Work Text:
Madam President,
Please forgive the interruption to our comms. call. Major power outage across the fleet, cause currently unknown but it’s disrupting all wireless communications. Other ship’s systems unaffected so far as we can tell – awaiting manual reports to come in from the fleet and then we’ll have a clearer picture. I’ll send this with the first shuttle I can - until we get to the root of it that’s the best we can do. Recommend only essential transport between ships until we know more.
Time stamping this as 1307 for your reference.
Update you when I can.
Sincerely,
WA
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Admiral,
It’s disorienting having sudden radio silence so it was reassuring to receive your note – thank you for your quick thinking in that regard. I can report Colonial One’s other systems appear to be in working order so apparently it’s just the comms. Any evidence that this is a Cylon attack? My people are working on a way for me to make a radio broadcast so I can keep the fleet in the loop and updated.
Your time stamping seems prudent – I’ll defer to the military convention: 1445
Best,
LR
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Madam President,
I’m afraid we’re no closer to a solution at present. It’s unclear if it’s an attack or merely a malfunction – nothing has shown up on DRADIS to warrant concern but we are treating it as suspicious, especially given that it’s fleet-wide. I’ve received notes from ships’ captains reporting similar.
My engineers are working on a patch but it may be several hours or even days in the making, depending on what they find.
I assume, given the media blackout, that your people haven’t been able to find a workaround either?
Passing the time at my desk - hope your paperwork is less dull than mine.
Time stamp: 1613
Sincerely,
WA
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Admiral,
No luck our end either. Very frustrating and concerning. If it is the Cylons then blocking our communications would be an effective way to prevent us from warning each other of a physical attack...Then again, I’d trust people to look out of their windows and jump to emergency coordinates if a Base Ship shows up so maybe I’m wide of the mark.
As to your second point, I imagine my paperwork is at least as dull as yours, if not more so. Give me an example and we’ll make it a (friendly) competition.
Time stamp: 1755
Best,
LR
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Madam President,
No significant update this evening – I’m told we’re moving to more experimental endeavours. Would you approve of me sending some of my engineers across? Even if we can restore basic comms between Galactica and Colonial One that would be a start.
Currently looking at a month’s worth of fuel efficiency reports and complaints on Tylium distribution from various disgruntled captains – care to raise?
Time stamp: 1922
Sincerely,
WA
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Admiral,
Engineers have just arrived, thank you. Sending this letter back with your pilot – think he’s getting sick of being my mail man, to be perfectly frank.
The Quorum is about to meet to discuss emergency procedures – I’m aware that they’re worried about how long this is going on and that they’re keen to re-establish contact. I thought gathering them all together might allay some of their fears but obviously I can’t give them any concrete answers.
On the plus side, having them here means I can pause my paperwork – I see your fuel reports and I raise you a stack of complaints about fleet working conditions.
Let you know if your engineers have any success this end.
Best,
LR
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Madam President,
Again, I’m afraid my update is lacking. It’s highly possible we’ll need to go for a full system re-boot to properly sort the problem. I’m told a Cylon virus is looking unlikely at this point so that’s one positive in a difficult situation.
How was the Quorum?
Fuel reports signed off, now onto the monthly crew evaluations. Saul is keeping me company on those so at least that’s something.
Hopefully speak soon.
Timestamp: 2109
Sincerely,
WA
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Admiral,
Your engineers this side are saying much the same as those on Galactica – potentially a fleet-wide system re-boot. Not that I have any idea, of course, but it would seem prudent that we stagger it. I don’t want us all to be blind to a potential attack at the same time.
Quorum were...vocal, to say the least. I tried to provide as much reassurance as I could but their feedback was that there are a lot of nervous, frightened people throughout the fleet. Understandably so. We scheduled another meeting for the same time tomorrow so we’ll see what that brings.
You know, part of me actually envies your crew evaluations. I’m still wading through the complaints – and now Tory has handed me a file of written evidence of a dispute between two ships’ captains. Not looking forward to that one, to be honest, so I might relegate it to the bottom of the pile. Trusting you to deny all knowledge if anyone ever asks you.
Think I may have forgotten to timestamp my last but this one is 2243.
Enjoy your ‘work’ with Saul.
Best,
LR
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Madam President,
Your secret is safe with me. Though I should point out that you’ve incriminated yourself by admitting it in writing. A rook error that surprises me, if you’ll forgive my saying so.
Saul and I have passed a very productive evening but that’s about all that’s been productive here insofar as the communication issues are concerned. I’m hoping to have more to report in the morning so you at least have a proper update for the Quorum.
Heading for my rack – hope you are too.
Timestamp: 0052
Sincerely,
WA
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Admiral,
Good morning. I’m guessing by the radio silence that nothing has progressed and we’re heading for the system re-boot – anticipate your update as soon as you can.
I take your point about admitting things in writing but a rook? Surely you know me better than that by now….
I’m sure your time with Saul was productive – I note that you weren’t forthcoming about exactly how many of those evaluations you were able to check off.
About to head to my first meeting.
Timestamp: 0702
Best,
LR
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Good morning Madam President,
Scheduling of the re-boot has begun and I confirm that it will be done on a ship-by-ship basis to ensure we still have sufficient DRADIS coverage. Let you know ASAP with regards to timings.
We got about a third of the evaluations done. It’s a big crew and we’re nothing if not thorough (read between the lines if you care to). Round two this evening, depending on what happens today. I can add your comments if you’ve got anyone specific in mind? I’m sure a presidential recommendation would be appreciated.
About to oversee a full systems check to ensure there are no other hidden issues. Going to suggest to ships’ captains that they do the same. Keep you posted.
Sending a cup of Tauron spiced tea with this missive – I found a few bags in a drawer this morning, thought you’d appreciate it. Let me know what you think.
Have a good day, Laura.
Timestamp: 0914
Sincerely,
WA
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Admiral,
Thank you for the update – sitting tight whilst I wait for the re-boot schedule. I will report this to the Quorum at our meeting this evening, sure they’ll be grateful that we’re moving forward. Think everyone is becoming more rattled as we approach 24 hours effectively incommunicado.
I am absolutely reading between the lines regarding your productivity in the evening – aiming for more than another third tonight or is that unrealistic?
Oh, Bill – the tea is heavenly. Thank you. Do you think me coming over to raid your supplies counts as an essential trip?
Meeting number three coming up, then I think I can get back to my paperwork before the Quorum (who I’m hoping to move up to this afternoon).
Timestamp: 1136
Best,
LR
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Madam President,
Please find attached the schedule for the fleet re-boot. As you’ll see, we’re going to try Galactica and the Tylium ship first, then I believe it will be Colonial One. Let you know ASAP if we have any success.
Full systems check still on-going over here. Nothing to report so far, as expected, but we’re not out of the woods.
Aiming for another third with Saul – that’s reports, you understand, nothing at all to do with bottles.
My pleasure re: the tea. It’s one of my favourites. Will keep some aside for you...unless you want a non-essential journey on your conscience? I wouldn’t judge.
Timestamp: 1321
Sincerely,
WA
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Admiral,
Given that I haven’t heard from you in several hours and we haven’t had the go-ahead here for the re-boot, I’m going to assume there’s been a problem. Let me know when you can.
Heading for the Quorum. Hope you’re okay.
Timestamp: 1633
Best,
LR
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Madam President,
Apologies for the silence. Hate to confirm your suspicions but you’re right – the re-boot didn’t solve the problem, either here or on the Tylium ship. My engineers have gone back to the drawing board. Full systems check didn’t reveal any other problems, it seems to be limited to comms but obviously it’s important that we resolve it. Am still recommending essential journeys only at this point, just to be safe and to conserve fuel.
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news. Meeting with my team in an hour so will be back in touch.
Timestamp: 1747
Sincerely,
WA
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Admiral,
This is so frustrating but I’m grateful for your update regardless. I told the Quorum what I suspected and they came back at me with more questions – have scheduled another meeting for 20.30, by which time I’m hoping I’ll have received something further from you. I understand that this is an evolving situation though so please don’t take that as a demand. I know how hard you and your people are working.
Still working my way through the complaints pile. More being added every hour, it seems.
Timestamp: 1857
Best,
LR
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Madam President,
My team is now recommending a full system hard reset. It means everything will be off-line for up to three hours – obviously that includes DRADIS, weapons and life support. We’re going to try it on a non-essential civilian ship first – the Blackstar Freighter - might sound counter-intuitive but if the systems don’t come back up for whatever reason it’s less critical than trying it here or on the Tylium ship. All crew and civilians on the freighter will be moved to a neighbouring ship whilst this is attempted overnight.
Hope this update catches you before your Quorum meeting. I’m taking a shuttle to the freighter to meet with her captain. Looks like my productive meeting with Saul will have to wait.
Sending another cup of tea – hope it helps with the paperwork.
Timestamp: 2003
Sincerely,
WA
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Admiral,
Thank you for the expediency of your update. I’m just out of the Quorum meeting – huge concern as expected but they’re relieved there’s a further plan. How was the freighter captain? Logical or not, I can imagine he wasn’t overly enthused about his ship being used as a test subject.
The second tea was just as wonderful as the first. Thank you for the kindness but seriously, Bill – you need to start rationing.
I should carry on with paperwork but I am so tired tonight. Not even sure I’ve got the energy to eat, although I imagine Tory will insist.
Timestamp: 2208
Best,
LR
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Laura,
Nothing to report but didn’t want to not reply – glad to hear Tory will insist on you eating, otherwise I’ll have to start sending over more than just tea.
Saul and I managed a few more evaluations, though nowhere close to another third – think the last couple of days are catching up to all of us.
Sleep well.
Timestamp: 0027
Sincerely,
WA
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Bill,
Insomnia is rearing its ugly head again, it seems. I’ve been lying here for almost 4 hours and I just can’t fall asleep. It’s like the bad old days of Chamalla where I either hallucinated/dreamt or spent the whole gods-damned night lying awake.
Tried reading for a while but I can’t focus either – have to admit that this latest offering from the Adama library isn’t really doing it for me; mind if I switch it for something else when I can?
Hoping you’ll have positive news for me in the morning, and that you’ve had more luck with sleep than I have tonight.
Timestamp: 0210
Best,
Laura
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Laura,
Four hours’ sleep is standard when you first start military training so I’m trying to tell myself I’m just re-living my youth.
The hard reset on the freighter is taking longer than anticipated – hoping I’ll have more to tell you at a more civilised hour. The captain was very understanding about the need to test this new hypothesis on his ship, though his people less so. Told them if they wanted to breathe and not freeze to death they’d have to accept temporary relocation. Never let it be said that I lack diplomacy.
Sending over a new book for you to try – one of the last ones I bought, as I recall. See what you think.
Heading to the freighter for an update.
Hope you eventually managed some sleep.
Timestamp: 0456
Sincerely,
Bill
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Bill,
Feeling the effects of a broken night this morning – hoping there might be coffee in my immediate future to take the edge off.
Thank you for the new book, looks interesting – the title caught me somewhat off-guard though: ‘The Libran Code’? More mythical than your usual preferences, no?
Anticipate your update as soon as you can.
Timestamp: 0611
Best,
Laura
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Laura,
Tests on the freighter’s comms. system after the reset are encouraging. With no apparent ill effects my team are moving to another ship to do the same and after that the real test will be wireless transmissions between them. Hopefully that will be enough to placate the Quorum for the time-being.
I told you before, I don’t like to be tied to genres. A good story is a good story. This one was recommended to me by a close friend back on Caprica – admittedly I think it might have been more her taste than mine but it’s a compelling read. Think you’ll enjoy it.
Meeting of the senior staff is imminent. More when I can.
Timestamp: 0823
Sincerely,
Bill
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Bill,
That sounds promising. Though I imagine, given the need for evacuation, we might be talking several days to implement throughout the whole fleet? I have to confess that that prospect fills me with trepidation but we’ll just have to ride it out.
Hm. Are you telling me that your choice of book is really your ex’s? Not sure whether that might unfairly prejudice my viewpoint but I’ll give it my best shot.
I’m meeting with Tory to go over today’s agenda then heading to update the Quorum.
I miss hearing your voice, Bill. Funny how you can take such things for granted.
Timestamp: 1046
Best,
Laura
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Laura,
Reset is underway on the second ship. Signal tests on board the freighter continue to look positive so we’re optimistic about restoring ship-to-ship comms between them within the next few hours.
Did I say ex? I believe the term I used was ‘close friend’. See what you think of the first chapter, at least – I think it’ll hook you.
I miss you too.
Timestamp: 1334
Yours,
Bill
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Bill,
The Quorum was very encouraged by the update, thank you. Please send me over a provisional schedule for the reset and we’ll take it from there, assuming the comms test is successful between the preliminary ships, of course.
I’m not buying ‘close friend’, as I think you’re well aware. But, given that I sped through the first 20 pages over lunch, I’ll concede that she does indeed have good taste.
Timestamp: 1507
Best,
Laura
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Laura,
Comms tests are still ongoing between the initial ships but the signs are good. To that end, please find attached a proposed schedule for the reset. All being well, we’ll start with the Tylium ship at 17.00 and continue from there.
Good taste in books, Madam President? Glad you’re enjoying it so far. You’re right in that there’s an element of mysticism – more her thing than mine , like I said – but enough gritty realism to satisfy this gruff old atheist too.
Back to paperwork – some formal requests for marriages amongst my crew today, which makes it bearable.
Sending tea and an algae-based pastry from the Mess – trust me, it tastes better than it sounds.
Timestamp: 1647
Yours,
Bill
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Bill,
Schedule looks good to me. I’m hoping things are proceeding as planned on board the Tylium ship.
The pastry was delicious, perfect pairing with the tea. You’re spoiling me, Admiral.
She absolutely had good taste. Let’s leave it there,
Your news on marriage requests has brightened my day. Let’s hope I can soon start adding more numbers to my tally as well in that case.
Timestamp: 1828
Yours,
Laura
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Laura,
Comms successfully recovered between the initial ships – testing currently underway between the freighter and the Tylium ship. There’s been a few problems, so I’m told – hopeful it’s just a matter of re-calibration but will keep you posted.
Let me spoil you every once in a while.
If you’re enjoying the book too then I’d say your good taste is mutual.
More reports with Saul tonight.
Timestamp: 2017
Yours,
Bill
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Bill,
I have a terrible feeling this fix isn’t going to be straightforward, is it? Given the luck that this fleet seems to have….
Would it be unprofessional of me to admit that your thoughtful gifts keep me going?
I have impeccable taste, Admiral. In books and elsewhere. Talking of which, I am currently lying beneath a blanket on my cot and about to resume. Can’t face any more paperwork today. And yes, before you ask – I did eat dinner.
Timestamp: 2254
Yours,
Laura
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Laura,
Seems your intuition was right – trouble with ship-to-ship between the Tylium vessel and the freighter, although oddly no problems with the other test ship. My engineers are at an impasse trying to figure it out.
Don’t think I can hold you to strict professionalism when you’re off-duty. I’m glad the little things are helping.
Few more reports nailed tonight – think we’ve finally broken the back of them.
I’m in bed now too. Hope you sleep better tonight.
Thinking of you, Laura.
Timestamp: 0142
Yours,
Bill
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Bill,
Well, given that I haven’t been able to put the book down for the past 3 hours, I’d say your ex was right on the money. Although, Bill – the middle of chapter 2?? Wouldn’t have put you down as a fan of something that left so little to the imagination. In a manner of speaking.
Gods, I’m thinking of you too.
Timestamp: 0246
Yours,
Laura
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Laura,
Good morning. There are still issues with the Tylium ship. We’re trying the reset on the Virgon Eclipse and will then attempt wireless comms across all four ships. Popular opinion amongst my team is that the Tylium ship is the sticking point in terms of a potential software update, but that will be confirmed once the Virgon Eclipse is ready for the link up.
Ah. I’d forgotten about that part of Chapter 2. Though from memory it’s completely relevant to the story, no?
Timestamp: 0733
Yours,
Bill
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Bill,
Of course, given our luck, it would be the Tylium ship that’s causing the issues, arguably the most important vessel in the fleet. I await your update with anticipation and I’m praying for an easy fix.
That’s some memory you have – ‘relevant to the story’? Please. That’s not to say I didn’t enjoy it, mind you.
Timestamp: 0934
Yours,
Laura
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Laura,
Virgon Eclipse reset complete – frustratingly the comms link has been unsuccessful with the other ships, implying it’s not just the Tylium ship that might need a software overhaul. My engineers are still none-the-wiser as to what caused all this in the first place – they’re beginning to run further virus scans, prioritising the Tylium ship and the Virgon Eclipse in case that’s what’s causing the problem as opposed to just old software.
Guess we just need to count ourselves lucky this has happened during a Cylon lull. Still, given that I anticipated this having been resolved by now, I propose using an emergency code that signals a command to jump to emergency coordinates, if necessary. I’ll have a Raptor crew fly through the fleet at regular intervals and it’ll flash an SOS if the Cylons show up. I’ll send a written message to all ships’ captains to inform them of this.
Thought you might like to try the spicy noodles I’m having for an early lunch so sending some over.
Does this mean I need to be scouring my library for other books with similar sections?
Timestamp: 1143
Yours,
Bill
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Bill,
I’ve got a feeling we might be in this situation for a while, which honestly fills me with dread. I know your team is working hard – they always do – but it still worries me. I highly approve of your proposal re: the Raptor. I think that contingency will also help settle the Quorum, who I met with again this morning. Honestly, Bill – there was still a lot of complaining. I had to remind them (firmly) that the military is doing all it can to resolve this and that it’s naturally a priority to restore comms. Not sure why I have to keep reiterating it but there we are.
Are you worrying that I’m not eating? I promise that I am but I still appreciate the noodles – they were delicious, just the right side of spicy for this born-and-raised, bland-blooded Caprican.
And talking of spicy...You mean to say you have other books like this? You never fail to surprise me, Admiral.
Tory just brought me crackers and I’m sending some across. Tell me what you think. Personally I think a little Arelon soft cheese and a large glass of Caprican red wine would improve them but that’s just wishful thinking at this point.
Timestamp: 1457
Yours,
Laura
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Laura,
Hopefully by now you’ve seen the Raptor on its fly-past. I think it’s a prudent course of action and I hope it goes some way to reassure the Quorum. Without being disrespectful, sometimes I’m not sure civilians appreciate everything we do to try and ensure their comfort and safety. Thank you for trying to emphasise the point.
Completely agree re: the crackers. Add a little honey-cured Tauron ham and maybe some sweet onion relish I picked up on a trip to Picon once and we’d really have something. Do/did you have a favourite red wine? Personally I always favoured the full-bodied ‘22 from Delphi.
I always think as long as something doesn’t detract from the story, embellishments are more than welcome.
Timestamp: 1618
Yours,
Bill
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Bill,
I’m watching the Raptor do another pass as we speak. Please thank your pilots for me – I know keeping the crews permanently rotating is no mean feat but I agree with you that it’s essential as an insurance policy in case something shows up on DRADIS unexpectedly.
Hmm. Can I substitute the ham for smoked salmon? Gods, there was a deli right by my office that used to sell the most delicate slices of it – makes my mouth water even at the thought. As for red wine? I mean, if I’m going for the salmon option I’d really prefer white but if you’re opening a red, Bill, then yes – the ‘22 Delphi would really hit the spot.
Embellishments, Admiral? I think I should tell you that I’m actually laughing out loud at that. Well, regardless, it was a very enjoyable sojourn from the main...erm...thrust of the story.
Timestamp: 1842
Yours,
Laura
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Laura,
Virus scans are complete and mercifully showed nothing so my teams are proceeding with the software updates. I’m dispatching more engineers across the fleet to check which ships will likely need the updates also once the resets are complete. Once we can identify the affected ships I’ll send you a revised schedule and we’ll move forward from there.
I’ll leave the smoked salmon to you and stick with the ham. Wish I could offer you a glass or two of that red, Laura. Preferably over a dinner not made from algae.
You’re not the only one laughing out loud. Let’s hope our mail man isn’t opening these letters.
Timestamp: 2037
Yours,
Bill
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Bill,
I’m cautiously optimistic in light of your news. Your engineers arrived here a few minutes ago and have got straight to work. I’m sure they’ll update you in due course and I will likewise.
I’d like nothing more than to have dinner with you – algae or no.
Oh my gods, can you imagine?! I’m on chapter 5 now and the mysticism is ramping up – seriously, Bill, this really doesn’t seem like your thing. I can only imagine that this woman must have had a big influence on you.
Timestamp: 2214
Yours,
Laura
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Laura,
I’m sure they reported to you before they left but my team tells me Colonial One doesn’t need the upgrade. First piece of good news in a while. Still waiting on reports from the other teams across the fleet before we can put together a schedule but it feels like we’re finally making progress.
Come for dinner when this is over, Laura. We’ll eat algae and imagine it’s anything you want.
Cards on the table? We met in a book store and it was a short-lived thing. You’re right that the book isn’t my usual style but stick with it – if I can stomach the mysticism so can you.
Timestamp: 0012
Yours,
Bill
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Bill,
Your engineers did indeed tell me the good news. I hope there’ll be further positive updates by morning with regards to the rest of the fleet.
Like I said – I really don’t mind the algae. It’s the company I’m craving, not the food.
You met in a book store? I’m falling down a rabbit hole here, wondering what would have happened if we’d done likewise before all of this. I guess there’s no sense in that but it’s where my mind is taking me in the middle of the night.
I need to go to bed.
Timestamp: 0208
Yours,
Laura
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Laura,
Please find enclosed the revised schedule for the reset, as well as the relevant ships that need the software update. As you’ll see, the plan is to evacuate Colonial One at 0930 tomorrow and proceed with your reset. I’m hoping you’ll take up the offer of using my quarters for your work whilst it all goes ahead.
Do you really need to ask what would have happened if we’d met in another life, Laura?
Timestamp: 0335
Yours,
Bill
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Bill,
My people have been informed and are all ready for the transfers at 09.30. My continued thanks for your crew’s diligence in dealing with all this. I’d also be grateful to take up your offer of your quarters for the duration.
I try not to think about it, to be brutally honest. If I’d met you in my twenties or thirties, if the Cylons hadn’t attacked, if I hadn’t had a terminal diagnosis, if we’d thrown caution to the wind on New Caprica, if we’d built the cabin...Or any combination of the above.
I don’t think the ‘what ifs’ do anyone any good so trying to focus on what we do have now.
I don’t think I’m going to get any sleep. I do feel guilty for bouncing your pilot back and forth all night, though.
Timestamp: 0456
Yours,
Laura
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Laura,
I confess to cat-napping on my couch for much of tonight. Every time my pilot knocks on the hatch with your letter I wake up, but it’s entirely welcome. If I can’t speak to you then this is the next best thing.
I’m keeping my pilot well supplied with coffee. He has downtime scheduled from 0800 so you can park your guilt, Madam President. You’re more than welcome to use my rack once you’re here. I hope that goes without saying.
I agree that the ‘what ifs’ are pointless (and even torturous) but I find myself doing the same. I know I never answered your question about whether I would have settled on New Caprica if the Cylons hadn’t come back. It was always about balancing my responsibilities with my personal wants. It still is.
Timestamp: 0621
Yours,
Bill
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Bill,
I think this might be my last letter before the evacuation. I’m so tired I can barely put pen to paper but maybe it’s easier to say these things in writing than it ever would be face-to-face.
I told you I’d have built the cabin and I would have. I’d have settled into life beside the lake. And I think I could have been happy, perhaps happier and more at home than I’ve ever been in my life. But in my fantasy, Bill – I don’t live there alone. It’s a dream of a life where we’d finally have been able to stop prioritising other people, other responsibilities. A dream where we could have just been us as two people. It’s a pipe-dream, I know, because the Cylons did come back, because the Baltar presidency was a disaster, because the planet really was incapable of sustaining us long-term. But it’s amazing how much I still think about it. Especially on long nights like this.
I know that it’s still a balancing act. I just wonder if there’s some way of tipping the scales a little so we’re not haunted by those notions of ‘what if’ forever.
See you soon.
Timestamp: 0745
Yours,
Laura
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Laura,
I’m hoping this catches you before you leave. I need you to hear this since we’re telling raw truths.
In my fantasy we grow old together in our cabin. Yours and mine beside the lake, Laura. I’d watch your hair turn to silver and tumble in waves down your back. I’d watch you grow more beautiful with each passing year and I’d wonder how I got so frakkin’ lucky that you agreed to spend your life with me.
We can’t make that fantasy a reality now, of course, and our responsibilities will always be there. But I am hugely in favour of tipping the scales. Let’s start with that dinner I was talking about.
Timestamp: 0847
Yours always,
Bill
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Bill,
Your team is here for the evacuation so I’ve got maybe 5 minutes. Think this time I can be my own mail man.
Your beautiful words made me cry. In every fantasy and in every reality I’d choose a life with you, whatever that might look like. Please don’t ever doubt that.
We have to make this work, Bill.
Yours always,
Laura
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Laura,
About time.
My love always,
Bill
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