Humanoid Cylon speculation

See also: Characters eliminated from suspicion

The Cylons' transformation into humanoid form introduces serious problems for the remnant of humanity known as the Fleet to identify Cylon operative from human.

This article details plausible speculation on central and supporting characters in Battlestar Galactica who, based on their behavior, motive, and background, could be a Cylon agent. As of the second half of Season Three, seven Humanoid Cylons have been revealed both to the population of the Fleet and to the audience. Five Cylons remain unaccounted for.

Needed Qualifiers for Speculation

For a character to be logically considered a possible Humanoid Cylon, there are a few established parameters to meet:

• The suspect must not have any adult children or siblings. For purposes of this article, a pregnancy can be generally established as a disqualifier. With one exception, Humanoid Cylons have extreme difficulty with human sexual reproduction to the point of effective infertility. If a character has adult, biological children, it automatically excludes them as being a Humanoid Cylon as the procreation of the child and the age of the child both violate the 2nd qualifier. Although Humanoid Cylons have, eventually, proven to be capable of reproduction with humans, the birth of the hybrid child Hera was considered such a seminal event by the Cylons that it seems safe to conclude that no Cylon ever had a child before that point.
• The suspect must not have a verifiable family history (other than marriage). A parent would have known their child from birth (unless otherwise specified), and Cylons are not copies of preexisting humans. This is an expansion of the "confirmed character history" point below.
• The suspect cannot be confirmed to have witnessed or participated in the Cylon War. This is another expansion of the "confirmed character history" point; it is assumed the Cylons had no models advanced enough to plausibly pass as humans (i.e. androids and gynoids), so if someone is confirmed to have lived during or participated in the war 40 years ago, that person is not a Cylon, e.g. William Adama and Saul Tigh. Note that apparent age is not a disqualifer; the Humanoid Cylon model known as Cavil appears as old as William Adama and Saul Tigh.
• The suspect must not have been exposed to the lymphocytic encephalitis virus. The virus is lethal to Cylons (although Athena received special immunity due to her pregnancy). Therefore, any member of the boarding party in "A Measure of Salvation" (excluding Athena) cannot be a Cylon. This qualifier is absolute since, while Dr. Cottle was preparing a vaccine, it was never given to the incarcerated Cylons in that episode. Else, the Battle of NCD2539 would have been pointless; the Cylons had to remain infected for the mission objective. No aired information supports a notion that a "supply of vaccine" or Athena's own immunity (when she downloaded to a baseship in "Rapture") was obtained or transferred to the Cylons.
• The suspect does not have a reliable history involving direct association (i.e. working or personal relationship) with a confirmed human character for more than 2 years prior to the destruction of the Colonies (see "The Two-Year Rule").

The "Two-Year Rule"

Based on information from the Miniseries and the episode "Downloaded", the Cylon agents began their infiltration and integration into Colonial society approximately 2 years before the Fall of the Twelve Colonies. If a character has a direct association with a character that cannot be a Cylon agent, that association may exclude them from suspicion if their association is older than two years. As noted in the Miniseries, the relationship between Number Six and Gaius Baltar existed for 2 years prior to the Cylon attack. The episode "Downloaded" also confirms that, despite her implanted memories, Boomer entered service 2 years prior to the Cylon attack.

Humanoid Cylons were never genuine humans

According to Ron D. Moore, the twelve humanoid models are based on human behavior and personality archetypes distilled into twelve varieties. Cylon agents are NOT copies or clones of any pre-existing humans, living or dead.

Death

As only a humanoid Cylon can "return" from the dead, any human character that dies is instantly disqualified from suspicion. If the character returns in a manner other than being seen in a "flashback" scene or episode, then it is probable that the character is a Cylon. See the article, "Characters eliminated from suspicion", for more information.

Suspected Cylon infiltrators

Moderate probability of being a Cylon

Gaius Baltar

See also: Baltar as Cylon speculation

• Known siblings or adult children: None
• Known family members: None
• Confirmed to have lived during the Cylon War: No
• Three-year or longer association with disqualifying character: Unknown (described as a close personal friend of President Adar)
• Chances of being a Cylon: Moderate

Gaius Baltar's odds of being a Cylon are not good, but not impossible either. The miniseries establishes him as a prominent public figure for years. Cylons talking amongst themselves in "Downloaded" continually referred to Baltar as a human. In "Torn" Caprica-Six mentions that she was (and possibly still is) considering to have a child with Baltar, which would appear impossible if he was a Cylon. However, when learning of the Cylon's "projection" abilities in "Torn" and how they may be related to his vision of Number Six, Baltar himself begins to question whether or not he is a Cylon.

Recent information from cast members that portray Cylons confirmed a season 3 storyline that indicates that the revealed agents do not know the identity of the five remaining Cylon agents. This storyline is introduced in the episode, "Torn."

Under extreme psychological duress Baltar confesses to President Roslin and Admiral Adama that he is not a Cylon, however the veracity of his confession is questionable (Taking a Break From All Your Worries).

Anastasia "Dee" Dualla

• Known siblings or adult children: No
• Known family members: No
• Confirmed to have lived during the Cylon War: No
• Three-year or longer association with disqualifying character: Unknown
• Chances of being a Cylon: Moderate

Dualla seems to have a fairly well developed backstory regarding her past; she is a Sagittaron (Bastille Day), her father disapproved of her joining the military (Final Cut), but upon closer inspection none of this can be confirmed by a third party: the only source of information about Dualla's past in the series has been Dualla herself. Dualla's position in charge of Galactica's communications puts her in an ideal position for subversion. In "Valley of Darkness", Dualla is found in the enlisted head, having suffered a blow to the head from Cylon Centurions that passed through, the only survivor in the compartment. Cylon agents have often demonstrated the ability to physically damage themselves for a cause, including self-destruction. Dualla could have feigned injury to avoid suspicion. Dualla's relationships with members of both government and military command (Billy Keikeya and Lee Adama) increase her involvement with secrets in the Fleet. Dualla's contraction of Mellorak infection in "The Woman King" would seem to decrease the possibility of her being a Cylon, as the hybrid Hera's blood seemed to have disease (cancer) resistance. However, Hera has herself been sick before and during the episode, and Cylons are also subject to infectious diseases (Torn).

Felix Gaeta

• Known siblings or adult children: No
• Known family members: No
• Confirmed to have lived during the Cylon War: No
• Association with known disqualifying character: Yes (William Adama)
• Chances of being a Cylon: Moderate

As tactical officer, Felix Gaeta, being technically minded, is initially fond of Dr. Baltar's work. He admitted to ignoring the Cylon device found below the DRADIS console in the Miniseries, believing it to be part of the new museum. Gaeta neglects an update to emergency jump coordinates to the Fleet (Scattered), and proposes creating a computer network to fix the matter, leaving the ship vulnerable (and compromised twice).

Gaeta's recent behavioral changes from the stress of working at evading the Cylons shows by "Final Cut" as Gaeta is shown in his interview drunk, smoking, and wearing a new tattoo. By the following episode, "Flight of the Phoenix", Gaeta angrily snaps at Colonel Tigh for giving a difficult order, causing surprise throughout CIC as Gaeta is normally a calm, reserved officer even under the worst of conditions. Contrast this behavior with "Boomer" Valerii, who still appeared quite alert after 5 continuous days of combat status. Note the following dialogue from the first regular series episode, "33":

Apollo: Hey, how about you, Boomer? Doc tells me you're holding up better than anybody in the squadron.

Boomer: I'm tired, like everybody else.

Apollo: You never seem it.

Starbuck: 'Cause she's a Cylon.

Boomer: You're just gonna make me come over there and kick your ass, aren't you?

While even Cylon agents develop severe behavioral and physiological issues after extended work and abuse (Pegasus), Cylon agents appear to be more resilient than humans, which may limit the likelihood of Gaeta's possible Cylon connection. On the other hand, if he were a Cylon, Gaeta's human personality may have finally been overtaxed by that time, suggesting that an actual human might have snapped earlier in their exodus in contrast. Boomer, however, was unaware of her Cylon nature and thus would not have hidden her enhanced physique. An aware infiltrator would presumably feign more ordinary levels of endurance.

The seven known Humanoid Cylons appear to have integrated human agents into the Colonies no earlier than 2 years before the events of the Miniseries. No information is available on dates of infiltration by the Final Five, whose activities are unknown to the seven. Gaeta has served with Commander Adama for three years (Miniseries). Saul Tigh confirms that he has worked with Gaeta for 4 years (Collaborators).

Gaeta chose to stay with Baltar's puppet administrator on New Caprica to feed inside information to the resistance, which Galen Tyrol confirms ("Occupation", "Precipice", "Collaborators"). Since humanoid Cylons are not clones of actual humans, the likelihood of Gaeta as a Cylon agent would depend on the start of Final Five's infiltration into Colonial society.

Diana Seelix

• Known siblings or adult children: None
• Known family members: None
• Confirmed to have lived during the Cylon War: No
• Three-year or longer association with disqualifying character: Unknown
• Chances of being a Cylon: Moderate

Diana Seelix's odds of being a Cylon were, in retrospect, always somewhat moderate. The only circumstantial disqualifier would be that there were probably many opportunities for her to aid the Cylon cause that she didn't take, particularly when she fought in the resistance under Galen Tyrol. However, the fact that she took up arms is interesting considering that she stated on Kobol that she hadn't used a gun "since basic" (Fragged). Finally, in "A Day in the Life", Seelix was in a position where she conceivably could have caused the inner airlock doors to close with Galen and Cally Tyrol inside. Cinematically, extra attention was given to her relatively indecipherable operation of the controls in the airlocks's observation room.

Low probability of being a Cylon

Samuel Anders

• Known siblings or adult children: No
• Known family members: No
• Confirmed to have lived during the Cylon War: No
• Three-year or longer association with disqualifying character: Unknown (Was Pyramid Ball player but not known for how long)
• Chances of being a Cylon: Low

Anders was a well known public figure as a sports star, although the length of his time in pyramid sport is not known. In "Downloaded", a copy of Number Three and Caprica-Six refer to Anders as human, however if he were one of the five remaining humanoid Cylons they would not be aware of it (see Final five).

Tory Foster

• Known siblings or adult children: No
• Known family members: No
• Confirmed to have lived during the Cylon War: No
• Three-year or longer association with disqualifing character: Unknown (Was Precinct Captain but not known for how long)
• Chances of being a Cylon: Low

Tory Foster was said to be precinct captain for the Federalist Party in Delphi for five years prior to the Cylon attack (The Captain's Hand). However at this point is unknown if this has been corroberrated by any disqualifying character.

Tory was a strong voice and hand in the attempt to rig the Presidential election in Roslin's favor. The ruse is uncovered and suppressed by Admiral Adama and Lieutenant Gaeta (Lay Down Your Burdens, Part II). While Gaius Baltar winning the election was a boon to the Cylon fortunes, rigging the election for Laura Roslin would have hedged Cylon bets since evidence of vote rigging could have provoked rebellion in the fleet even if Roslin won outright.

During the occupation of New Caprica, Foster aides Roslin in some insurgent activities, but we do not see enough of her activities to know for sure if she is soley aiding the human cause. She is tasked, and fails, with ensuring the safe transport of Maya and Hera/Isis off the planet. Maya is killed trying to escape New Caprica with the child. Hera survives but is found by the Cylons (Occupation, Exodus, Part I & II). Since this fortuitous event was possibly the only benefit that the Cylons permanently gained from their occupation of New Caprica, we should question if Foster truly tried her best, or if she tipped off the Cylons. However, it is unlikely that a targeted Cylon ambush of Maya and her accompanying guards would shoot her while she is carrying Hera.

Romo Lampkin

• Known siblings or adult children: No
• Known family members: Parents described as "missing"
• Confirmed to have lived during the Cylon War: No
• Association with known disqualifying character: Allegedly (Joseph Adama)
• Chances of being a Cylon: Low

Defense attorney Romo Lampkin claims to have been a student of Joseph Adama's, but this claim cannot be independently verified. His desire to be the attorney for Gaius Baltar is unexplained.

Cally Tyrol

• Known siblings or adult children: No
• Known family members: Yes (Nicholas Tyrol)
• Confirmed to have lived during the Cylon War: No
• Three-year or longer association with disqualifying character: Unknown
• Chances of being a Cylon: Low to None

Cally Henderson shoots "Boomer" Valerii in a "Jack Ruby-style" assassination, preventing the Fleet from interrogating her further. While this might benefit the Cylon agenda, Henderson had a perfectly understandable reason for doing it, which she has openly stated: she hates Boomer for her association with Chief Tyrol and for her betrayal in shooting Adama.

Henderson is married to Galen Tyrol and has a son, Nicholas as of season 3. Given the magnitude of problems in creating Cylon or Cylon/human offspring, Cally Tyrol's pregnancy is a substantially powerful disqualifier as an agent. At the very least, it is impossible for them both to be Cylons.

Galen Tyrol

• Known siblings or adult children: No
• Known family members: No
• Confirmed to have lived during the Cylon War: No
• Three-year or longer association with disqualifying character: Yes (William Adama)
• Chances of being a Cylon: Low to None

Chief Galen Tyrol was in an illicit relationship with "Boomer" Valerii, and later has recurring nightmares based on his fear of being a Cylon sleeper agent. Having served under Commander Adama for 5 years, Adama noted that, if Tyrol was a Cylon, he has had plenty of resources and opportunity to destroy the battlestar.

Galen and Cally Tyrol's child, Nicholas Tyrol, all but removes suspicion for this character, given the difficulties in Cylon- or Cylon/human conception. At the very least, it is impossible for them both to be Cylons.

After being ejected into open space, Tyrol survived the decompression far better than Cally did. Mere hours after the incident, he is up and walking without assistance while Cally is confined to a hyperbaric chamber and is seen walking with the aid of a cane after being released from sickbay (A Day in the Life, Dirty Hands)

Tyrol came under a mysterious compulsion to enter the hills and find the Temple of Five. When ordered to destroy it to stop the Cylons from getting to it, he was unwilling to carry out the order, and the Cylons disabled the explosives.

Re-imagined Series definition: initial skills training; can refer to basic military indoctrination, and arms and ground training (TRS: "Fragged"); and basic flight training (TRS: "Miniseries")