Fic: Our New Home
Cottle turns toward Adama and gruffly says, “No.”
“Jack, she brought us here. She should be able to see it.”
“I don’t care. She has no immune system, she’s in pain, and she is too weak. I’m just looking over her well-being. I am the chief medical professional here, you are not, and therefore, I’m the only one that gets to decide if she goes down there. My decision is that she does not go. You know, I care for her. I have watched her suffer and I have been on this journey with her too. That woman got inside this heartless man for some unfathomable reason and I intend to do everything I can to keep her alive because I consider her a close friend.”
“I care for her too, Jack. I love her and I don’t want to lose her. But, to be frank, she is dying anyway. What more harm could seeing Earth do to her?”
Before Cottle can come up with a reply, they both hear, “Since I am the patient you’re talking about and I am perfectly capable of speaking and thinking for myself, shouldn’t I be included in this conversation?”
They both look at each other with ashamed looks on their faces and then walk inside the president’s curtained off area.
“I’m sorry, Madame President, but I’m not allowing you to go down there.”
“Jack, I have to agree with Bill, I’m dying anyway. How much more harm could it do?”
“Madame President, I’m trying to keep you alive for as long as possible. You going down there will put you at risk for an infection. Since you have no immune system, an infection right now would likely kill you.”
“Jack, can you allow me to die happy and in peace? I want to go down there. I want to see Earth with my people, and especially with the man I love.”
Cottle sighs and says, “Fine, but don’t come crying to me when you get worse.”
“I won’t,” Laura says quietly towards Cottle’s retreating form. She then looks over at Bill who has been quiet for the whole conversation. She sees a tear fall down his weathered cheek. She reaches out her hand towards him, trying to steady it, and touches his hand that is resting on the bed. “What’s wrong?” she says softly.
“It’s nothing,” he murmurs too quickly.
“Bill…”
Her calling his name in a quiet voice is his undoing. He sits down on the chair beside her bed and brings their joined hands to his lips. She pulls her cool hand from his grasp and wipes the tear off his face and then she waits him out silently.
“It’s just… Earth… Our dream… We’re here and we made it, together.”
“Bill, I know I’m not going to be here for long, but please remember, I will always love you. I know you don’t want to have this conversation, but we need to have it before I’m not able to. Someone has to stay with the people, please don’t lose yourself in my death.”
“Laura, I love you too much. I can’t just say that I’m not going to lose myself in your death. I can’t promise that. I told Lee once that I couldn’t live without you and I truly don’t think I can. I’ve given all of my heart to you…” He looks down, embarrassed of all that he has said.
This is when she realizes what he needs, an apology. As arduous as it is for her right now, she places her hand underneath his chin and gently lifts his head up so his eyes meet hers. “I’m sorry, Bill, for having to leave you. I’m sorry for taking your heart and not being able to give it back to you for as long as you deserve. I’m sorry for choosing my duty to the people over love for most of the journey. I’m sorry that you had to fall in love with me.” Her voice breaks when she reaches the end.
“What?” Bill says in a shocked voice, “I’ve never said anything like that. Why do you need to apologize to me for that?”
“Because I can’t give you the love that you deserve,” Laura says, louder than she should and her voice cracks.
“You’ve given me everything, Laura. You gave me back my life and a reason to love. You are a breathtaking and wonderful woman, Laura, don’t ever forget that. I love you for who were and who you are. And you are more than I deserve. Don’t argue with me on that, that’s an order.
She weakly smiles and says in her quiet and congested voice, “Thank you, Bill.”
Bill stands up from the chair and sits down on the bed. He leans forward and places a soft kiss on Laura’s dry lips. “Now, what do you think about getting you out of this bed so we can go see Earth together?”
“I would love that,’ Laura replies wistfully.
“I’ll be right back,” Bill says. He stands up from the bed and walks over to Cottle. “Can you get all the tubes and wires off of her? I’m taking her down to Earth.”
“Sure,” Cottle says. He walks back toward the president and turns all the machines off. He carefully takes off all the wires and the oxygen and IV tubing and then he helps her sit up on the side of the bed. After a moment of hesitation, he takes her hand and says, “It’s been an honor, Laura. Even through all your sarcasm and your pain in the ass behavior, you are a wonderful woman.” He kisses her small, cool hand and then turns to go.
“Jack,” she says, calling him back.
He walks back over to her and asks, “Yes?”
“Thank you, for everything.” She weakly reaches out her arms and pulls him in for a tight hug. He has tears in his eyes when he looks over her shoulder towards Bill. She releases him and he turns and walks away.
“Alright, Bill, time to go see our new home,” she says tearfully.
I hope you enjoyed it! Not sure if I'm doing another chapter, let me know if you think I should.