The setting is the Officer's Lounge aboard the Galactica. It's not too long after The Hand of God episode, and everyone is still celebrating the victory over the Cylon Basestar. Cassie and Athena are both there. They had been part of a group, but one by one the other members have left, leaving them alone. Across the room they see Starbuck. He is ignoring both women. Another beautiful woman brings him a drink, which he quickly accepts.

Cassie: Just look at him. He helps blow up one basestar, and it all goes to his head.

Athena: Really, you would think it was as easy as winning a game of pyramid.

Cassie: He's acting like he did it alone. I don't see your brother flirting with every woman willing to buy him a drink.

Athena: That's because he and Sheba left centons ago. (Smiles knowingly.) Besides, Apollo was never one to openly flirt with women. He always got too embarrassed.

Cassie: Sometimes I wonder how Apollo and Starbuck can even get along. They are so different.

Athena: I don't know. In many ways they are very similar. Like their fierce loyalty to worthwhile causes, and to the women they love.

Cassie: Starbuck? Love? I don't think he knows how.

Athena: I think he knows how to love, but it would take the right person to guide him. I don't have that kind of patience.

Cassie: Maybe you're right, he does know how to love...to a point. He loves his friends, he loves being a warrior, he certainly loves his fumarello! But the kind of love that most women need...not Starbuck.

Athena: What do you mean exactly?

Cassie: I don't think he'll ever be able to give himself to any one woman. Not totally.

Athena: Why do you think that? You have been with him through more than any woman that I am aware of.

Cassie: It's just the way he is. When he was charged with Ortega's murder, he told me that he loved me. But then suddenly he's over at the Celestra to see his old girlfriend. She doesn't want him anymore, so he comes back to me. I'm not trying to tie him down, but he does frustrate me at times.

Athena: (Smiling) He does have a knack for frustrating women.

Cassie: So how did you do it, Athena? How did you finally get out from under Starbuck's spell?

Athena: It took a long time...almost too long. Boomer was the one who finally opened my eyes to what I was missing. While we were trapped in the Rejuvenation Center, I realized that other warriors could be as fascinating as Starbuck, without all the extra cargo.

Cassie: Starbuck does come with a lot of extra cargo...but that's part of what I love about him. It's made him who he is.

Athena: Speaking of extra cargo, I think he is coming this way. I better go and see if Omega is having another crisis on the bridge. Have fun.

Cassie: You too. And Athena...thanks. It was really good talking to you.

Athena: You're welcome. Good bye.

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