Starbuck goes on wishing that Apollo were less of a talker and more of a doer.

Zarek asks what proof there is that Adama and the Prez will do what Apollo says. Apollo says that he'll leave the ship in the prisoner's control if they release their hostages: "They try and come after you, you can still have your last stand." Zarek finally agrees, and orders his men to lower their guns. With Zarek out of the way, Apollo shoots the cell lock and moves inside, taking away Mason's gun before checking on Cally. It's the details like that that make me happy. As Zarek moves inside and leans over Mason's body, Starbuck finally takes aim. Apollo notices the laser sighting on Zarek's head, and pulls Zarek down just as Starbuck fires. The prisoners engage in hubbub as the Marines move in, and Apollo shouts, "Cease fire!" Starbuck's pissed at being deprived of a kill. Zarek looks satisfyingly shocked as he tells Apollo, "Thanks." Apollo calls for a medic for Cally. Zarek cries a little for his dead rapist shithead pal. Or something. You figure it out.

Later, the Prez and Adama are none too pleased by the way Apollo has given the Astral Queen to the prisoners. Apollo says that the prisoners were disarmed, and that there are no weapons aboard ship. Adama -- who totally can't believe that his son is this dumb -- snaps, "The ship itself is a weapon!" Apollo says that the prisoners are dependent on the fleet for food and fuel, and the men have agreed to help get the water that started all this. The Prez is stuck on the idea of holding elections within a year. Apollo notes that former President Adar's term is over in seven months, and according to the law, there should be elections then. Adama growls that Apollo sounds like a lawyer. Apollo clenches his jaw and says that he has sworn to defend the law, and that the law says there should be an election. He adds, "If you're telling me [that] we're throwing out the law, than I am not a captain, you're not a commander, and you are not the president. And I don't owe either of you a damned explanation for anything." And once again, I love their different reactions to this. The Prez looks rueful, but like she agrees, as she says, "He's your son." And Adama just looks infuriated as he rasps, "He's your advisor." He glares at Apollo for a second and says, "I guess you finally picked your side," before leaving. Which...yeah, I don't know. The side of the law? Stupid laws!