Editing Anslem

{{Disline|For other persons sharing this name, see: [[Anslem (disambiguation)]].}}{{Character Data
|photo=
|born=c. {{BCH|42}}
|seen=Blood and Chrome
|pseen=''Blood and Chrome''
|parents=[[Jim Kirby]] (father)<br />[[Janey]] (mother)
|colony=[[Picon]]
|actor=Not shown
}}
'''Anslem''' is the infant son of [[Viper (RDM)|Viper]] pilot [[Jim Kirby]] and his wife [[Janey]] circa {{BCH|42}}. Named after [[Anslem (father)|his maternal grandfather]], Anslem was born while his father was serving in the secret "ghost fleet" and officially listed as killed in action. He is being raised by his mother on [[Picon]], unaware that his father is still alive {{TRS|Blood and Chrome}}.

== Script Version Details ==

The pre-production script for ''[[Blood and Chrome]]'' provides detailed information about Anslem and his significance to the story that does not appear in the final production. According to the script, Anslem was named after [[Janey]]'s [[Anslem (father)|father]], following Colonial naming traditions.<ref>''[[Blood and Chrome]]'' [{{fullurl:File:B&C Pre-Production Draft - 11-30-10 - Version 01.FDX.pdf|page=54}} pre-production script dated 30 November 2010], pg. 54</ref> The timing of his birth is particularly significant - he was conceived during [[Jim Kirby]]'s last leave before the battlestar ''[[Valkyrie]]'' was deployed to the ghost fleet, but [[Janey]] was unaware of her pregnancy when she and Kirby last spoke about a month after conception.

When [[Coker Fasjovik]] visits [[Janey]] during a leave on [[Picon]], he observes the infant and later informs [[Jim Kirby]] about his son during their reunion in the ghost fleet. Coker describes the baby as having [[Janey]]'s "nose and hair" but [[Jim Kirby]]'s "eyes," providing Kirby with his first glimpse of what his child looks like.<ref>''[[Blood and Chrome]]'' [{{fullurl:File:B&C Pre-Production Draft - 11-30-10 - Version 01.FDX.pdf|page=54}} pre-production script dated 30 November 2010], pg. 54</ref> This revelation devastates and overwhelms Kirby, who had no idea he had become a father.

Learning about Anslem's existence has a profound psychological impact on [[Jim Kirby]], transforming him from a dedicated military pilot into a conflicted father figure. In honor of his son, Kirby changes his [[Viper]] call sign from "Goldbrick" to "Anslem," painting over his original designation with crude white letters.<ref>''[[Blood and Chrome]]'' [{{fullurl:File:B&C Pre-Production Draft - 11-30-10 - Version 01.FDX.pdf|page=55}} pre-production script dated 30 November 2010], pg. 55</ref> This symbolic act represents his shifting priorities from military duty to paternal responsibility. Ultimately, knowledge of his son's existence influences Kirby's decision to abandon his mission during the [[Battle of Djerba]], choosing potential survival and return to his family over completing the dangerous operation.<ref>''[[Blood and Chrome]]'' [{{fullurl:File:B&C Pre-Production Draft - 11-30-10 - Version 01.FDX.pdf|page=62}} pre-production script dated 30 November 2010], pg. 62</ref>

== Notes ==

* Anslem represents the next generation of [[Colonial]] society growing up during the [[First Cylon War]], born into a world where his father is officially dead [[Ghost Fleet Offensive|due to military secrecy]].

* His existence serves as a catalyst for exploring themes of duty versus family loyalty, and the personal costs of covert military operations.

* The character demonstrates how the ghost fleet's operational security requirements created profound human tragedies, separating families who could never be reunited while the war continued.

== References ==
{{reflist}}

[[Category: A to Z]]
[[Category: Characters]]
[[Category: Characters (BAC)]]
[[Category: Characters (RDM)]]
[[Category: BAC]]
[[Category: RDM]]
[[Category:Mentioned-Only Characters (BAC)]]
[[Category:Mentioned-Only Characters]]