Editing Aron

{{Separate continuity|universe=TOS|cont=Richard Hatch Novelizations}}

'''Sire Aron''' is a member of the [[Council of Twelve (TOS-RH)|Council of Twelve]] who orchestrates a treacherous scheme to seize control of the [[The Fleet (TOS-RH)|fleet]] in the {{Alt|TOS|Richard Hatch}} continuity.

==Early Council Service==

Aron serves on the Council of Twelve since the earliest days following the fleet's escape from the destruction of [[Caprica (TOS)|Caprica]]. However, he only becomes truly influential after [[Adama (TOS-RH)|Adama]]'s death. Aron never got along with Adama, though the late commander spoke of him with grudging respect.<ref name="REB45">{{cite book|last=Hatch|first=Richard|coauthors=[[Brad Linaweaver|Linaweaver, Brad]]|authorlink=Richard Hatch|title=[[Rebellion (book)|Rebellion]]|publisher=Tor Books|month=December|year=2006|pages=45}}</ref>

==The Conspiracy==

===Exploitation of Crisis===

When the fleet becomes trapped in the [[Ur (TOS-RH)|Ur cloud]] and faces critical fuel and food shortages, Aron sees an opportunity to seize power. After a transport barge carrying evacuees runs out of fuel and two hundred people die, Aron confronts Commander [[Apollo (TOS-RH)|Apollo]] in the Council chambers. He appears deeply worried and sad as he questions Apollo about missing fuel reserves, giving the impression he reluctantly believes Apollo is responsible for the tragedy.<ref name="REB64">{{cite book|last=Hatch|first=Richard|coauthors=[[Brad Linaweaver|Linaweaver, Brad]]|authorlink=Richard Hatch|title=[[Rebellion (book)|Rebellion]]|publisher=Tor Books|month=December|year=2006|pages=64-66}}</ref>

Aron reveals he has already been negotiating with [[Jinkrat (TOS-RH)|Jinkrat]], the rebel leader, behind Apollo's back—and behind President [[Tigh (TOS-RH)|Tigh]]'s back as well. He announces that the Council is taking control, claiming Apollo has allocated extra fuel reserves for his own use and knew the barge would never reach the ''[[Rising Star (TOS-RH)|Rising Star]]''. Aron successfully sways the other Council members by exploiting their fear and their lack of understanding of military necessities.<ref name="REB64" />

The Council, under Aron's influence, orders Apollo to meet Jinkrat's demands: one [[sectare]]'s worth of food delivered directly to the rebel leader, plus additional fuel and a team of medtechs and medicine. When Apollo protests that they only have three or four sectares of food left, Aron questions whether Apollo is certain, implying the commander is hiding resources.<ref name="REB63">{{cite book|last=Hatch|first=Richard|coauthors=[[Brad Linaweaver|Linaweaver, Brad]]|authorlink=Richard Hatch|title=[[Rebellion (book)|Rebellion]]|publisher=Tor Books|month=December|year=2006|pages=63-64}}</ref>

===Manipulation of Jinkrat===

Aron presents himself to Jinkrat as "the only one of the highborn who seemed to take an interest in his people's plight." He communicates with the rebel leader via jerry-rigged comm, greeting him warmly as "friend" and expressing concern for Jinkrat's people.<ref name="REB68">{{cite book|last=Hatch|first=Richard|coauthors=[[Brad Linaweaver|Linaweaver, Brad]]|authorlink=Richard Hatch|title=[[Rebellion (book)|Rebellion]]|publisher=Tor Books|month=December|year=2006|pages=68}}</ref>

When Jinkrat reveals that his people have planted a bomb aboard ''[[Galactica (TOS-RH)|Galactica]]'', Aron's white eyebrows shoot up in apparent shock. Jinkrat explains he had no choice, noting they have no [[Viper (TOS-RH)|Vipers]] and can only defend hand-to-hand. Aron asks about the bomb's location, but Jinkrat refuses to reveal it, convinced that Apollo would use torture to extract the information. Aron claims to understand, then promises hope by announcing the Council has ordered all Vipers grounded and supplies sent to the ''Rising Star''.<ref name="REB69">{{cite book|last=Hatch|first=Richard|coauthors=[[Brad Linaweaver|Linaweaver, Brad]]|authorlink=Richard Hatch|title=[[Rebellion (book)|Rebellion]]|publisher=Tor Books|month=December|year=2006|pages=69}}</ref>

Aron gives his "word of honor, by the Lords of [[Kobol (TOS-RH)|Kobol]]" that he will watch over Jinkrat's son [[Koren (TOS-RH)|Koren]] when the boy is brought to ''Galactica'' for medical treatment.<ref name="REB70">{{cite book|last=Hatch|first=Richard|coauthors=[[Brad Linaweaver|Linaweaver, Brad]]|authorlink=Richard Hatch|title=[[Rebellion (book)|Rebellion]]|publisher=Tor Books|month=December|year=2006|pages=70}}</ref>

===The Assassination Plot===

When Apollo discovers the missing food and fuel aboard an intercepted transport barge, Aron uses this to further implicate the commander. He suggests to the Council that Apollo's "discovery" is suspiciously convenient—that if Apollo had been hiding the supplies for his own use, it would be easy to simply "discover" them. Aron demands that the questioning of the barge crew be done under Council auspices, heavily implying he does not trust Apollo. He also questions why [[Sheba (TOS-RH)|Sheba]]'s patrol was flying when he had ordered all Vipers grounded.<ref name="REB95">{{cite book|last=Hatch|first=Richard|coauthors=[[Brad Linaweaver|Linaweaver, Brad]]|authorlink=Richard Hatch|title=[[Rebellion (book)|Rebellion]]|publisher=Tor Books|month=December|year=2006|pages=95}}</ref>

In the Council chambers, when Jinkrat arrives to be reunited with Koren, Aron thanks the rebel leader for "fulfilling your promise" and assures him that "all the words we speak in the Council are true." During the tense confrontation between Apollo and Jinkrat, Aron moves far away across the chamber while the two men argue, positioning himself strategically.<ref name="REB174">{{cite book|last=Hatch|first=Richard|coauthors=[[Brad Linaweaver|Linaweaver, Brad]]|authorlink=Richard Hatch|title=[[Rebellion (book)|Rebellion]]|publisher=Tor Books|month=December|year=2006|pages=174-177}}</ref>

Neither Apollo nor Jinkrat notice Aron's careful positioning. When violence erupts and the two men begin fighting, one of Jinkrat's own guards—secretly working for Aron—assassinates the rebel leader with a laser rifle. Council guards rush forward but are too slow to prevent the killing. In the chaos that follows, the assassin is killed by the black-shirted Council guards, and Koren is wounded.<ref name="REB183">{{cite book|last=Hatch|first=Richard|coauthors=[[Brad Linaweaver|Linaweaver, Brad]]|authorlink=Richard Hatch|title=[[Rebellion (book)|Rebellion]]|publisher=Tor Books|month=December|year=2006|pages=183}}</ref>

Aron immediately takes control of the situation, expressing disbelief at what has occurred. He tells Apollo in a grief-stricken voice that he feared something might happen but the guards were unable to stop "this treachery." When Apollo says he was too late to prevent it, Aron orders the guards to escort Apollo to a holding cell. The Council will reconvene in two [[centon]]s to try Apollo—for the murder of Jinkrat. Aron softly tells Apollo, "May the Lords of Kobol have mercy on your soul. For the people will have none."<ref name="REB184">{{cite book|last=Hatch|first=Richard|coauthors=[[Brad Linaweaver|Linaweaver, Brad]]|authorlink=Richard Hatch|title=[[Rebellion (book)|Rebellion]]|publisher=Tor Books|month=December|year=2006|pages=184}}</ref>

When a mob arrives intent on killing Apollo, Aron makes a dramatic entry and announces that Apollo will face a tribunal for his "betrayals of the fleet"—with the charge of murder now added. The mob, convinced to follow the law, allows the Council guards to take Apollo to the brig.<ref name="REB185">{{cite book|last=Hatch|first=Richard|coauthors=[[Brad Linaweaver|Linaweaver, Brad]]|authorlink=Richard Hatch|title=[[Rebellion (book)|Rebellion]]|publisher=Tor Books|month=December|year=2006|pages=185}}</ref>

==Seizing Command==

===Consolidation of Power===

[[Baltar (TOS-RH)|Baltar]] observes Aron's behavior and advises [[Athena (TOS-RH)|Athena]] and Tigh to note how quickly Aron stepped away from Apollo and Jinkrat during their confrontation. He suggests that Aron's actions were exactly what he himself would have done—if he were orchestrating the assassination.<ref name="REB194">{{cite book|last=Hatch|first=Richard|coauthors=[[Brad Linaweaver|Linaweaver, Brad]]|authorlink=Richard Hatch|title=[[Rebellion (book)|Rebellion]]|publisher=Tor Books|month=December|year=2006|pages=194}}</ref>

Soon after, Aron arrives on ''Galactica''{{'|s}} bridge wearing a brand-new, "awful looking" black and red uniform. He is no longer the same man—he seems [[yahren]]s younger and full of energy. This is not the kindly Aron anymore. He steps right up to Athena and Tigh, ignoring Baltar initially, and exclaims, "Good to see you! And it's great to be on the bridge of my battlestar once again."<ref name="REB194" />

When Tigh does not salute, Aron does not respond to the slight—he knows none of the command formalities except putting on a hastily made uniform. He announces, "I'm in command now," and surveys the bridge. When Athena expresses concern about her brother, Aron responds that he imagines she is "quite worried" about Apollo, revealing that he is no longer very kindly.<ref name="REB195">{{cite book|last=Hatch|first=Richard|coauthors=[[Brad Linaweaver|Linaweaver, Brad]]|authorlink=Richard Hatch|title=[[Rebellion (book)|Rebellion]]|publisher=Tor Books|month=December|year=2006|pages=195}}</ref>

When Baltar questions why he was there to escort Apollo, Aron finally acknowledges the traitor, asking if Baltar has finally found "a friend." Aron then loses interest in Baltar and turns back to the controls of ''Galactica''. He orders Tigh to ground all Vipers, aware of Tigh's "tricks and delays." When Tigh begins to protest, Aron snarls, "You heard me."<ref name="REB195" />

===Offering Athena Command===

Aron attempts to win Athena's cooperation by offering her command of both ''Galactica'' and ''[[Daedalus (TOS-RH)|Daedalus]]''. He expresses sympathy that neither he nor the Council blames her for Apollo's actions. Aron tells her he can offer her "much more opportunity than Apollo ever would," noting how he remembers Adama always giving Apollo the lead, while she has proven herself capable.<ref name="REB164">{{cite book|last=Hatch|first=Richard|coauthors=[[Brad Linaweaver|Linaweaver, Brad]]|authorlink=Richard Hatch|title=[[Rebellion (book)|Rebellion]]|publisher=Tor Books|month=December|year=2006|pages=164}}</ref>

Athena responds that she knows she is capable, and so does Apollo. When she looks into Aron's eyes, she has "a premonition of evil that she could hardly believe," seeing something horrible behind his kindly face. However, she forces herself to smile back to avoid causing problems that would prevent Apollo from finding Koren and resolving the rebellion.<ref name="REB163">{{cite book|last=Hatch|first=Richard|coauthors=[[Brad Linaweaver|Linaweaver, Brad]]|authorlink=Richard Hatch|title=[[Rebellion (book)|Rebellion]]|publisher=Tor Books|month=December|year=2006|pages=163-164}}</ref>

Aron tells Athena he is "so sorry" but cannot see any other option, claiming the fleet is in the worst situation it has ever been in and that "Apollo's days as a leader are over." When Athena insists the truth will come out, Aron claims they have learned many facts that all point to Apollo's "complete abdication of leadership."<ref name="REB164" />

==Trial and Sentencing==

During Apollo's trial, Aron presides with absolute authority. He intones, "You stand here under sentence of death." When Apollo declares he does not recognize that sentence, Aron cries out, "I fail to see what you're going to do about it!" indicating the dozens of Council troops with weapons bristling at the prisoners.<ref name="REB236">{{cite book|last=Hatch|first=Richard|coauthors=[[Brad Linaweaver|Linaweaver, Brad]]|authorlink=Richard Hatch|title=[[Rebellion (book)|Rebellion]]|publisher=Tor Books|month=December|year=2006|pages=236}}</ref>

When Apollo challenges Aron by saying he can murder them but asks who will see Aron as a leader after that, comparing him unfavorably to the honest Jinkrat, Aron appears taken aback. Apollo declares that "actions speak louder than words" and that "appearances lie—just like you, Aron!" This causes the Council members to shift and argue among themselves, though Apollo knows it will not matter since all the guards are in Aron's pay, following his orders.<ref name="REB236" />

Apollo realizes that Aron could turn on the Council members at any moment. He recognizes Aron as the man who manipulated and betrayed Jinkrat, threw Sheba in the brig to die, and planned to cut off ''Galactica''{{'|s}} air supply. Apollo wonders what need Aron has of the Council after Apollo and the others are murdered, concluding it is all for show to maintain order among the people for the moments Aron needs to complete his evil plan.<ref name="REB237">{{cite book|last=Hatch|first=Richard|coauthors=[[Brad Linaweaver|Linaweaver, Brad]]|authorlink=Richard Hatch|title=[[Rebellion (book)|Rebellion]]|publisher=Tor Books|month=December|year=2006|pages=237}}</ref>

==True Nature Revealed==

Baltar's final recorded message to Apollo reveals the truth about Aron. Baltar confirms that Aron is "no minion of the [[Cylons (TOS-RH)|Cylons]]"—[[Iblis (TOS-RH)|Iblis]] is aware of him and approves, but Aron is none of Iblis's doing. Baltar describes Aron's manipulations as crude, noting he is nothing but "a greedy, evil man" who cares only for cubits, luxury, and his own needs. Baltar urges Apollo to destroy Aron.<ref name="REB246">{{cite book|last=Hatch|first=Richard|coauthors=[[Brad Linaweaver|Linaweaver, Brad]]|authorlink=Richard Hatch|title=[[Rebellion (book)|Rebellion]]|publisher=Tor Books|month=December|year=2006|pages=246}}</ref>

Apollo remembers the brief moments when he stood as one with Jinkrat, reflecting on how it was all destroyed—Koren orphaned and the fleet in disarray—because of one man's greed and manipulation. However, unlike Baltar, Apollo will not destroy Aron. Instead, he plans to put him on trial with Koren as the unanswerable accusing witness.<ref name="REB246" />

==References==
<references />

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