traded up." 

Starbuck tried to press passed Dillon. "Just shut your mouth, Reese," 
he snarled. 

"Or what?" the blackshirt taunted. The Captain pushed him, and they 
engaged in a shoving match. Troy and Dillon pulled them apart. Reese 
spat at his opponent. "Come on, tough guy. Let's go!" 

"Not in my Life Center!" Salik ordered as he came out of the exam area. 
Tigh might command the battlestar as a whole, but in here he was the 
Commander. 

Starbuck pulled from Dillon's grip. "How is he? Can I see him?" 

The doctor turned concerned eyes on him. "I've had to sedate him for 
now. Why don't we sit down." The Captain was reluctant, but Dillon 
steered him to the chairs. "Apollo's injuries are grave. He received 
internal injuries and extensive blood loss; I was able to repair that. 
The biggest concern right now is his spine." He paused, letting the 
information sink in. Several of the nerves connecting to the lower 
quarter were either severed or pinched. I repaired what I could, but it 
will be some time, if at all, before he walks again." 

Starbuck sank to the floor, barely noticing Troy and Dillon's arms 
encircling him. The floodgates opened and he couldn't stop the tears if 
he tried. He zoned out as the guilt hit full force. Why had he gone on 
patrol? Why hadn't he stayed behind? Sagan, why had he let Apollo out 
of his sight? 

Dillon met Troy's sad eyes. "Are you alright?" His lover nodded. "We 
should get him back to his quarters." 

Troy shook his head, fervently. "No. He's coming home with us. I'm not 
leaving him alone like this." 

"I'll need you all for questioning," Reese stated, arrogantly. 
Troy turned and punched him in the face. He stood over the stunned 
security chief. "Frak! We just found out my father may never walk 
again, you son of a daggit. Have some respect!" 

The young men pulled an all too compliant Starbuck to his feet, and, 
with their arms around him, took him back to their quarters. 

*****

Dillon lay in their bed holding Troy and rubbing his back. "Are you 
alright?" 

The smaller man nuzzled into him. "I don't know. Apollo was doing so 
well; Starbuck almost had him back to normal. Lords, isn't he ever 
going to be allowed to he happy?" 

The blonde kissed his forehead and hair, tenderly. "We'll find who did 
this. I promise you, the boray won't get off." 

Troy kissed him and squeezed gently. "I love you so much. Thank you, 
Dil." 

Dillon smiled and cupped his lover's face. "I love you too, baby." He 
looked into the deep brown eyes. "Do you think Starbuck's alright? I 
don't like leaving him in there alone." 
Troy considered the Captain laying alone in the storage turned spare 
room. "Sweetheart, would it be okay to invite him in here with us? Just 
for tonight," he added, not wanting to upset his mate. 

Dillon smiled. "I thought you'd never ask. Let's go get him." 

*****

Starbuck stirred and felt the warm body next to him. He rolled over, 
wrapped his arms around the slim figure, and snuggled in. "Hmmm, Troy," 
he mumbled, contentedly. 

"'Fraid not, Cap'n," Dillon replied, smiling. He kissed the older man's 
cheek and held him tight for a micron. "Come on, beautiful, or your 
eggs will get cold." 

Starbuck stared after the gorgeous, half naked figure. How had he 
gotten in here? The last thing he remembered was crying himself to 
sleep. The boys must have carried him in. Thinking about that, he 
chastised himself for the feeling it gave him. The Captain walked into 
the kitchen area and sat at the table. Troy placed a plate in front of 
him and kissed his hair. "How'd you sleep, Bucko?" 

"Strangely enough, with the two of you," he replied. 

The youngsters shared a grin as they sat down. Troy petted Starbuck's 
arm. "Tigh commed earlier, he's giving you a few days leave. Dillon and 
I are going to go out for a few centars , but you're welcome to lounge 
around here, if you like." 

The Captain pushed his plate away, suddenly not hungry, and walked over 
to the longseat. "Don't you get it?? I can't just sit around!" he 
ranted. "Besides, I should go back to my own quarters. I've intruded 
long enough." 

Dillon felt he should be the one to answer that. He sat Starbuck down 
and pulled him close. "Listen, honey. We want you here with us. We'd 
like you to stay as long as you need, and if that's until Apollo's 
released from Life Center, so be it." 

Troy knelt before their guest. "I know what you mean about sitting 
around, Love," He consoled, rubbing Starbuck's leg. "So, why don't you 
go visit Dad? But please come back here afterwards. None of us needs to 
be alone now." 

*****

Apollo lay on a specially designed med bed for spinal injuries; it 
rotated length-wise once every centar . Salik explained that the 
process had been completed and Starbuck could see him for a few centons  
only. 

The Captain nodded his thanks, and walked into the room. "Hey, buddy. 
How ya doin'?" 

Apollo's one green eye that wasn't swollen shut stared at him. "How 
should I feel? Salik says I'll never walk again," he replied, bitterly. 

Starbuck took his best friend's hand. "That's not what he said." 

The darker man snorted. "Oh, right. I 'may in time'. What the frak's 
the difference? I'm a cripple, Starbuck." 

He squeezed the hand in his as if it would change his lover's mind. 
"No, you're not! Now, stop it. You'll be out of here by next secton . 
You're not alone. I'll be there for you every centon, Love." 

Apollo took his hand back. "Don't call me that." He saw the pain in the 
blue eyes and turned away. "You better get used to it, Bucko. I'll 
never do that again either. If you were," his voice caught, "like the 
others, you'd kill me and be done with it." He turned back and stared 
at him. "I'm no good to you like this. I'm useless." 

Starbuck's eyes welled, but he refused to shed the tears. He wanted to 
ask Apollo who had done this, but somehow felt he shouldn't yet. He 
stood, placed a kiss on his unresponsive lover's forehead, and left. 
He'd ask him next time; maybe he'd be feeling better. 

*****

Bojay had heard fourth hand about the 'vicious attack on poor Apollo'. 
He laughed; poor, queer Apollo more like! The rumors were vague, but 
the word 'paralysis' put a sweet smile on his lips. He'd been all too 
happy to comfort the distraught Sheba last night. She was a beautiful 
one, especially out of uniform. His happiness turned to nausea as he 
saw Troy and Dillon walking towards him. 

Now if he had been the one to find poor Boxey, he'd have whipped him 
into shape real quick. That's all their wimpy ass kind needed; a good 
thrashing. No boy he saved would dare become a cock sucker! He put on a 
forced, pleasant smile. "Cadets. Troy, how's your father doing?" 'Dead 
yet?' he silently prayed. 

Troy smiled, sadly. "Good, thanks. I talked to Salik earlier, and he 
said Dad would be released next secton ." He didn't offer anything 
else. "Bojay, you hear a lot of stuff. Any news about the attack?" 

'Yes, I tried to kill that pansy father of yours. Next question,' he 
thought with an inner smile. Composing himself, he shook his head. 
"Sorry, Troy. Whoever the guys were, they're not advertising." 

"'Guys'? You think it was more than one?" Dillon asked, incredulously. 

Bojay nodded, sympathetically. "I really doubt one man could do the 
kind of damage I've been hearing about." 

Troy nudged his mate. "Come on. There's a...guy I want to talk to. 
Thanks, Bojay." 

"Anytime," he called to the retreating pair. "Anytime." He smiled as he 
thought of the investigation; there was nothing to link him to the 
attack. Bojay was lucky he'd forgotten to log out of the simulator, and 
also that his opponent hadn't punched him in the face. He knew of 
Apollo's state of mind, and that he would never admit to having the 
pogees kicked out of him by someone he deemed as 'weak'. 

*****

Masico had come over from the Aries freighter to enlist in the 
military. Like so many others, who weren't from the Galactica, he was 
assigned a bunk in the Cadets' barracks. He was just closing the door 
to his locker when he found himself spun around and slammed against it. 
He was looking into a pair of menacing brown eyes. 

Troy got right up into his face. "What do you know about my father's 
attack, mindwipe?" 

Dillon smiled, he loved watching his mate intimidate people. Masico 
scoffed. 

"Only that it's about time somebody got one of you frakin' queers. 
Everyone knows your grandfather and the Commander had a thing goin'." 

Troy slammed his fist into the boray's gut. It wasn't widely known by 
this generation that Troy was adopted, and he wasn't about to correct 
him. 

When Masico made to return the punch, Dillon grabbed his arm and pulled 
it back. "That wouldn't be very nice, Massy. Troy's only asking you a 
question." 

"And two against one is 'nice'?" asked a newly arrived Cadet, one of 
Masico's buddies. "Even if it takes two of you to make a real man." 

"Well, now. This is gonna be fun," Dillon stated, with enthusiasm. He 
turned to Troy. "Darling, I'll let you have this one. I want to play 
with our new friend here." 

It was hard to tell who threw the first punch as two separate fights 
broke out. Dillon launched himself at his opponent, and they rolled 
down the stairs. Troy and Masico slammed each other into the row of 
lockers until they too fell on the floor. The confined space meant the 
two pairs rolled into each other, but were able to stay in their own 
brawl. 

*****

Starbuck downed the rest of his ambrosia and smiled across the corner 
table at Bojay. He returned the smile as best he could, without feeling 
ill. "So, how's Apollo doing?"

The Captain absently fingered his black eye. "He's doing better."  
Acting slightly drunk, he chuckled.  "It's kinda funny, you asking. 
When I first heard Apollo'd been beaten, I thought it was you."

The Piscean's eyes widened. Frak! "Starbuck, you're not serious?" he 
asked, innocently. "I would never attack him, not after everything he's 
been through.  Besides," he added, self- depricatingly. "Do you 
honestly think that I could kick Apollo's ass?"

'Yes,' he wanted to scream. Thinking a micron, he shrugged.  "Bojay, 
don't sell yourself short. I'm sure you're better than you think," he 
argued, somewhat suggestively. "I'm sorry. Can you forgive me?"

Bojay leered at the blonde across from him. Leaning forward, he reached 
under the table to rest a hand on the Captain's knee.  "I'm sure 
something can be arranged." Giving the joint a squeeze.  "Let me buy 
you another, we'll go back to my quarters, and...you can 'apologize'."

Starbuck held his shock in, remembering he was supposed to be 
inebriated. Instead he took the hand that was massaging his knee and 
pulled it further up his thigh. Smiling, he replied huskily, "I'll be 
begging for your 'forgiveness'."

*****

The young pair returned to the Captain's quarters, hoping Apollo had 
returned. Troy saw the empty room and collapsed on the longseat. "We've 
checked everywhere! It's hopeless."

Dillon sat next to his lover and pulled him close. "Baby, we will find 
your father. We'll try again in awhile. He hasn't left the ship."

The darker boy clung to him. "I know, Dil. It's just...he's really 
upset. What if something happens to him? This is all my fault!"

The blonde grasped the other's face between his hands. "You are not to 
blame for this!"

Troy closed his brown eyes. "I let my feelings for Starbuck resurface. 
I couldn't keep my hands off him for a centon."

Dillon kissed his distraught friend, and leaned the dark head on his 
shoulder. "The Captain is a beautiful man.  If wanting him is a crime, 
then I'm just as guilty." He let his blue eyes wander the room, and 
rest on a flatpic. "Baby, where was this taken?" he asked as he slid 
off the longseat, and went over to the mantel.

Troy walked up behind him. Raising onto his toes, he tried to see over 
the taller man's shoulder. The flatpic was of a very young Boxey, 
leaning against a kneeling Apollo. He smiled at the memory. "Oh, 
Starbuck took that just after Dad adopted me. It's in the..."  His eyes 
widened. "...the Celestial Dome."

"The what?" Dillon turned in time to see Troy fleeing from the 
quarters. He had to run to catch up.

*****

Bojay steered the drugged Captain into his bedroom, and pushed him onto 
the bed. "Tell me, Captain. Have you ever been taken before?"

Starbuck buried his smile in the blanket. He counted himself lucky he'd 
seen his prey dumping the skag into his drink. He'd been able to 
pretend to drink it while actually emptying it onto the floor, without 
Bojay noticing.  

He rolled over, clumsily. "Yep," he replied with a giggle. "You gonna 
take me, big boy?"

The Piscean removed his tunic, kicked off his boots, and undid his 
trousers. "Right after you suck me off. I'm sure you know how. Do you 
think I'm beautiful?"

"Very, Jay," the Captain lied, all the while wanting to throw up.  
Teetering to his feet, he leaned in. "Don't I get a kiss first?"

Bojay raised his hand and slapped his prey across the face, sending him 
back to the mattress. "This is not about love, whore!  Now, open your 
mouth, and show me how sorry you are!"

Starbuck wanted to take him down right now, but he couldn't. He was 
doing this for Apollo; his beloved needed him.  Perching precariously 
on the edge of the bed, he pulled the open trousers down. Closing his 
eyes, he engulfed the semi-hard shaft; picturing Apollo's pleasured 
face.

The Piscean gripped the muscular shoulders while he was worked on. He 
couldn't believe how talented the Captain was. Reese may be a sniveling 
coward who wouldn't go against him, but Bojay believed he had been 
mistaken. Starbuck was much better and more skilled. He'd have to find 
a way to have the Captain again.

Bojay dug his nails into the clothed shoulders and growled as he 
emptied himself into the waiting mouth. The Captain coughed as the 
flaccid organ slipped from his mouth. Working is jaw around, he 
wondered if the vicious thrusts from this daggit had dislocated it. 
Satisfied the muscles were only pulled, he lay back dutifully, awaiting 
the next round. Starbuck knew that 
nothing, short of burning his buds, would ever remove the foul taste 
from his mouth.

*****

Reese sneaked back into an alcove as the door to Bojay's quarters slid 
open. He was appalled at the sight of Starbuck clumsily staggering out. 
What was that daggit doing with his partner? The black shirt wanted to 
run down the corridor and beat the pogees out of the Captain. How dare 
he muscle in on the security chief's trick?

Instead he waited until the blonde disappeared around a far corner, and 
entered the quarters himself. He glared at the back of Bojay, who was 
getting into his tunic. "Is he as good as me?"

The pilot spun around and met the dark eyes. "Didn't anyone ever teach 
you to knock?" he spat.

Reese stepped up to him. "I never thought I had to." He ran his hands 
over the clothed, muscular chest. "Now, let me show you what a real man 
can do for you."

Bojay slapped him across the face. "I instigate, not you! I'm not in 
the mood. I'll call you when I need you."

The black shirt backpeddled in shock. "That's how it is now?  Fine." He 
sneered as he reached the door. "I'm sure Commander Tigh will be 
interested in my findings on Apollo's attack."

The pilot scoffed while walking over to his desk. "I wouldn't do that 
if I were you."

"Oh?"

The blonde opened a drawer and produced a holocube. "That is if you 
don't want your reputation destroyed." A feral smile formed.  "You see, 
Reesy. I have one of these for each of our 'moments' together. It would 
be very easy to just hand them over to someone."

The security chief's jaw dropped. If he was good by his threat, and he 
knew he would be, his career would be over. He was also positive the 
other someone would make it look like he was involved in the attack. He 
held up his hands in surrender.  "Alright. We both have something the 
other wants."

Bojay chuckled, rolling the cube in his hand. "Oh, I think mine weighs 
more."

Reese hung his head in defeat. Turning, he left the quarters.  There 
had to be something he could do.

*****

Troy was fuming as they came to the ladder that led up to the Dome. 
"The frakin' daggit's quarters, for Sagan's sake!"

Dillon had been waiting for this, and placed a hand on his mate's 
shoulder. "Maybe it's not as bad as you think," he offered.

The smaller man spun on his heels and glared at him. "Really?... What's 
your explanation for why Starbuck was swaggering out of Bojay's, 
looking like he'd just had a wild ride?"

The blonde hadn't seen his lover this furious in a long time. "I don't 
know," he shrugged.

"That's right. You don't. So, back off!" he snarled, shoving the taller 
man.

Dillon quickly grabbed the other's shoulders. When his mate was this 
enraged he lashed out blindly. "Troy! Baby, do you really want to take 
a swing at me?"

The darker man paused a micron, then hung his head. "I'm sorry... I 
just don't understand where Starbuck's mind is."

Dillon pulled him close and kissed his long hair. "It's alright, 
darling. Let's just concentrate on your dad right now."

*****

Starbuck sat alone in the OC. He was on his third cup of java, and 
still the taste lingered. He was astonished at how well he was keeping 
everything down. Bojay had been just as vicious in round two, and he 
was surprised he'd been able to walk out. The Captain hoped he wouldn't 
have to keep the charade up for much longer. All he wanted was Apollo 
back.

He looked up when the door opened, and groaned as Reese entered.  The 
blonde watched while the security chief made a bee line for his table. 
'What do you want?' he wondered, disdainfully. He was not in the mood 
for anything from the black shirt.

Reese leaned his fists on the tabletop, and sneered at him. "I'm 
surprised you can show your face around here."

Starbuck glared back at him. "What the frak are you talking about, 
Reese?"

The security chief leaned in. "Just that I saw you leaving Bojay's. 
Weren't you spending last secton with Troy and Dillon?" he jeered. "And 
here I thought you were in love with Apollo."

The pilot rose slowly, menacingly. "Just shut your mouth, Reese," he 
snarled.

The black shirt shook his head. "You really need some new lines, 
Bucko." He met the blue ice as he straightened. "You should make up 
your mind. I guess with Apollo crippled, you're left with endless 
possibilities. Tell me...what's it like with two little boys?"

Starbuck pulled back and punched him in the jaw. As Reese fell to the 
side, he took his opponent with him. The table fell on its side when 
they hit the floor. They rolled, trading blows and battering one 
another. Fists made contact as they took out their frustrations.

Boomer and Jolly entered the club, and instantly saw a crowd formed in 
the corner. They thought there was a Pyramid game, until they heard the 
growls of an obvious fight. Pushing their way through the spectators, 
they each grabbed a man, and pulled them apart. They held tight while 
the two tried to get back to each other.

"What's going on?" Boomer demanded, when it appeared Starbuck was 
relenting in his grip.

The Captain never took his eyes off his opponent. "I was just sitting 
here, and he came over and started in on me."

"Jolly, take Reese outside," the Leonid ordered. 'Preferably of the 
ship.' he added, silently.

The security chief was outraged. "Me? He threw the first punch," he 
whined.

The heavy pilot started dragging him to the door. "Maybe. But this is 
the OC, and the Captain's an officer. You're not. Now, get out!"

*****

Apollo's eyes flew open as he heard the hatch to the Dome open.  How 
long had he been asleep?  Not too long, he guessed, feeling the first 
pangs of hunger.  Someone was coming; no, two people.  Who could it be?  
Who knew about this place?  With the amnesia born of just waking, he 
tried to jump to his feet. Troy heard the crash even before he'd 
cleared the hatchway.  Running over, he dropped down next to his fallen 
father. "Dad... Dad!  Are you alright?"

Apollo shoved his son away. "Leave me alone! Haven't you done enough?" 
He glared jade into brown. "What? Are you here to gloat that you have 
Starbuck?"

The younger man shook his head. "No. Dad, what happened shouldn't have. 
I'm sorry... We're here to take you home."

The ex-pilot was about to ask when he saw Dillon kneeling on his other 
side. He scoffed, eyes narrowed. "How could I have been such a fool? I 
actually thought you were trying to hurt him. I suppose you all had a 
laugh at my expense." He clenched his jaw.  "At least back then I was 
able to beat the frak out of you," he snarled.

Dillon didn't know what to do, he gazed at his lover, helplessly.  Troy 
struggled to help his uncooperative father to his feet.  "Don't blame 
Dillon for the scene at Starbuck's. Bucko didn't know what to do to 
bring you out, and he came to me. It was my idea to send Dillon over 
there. Dad, it was the only way to make you see that you weren't 
helpless anymore. Or at least I thought it was."

Apollo stepped back. "Well, it worked, didn't it? Before this, that 
is," he replied, indicating his braces. "How long have the three of you 
been close? Since before I came back? When were you going to tell me?"

The younger men shared a look, and the smaller one sighed. "Dad, you 
know that Bucko and I were in love..." No reply came, so he continued. 
"That was over long before you came back. The only reason we were 
together at all this past secton was because Starbuck was so worried 
about you. We didn't want him to be alone while he was too absorbed 
being concerned about you. You know how he is, Dad. He wouldn't have 
eaten or slept, and it's just lucky Tigh gave him the time off."

Apollo couldn't argue his son's reasoning, but he could argue what he 
had walked in on. "And logically you couldn't let him sleep alone. No, 
what if he exploded due to lack of release?"

Dillon placed a hand on the older man's shoulder. "Don't blame Troy for 
that, Apollo." He bowed his head. "You were partly right in what you 
said before. I wasn't raised by the most honorable man. My father 
believed that everything, and everyone, he saw belonged to him. I don't 
know, maybe some of that rubbed off on me.  What I do know is that 
Starbuck is a very beautiful man, and I think that -"

The young man wasn't able to finish as Troy has to haul Apollo's hands 
from off his throat. He restrained his father long enough for Dillon to 
get away down the hatch. "Dad, don't," he pleaded when the older man 
struggled, knowing that if he let go his father would crash to the 
floor. "Dad, please. Come home with me.  Please."

Apollo thought it over and nodded. In his haste he'd forgotten to bring 
food, and he was hungry. "Just don't expect me to make nice with your 
little friend."

'Which one,' he wondered, but replied, "That's okay."

*****

Boomer sat in the OC, staring at his long time friend. "What's going 
on,  Bucko? That didn't seem like regular you and Reese, buddy."

The Captain stared down at the drink his friend had bought him.  "Don't 
worry about it, Boom Boom. He just found out I was staying with Troy 
and Dillon."

The Leonid sat up. "'Was'? Aren't you now? Is Apollo out of Life 
Center?" he asked, hating being kept out of the loop.

Starbuck realized this and frowned. "Yeah, I'm sorry I didn't tell you. 
He got out today, but so much has happened...I guess I forgot."

Boomer thought for a micron, and gazed at the Captain in horror.  
"Apollo caught you with the boys, didn't he?" A sullen nod. "Aw, 
Starbuck... You've got to go to him. Tell Apollo it was a mistake. If 
the rumors I've heard about him being crippled are true, he needs you 
now more than ever."

The blonde nodded and rose from the table. "That's easier said than 
done, Boomer. First I have to find him."

"Then what are you doing standing here?"

Starbuck smiled his thanks, and left to look for his love. The only 
thing he knew for sure was that he wasn't going to tell Apollo about 
his meeting with Bojay. He was afraid of further angering his best 
friend, but also of losing him, if the darker man believed that the 
Captain thought he needed protecting.

*****

Reese wandered the corridors of the Galactica. What should he do?  He'd 
thought about waiting outside the OC for the little daggit, jumping 
him, and finishing what they'd started. He realized that Bojay might be 
mad if his new playtoy was laying in Life Center for the next secton.

A glint came to his eye as a plan formed. The security chief took the 
lift one flight down, made two rights and a left, and rang the door 
chime. Playing up his injuries, he leaned against the wall when the 
door opened. He groaned and held his stomach as he looked up. "Bojay.  
Please, let me in."

The Piscean ushered him in quickly. "What the frak happened to you?" he 
demanded, impatiently.

The black shirt sat heavily on the longseat. "Starbuck. He attacked me 
in the OC."

Bojay's cock stirred at the thought of his two pets fighting it out 
over him. Oh, why hadn't it happened here in his quarters?  He could 
have it all on holocube to watch over and over in his private pleasure. 
Grinning like a felix, he eyed his first conquest. "How would you like 
the chance to repay him?"

Reese returned the feral smile. "What did you have in mind?"

The Warrior's turbos were at full burn. "Just be here when I call you 
in three days."

*****

Starbuck awoke in his seemingly large, empty bed.  He remembered the 
visit he'd had a few days ago from Troy.  They'd found Apollo in the 
Dome and he would be staying with the boys for awhile.  The Dome, why 
hadn't he thought of looking there?

When he came out of the turbowash, he saw the blinking message light on 
his comm.  {Maybe it's Troy telling me to come over,} he thought, 
anxiously.  He pulled some civvies from his closet, and dropped them 
when he heard the voice on the machine.

"I trust you're well rested, Captain.  Your services are required 
again.  You were so good to me last time that I've missed you... Oh, if 
you're thinking of declining, I won't have any trouble telling Apollo 
and the boys about us.  See you soon."

Starbuck felt the explosive charge in his throat that comes with 
dizziness.  As his shoulders grew ice cold, he realized it was fear.  
Refuse Bojay's demands, and he would lose everything he was fighting to 
keep.  Dressing quicky, he headed to the Piscean's quarters.  What had 
he gotten himself into?

*****

Apollo wandered the corridors, thinking. He had to get out of there for 
awhile. He cherished the time he was spending with his son, after so 
long apart he marveled at how normal Troy seemed now. He was even 
trying to get used to Dillon, slowly. They weren't friendly yet, but 
civilized was manageable. He had to give the kid credit, he was eager 
to get acquainted.

He smiled as he thought of his new talent. Apollo bet he could beat 
anyone in a race, provided they had to wear braces. He'd been loathsome 
towards the contraption at first, not enjoying the clicking noises it 
made when he walked, but after awhile he didn't even hear them anymore. 
Not that he wouldn't jump for joy the day Salik said he could leave 
them in the Life Center, no love lost there.

Entering the quarters, he spotted the young man on the longseat.  
"Where's Troy?" he inquired, upon seeing they were alone.

Dillon's blue eyes sparkled. "He's scheduled for time in the 
simulators. Should be back in a couple centares." He smiled.  "Are you 
hungry?"

Apollo shook his head and eased onto the cushions next to the young 
man. "I've been meaning to ask you something. Um, when you and Troy 
found me..." This was hard, but he wanted to know. "Dillon, what would 
you have said if I let you finish?"

The usually light complexion became crimson. "Do you promise not to try 
and strangle me this time?" A hesitant nod. "I was going to say that 
Starbuck is very beautiful...and I think you are too."

The older man's eyes widened as he stared at the ready-to-bolt boy. 
"You find me attractive?" he asked, disbelievingly.

"Oh, yes. Very." Courage came to Dillon and he placed a hand on the 
firm muscled arm.

Apollo met the blue eyes. "You belong to Troy. I'd never steal anything 
from my son."

The hand reached up to run along the cheek, cupping it tenderly.  "I'm 
not asking you to. Troy and I have a different kind of relationship. We 
allow ourselves to feel for other men, and to be with them, as long as 
in the end we're together." He slid closer.  "I would love to be with 
you."

The older man found his own arms wrapping around the slim figure.  He 
leaned in for a kiss, and his braces squeaked. Crestfallen, he dropped 
his hands to his lap, and gripped the hated metal.  "Frakin' 
contraption!" He looked up with so much discourage in his green eyes. 
"I can't, Dillon.  It's not that I don't want to, but...I'm dead weight 
from the waist down."

The blonde pulled him into his arms, holding him close. "Don't worry 
about it, goddess. There's so much more we could do together. Will you 
let me touch you? I promise not to hurt you, and we can stop anytime."

Apollo felt the soft lips caressing his own, and the tongue asking for 
acceptance. He obliged as hands disappeared under his tunic. Closing 
his eyes, he lost himself in the gentle massage on his chest. The older 
man was so distracted that he couldn't prevent himself from moaning, 
"Starbuck."

Dillon froze, pulling away slightly. He watched the apologetic green 
eyes as they slowly opened. Before the other man could speak he lay a 
finger across the lips. "It's alright. I understand. I just wish I 
could be who you want."

The darker man lay his head on the broad shoulder. "Oh, Lords, Dillon, 
I'm sorry. I never realized how much I miss him."

The Cadet caressed his back. "No, don't apologize." He hesitated before 
continuing. "I could comm him if you like. I know he's been worried 
about you."

Apollo sighed. "After what I did to him. What I said. It's not like 
he's going to run right over."

Dillon smiled and kissed the dark locks. "I think you'd be surprised. 
If we hurry, I bet the three of us could shock Troy when he comes in."

*****

Starbuck could hear hushed movements just before the door opened.  
Bojay leered at his gorgeous new toy.  "Come in, Captain.  I've been 
waiting for you."

The Caprican hesitantly entered the quarters, his blue eyes searching 
the room for anything.  "What do you want, Bojay?"

The Piscean laughed.  "I thought that would be obvious.  But first, 
we'll have a little fun."

Before Starbuck could ask, Reese appeared in the doorway to the 
bedroom.  The Captain attempted to flee, but Bojay keyed in a lock code 
before he reached the door.  He stared at his captors.  "What is this?" 
he demanded, harshly.

Bojay sneered.  "Reese told me about your little meeting in the OC 
being cut short."  He shrugged.  "I decided to give you a chance to 
finish things."

The Caprican glared at them.  "Fine," he spat, tensing.  "Let's go.  
I'll take you both!"  He glared at the blackshirt.  "What was it you 
said?  'Come on, tough guy.  Let's go!'"

The security chief was more than willing to oblige and lunged at the 
smaller man.  Limbs flew as kicks and punches connected.  The Piscean 
jumped out of the way when the fighters began rolling around on and 
leaned against the wall, smiling and watching.  He could feel his 
erection building, knowing that just watching his feral pets was going 
to make him cum.  Oh, the brilliance of it all!  The holocube he was 
recording would give him centares of pleasure.

*****

Troy entered his quarters and nearly fell over.  Not only were his two 
roommates sitting together on the longseat, but Dillon had his arms 
around the distraught older man.  "What's wrong?"

The blonde kissed the dark head on his shoulder before looking up.  "We 
tried to get a hold of Starbuck, but he's nowhere to be found."

Apollo buried his head in the comforting chest.  "I just know 
something's happened to him.  He's in trouble, and I can't do anything 
to help him!" he growled, gripping the braces.

Dillon lifted the discouraged face, looking into the green eyes.  "Will 
you be okay for a centon, goddess?"

After the older man agreed, the boys disappeared into the bedroom.  
Troy grinned.  "'Goddess'?"

The blonde smiled and shrugged.  "Well, he is."  He became serious.  "I 
think Starbuck might be with Bojay.  It's the only reason he wouldn't 
want us to find him."

The smaller boy sat heavily on their bed, rubbing his temples.  "I 
don't understand it.  I don't get why Bucko's fooling around with 
Bojay, yeah.  But what does he think he's doing?  He's got a man in 
there," indicating the front room, "Who loves him more than anything 
else.  All Starbuck has to do is talk to him.  Dad was mad when he 
caught us together, but he isn't now."

Dillon knelt before him, taking his hands.  "I know, baby.  I'm not 
excusing him, but maybe there's another reason Starbuck's acting this 
way.  Maybe he knows something we don't."

Troy gazed into the loving blue eyes.  "There's only one way to find 
out."

"Where are you going?" the taller boy inquired as his lover rose from 
the bed.

He smiled and kissed him.  "I'm going to Bucko's to wait for him."

*****

Starbuck limped into his quarters, holding his stomach.  He was glad 
Bojay hadn't interfered as he wasn't sure which of them the Piscean 
daggit would side with.  It had been awhile since he had been in an 
uninterrupted fight, and it felt good.  Especially since it was Reese.  
He did not mind the battering he had taken this time, just as long as 
the blackshirt looked and felt worse.

Looking up, the Captain realized he was not alone.  Sitting on the 
longseat, with his arms folded across his chest, was a very angry 
looking Troy.  He frowned at the younger man.  "How's Apollo?"

"As if you care," he spat.

The blonde was taken aback by the venom.  "What do you mean?  Of course 
I care."

Troy jumped to his feet.  "I'll bet," he snarled.  "That's why you were 
out socialating three nights ago."  Starbuck closed his eyes at the 
memory.  "That's right.  Dillon and I *saw* you leaving Bojay's.  Did 
you think you could get away with it?" he accused.

The Captain shook his head.  "Hold on, Troy.  You don't understand."

"Then explain it to me," he challenged, stepping closer.  "Before I add 
to those bruises.  How did you get them, anyway?"

The blonde decided to wait until he'd explained about the other night, 
or the kid would never understand what just happened.  "The last time I 
saw Apollo he said something that led me to believe Bojay was in on his 
attack.  I've been trying to get him to trust me, hoping he might let 
something slip."  He sighed, rubbing his sore stomach muscles.  "I went 
over there just now, and he had Reese waiting for me.  He stood there 
and watched while we fought."

Troy could not believe it, any of it.  Why would Bojay attack his 
father?  They had never been close friends, as far as he remembered, 
but to attack him . . . He gingerly touched the blackening eye.  "Why 
would he have Reese there?  Unless he's onto what you're trying to do."

Starbuck closed his eyes and rolled his shoulders.  "I dunno, but frak 
am I sore."  He gave the younger man his best innocent look.  "Troy, I 
couldn't bother you to . . ."

The Cadet smiled and shook his head.  "You'll never change, Bucko."

"You love me, anyway," he returned, laying on his stomach on the 
longseat.

Troy kissed the head as he began kneading the sore muscles.  "I always 
will.   So will Dad, even if he's taken a liking to Dillon," he added 
with a grin.   "He's doing okay, but he really misses you.  They tried 
to comm you earlier.  I think he's ready to see you."

Starbuck groaned, rolling onto his back.  "I can't.  Not now, not like 
this.   You know how Apollo is about people fighting his battles for 
him.  If he thought I was trying to defend him . . ."

"But you are," the younger man replied.  Seeing the warring emotions in 
the blue eyes, he kissed him tenderly.  "Okay.  I'll tell him you're 
resting after a patrol.  It's not like he's gonna check the schedule."

*****

Apollo was mildly discouraged that Starbuck had not returned with Troy, 
at least on the outside.  On the inside, he wondered if the man he 
loved truly was 'just tired'.  He didn't blame the Captain for not 
wanting to see him.  After all, he had brought Apollo out of his 
passive existence, taught him how to feel again.  He couldn't blame 
Starbuck for his attraction to Troy and Dillon, they were both 
exceptionally beautiful young men.  That thought caused him to gaze at 
the blonde boy next to him.

Dillon looked up and smiled as he caught the adoring green eyes.  
"Something on your mind, goddess?"

Apollo nodded.  "You," he replied, simply.

The Cadets exchanged grins, and the blonde ran his fingers through his 
hair.   "Troy, darling, would you mind?  I think our guest needs some 
attention."

He glanced between his father and lover, and nodded.  "Sure.  I'll be 
in the OC if you . . . um . . . Never mind.  You won't."

Dillon saw the serious look on the older man's face when Troy left.  
Sliding closer, he petter the dark head.  "Apollo, don't worry.  He's 
not angry.  He's probably gone to look for Ranius."  He smiled at the 
quizzical look and shrugged.  "It's my own fault, I suppose.  I did 
introduce them.  Ah, see.  I'm just getting him back.  I introduced him 
to someone he likes playing with, and he introduced me to a goddess I 
enjoy."

Apollo frowned, lowering his eyes.  "A defective goddess, you mean," he 
said, sullenly.

The blonde lifted his chin, a mock stern look in his blue eyes.  "If I 
thought you could feel it, I'd slap your astrum.  I don't want to hear 
you talk that way.  Understand?"

Nodding, the older man smiled at the light reprimand.  "Would you hold 
me, Dillon?  Kiss me like you did before?  I won't call for anyone but 
you," he promised, hurriedly.

The younger man all but jumped into his arms.  "I thought you'd never 
ask."

Dillon met his lips, licking tentatively, and pressing forward when 
access was granted.  Their tongues duelled for possession of the kiss, 
and Apollo finally succumbed.  He sighed as the young man pulled away 
only to remove their tunics.  The older man smiled as an idea came to 
him.  Gripping the slim hips, he turned Dillon around and leaned him 
back against his chest.

The blonde adjusted so the braces were not digging into his kidneys, 
and rested his head on the broad shoulder.  He closed his eyes as hands 
came around his shoulders and caressed down his chest.  Gasping as the 
thumbs circled and rubbed his nipples, he wished he could administer to 
the gorgeous man behind him.  He had always felt like he was using a 
guy if he was the only one being pleasured, and had to remind himself 
that he would get the chance to repay the favor when his new lover was 
better.

Apollo revelled in the sounds he was eliciting from the boy.  Bringing 
his hands back, he licked his thumbs and returned them to the hardening 
nubs.  He smiled and bit gently into the neck when the young man 
jumped.  He trailed his hands further down the flat stomach, licking a 
thumb again before using it to circle the naval.  He noticed the scar 
tissue his thumb was tracing, but didn't inquire when a hand covered 
his and pressed it further down his body.  The hand left his and undid 
the trousers for him.  Apollo slowed his progress as his fingertips 
brushed over the hairs above his goal.

Dillon opened his eyes when the hand on his body had found his bad 
memory.  He knew his lover would ask about it, but wanted to try and 
wait until the good part was over.  He released his cock from his 
suddenly too small trousers, and growled in frustration when the owner 
of the hand decided to prolong his torture.  He felt the chest against 
his back ripple as his lover 
chuckled at his discomfort.  Dillon gasped when the hand suddenly 
closed around his engorged member and began pumping him furiously.  He 
didn't have time to protest the intense friction as he felt his balls 
tighten.  "A-A-pol-lo!" he cried out in raspy gasps.

The older man felt the hot, sticky cream ooze over his fingers.  He 
caught sight of the new white splotch on the wall while he milked the 
young man, hoping Troy wouldn't be upset about the mess.  When his new 
lover was spent, he pulled the limp form closer to him, holding him 
tight until the shuddering stopped.  He kissed the blonde locks leaning 
heavily on his shoulder.  "Are you alright?"

Dillon lazily rolled over, careful not to catch himself on the braces.  
He smiled tiredly at him.  "More than alright, goddess.  You were 
wonderful."

Apollo brushed his fingers across the flushed cheek.  "If you don't 
want to, I'll understand."  He lowered his eyes and trailed his finger 
down to the scar he'd found.  "How did you get this?"

The blonde sighed.  "My father.  When I was thirteen he caught me 
making out with another boy from our vessel."  He glanced up briefly 
before lowering his head again.  After six yahrens it still made him 
cry.  "I told you . . . Everything belonged to him," he whispered 
through the sobs.

Apollo lifted the tear-stained face and pulled the boy into his arms.  
"I'm sorry, Dillon.  I shouldn't have asked."  He closed his eyes, 
wondering how any father could be so cruel.  "He should never have 
branded you.  You must have loved him, to stay with him 'til the end."

Dillon realized what the older man thought and shook his head.  
"Apollo, my father's still alive.  The day I ran away there was an 
explosion.  The shuttle after mine was blown away by Cylons.  I saw my 
chance and begged Dr. Salik to put my name on the list of deceased."

The darker man smiled at the craftiness of it.  "Good old Salik."  He 
raised the chin and kissed him.  "Don't you worry, little one.  I'll 
never let him take you away.  He'll have to go through me if he wants 
to 'possess' you again."

The blonde smiled at the ironic nickname, since he was easily two 
inches taller than his lover.  The smile faded as he thought of his own 
baby.  "Goddess, please.  You can't tell Troy.  With what happened to 
him, to you, I . . . I couldn't tell him about my past."

Apollo stole little kisses around the long face, trying to quiet him.  
"Ssh, ssh, no.  I won't say anything.  No one will know," he promised, 
wondering just what else the boy's past entailed.

*****

Starbuck sat in the OC regaling his good buddy with the news of his 
latest meeting with the security chief, omitting Bojay's involvement.  
"I can honestly say I haven't had so much fun in a long time."

Boomer eyed the bruised visage and shook his head.  "Yeah, looks like 
you had a lot of fun."

The Captain nearly jumped out of his seat when a hand strongly clasped 
his shoulder.  He looked up to see Troy standing next to him.  "You 
scared me, kid."

The Leonid knew an exit cue when he saw one.  "I guess it's about time 
I did that paperwork."

Troy waited for him to leave before sitting down.  "What are you 
*doing* here?  I tell Dad you're resting . . . What if he came in?"

Starbuck lowered his eyes at the reprimand.  "I needed a drink, and he 
hasn't left your quarters in three days."  He took a sip of his grog.  
"Why aren't you with him?"

The Cadet shrugged.  "He and Dillon needed some time alone."

"Seems like their becoming chummy," he replied, sarcastically.

Troy stared at him.  "Well, he needs somebody, Bucko.  You expect Dad 
to wait for you, and your jumping around with Bojay."

The blue eyes became icy as Starbuck glared at him.  "I told you why I 
did that," he snarled.

The younger man was taken aback by the venom.  "I know, love.  I'm 
sorry, I didn't mean to imply that you enjoyed it, or anything."

*****

The dark haired man made haste to the quarters.  Ringing the doorchime, 
he was bouncing on the balls of his feet.  When the door opened he did 
not wait to be invited in.  "Bojay, you've got big problems.  The 
daggit ran to his little friend."

The Piscean shook his head.  "You're not making any sense, Reese.  What 
'daggit'?  'Ran to' who?"

The black shirt took a few deep breaths.  "Starbuck.  He's told Troy 
about you, and I don't think it was just about today.  What are we 
gonna do?"

Bojay wasn't quite prepared for this; not quite.  He had not expected 
the Captain to tell anyone yet.  "Calm down, Reesy.  It's been taken 
care of."  Producing an audiocube, he handed it to him.  "Take this to 
Tigh.  Make sure you don't say *anything* until he plays it."

*****

Troy leaned forward and took his hand.  "Come back with me, Starbuck.  
You and I both know you won't last until the bruises heal without 
seeing Dad."

The Captain shook his head.  "I can't, Troy.  What if he asks me what 
happened?  He *will* ask."

The younger man kissed the hand in his.  A grin formed as an idea did 
the same.  "We just tell him you got in a brawl.  It's true.  A Cadet 
was slapping you around."  A disbelieving look in the blue eyes.  He 
smiled and slapped the hand he was holding a few times.  "It's true."

Starbuck was starting to think he just might be a bad influence on this 
dark haired beauty.

*****

As the recording ended, Commander Tigh finally blinked.  Reese was just 
able to recover his own disbelief before the older man turned towards 
him.  The Leonid shook his head.  "I would never have believed it.  
Bojay's lucky you happened by when you did.  I take it he intends to 
press charges."

The security chief nodded.  "I'm sure that's his intent, sir," he 
replied, wondering what kind of equipment the Piscean had that allowed 
him to change the recording so much.

The Commander nodded, curtly.  "Right.  Based on the evidence, I'm 
ordering you to arrest Captain Starbuck and hold him in the brig."

"Aye, sir."  Reese saluted and left.  *With pleasure.*

*****

Troy entered his quarters and frowned.  He shook his head at the 
sleeping pair on the longseat.  If it was just Dillon, he would have 
flipped the chair on its back, but he did not want to do that to his 
father.  Instead he commented loudly, "Glad to see you two had fun!"

The blonde was on his feet in an instant.  When the dizziness subsided, 
he glared at his lover.  "Thanks for the gentle wake up, baby," he 
grumbled.

Apollo caught the stern look in his son's dark eyes.  "Troy, I'm sorry.  
I shouldn't have been fooling around with him.  I-"

The young man shook his head.  "Dad, it's okay.  Dillon's wanted to 
play with you for a long time."

The taller boy went over to his best friend, lifting the chin with a 
finger.   "What is it, darling?  What's wrong?"

Troy shrugged and sighed.  "When I left the OC, this guy followed me.  
I couldn't lose him, he wouldn't leave me alone," he explained, 
sounding distraught.

Apollo was on his feet then.  Braces, or no braces, no one intimidated 
his son!  "Where is he?" he snarled.

"Outside," came the meek reply.  When Dillon made to accompany him, 
Troy held him back.

The older man balled his fists as the door slid open.  Starbuck knew 
the line the kid was going to use, and knew his best friend would not 
realize it was him before swinging, so he was leaning against the far 
wall.  When the green eyes registered who it was, they widened.  
"Starbuck!"

The Captain barely knew what happened before he was dragged inside and 
strong arms encircled him.  He smiled as the air was squeezed from him.  
"I take it you're glad to see me?" he gasped.

Apollo held the beautiful face between his hands, kissing him 
passionately.  "I'm sorry."  Tears in the green eyes.  "Love, don't 
ever leave me again."  His face fell as he realized the state of his 
lover.  "Sagan!  What happened to you?"

Starbuck began, "I . . ."

"Will be coming with me," Reese finished, standing in the open doorway.  
"Are you going to come quietly, Captain?"

"What the frak is going on?" Apollo demanded.  "What are the charges?"

The black shirt smiled smugly.  "Breaking and entering, malicious 
intent, attempted murder, assaulting a security officer, and resisting 
arrest."

Troy jumped between the security chief and his father's best friend.  
"There was no B&E, attempted murder, or resisting arrest!  Bojay 
summoned him to his quarters.  And *you're* the one that started the 
fight!"

"Bojay," Apollo whimpered, softly.

Reese pulled his blaster when the two Cadets began to advance on him.  
Starbuck grabbed the boys.  "No!  I'll go with him.  I'll be back once 
Tigh gets wind of this."

As the black shirt carted the Captain from the quarters, the boys went 
over and wrapped their arms around Apollo.  Something had to be done, 
but they did not know what.  Troy was not ready to tell either of them 
why Starbuck was really at Bojay's.

*****

A secton went by with Starbuck in the brig.  He had tried to contact 
Tigh, but since he was heading the Tribunal, the Commander refused to 
converse with him.  The Captain wondered how the Cadets and his beloved 
were fairing.   He could not get the look on Apollo's face out of his 
head when Bojay's name was mentioned.  He had been in two fights with 
Reese since being locked away.  When the chief of security tired of 
getting banged up, he simply shackled Starbuck and beat the pogees out 
of him.

Yeah, his bruises hurt like hades, but what hurt more was that no one 
visited.  He knew the boys could not because they were still considered 
minors, but Apollo had not even asked about him.  The Captain knew this 
for a fact as he had asked Dimitri, the nice security officer.  What 
could his beloved be thinking of him?  Did he believe the rumors?  
Believe that Starbuck and Bojay were involved?  That the Captain had 
tried to attack the other man when the Piscean tried to call it quits?

The biggest question running through Starbuck's head was what evidence 
could be so damning that Tigh was court martialling him?  What had 
Bojay and Reese concocted to frame him?  It did not do him any good 
wondering about it, in here he could not do anything.

*****

Salik checked the x-rays again and shook his head, again.  He could not 
believe his eyes, he could not be seeing what he was seeing.  He turned 
to his patient.  "Have you been experiencing any tingling sensations?  
Unexplained movement?"

Apollo thought for a centon.  "Yes, I suppose I have for about a 
secton, but I thought it was stress, or something to do with the 
braces.  Is something wrong?"

"No," the doctor replied, shaking his head.  "I want to try something."  
He brought his patient over to the parallel bars, removing the braces 
while the younger man supported himself on the waist high metal.  "Do 
you think you remember how to walk?"

The dark haired man nodded, hesitantly.  At first his leg would not co-
operate, and when it did it over-compensated, sending him on his back.  
Picking himself up, Apollo tried again, gripping the bars with white 
knuckled intensity.

*****

Dillon and Troy met Dimitri in the sparsely populated aft OC.  The 
security officer would have made an excellent Warrior, except for his 
problem with understanding physics, and a pesky back injury from Triad 
that didn't allow him to sit for long periods.  Other than that, he was 
a nice guy and got along with everyone.  Definitely not like his CO.  
He sipped at his java and continued his report.  "Reese seems to have 
gotten bored with the Captain.  He hasn't even spoken to him since I 
saw you last."

That had been two days ago.  The boys met with him every couple of days 
to find out how Starbuck was.  Last time they had also found out about 
the audiocube, but did not know what to do about it.  Troy was glad his 
former lover was not being brutalized any longer.  "It's very important 
he doesn't know about these meetings, Dimitri.  It might not make sense 
now, but he had to think he's alone.  Starbuck can't hide things as 
well as he thinks he can.  Reese would know we were up to something."

The older man nodded.  "I understand.  It wouldn't be good if Reese 
started suspecting."  He glanced around to be sure they were not being 
watched, and pulled a cube from his pocket.  "I was able to make a copy 
while Reese was on meal break."  He shook his head as he handed it to 
the blonde.  "I can't believe Starbuck would do what's on there, and I 
hardly know him."

Dillon shoved the cube in his pocket.  "What *I* can't believe is that 
Tigh's falling for it."

"Let's just say he thought he knew Starbuck," Troy commented, 
remembering how his former lover had attacked Besley three months ago.  
The Captain had been so distraught and needed to tell someone what he 
had done.  When the other two stared at him, Troy refused to elaborate.

*****

"So, how's our little prisoner?" Bojay asked while the black shirt 
licked him clean.

Reese was in ecstacy; the Piscean was all his once more.  He pulled up 
the Warrior's trousers and buttoned them.  Not daring to stand without 
permission, he smiled up at him.  "Devastated.  Tigh won't accept his 
messages.  Of course, the Commander hasn't *received* any of them, but 
the 
daggit doesn't know that.  He seems most upset because his little band 
of followers haven't visited."

"Oh, the poor thing," Bojay feigned concern, with a malicious grin on 
his face.  "Well, all will soon be over for him."

*****

The Cadets were running through the cube for the third time.  They knew 
it was fabricated, but it was done so well that they could not find any 
seams.  Dillon rubbed his tired blue eyes.  "Frak!  It's the best work 
I've heard.  Nothing out of place."

"Well, there has to be!"  Troy snapped, removing the cube and hurling 
it across the room.  Just as suddenly his rage evaporated and he 
covered his face, crying into his hands.

The blonde wrapped his arms around his smaller lover, holding him 
close.  "Ssh.  S'okay, baby.  We'll find a way."

The darker boy snuggled in.  "We have to.  If it weren't for Starbuck 
I'd be dead right now.  Maybe another Warrior would've found me on that 
planet, but they would've pressed charges when I stabbed them.  I'd be 
on the prison barge right now, probably someone's . . ."

Dillon kissed his soft hair.  "I won't let anyone do that to you.  
You'll never be a slave again."

Troy took a deep breath and continued.  "Even after all the pain I 
caused him, Bucko still helped Dad when he came back.  He saved my 
father when no one else here was willing to give a frak."  Lifting his 
head, his dark eyes met soft blue ones.  "That's why we have to help 
*him* now.  Lords, I still love him, Dillon.  And I know Dad does too."

"Oh what?  And I don't?" the blonde joked, smirking.  "If it weren't 
for the beautiful Captain, I never would have met my baby and goddess."

The boys were too enthralled in one another's mouths to hear the door 
slide open.  Apollo stood on the threshold, watching the duo and 
becoming very aroused.  He knew now that the tingling was not a phantom 
reaction.  He paused a micron when a little voice reminded him that one 
of the boys was his son.  *Well, not biologically,* he silently 
replied, and told the voice to take a hike.

Stepping forward, one of the older man's canes scraped against 
something on the floor.  He stopped and looked down at the audiocube by 
his foot.  If he was more sure of his new mobility, he would have bent 
down and picked it up, but he did not want to fall over.  "What's 
this?" he asked, momentarily forgetting the other two were involved.

Troy released his captive and turned.  His brown eyes widened as he saw 
his father supporting himself with two canes.  The braces were gone.  
"Dad!  What happened?  I thought Salik said it would take time.  Here, 
sit down.  You must be tired."

Apollo wanted to scream.  His son was acting as if he were pregnant.  
"Troy, stop!  Everything's okay.  Salik doesn't even understand it.  He 
put me through two centares of tests, and can't find an answer.  He's 
happy for me, and told me to come back next secton."

"We're happy for you too, goddess," Dillon stated, going over and 
kissing him on the cheek.

Before the blonde could get away, the older man upended one of his 
canes and hooked the boy's elbow with the handle.  Pulling him closer, 
he wrapped an arm around him, kissing him properly.  Grinning he 
replied, "Thanks."

"Do you two want me to leave?" Troy joked, feigning dejection.

Apollo met his eyes, sternly.  "No.  I want you to pick up this cube, 
and tell me what it is."  When the two boys tensed he nodded.  "It's 
something to do with Starbuck, isn't it?  I want to hear it."

"Dad, that's -"

"I wanna hear it!" he demanded, harshly.

Dillon nodded and Troy picked up the cube, inserting it into the 
player.  Apollo sat in front of the speaker as the recording played.

Starbuck: You gonna take me, big boy?

Bojay: Didn't anyone teach you to knock?

Starbuck: Don't I get a kiss?

Bojay: I wouldn't do that if I were you.  That is, if you don't want 
your reputation destroyed.

Starbuck: What do you want, Bojay?

Bojay: I thought that would be obvious.

Reese: Bojay, please let me in.  Starbuck.

Starbuck: What is this?

Reese: I'm sure Commander Tigh will be interested in my findings.

Starbuck: Fine!  Let's go.  I'll take both of you.  What was it you 
said?  'Come on, tough guy.  Let's go!'

The sounds of a brawl filled Apollo's ears as he shut the player off.  
He continually shook his head, trying to deny what he had just heard.  
Troy wrapped an arm around his father's shoulders.  "It's not what it 
sounds like, Dad.  Starbuck wasn't involved with Bojay in any way."

The older man turned helpless jade eyes on his son.  "Then what was it?  
It sure as frak sounded like a lover's spat to me!"

Dillon massaged the older man's shoulders.  "Goddess, it's not like 
that.  Starbuck would never do anything like this."

Apollo pulled away from both of them.  "Fine.  What was he doing with 
Bojay?   And why was he in his quarters?"

If it were not for the situation it would have been comical, watching 
the boys have a silent argument, nodding and shaking their heads at 
each other.  Finally, Troy sighed and knelt before his father.  "Dad, 
it's not what you think.  Bucko was convinced Bojay was the one who 
attacked you."  He petted the older man's arm when tears of recognition 
fell from the green eyes.  "You wouldn't confirm his suspicions, so 
Starbuck decided to get chummy with Bojay.  He thought if the daggit 
relaxed enough, he'd let something slip."

The former pilot leaned forward, burying his face in his son's 
shoulder.  "I didn't want him involved!  I didn't want Starbuck to get 
hurt."

Dillon ran his fingers through the dark, shaggy hair, kissing it.  "We 
know that, goddess.  But you know how our Captain is.  He couldn't 
stand by and watch *you* hurting.  He loves you."

"And I love him," Apollo returned, leaning back in the seat.  We have 
to help him."

Troy kissed his father's forehead as he stood.  "We're trying, Dad.  We 
know this audiocube is spliced or fake, but we don't know how."

Apollo grinned.  "I know someone who would."

*****

Boomer awoke to the doorchime being leaned on.  He checked the 
chronometer on the bedside table and groaned.  He had only just fallen 
asleep.  Not even bothering with a robe, he went out in his white and 
black boxers.  "This better be good.  I just came off a *very* long 
patrol," he warned before looking up.  His wide eyes went first to his 
brace free friend.  "Apollo, you're walking!"

He smiled at his old friend.  "Not quite yet."  His expression 
sombered.  "Boomer, we need a favor."

The Lieutenant yawned, rubbing his dark eyes.  "Yeah, sure.  Is this 
about Starbuck?"

The three guests shared surprised looks; none of them had thought to 
contact the Leonid, yet he somehow knew.  Troy pulled the audiocube 
from his pocket.   "This is a copy of the evidence that they're gonna 
use to put Starbuck away."  He handed it to the Lieutenant.  "We know 
it's fake, it's just a question of how."

Boomer eyed the little object in his hand.  Nodding, he smiled at them.  
"And you just figured, 'let's take it to Boomer.  He'll know what to 
do.'  Why do I feel like that guy on that old IFB program, who could 
make a Viper out of a box of mushies?"

"Actually," Dillon piped up, placing a hand proudly on his older 
lover's shoulder.  "It was Apollo's brilliant idea.  He's just a 
genius, this one."  Leaning in, he kissed a tanned ear.  "And so 
frakkin' sexy."

The Leonid shivered in mock distaste.  "Can't you wait until you're in 
your quarters?  Sheesh!"  They all laughed, knowing he was only joking.  
"Well, leave this with me for a centare or so, and I'll see what I can 
do."

*****

While Boomer worked on the audiocube and the boys went to their class, 
Apollo decided to pay a visit to his father's old friend.  Walking onto 
the bridge, he steeled himself as he tried to pass his sister's 
station.  He had not spoken to her in all the sectons since his return. 
Athena noticed this and smiled.  Jumping up, she gave him a crushing 
hug.  "Apollo!  How are you?  It's so good to see you up and around!"

He tolerated the embrace, standing rigid and not reciprocating.  "Yeah, 
it's . . . good to see you too.  Is Tigh in his office?"

The younger sibling scowled, releasing him.  "Yes.  But he doesn't have 
time for *non*-personnel," she stated, smugly.  "What with the court 
martial and everything."

Apollo decided to ignore the comment.  He could not believe Troy had 
been right about the change Athena had gone through.  He thought no one 
could have undergone a complete one-eighty, yet here she was.

Side-stepping, he walked over to the office door and rang the chime, 
entering when he heard a muffled, "Come!"

The Commander jumped to his feet when he saw his visitor walk in.  
"Apollo!  You're walking!  I mean," he stuttered, trying in vain to get 
his emotions in check.  "It's good to see you back on your feet."

The old Commander's son looked around the office in shock.  He and Tigh 
had butted heads quite a few times, back when Apollo was Captain.  He 
had suspicions that the Colonel would completely redo the office to his 
own tastes when it was his.  To his surprise, the new Commander had not 
changed a thing.  As if he were paying homage to Adama.  "Yeah, I was 
kinda surprised myself."

Tigh noticed the younger man's gaze fluttering over the room.  "You 
like it?   It was your father's wish that I leave it this way.  I 
wasn't about to deny him.  I never had."  He leaned back in his chair.  
"But I doubt you came here to discuss decore."

Apollo met the older man's dark eyes.  "No, sir.  I'm here to discuss 
Starbuck."

"I thought so.  Unfortunately, I only have the evidence Reese gave me 
to go on so far.  Starbuck has yet to try and contact me.  I wish he 
would.  This 'evidence' is a pile of daggit pogees, and I want to hear 
his side."

The green eyes widened at this revelation.  Why had his lover not tried 
to contact the Commander?  And if Tigh thought so little of the 
audiocube, why was it admissible?

*****

Troy cornered Dillon in an alcove after leaving their class.  He made 
sure no one was coming and grabbed the slim hips.  "If I don't have you 
soon, I'm gonna explode," he snarled, nuzzling the taller boy's neck.

The blonde shivered at the wanton tone.  "You act like you're going 
through withdrawals."

He pressed his trapped erection against the taller boy's waist.  "*You* 
forget that I haven't had any action since Bucko left our quarters.  
*You've* been playing with my father since then."

Dillon kissed his lover, hungrily.  "You could have joined us.  He's 
really amazing, and he's not *really* related to you.  Besides, I 
thought you've been too pre-occupied with Starbuck's trial and 
everything."

Troy froze, realizing the other was right.  It had been his own fault 
he was not getting any.  He had almost convinced himself that Dillon 
was becoming more interested in Apollo, leaving him behind.  When the 
truth of the matter was that it was himself who was neglecting his 
lover.  "I'm sorry, Dil," he apologized, leaning his head on the broad 
shoulder.  "I guess I haven't been much of a partner lately."

The blonde pulled him close, kissing his dark, shaggy hair.  "Ssh.  No, 
baby.  Don't blame yourself.  What with the beautiful one in the brig, 
and your dad being injured, I understand.  I've been waiting for you, 
and I'll wait as long as you need me to."  He lifted the sad face to 
look into the dark eyes.  "I love you more than anything, Troy.  Just 
wait until Starbuck's cleared.  When I get you in our quarters after 
that, you won't know what hit you."

The smaller boy shivered, wantonly.  "Well, I guess we better get to 
Boomer's.  The sooner Bucko's out, the sooner I can be . . . flat on my 
back."

*****

When the boys got to Boomer's lab, Apollo was already there.  "I don't 
understand why it's allowed," he was saying.  "I have a feeling Reese 
is in this up to his astrum."

Troy walked over to the console.  "Oh, believe me, he is.  So, what did 
you find?"

Boomer turned the display to face the newcomers.  "It's definitely 
spliced.  Look here," he said, pointing to the waves that represented 
the flux in the voices and age of the recording.  "Even some of what 
appears to be the same lines are spliced from different days.  The only 
part that happened the way it sounds is Starbuck's last outburst and 
the fight that follows."

Apollo jumped to his feet, wavering slightly.  "So, you print this off.  
We'll take the sheets and the cube to Tigh, and get Starbuck for 
evening meal."

Dillon gripped the muscular arms lightly, steadying the older man.  
"Not so fast, goddess.  This is only a copy."

"And Reese has the original," Troy conceded, slumping down in a chair.

Boomer gave a sly smile.  "I happen to know our security daggit is 
pulling duty in the launch bay this cycle.  Dimitri's alone in the 
brig."

The blonde bounced on his feet.  "This is perfect!  Apollo can get the 
original, while Troy pays a visit to the Piscean."

"No!" Apollo cried, his green eyes boring into the wide blue ones.  "If 
anyone is going after Bojay, it'll be *me*!"

Troy started at the outburst.  "Dad, you can't.  You're injured.  
You're not even walking on your own.  You can't!"

Turning on his son, he threw down the canes.  "I can take him," he 
snarled, silent fury shaking his body.  "You don't need to stand to be 
in a fight.  I won't let you do my battles for me.  Starbuck did, and 
look where he is."

Boomer looked up, almost surprised.  "So, it's true.  Bojay is the one 
who attacked you."

Apollo shook his head.  "Not exactly.  He goaded me, and I threw the 
first punch."

Dillon's eyes widened again.  "That's why you went turbo when you 
walked in on us.  The daggit told you about Starbuck and Troy."

The green eyed man nodded.  His son came around to face him.  "Don't 
you see, Dad?  That's why I have to do this.  If it weren't for me, you 
would be okay."

His father pulled him into a tight embrace.  "It's not your fault, 
Troy.  It's mine, for letting him get to me."  Shaking his head, he 
realized that, as soon as they were out of his sight, the boys would do 
what they wanted.  "Since you're going anyway . . . Be careful.  I 
reserve the pleasure of beating the frak out of him."

"He's all yours, goddess," Dillon replied as both boys made an Apollo 
sandwich, kissing his cheeks.

*****

A centare later, Apollo walked into the brig.  He glanced at the 
smiling young man in black, sitting behind the desk.  *This has to be 
Dimitri,* he reasoned, his gaze falling on the amicable grey eyes.  
*They're right.  He's far too nice to be working for a daggit like 
Reese.*

When the younger man made to speak the other raised a hand to silence 
him.  "Ssh.  Can I see him?" he whispered.  A nod and a grin.  "You 
wouldn't happen to know anything about a small cube of evidence that's 
. . . about to go missing, would you?"

Dimitri's already broad grin broadened.  "You know, that's a funny 
thing.  I was sitting here when I heard a noise outside.  I came back 
from investigating and the thing was gone.  I tried to check the brig's 
holocube, but the thief had erased it."

The elder man shook his head and laughed.  No wonder Dimitri was so 
popular with the boys and Boomer; he thought like them.  Walking down 
the corridor, he had no problem finding the only occupied cell.  His 
heart tugged at the sight of his beloved, laying on his back with an 
arm over his eyes.

"You just gonna lie there?  Or are you getting off your lazy astrum?" 
he asked, jokingly.

Starbuck's arm fell to the mattress with a thud, and he jumped to his 
feet.  Squinting from the bright illumination, he peered at the door of 
his cell.  "Pol!  Where the frak have you been?  I thought something 
happened to you!"

Apollo watched the door mysteriously slide open, and stepped inside.  
"I'm sorry, love.  I had a lot to work out.  It wasn't that I didn't 
want to visit you."

The blonde pulled him in for a hug, and realized there was no metal 
digging into his waist.  He looked down, seeing the canes.  "'Pollo, 
your braces.  What happened?"

The taller man shrugged, pulling his lover close.  "Salik's not too 
sure, but he's letting me progress."  He nuzzled the fair hair, 
reacquainting himself with the scents that were his mate.  "I don't 
want to talk about that right now.  I just want to hold you, Starbuck."

The Captain pulled back just enough to meet the soft lips.  Tears came 
to his eyes as he ran his hands up the muscular back.  Breaking away 
after awhile, he rested his head on the broad shoulder.  "Love, I'm 
sorry.  I never meant to hurt you.  I only did what I did with Bojay to 
get him to confess.  You have to believe that," he pleaded.

Apollo kissed the shaggy hair.  "I do, love.  Don't worry, I 
understand.  Thank you for trying to help.  I just wish I figured it 
out sooner."

Starbuck released the darker man, reluctantly.  He never wanted to let 
go.  "You better go.  I don't want Reese catching you here."

The taller man leaned in for another kiss.  "I'll see you soon.  With 
any luck, you'll be home by tomorrow."

The prisoner opened his mouth, but his visitor had already disappeared.  
What the frak did he mean 'out by tomorrow'?  *Were they planning 
something all this time?* he wondered.  *Is that what Apollo meant by 
'a lot to work out'?*

*****

Bojay got up from the longseat at the sound of the door chime.  He knew 
it could not be Reese as he had not commed for him.  Cautiously he 
opened the door and his blue eyes widened.  "Troy!  What the frak do 
you want?  I am *not* dropping the charges against your beloved 
Captain!"

The younger man wiped his teary dark eyes, sniffling.  "I don't want 
you to," he whined.  "I came here because I had nowhere else to go.  I 
told everyone I . . . I . . . thought you were right, and Apollo . . . 
he . . . he . . ."

The Piscean lifted the long face, eyeing the split, bleeding lip.  "He 
did this to you?"  A sullen nod.  "Why the change of heart?" he asked, 
suspiciously.

Troy met the unwavering eyes.  "I know Starbuck.  I know what he's 
capable of.  He's not as *nice* as everybody thinks.  I don't know if 
you heard what happened when he found out I was leaving him."

Bojay nodded.  "He attacked you, I remember.  Why don't you come in."

The dark haired boy loped over to the longseat and collapsed.  "I just 
wish I had the guts to get Reese involved then.  Or you.  You would've 
helped me, wouldn't you?"

{Oh, you wouldn't want my help, little boy.  But I might want yours.}  
The blonde sat next to his visitor.  "Why don't you tell me what you 
have in mind.  I think we may work together, but I'll need your 
loyalty."

"If it means putting Starbuck away, you can have anything you want, 
Bojay. I gotta ask, though.  How did you come up with the idea of 
recording him?  I never would have thought of that!"

The Piscean rested his arm across the back of the longseat, behind the 
smaller boy.  "You're young yet, Troy.  You have a lot to learn."  He 
fingered the long dark hair.  "Stick with me, kid.  I could teach you a 
lot."

{If I stick with you, I'll need shots} he thought, trying hard not to 
move away from the hand.  "Will you, Bojay?  Will you teach me?" he 
asked, eagerly.  "Teach me how you caught Starbuck."

The older man smiled, moving closer to his next conquest.  "It's quite 
simple, actually.  Especially when you record every conversation that 
goes on in your quarters . . ."

{You've already taught me so much, you daggit} Troy thought.  He smiled 
inwardly while he listened intently to the other's explanation.

*****

Apollo entered the boys' quarters and lay on the longseat, resting his 
head on the young blonde's lap.  "Troy not back yet?"

"Well, hello to you too, goddess," Dillon replied, with mock hurt in 
his voice.  "No, he's still out.  How's our beautiful Captain?"

The older man closed his eyes, enjoying the fingers massaging his 
temples. "Oh Lords, babe.  You should have seen him.  He's completely 
distraught, and it looked like Reese had beaten him a few times.  What 
I would give to get that little boray."

The younger man leaned down, kissing the soft lips.  "Apollo, don't 
worry. We will.  Now tell me what else you did.  You were gone a long 
time."

"I had something to take care of," the darker one replied.  "Don't 
fret, little one.  All will be revealed soon enough."

*****

Dimitri's back was slammed against the wall.  "What do you mean you 
don't know?" Reese seethed, inches from the other's face.

"I-I'm sorry, sir," the younger man stammered, trying to wiggle out of 
the grip.  "I just left for a micron to investigate something, and when 
I returned the cube was gone.  The display was tampered with, so I 
don't know who did it."

The older man gave him a final shove, turned, and ran a hand over his 
short cropped hair.  "Oh, I do.  How about our prisoner?  Any movement 
from him?"

Dimitri smoothed out his uniform and shook his head.  "Starbuck was 
asleep when I checked on him earlier, and the same after the robbery."

"I'll bet he was," Reese snorted.  "Well, don't leave this time!  I'll 
be back in a couple centare."

*****

As if he did not already know, Dillon explained to Apollo why Troy had 
gone to Bojay's.  He had thought of trying to make the two level 
journey without his canes, but decided against it.  If there was a 
fight, he could always use them if he needed to.

Ringing the chime, he waited.  He could hear hushed voices from within, 
and rushed in as the door slid open.  "Troy!" he bellowed, turning to 
the Piscean.  "Is my son here?" he demanded.

Bojay stepped up to him.  "Why do you want to see him?  So you can beat 
him again?"

"You'd know all about that, wouldn't you?" Apollo growled.  "Troy, get 
your astrum out here!"

The young boy stood meekly from behind the kitchen area counter.  "Yes, 
sir."

The blonde moved between the father and son.  He was not about to lose 
his new playtoy.  "You won't lay a hand on him, Apollo.  I took you out 
before and I can do it again."

Troy placed a hand on the Lieutenant's shoulder from behind.  "Bojay, 
please.  Don't get hurt.  You don't know his temper," he pleaded.  He 
flashed a grin at his father.  "I'll come quietly.  Bojay doesn't need 
to be involved."

Apollo got in the Piscean's face.  "But you're already involved, aren't 
you?

Have you told him yet about our little meeting?  About how you're the 
one that made me like this?"

Bojay laughed at him.  "I'm sure Troy would rather thank me for that . 
. . After what you did to him."

The boy grinned and came around beside them.  "Did I say he did this?" 
pointing to his lip.  "You just assumed, Bojay.  But we don't have to 
assume about you anymore."

The Lieutenant's eyes widened.  "Alright, I admit it.  I goaded Apollo 
into a fight, and repeatedly kicked him until I got tired.  One problem 
though. It's your word against mine, and Tigh's going to think you're 
just trying to get Starbuck freed."

"Somehow I don't think so," the darker man replied smugly, holding up 
an audiocube that had been recording since he arrived.

Enraged, Bojay lunged for the device.  While the two men struggled, 
Apollo was able to toss his canes aside, not wanting to give his 
opponent the chance to use them.  His legs were beginning to cramp with 
the added weight of the other, and he leaned forward enough to topple 
them.

Troy watched as they fell to the floor.  He would not dream of 
interfering, his father would never forgive him.  He watched as they 
rolled, trading blows.  The younger man's attention was diverted when 
the door slid open. "Oh, yes," he snarled, throwing himself at the 
security chief.

*****

Dimitri and another security officer hauled the battered felons to the 
brig.

Tigh surveyed the wreck of a quarters, shaking his head.  "Did you two 
have to total the room in the process?" he chided, jokingly.

Apollo laughed, leaning heavily against his son for support.  "Sorry, 
sir. It couldn't be helped."

"I'll bet," the older man snorted, smiling.

Troy pulled an audiocube from the waistband of his trousers.  "All the 
evidence you need is on here.  Thanks for the loan, Commander."

The older Caprican turned to the younger one.  "Wait a centon.  You 
were wired?"

Tigh chuckled.  "Don't blame him, Apollo.  It was my idea.  If there's 
one thing I learned from Adama, it was always have a back up.  I was 
pretty sure you were going to get into it with Bojay, and I wanted to 
be sure our evidence wasn't destroyed in the fight."  He patted them 
both on the back on his way out.  "Now, get back to your own quarters.  
I'm sure someone's waiting for you."

*****

Epilogue

The father and son entered the quarters to find the two blondes locked 
in an embrace.  They separated sheepishly as the door slid closed. 
Starbuck went over and hugged the younger arrival.  "It's good to see 
you, kid. But don't think I've forgotten all the sneaking around you 
did."

Troy lowered his head in mock shame.  He knew his ex-partner would be 
good on his threat.  "Hey, Dil.  We're gonna be late for our sim 
practice."

The taller boy was about to argue, but realized his lover's intent.  
"Right. Well, I guess we'll see you later."

Apollo stopped the taller boy on his way to the door, kissing his 
cheek. "Thanks, little one."

The Captain placed his hands on his hips, looking sternly at his lover. 
"Should I be worried about you two?"

The green eyes sparkled with laughter.  "Oh, definitely.  He reminds me 
of you when we first met . . . Only taller."

"Why you . . ." Starbuck charged over and gripped his shoulders.  "If 
you weren't so damn sexy, I'd wipe the floor with you."

"Ha!" Apollo scoffed, enjoying the play.  "You couldn't wipe the floor 
with a mop!"

The blonde lowered his hands to the slim waist.  "Why do I get the 
feeling you're trying to start something here?"

"Who?  Me?" the taller man asked in all innocence.

Starbuck chuckled and kissed him tenderly.  "Did you have fun just 
then?" he asked, petting the bruised jaw.

Apollo shrugged.  "I did what I had to.  I wasn't going to let that 
daggit ruin you."

The Captain pulled his lover close.  "He didn't.  You stopped him. We 
won't have to worry about that frakkin' daggit anymore."  His beloved 
yawned.

"You must be tired.  Come on, I'll take you to bed."

The dark haired man thrust against the smaller one's hip.  "Bed I could 
go for.  But . . ." he kissed the breath out of the blonde, "I'm not 
tired just yet."

THE END