Part 6 Battlestar Galactica: Back To The Colonies,: War On The Mountain

Chapter 34

XXXIV

The mission to take out the enemy artillery completed, Commander Nicholas Bond did his debrief, showered, then hopped back in his Raptor, heading over to the Laura Roslin. His father was coming out of the induced coma after his surgery, and Nicholas needed to be there to see how he was doing. Natalie was also there, little Justin being with a babysitter for the moment. Fortunately, it was a short hop.

"Roslin, CAG", he declared, "requesting permission to land."

"CAG, Roslin Actual." Hearing Kara's voice lit up his face, feeling things were looking up. "You are cleared to land starboard hangar, turn to course 112 mark 087, call the ball."

"Roger, Actual", he said with the same grin, "I've got green."

"CAG, I'll meet you on arrival so we can go to the hospital." Kara sounded as happy as he felt about his arrival.

"Wilco, Actual, see you in a few minutes, CAG out."

A short time later, he skidded to a stop, then taxied his Raptor to its parking spot. He and his right-seater shut down the bird, then he emerged on the wing.

"Ten-Hut!", Starbuck called, a large grin on her face, "CAG of The Fleet, Arriving!" As was tradition, the personnel in the hanger turned and saluted, Nick returning it. As the salute ended, everyone in the hangar began to clap and cheer for the accomplishment that Nick and his squad had pulled off. Everyone present came up to shake his hand or hug him, Nick taking it in with joy.

He finally made it over to his sister, who had let the tumult run on, knowing how emotional this moment was for Nick, in the wake of losing Sundown and Sandstorm. "Well, look who got the keys back to her Battlestar", Nick said with a grin, enveloping Kara in a big hug.

Kara kissed him on the cheek. "Yeah, I guess my suspension is officially up." They both giggled. "By the way, Nick, job well done taking out the guns. I'm proud of you."

Nick gave her a warm smile. "That means the Universe to me, Kara."

They turned and headed to the hospital area, where most of the family was waiting.

As they entered, Abby, Brett, Natalie, and their mom all rose and greeted the two of them, smile and hugs all around. They settled into the living room, and Abby updated them.

"Guys", she began, "he woke up a few hours ago. He's still groggy and apparently can't talk yet, which isn't unusual. Dr. Harrington did ask him a few simple questions like his name and if he knew where he was. He squeezed her hands in the affirmative both times. Mom went in to see him for a few minutes, and he smiled up at her. Mom's the only one who has been in there."

"Any idea when he'll be up for visitors?", Kara asked quietly.

"Probably a day or two", her mother replied. "Dr. Harrington and Gaius both said the best thing for him now is to catch up on his own natural sleep. That will help him regain his strength." She looked at the disappointment in Nick's face. "I know, son", she said with a smile, "it's frustrating, but he'll be alert soon enough."

Kara looked over at her brother. "I know you wanted to tell dad, but why don't you tell the rest of the family?"

"Tell us what?", Brett said curiously.

Nick went into the events of the last few hours: the Intel; talking to Lee, then the mission that had taken out the artillery. Everyone came over and hugged him, and, with the exception of Brett, kissing him on the cheek.

When the excitement subsided, Natalie stepped up to him. "Mr. Bond, sir, I am very proud of you", she said with a smile. "And I am glad you went on this mission without first telling me because I'd have ended up in a hospital bed next to Papa had I known." She leaned up to kiss her husband as the family laughed.