197 - Is there anyone in your life who you feel is exceptionally wise?

[number_eight]

There are a lot of people that I think are smart, but that’s different than “wise”. Wise seems to sound like you need to be some sort of Oracle, and frankly, I don’t put much belief into any of them. I know that Kara does, I know that President Roslin does, but me? I know the truth, and the truth is that there’s really only been one person who I’d call wise.

Sorry, Helo, it’s not you, but I still love you. Hope that’s enough.

No, this human (and believe it or not, it is a human) has faults. This human has done some questionable things, but the good thing about that is that he always questions his own actions. He never automatically assumes that he is right all the time, despite being in a position of leadership. He reaches out and asks for help, or at the very least, he asks for opinions. That, to me, is the mark of a true warrior and leader, which is why Admiral Adama ranks up there at the top for me.



He’s met me twice. The first time, he met Boomer, though, and although I can pull all those memories that were implanted back, it’s not the same. The feelings are there, too, and I know there was a deep affection and admiration that she felt for him when she joined Galactica. The second time he met “me”, though, was on Kobol. I was leading everyone through the forest and the next thing I knew, weapons were drawn and he was trying to kill me. Not a very auspicious start, of course, and when I was taken back to the ship to be interrogated, I didn’t have much hope. Hope that I would live, yes, but hope that he could come to respect me? No.

After Gaius Baltar won the election, though, and I lost my daughter, something amazing happened. Slowly but surely, my jail cell was changed. A couch was added. Decorations and books were given to me as gifts. I even had my own tea set, and Admiral Adama would come by and visit me to talk over some tea. It was friendly, almost. It was most definitely a show of respect for my opinions regarding humans and Cylons.

I don’t think Admiral Adama is wise because he began to trust in me, though. I think he is wise because he began to question his choices again. Wisdom isn’t about intellect. It’s about how we live.

Sir, would you care for some tea again sometime?



Muse: Sharon “Athena” Agathon
Fandom: Misc. TV/“Battlestar Galactica”
Word Count : 425

Comments

[laura-muse.livejournal.com]

The admiral certainly has his moments, Lieutenant. Many more than I can count. I believe his wisdom begins with the fact that he doesn't believe in status quo. He realizes that everything is in constant motion, ever-changing, ever-evolving, and he evolves along with them. It's a quality that, quite frankly, I envy.

As for the oracles, I believe many of them have different perspectives than the rest of us do. I wouldn't call them wise, but like the admiral, many of the oracles I've met have had their own moments.

[number-eight.livejournal.com]

You certainly have a different perspective on Oracles now than when you had me shackled back on Kobol, or at least, on those who believe in them.

What about your dear friend, Elosha?

[laura-muse.livejournal.com]

Elosha was a priest. There are a number of differences between priests and oracles.

Everything is a matter of perspective, Lieutenant. And perspectives has a pesky habit of changing with experience. With perspective comes understanding, or at the very least, a finding of common ground.

[callmestarbuck.livejournal.com]

You stole my answer.

[number-eight.livejournal.com]

I did not! *laughs* Come on, Kara. I completely replaced you as the daughter figure to him when you moved to New Caprica. Who else would I choose?

[callmestarbuck.livejournal.com]

You did! But it was probably everybody's answer. Don't remind me.

[number-eight.livejournal.com]

Except Major Adama's, interestingly enough. Sorry. If it makes you feel better, I think I lost it to Kat before she died.

[admiral-adama.livejournal.com]

Who says I'm not allowed to have more than one daughter figure?

[number-eight.livejournal.com]

How many do you have, then, sir?

[admiral-adama.livejournal.com]

*chuckles* At least three, Lieutenant.

And yes, I'd love some tea and a good talk.

[number-eight.livejournal.com]

*laughs* Is that all?

Come by and I'll have some ready for you, then, sir.

[arrow-of-apollo.livejournal.com]

He's the best counsel I can ever think of having. And I'm glad he had someone to talk to then, because I wasn't cutting it. (And for good reason, I know.)

[number-eight.livejournal.com]

You were on Pegasus. I honestly don't know all the details.

[arrow-of-apollo.livejournal.com]

They're not important. But like I said, I'm thankful that you were there for my father. He needs people around him he can talk to.

[callsign-helo.livejournal.com]

As hard as it was, there were some good things about those days. Being XO of a skeleton crew was tough, but good. And every time the Admiral spoke with you or you got some new thing added to the cell... I knew each one was a step toward your being free again.

[number-eight.livejournal.com]

So...

You're not mad I didn't pick you as my answer?

[callsign-helo.livejournal.com]

*laughs* No. I'm a lot of things, but a wise man? I don't think so.

[number-eight.livejournal.com]

Really? Then you need to go to Kara's journal and read her answer, baby.

[callsign-helo.livejournal.com]

Of course, Starbuck's a little nuts. *smirks*

[number-eight.livejournal.com]

Don't tell Kara that. *grins*

[callsign-helo.livejournal.com]

So noted. *smiles*