The Lady and the Commander - Chapter Three
"Historical" A/U
Not my characters/not making money.
Still rated PG (I'm getting there!)
Laura Roslin met Commander Adama's still-frosty gaze as she stepped over the threshold to his quarters, exactly on time she had ensured, for their designated meeting.
Doctor Baltar trailed behind her, twitching nervously as she now assumed was the man's usual way.
Three other men sat at the table with the Commander. Mr Tigh she had met, but the other two were considerably younger than the Commander and his first officer. Both these younger men eyed her with curiosity as she sat in the proffered chair.
"Lady Laura, may I introduce the other senior officers of my crew," the Commander said as a greeting, "Lieutenant Felix and Lieutenant Karl. Mr Felix is our chief navigator."
She smiled at the young men and introduced Doctor Baltar to them all.
"Doctor Baltar," the Commander continued, "we will be officially sailing in the Prolmar Sea this afternoon. You will need to liaise with Mr Felix to co-ordinate your further calculations and plot the remaining course to Kobol Island."
"Of course, Commander," Doctor Baltar said, "although, I would like to plot the new route without openly confiding any of my personal calculations, if you do not mind."
Commander Adama frowned. "Doctor Baltar, the senior members of my crew can be trusted implicitly."
"I am very much eager to see how you arrived at the co-ordinates to the island, Doctor," the young man known as Felix interrupted enthusiastically. "I have done my own research into such topics and am fervently curious as to the processes you followed that brought you to your conclusions."
Laura noticed the doctor's eyes darted around the room uneasily before he finally answered the navigator. "I think it may be best that not all my procedures be investigated by yourself or any of the officers in such great depth. I believe that a level of confidentiality in my methods should be honoured."
Commander Adama hesitated for a moment before finally agreeing. "If you wish, doctor."
Mr Felix looked decidedly deflated at the doctor's rebuff, however, he still dutifully rose and retrieved several charts, spreading them across the table. As the gentlemen discussed their navigational position, she moved away from the table as to not hinder their progress, and to her delight discovered a well-stocked bookcase at the back of the room.
She tilted her head to study the titles printed on the spines and was quite pleasantly surprised to find many of her favourite authors amongst the Commander's collection.
She turned to watch the Commander as he conferred with his officers. She had not expected to find such acumen in a sailor. She remembered her conversations with Richard before she had departed Caprica City. Richard had made several joking remarks about the men enlisted in the Colonial Fleet and their inferiority. She doubted the commander would ever have known the education that Richard had been offered, and yet, if her instinct did not deceive her, the Commander's intellect would easily surpass that of her cousin's husband.
The commander chose that moment to look her way and she flushed slightly at the intensity of his gaze. He slowly straightened, and made his way towards her, leaving his men to continue with their discussions.
"Madam," he said once he reached her side, "it is the custom for the Commander and his officers to dine in companionship here in my quarters on a nightly basis. I invite you to join us."
She felt herself warm even further owing to his nearness and the odd intimacy of his words.
"Your Priestess, the Doctor and Viscount as well, of course," he added, much to her disappointment, as she inexplicably had wanted the invitation to have been a personal one. She chose not to probe too deeply the meaning of this childish desire.
Instead, she gave in to her childish desire to tease him. "What about my attendants?" she asked.
"Excuse me?"
"I usually dine with my attendants, Commander. Is the invitation open to them also?"
He looked slightly uncomfortable but nevertheless answered her politely after the briefest of pauses. "Of course, my lady, if it is your wish."
She snorted before turning back to the bookcase. "I was wondering if I may borrow one of your works of literature to read for the duration of the journey."
"Yes, of course, madam. You do not need to borrow, however, you may take whichever title you believe will bring you happiness. Would you like me to make a recommendation?"
She looked up at him, surprised. "You have read all these works?"
"I did acquire some new ones whilst docked in Picon a few months previous, but many I have read once and some more than once to great gratification. What style of writing do you prefer?"
"I am partial to a mystery where the reader is teased with many red herrings and offered clues to conclude who amongst the characters is the offender," she admitted, smiling up at him shyly. This style of writing, she realised, was not one that women were usually encouraged to admit to reading or enjoying.
"I also take pleasure in this style and I have a great many works that would fall under such a category. Here," he reached down and pulled out a book from one of the lower shelves, "let me know if you find this one agreeable."
"Thank you," she said sincerely just as Mr Felix asked them to join their group once more, which they did, at separate sides of the table. Soon everyone's conversation returned to directions and distances, and she returned her mind to the business at hand as well.
0.0.0
Laura decided to check on the Viscount on the return to her quarters.
"How is your master, Billy?" she asked when she met the boy on the deck.
"He is much improved, ma'am. He has stopped being physically sick. He is, however, in an exhausted state and has asked not to be disturbed for the afternoon. He wanted you to know that if he is satisfactorily rested, he will endeavour to join you for dinner tonight."
"Oh," she said, trying not to appear too disappointed at the thought of the Viscount joining her and the Commander for dinner, "let us hope he rests well then."
"Yes, let us," Billy repeated.
She gave Billy a sharp look. She was sure she had detected a slight sarcastic drawl present in his comments. She tilted her head to one side and peered up at the tall boy. "We would not want to be denied the Viscount's company, would we?" she asked in a soft tone.
"No, ma'am." After a short pause, Billy added: "That would be an intolerable shame."
This time it was quite obvious the boy was using a sarcastic tone and she tilted her head back and laughed heartily at his mirth before continuing to her quarters.
Upon her arrival, she found her attendants setting out a midday meal.
"Lady L, you must tell me your opinion of the old man," Kara jumped up and demanded as soon as she entered the cabin.
Laura exhaled audibly. She was unsure what she could tell Kara... That she thought he was incredibly rude and arrogant, and yet she knew instinctively she would trust him with her life? That even though she believed he could incite her temper with a glance, he also incited a throbbing passion in her loins?
No, it was best not to divulge that last iota of information...
"Kara, my opinion is only my opinion and I am not sure that your opinion will be similar," she settled on telling the girl.
"Do not talk in such riddles," Kara berated.
She sighed. "I cannot say that we have been getting along splendidly," she conceded, "but I do think he is a good man. Yes, that is true." Whatever she thought about the Commander, she was certain he was not an evil or slovenly man.
"Do you believe he would talk to me? That he would hold me in any esteem?"
She reached out and took Kara's hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. "I do believe," she told the blonde girl sincerely, "that any man would be pleased to meet you and discover that you made his son happy."
Tears welled in Kara's eyes. "I am merely a servant." Kara held her hand up when Laura made to dispute her words. "A very advantaged one, granted, to have the good fortune that my mistress is so modern with her ideals, but a servant, nevertheless. Zachary was going to be an officer in the Colonial Fleet. He should have been promised to a society debutante, not a girl who was taken away from her abusive mother and put into service."
"That girl," Laura said forcibly, "has managed to rise above the circumstances of her childhood to become an accomplished woman. Zachary Adama would have married that girl if not for an unfortunate accident. Zachary Adama could see the regard of that girl and I am sure William Adama will see the regard of that girl also."
"Do you really believe this could be true?"
She did. How she knew so much about this man from such short acquaintance, she did not know, however.
"I am certain. You should introduce yourself and tell him," Laura suggested. "Or I can broach the subject if that would make you feel more comfortable?"
Kara smiled sadly. "I will think about it."
0.0.0
Laura and her attendants had just finished their luncheon when Kara made a suggestion. "Maybe someone would like to join me in a turn about on the deck?"
Kara, of course, was loath to ever stay still for long, Laura knew.
In the end her other attendants decided to join Kara in her walk but Laura declined. Instead she thought she might read a few pages of the book the Commander had given her earlier.
She was engrossed in the tale when the girls returned some time later.
"Do you need anything, Lady L?" Kara asked as she burst through the door full of excitement.
"Whatever do you mean, Kara?"
"I have discovered, ma'am, that this ship has a triad game this evening!"
"And Kara believes she will win the sailors' riches away from them," her other attendant, Callandra laughed.
"Ambrosia? Fumarella leaf tobacco? You make your choice, Lady L, I will gift to you any winnings your heart desires," Kara promised confidently.
She laughed along with Callandra. "You keep your winnings, Kara. Will you other girls play as well?"
"I want to go so I may find out more about the ship," Callandra said.
She almost laughed at Callandra's comment too, it was so predictable. "Be aware you may intimidate some of the men with your knowledge of mechanics, Callandra," she warned the young girl still.
She glanced at the girl Richard had insisted on accompanying them on this journey. "And you Victoria?" she asked. She had only met the girl a few days previously. She was quiet and seemed very efficient in her duties.
"No. I have no interest in any activities involving these sailors," Victoria answered in a tone which was not impolite, and yet...
"Come Tori, it will be fun," Kara attempted to cajole her fellow traveller. "Cally and I can teach you how to play now so that you will be prepared for tonight," she offered.
"It is Victoria, Callandra, and Lady Laura," Victoria whined. "I do not understand this inclination of yours to abbreviate names in such an exasperating manner."
Kara rolled her eyes, and then gave Laura a much more meek look, biting her lip and lowering her lashes. "It is acceptable that we go tonight? I do not wish to leave you in any perilous situation. Do you think you shall be safe tonight?"
Laura blinked, needing a few moments to remember why she would not be safe, and where she would be tonight. Perhaps she had become more disorientated by the sea than she would care to admit? Nevertheless, she realised if Kara was forced to dine with her in a formal situation she would soon be restless and only embarrass herself in front of the man who she was desperate to impress. "Yes, Kara, of course, go and have a good time. Be young and enjoy yourself. I am quite sure the Commander will keep me from harm's way tonight." Again, without knowing the commander at all really, she knew this would be the case. "I am more worried about you and Callandra," she admitted. "Be careful in the presence of the men."
"I will be, ma'am," Kara grinned widely. "I plan on taking this little friend of mine along under my skirt," she announced, holding up a dagger with a plain white bone handle.
Laura grimaced at the weapon. As a rule, she did not approve of violence, but as she had brought Kara on this trip because of the girl's adeptness in the arts of self defence she could not now berate Kara for this talent.
"Be careful," she repeated quietly before returning to her story and ignoring the girls' chatter for the moment.
0.0.0
William Adama politely offered his guests refreshments prior to their first course arriving. The priestess had apparently decided on a quiet dinner in her room whilst studying the sacred scrolls.
The doctor had arrived a few moments ago to be promptly accosted by Mr Felix. His navigator was now endeavouring to engage the doctor into a conversation regarding physics.
Mr Tigh sat with Mr Karl. The former was attempting to be desensitised for the evening by drinking as much rum as possible, whilst the latter watched on.
He was having a conversation with the Viscount. Most of the conversation seemed to centre on the Viscount's extremely worthy pursuits and accomplishments. Apparently they had the Viscount to thank for most of the many and varied improvements to the Colonial way of life over the last few years. He was finding it very difficult to remain pleasant to the man. He distracted himself by studying the extravagant wardrobe the Viscount had chosen to wear this evening; the bright emerald green shirt had so many ruffles he felt sympathy for the poor seamstress who had sewn the garment.
His eyes wandered to the other end of the table where the woman who was acting as hostess tonight stood. When compared to the inappropriateness of the Viscount's, her wardrobe could not be more contradictory and, therefore, much more pleasing to his eyes. Lady Laura wore a velvet dress in a scarlet shade which suited her colouring to perfection. The bottom of the dress flowed and swished as she moved.
The top of the dress was not so flowing... It wrapped tightly around her chest in such a manner that her shapely curves were accentuated, tormenting his nerves with a bountiful display of creamy white skin.
Her hair, once again, was loose and flowing. He wondered if she ever tethered it back as most other women did.
She looked at him then. Her smoky eyes appeared much greener than grey tonight. Whatever the colour, he thought they were smouldering and alluring.
So alluring in fact, that uncaring how it appeared, he excused himself to the Viscount and made his towards her.
Chapter 4