Adama's Journals –

The sealing was a success with only a few minor hiccups, fortunately many of those not seen by the whole fleet as the IFB demonstrated some discretion. I suspect that may have been my threat of cutting off their transmission if anything was viewed that might put any Colonial Warriors in a bad light. Or perhaps it was the blessing of the members of the Council of Twelve to the whole affair as they were looking for a reason to celebrate and to be seen by the fleet.

Not surprising, the biggest incident was caused by Rene's close friend, a tense moment when many thought the young man might be stealing away the bride, at least that was my concern. I had witnessed Starbuck trying to confer with Rene's friend before the ceremony. Jake had a scowl on his features for most of the day. It occurred to me that I have not seen a smile on the young man's face except when he was in the Officer's Club playing his guitar, or while interacting with his own children or adopted teens. Otherwise he is a closed off individual, not prone to displays of emotion except where Rene may be concerned.

Starbuck has made an effort to draw out all of the Copper Squadron to great success. In his absence on Caprica, I attempted to follow his lead, and while not as productive as Starbuck's efforts, I have been rewarded with a better understanding of his new family. Several have become more relaxed in my presence and are more engaging with the warriors from the Galactica, but there is more progress to be made. Starbuck has put in extra effort to gain Jake's trust since Caprica, taking to calling the young warrior his brother.

So we all watched with mixed emotions as Jake bolted down the aisle towards Rene. It was a mystery to many what was going to occur, but thankfully it was merely a dramatic gesture for Starbuck's benefit, making a show of giving Rene away to her new husband.

The celebration after was a roaring success and I must reassess my opinions of many of the Copper Squadron. They were gracious hosts making sure all their guest's needs were satisfied before their own. They have made their own alliances among the populace of our fleet.

Everyone was enjoying themselves when the Groom and his bride snuck away. I had thought to speak to Starbuck before he made his escape, if nothing else to express how proud I am of him and his new maturity. He seems to have finally found his place in the universe, a purpose he had not perhaps considered before that suits him well. But Siress Tinia suggested I save my words for another time and let the happy couple make their exit. She was correct, they have done enough for everyone else's benefit. It was their time to enjoy their well earned rewards.

As the fleet recovers from the miracle of a rogue hot shot pilot choosing the steady path of monogamy, I have carved time for all of us to reflect back on our journey and the one that is ahead of us. We move forward with more, not only with the added members to our fleets, but more added to our hearts. It is what makes us human. Though the enemy may challenge us and diminish our numbers, they can not extinguish our spirit. In the words of the Fabulon Four, love is all we need.

No, I am not so addled as to think that is all we need to survive, but it is a beginning. Peryton has been researching Rene's abilities with some assurances that what she accomplishes is based in scientific fact not fiction. In time, we may be able to replicate her abilities. However, it brings up many questions of the ethical nature. Will the Cylons continue to follow us no matter how far we go? Would we be bringing danger down upon other worlds? And what is out there waiting for us? Will there be another enemy stronger than the Cylons, or will we find a civilization capable of protecting our people?

Far too many questions. For now, we take the journey one step at a time, united as one fleet with the hope for a better future. We have come full circle from the hopes of our ancestors who scribed the book of the word. We go forward into the stars with the mandate to increase and multiply.

At the sealing celebration, Apollo shared with me his plan for bringing the Copper Squadron over to the Zakar and his proposal he will be making to the Council, that he and his crew be allowed to begin exploring the route ahead of the fleet, paving a safer path for our people. I know what he really desires, to use Rene's ability to shorten the journey, but I suspect that once we reach our destination, Apollo's thirst for uncharted space will drive him beyond Earth. While I recognize it is also what makes us human, the curiosity that must be fulfilled, I am becoming an old man and wish to keep my children close. But I suppose children must grow up and move away in time.

I am tempted to demand the Copper Squadron remain on the Galactica. I have come to cherish the children and the chaotic mess they bring to our corridors. I remind myself that they will only be a ship away, at least for a time, and while I will miss Starbuck's new family, they move forward with my blessing. May they find a home and a happy future, one in which we all may join.