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| {{separate continuity|universe=TOS|cont=Richard Hatch continuation|lcont=:Category:Books}}{{disambiguation|Apollo (TOS)|the canonical depiction of this character}} | | {{requested}} |
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| '''Apollo''' is one of the remaining skilled {{alt|Colonial Warrior}}s surviving the {{alt|Battle of Cimtar}}, and ace {{TOS-RH|Viper}} pilot serving aboard the last known battlestar, ''[[Galactica (TOS-RH)|Galactica]]''.
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| Following the death of his brother, [[Zac (TOS-RH)|Zac]], Apollo becomes the only surviving son of [[Adama (TOS-RH)|Commander Adama]] and [[Ila (TOS-RH)|Ila]], as well as the lead Warrior aboard ''Galactica''. He is the older brother of [[Athena (TOS-RH)|Athena]] and the adoptive father of [[Troy (TOS-RH)|Troy]] (formerly "Boxey"), whom he raises after the death of Troy's mother, [[Serina (TOS-RH)|Serina]].<ref name="ARM122">{{cite book/RH|1|12}}</ref>
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| ==Background==
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| Apollo is a pure-blooded [[Kobollian]], directly descended from the [[Lords of Kobol]] themselves. This heritage grants him access to latent mental abilities including telepathy and clairvoyance, though mastering these talents requires decades of meditation and training.<ref name="ARM532">{{cite book/RH|1|53}}</ref> His father Adama begins training Apollo in these abilities after his thirtieth [[novayahren]] celebration, conducting meditation sessions in a secret [[Sanctuary (TOS-RH)|sanctuary]] aboard ''Galactica'' for more than ten [[yahren]].<ref name="ARM522">{{cite book/RH|1|52}}</ref>
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| During his time at Academy, Apollo is appointed cadet captain and maintains a stern, disciplined demeanor that keeps him distant from most other cadets. His friendship with [[Starbuck (TOS-RH)|Starbuck]]—a popular maverick—surprises many, as does his eventual friendship with [[Boomer (TOS-RH)|Boomer]]. Apollo's tendency to divorce himself from intimacy stems from his understanding of command's burden: the knowledge that commanders must send Warriors to face probable death.<ref name="ARM222">{{cite book/RH|1|22}}</ref>
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| It is Adama who finally helps Apollo see the tragedy of this logic, teaching him that "love and compassion are not liabilities, but strengths upon which to draw. A Warrior has nothing to fight for if he does not allow himself to love, and be loved in return."<ref name="ARM222" />
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| ==The Lull Between==
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| In the 18 yahren following the [[Battle at Galaxy's Edge]], Apollo sees his adopted son Troy grow into a Colonial Warrior who becomes the youngest person ever to graduate from Academy—a record that remains unbroken until [[Dalton (TOS-RH)|Dalton]] surpasses it years later.<ref name="ARM292">{{cite book/RH|1|29}}</ref> Despite his relationship with [[Sheba (TOS-RH)|Sheba]], Apollo does not marry her during this extended period, instead focusing on his own development and obligations as a defender of the human remnants.<ref>{{cite book/RH|1|1}}</ref>
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| During this time, the [[Cylon (TOS-RH)|Cylons]] have not been encountered for six yahren, leading some in [[The Fleet (TOS-RH)|the Fleet]] to believe the threat has passed.<ref name="ARM982">{{cite book/RH|1|98}}</ref>
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| ==Reconnaissance to Binary 13==
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| Apollo conducts a reconnaissance mission to [[Binary 13]] with Captain Starbuck just prior to Adama's natural death. Flying a newly issued [[Scarlet-class Viper]], Apollo scouts the system's only habitable planet, [[Ochoa]], which possesses rich resources including nearly pure [[tylium]]. During the mission, Apollo senses danger through his developing mental abilities, warning Starbuck that whoever is on the planet knows them. His intuition proves correct when they are attacked by Cylon forces.<ref name="ARM13">{{cite book/RH|1|1}}</ref>
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| The mission becomes catastrophic when Ochoa begins to tear itself apart due to gravitational forces from the dual stars. Apollo and Starbuck barely escape as the planet convulses with increasingly severe seismic activity.<ref name="ARM1812">{{cite book/RH|1|181}}</ref> During their time on Ochoa's surface, they discover that [[Baltar (TOS-RH)|Baltar]]'s [[base star]] is nearby and that Baltar possesses a holo-cube star map potentially containing the location of [[Earth (TOS)|Earth]].<ref name="ARM1782">{{cite book/RH|1|178}}</ref>
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| Starbuck is subsequently lost during this mission, believed killed in action. Apollo is devastated by the loss of his closest friend.<ref name="ARM292" />
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| ==Adama's Death and Revelation==
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| Following Starbuck's presumed death, Adama suffers a cardiac seizure. In his final moments of clarity, Adama asks to be moved to his quarters and speaks to his family one last time. He tells his grandson Troy—whom only Adama can still call "Boxey"—that he may yet command the Fleet one day.<ref name="ARM122" />
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| After Adama falls into a profound coma and dies, Apollo discovers the sanctuary hidden in Adama's quarters. There, he activates a holo-recording of his father that reveals the truth about their Kobollian heritage, the [[House of Kobol]], and the mental abilities Apollo has been developing through years of meditation.<ref name="ARM522" />
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| Adama's recording explains that the [[Lords of Kobol]] were originally priests from the planet [[Parnassus]] who developed superior mental abilities through concentration, meditation, and inner vision. They eventually left Kobol, becoming the lost [[Thirteenth Tribe]]. The sanctuary aboard ''Galactica'' was built five hundred yahren earlier as a place of power and focus for commanders of Kobollian blood.<ref name="ARM562">{{cite book/RH|1|56}}</ref>
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| Apollo learns that he must become commander because Adama believes the ship cannot survive without a leader of pure Kobollian blood. The recording also reveals that Athena, as Adama's daughter and a pure-blooded Kobollian, has equal right to this knowledge—though Kobollian tradition dictates such secrets pass only to the eldest child.<ref name="ARM2342">{{cite book/RH|1|234}}</ref>
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| ==Ascension to Command==
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| After Adama's passing, Apollo's future becomes uncertain. [[President]] [[Tigh (TOS-RH)|Tigh]] uses his presidential powers to appoint Apollo as interim commander of ''Galactica'', responsible for all military operations within the Fleet until the [[Quorum of Twelve (TOS-RH)|Quorum]] votes otherwise.<ref name="ARM242">{{cite book/RH|1|24}}</ref>
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| However, Apollo faces significant political opposition. Ambassador [[Puck (TOS-RH)|Puck]] attempts to undermine his appointment, questioning whether Apollo possesses Adama's natural leadership and wisdom. Puck suggests that while Apollo has charisma, he will never be the leader his father was. The [[Gemon Matriarchs]] also advocate for Athena's ascension as future commander.<ref name="ARM402">{{cite book/RH|1|40}}</ref>
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| Apollo himself is conflicted about command. He has watched his father his entire life and knows the toll it takes. Yet he understands why Adama wanted him to lead, and resolves to fulfill his father's wishes—not merely for Adama, but for the Fleet itself.<ref name="ARM572">{{cite book/RH|1|57}}</ref>
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| Recognizing that Athena has equal right to the Kobollian knowledge their father possessed, Apollo brings her to the sanctuary and shares everything Adama revealed, including the existence of the Lords of Kobol and the threat posed by [[Count Iblis]]. Athena is moved to tears upon learning that their brother Zac still exists somewhere in a higher plane of existence.<ref name="ARM2342" />
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| ==Mission to Rescue Starbuck==
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| When Apollo later returns to Binary 13 from a different vector, he encounters an unknown alien vessel whose pilot reaches out to him telepathically in great distress. Despite being on a vital mission, Apollo cannot ignore the direct plea for assistance. The encounter leads him to [[Valor of the Sky]], a member of the [[Sky]] race.<ref name="ARM922">{{cite book/RH|1|92}}</ref>
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| Through his connection with Valor and intelligence gathered on Ochoa, Apollo learns that Starbuck is alive—held prisoner by the Cylons. Against Starbuck's protests, Apollo convinces his friend to accompany him on an infiltration mission to Baltar's base star to steal the holo-cube star map.<ref name="ARM1782" />
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| The mission succeeds, and Apollo returns to the Fleet with both Starbuck and the precious holo-cube. In the launch bay, Apollo is reunited with Sheba. In an uncharacteristic public display of affection, he kisses her passionately and tells her it's time they got married—a sentiment echoed by Troy.<ref name="ARM2362">{{cite book/RH|1|236}}</ref>
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| ==Final Command Decision==
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| After the successful defense against the Cylons and the resolution of various crises, the Quorum convenes to make its final decision on permanent Fleet command. By this time, Ambassador Puck has died and the Council numbers only eleven members. Apollo stands anxiously with Sheba, Troy, and Dalton as they await the announcement.<ref name="ARM2742">{{cite book/RH|1|274}}</ref>
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| Despite his own candidacy, Apollo supports Athena's bid for the position, recognizing that after her performance during his absence and during the Cylon attack, she has more than enough support. He eagerly anticipates the end of the uncertainty that has plagued them all since Adama's death.<ref name="ARM2742" />
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| President Tigh announces that Athena has been selected as the new Fleet commander. The announcement ends the long period of turmoil, allowing the Fleet to move forward united under new leadership.<ref name="ARM2752">{{cite book/RH|1|275}}</ref>
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| ==Later Service==
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| === Command Structure ===
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| Following Athena's ascension to Fleet command, Apollo continues to serve as her second-in-command with the rank of colonel. He shares command of ''Galactica'' equally with his sister, and their relationship grows even closer as they work together in the sanctuary, learning from ancient Kobollian records and their father's teachings.<ref name="WAR342">{{cite book/RH|2|34}}</ref>
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| Apollo eventually takes the Seal with Sheba, looking forward to sharing his life with her and possibly conceiving a child together—though they never fully discuss this possibility.<ref name="WAR352">{{cite book/RH|2|35}}</ref>
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| When the Fleet encounters [[Cain (TOS-RH)|Commander Cain]] and the discovery of [[Poseidon (TOS-RH)|Poseidon]] creates division about whether to continue the search for Earth or settle, Apollo must navigate complex political and personal challenges. The situation strains his relationship with Sheba, as Cain's return and his controversial methods create tension between them.<ref name="WAR2702">{{cite book/RH|2|270}}</ref>
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| === Battle Against the Chitain ===
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| Apollo leads the Fleet's defense against the [[Chitain]], a warlike alien race as fearsome as the Cylons. The [[Sky]] race, led by Apollo's friend [[Valor of the Sky]], arrives to aid the colonials in this desperate battle.<ref name="RES1">{{cite book/RH|3|1}}</ref> The Chitain dreadnought proves nearly indestructible, surrounded by an impenetrable forcefield, forcing Apollo and his pilots to stay close to its underbelly to attack.<ref name="RES1" />
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| During the battle, Apollo prays to the spirit of his father and the Lords of Kobol as he faces overwhelming odds. He fires blind after a laser flash temporarily blinds him, trusting his senses and training to destroy an enemy fighter.<ref name="RES1" /> The battle becomes increasingly desperate when the battlestar ''[[New Bellephon]]'' explodes during the engagement.<ref name="WAR254">{{cite book/RH|2|254}}</ref>
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| Apollo formulates a plan to concentrate attacks on the massive Chitain dreadnought, ordering Blue and Red Squadrons to keep Chitain warships occupied while he leads a direct assault.<ref name="WAR255">{{cite book/RH|2|255}}</ref>
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| === The Paradis Crisis ===
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| When the Fleet settles on [[Paradis (TOS-RH)|Paradis]], Apollo faces one of his most difficult command decisions. The planet's biosphere begins to fail, and internal forces start destroying the planet itself.<ref name="DES13">{{cite book/RH|6|13}}</ref> Apollo must decide between protecting the native [[Gamon]] population and ensuring colonial survival—a choice he describes as having to decide between "those who will live and those who will die."<ref name="PAR201">{{cite book/RH|5|201}}</ref>
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| During this crisis, Apollo experiences profound isolation. He receives no voices from other states of being, no whisperings from the Lords of Kobol—he is alone in his head as commander.<ref name="DES13" /> He admits that at times like this, he wishes his father still lived, not to tell him what to do, but to approve his victories and help him past his failures.<ref name="DES13" />
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| The situation worsens when the [[Cylons (TOS-RH)|Cylons]] use a new weapon—a ray directed through spacetime—to destroy Paradis completely. [[Imperious Leader (TOS-RH)|Imperious Leader]] reveals this to [[Baltar (TOS-RH)|Baltar]], who must then inform Apollo that the Cylons have found them and possess devastating new capabilities.<ref name="DES91">{{cite book/RH|6|91}}</ref>
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| === The Lottery Crisis ===
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| Following Paradis's destruction, Apollo faces an impossible decision: with insufficient resources to evacuate everyone, 800 colonials must be left behind.<ref name="DES81">{{cite book/RH|6|81}}</ref> Apollo insists on a fair lottery to determine who goes and who stays, but faces fierce opposition from [[Sire Uri]] and the corrupt Council of Twelve, who attempt to exempt themselves and the military from the lottery.<ref name="DES81" />
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| Apollo refuses to accept this corruption, understanding the social dynamics better than the council realizes. While people may chafe under emergency measures, they have grudging respect for warriors' guts and heroism. Apollo has studied how his father resisted turning the masses against political opponents, employing draconian measures only in genuine emergencies.<ref name="DES38">{{cite book/RH|6|38}}</ref> He has repeatedly resisted the role of dictator, and he does so again during this crisis.<ref name="DES38" />
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| When the council attempts a coup, Apollo enters the council chamber to find every council member tied up and gagged. He takes the opportunity to explain their crimes to the assembled civilians and those watching via TransVids.<ref name="DES206">{{cite book/RH|6|206}}</ref> The crowd's fury against the council validates Apollo's faith in the people's ability to govern themselves, though he leaves the decision of the council's fate to the civilians.<ref name="DES206" />
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| The newly elected officials create a fair lottery that includes all council members. Notably, [[Cassiopeia (TOS-RH)|Cassie]] is included in the lottery despite her importance to Apollo, demonstrating that he did not fix the list.<ref name="DES121">{{cite book/RH|6|121}}</ref> Apollo and major warriors like Starbuck and Boomer are specifically excluded from the lottery due to their essential skills, while younger warriors like Troy and Dalton are included.<ref name="DES121" />
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| === Mission to the Space Ark ===
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| When the mysterious space ark arrives, Apollo sees it as a potential salvation. After [[Baltar (TOS-RH)|Baltar]]'s sacrifice during the [[Cylon Civil War]], Apollo leads teams to explore the ark and salvage technology from damaged Cylon vessels.<ref name="PAR23">{{cite book/RH|7|23}}</ref> He recognizes that without Baltar's sacrifice, the Fleet would not have stood a chance against the Cylons' advanced technology developed during their civil war.<ref name="PAR23" />
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| Apollo personally leads an assault on a partially damaged [[Basestar (TOS-RH)|basestar]], organizing teams and distributing captured Cylon weapons including zap lasers, disrupters, and sonic guns.<ref name="PAR57">{{cite book/RH|7|57}}</ref> He demonstrates his leadership by testing each warrior's comfort with different weapons, ensuring everyone carries equipment they can use effectively.<ref name="PAR57" /> During the final assault, Apollo uses both a blaster and zap lasers simultaneously, displaying his combat prowess.<ref name="PAR60">{{cite book/RH|7|60}}</ref>
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| ==Relationships==
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| ===Family===
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| Apollo deeply loves his family and is devastated by the losses he suffers. His father Adama is his greatest inspiration, and even after death, Apollo remains in awe of him.<ref name="ARM512">{{cite book/RH|1|51}}</ref> He shares a close bond with his sister Athena, and their relationship strengthens further after their father's death when Apollo shares the sanctuary's secrets with her.<ref name="WAR342" />
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| Apollo's relationship with his adopted son Troy is profound. Though they are not related by blood, father and son have never looked more alike in spirit. Apollo shaped the man Troy became, and Troy idolizes his father while also struggling to define his own identity apart from being "the pampered prince."<ref name="ARM2362" /><ref name="WAR1662">{{cite book/RH|2|166}}</ref>
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| ===Sheba===
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| Apollo's relationship with Sheba develops over many yahren, though he resists marriage for a long time. Eventually, he takes the Seal with her following his return from the mission to rescue Starbuck.<ref name="WAR352" /> Their relationship is tested by the return of her father, Commander Cain, and the political tensions surrounding settlement versus continuing the search for Earth.<ref name="WAR2702" />
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| ===Starbuck===
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| Starbuck is Apollo's closest friend and counterbalance. Their friendship mystifies others at Academy, as Starbuck is a popular maverick while Apollo is a stern, disciplined cadet captain. Apollo credits Starbuck with helping him form other friendships, particularly with Boomer.<ref name="ARM222" />
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| When Starbuck is lost at Binary 13, Apollo is heartbroken. His determination to rescue his friend—even risking everything to infiltrate a Cylon base star—demonstrates the depth of their bond. Apollo later admits he functions best when the stakes are highest, but having Starbuck with him provides a sense of brotherhood that is exhilarating.<ref name="ARM1832">{{cite book/RH|1|183}}</ref>
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| Their relationship is occasionally strained by Starbuck's romantic complications, particularly his involvement with both [[Cassiopeia (TOS-RH)|Cassiopeia]] and Athena. Apollo confronts Starbuck angrily about his treatment of women, unable to tolerate seeing his sister hurt.<ref name="REB1192">{{cite book/RH|4|119}}</ref>
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| === Baltar ===
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| Apollo's relationship with Baltar evolves significantly over time. On Paradis, Baltar becomes a philosophical advisor to Apollo, offering insights on leadership and the burden of command. Baltar tells Apollo that "nobody wins unless everybody wins," marking his transformation from traitor to truth-teller.<ref name="PAR201" /> When Baltar suffers increasingly severe headaches and eventually collapses, Apollo calls for help, believing that Baltar's story is not yet over.<ref name="PAR201" />
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| Later, Baltar provides critical intelligence about the Cylons' intentions, warning Apollo that the Cylons may have purposes for humanity beyond simple extermination.<ref name="DES142">{{cite book/RH|6|142}}</ref> Apollo learns to appreciate Baltar's unique insights, even as he remains wary of the former traitor's manipulative skills.<ref name="DES142" />
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| ==Skills and Abilities==
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| ===Piloting===
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| Apollo is acknowledged as one of the best pilots in the Fleet. His skill and confidence in the cockpit are unmatched, though some—including Starbuck himself—consider Starbuck the superior pilot in one-on-one individual battle.<ref name="ARM13" /> Apollo treats his Viper as an extension of himself, settling into an easy rhythm with each fighter. He needs to be at the navi-hilt of a Viper as much as he needs to be on the bridge of ''Galactica'', unable to be wholly satisfied or fulfilled if devoted to only one or the other.<ref name="RES2212">{{cite book/RH|3|221}}</ref>
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| His piloting skills earn him respect from even the youngest cadets, with [[Dalton (TOS-RH)|Dalton]] noting that Apollo remains "one of the best pilots in the fleet, along with Starbuck, Sheba and Boomer."<ref name="RES622">{{cite book/RH|3|62}}</ref>
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| ===Mental Abilities===
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| As a pure-blooded Kobollian, Apollo possesses latent telepathic and clairvoyant abilities that he has been developing through meditation for over ten yahren. These abilities manifest in various ways:
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| * '''Telepathy''': Apollo can communicate mind-to-mind across distances and sense the presence and emotions of others. He uses this ability to communicate silently with Athena in the sanctuary.<ref name="WAR342" /> He establishes telepathic contact with [[Valor of the Sky]] across vast distances of space.<ref name="ARM922" />
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| * '''Clairvoyance''': Apollo experiences visions and portentous feelings that guide his decisions. He senses danger and familiarity at Ochoa before any evidence appears, and receives messages from the Sky warrior Valor while in combat.<ref name="ARM13" /><ref name="WAR227">{{cite book/RH|2|227}}</ref>
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| * '''Enhanced Perception''': Apollo's mental training allows him to expand his consciousness and perceive threats that his instruments cannot detect. He describes it as exercising the mind to expand its power and acuity—purely scientific rather than mystical.<ref name="ARM62">{{cite book/RH|1|6}}</ref>
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| While these abilities are still developing, Apollo suspects that Starbuck—whose parents were both Caprican—might also have Kobollian blood and potentially similar abilities.<ref name="ARM1832" />
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| ===Leadership===
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| Apollo's natural leadership abilities are evident from his time as cadet captain at Academy. However, he long resisted the burden of command, knowing it means sending Warriors to face probable death. His father's wisdom eventually helps him understand that avoiding intimacy creates its own tragedies, and that love and compassion are strengths, not liabilities.<ref name="ARM222" />
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| As commander, Apollo earns respect through leading by example. He personally flies dangerous missions, confronts hostile situations directly, and makes difficult decisions under pressure. His mind functions best when stakes are highest, maintaining calm in the face of adversity.<ref name="ARM62" />
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| Apollo also serves as a mentor and father figure to younger Warriors, though some of the newest generation find him overly serious. When cadets disrespect the older pilot [[Bojay (TOS-RH)|Bojay]], Apollo delivers a stern lecture about respect and honor, noting that the best pilots have given their lives so the cadets might be there.<ref name="RES622" />
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| == Notes ==
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| * Apollo's transformation from reluctant leader to decisive commander mirrors his father's journey, though he charts his own path by sharing power with Athena rather than maintaining sole authority.
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| * His Kobollian abilities place him among the most spiritually significant figures in the Fleet, making him a target for both Count Iblis and the Cylons' mysterious long-term plans.
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| ==References==
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| <references />
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| {{Characters (TOS-RH)}}
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| [[Category:A to Z]]
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| [[Category:Books (Richard Hatch)]]
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| [[Category:Characters]]
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| [[Category:Characters (TOS)]]
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| [[Category:Characters (TOS-RH)]]
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| [[Category:Colonial Warriors]]
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| [[Category:Colonial Warriors (TOS-RH)]]
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| [[Category:Kobollians]]
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| [[Category:Kobollians (TOS-RH)]]
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| [[Category:Pilots]]
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| [[Category:Pilots (TOS-RH)]]
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| [[Category:TOS]]
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