Editing Athena (TOS-RH)

{{separate continuity|universe=TOS|cont=Richard Hatch continuation|lcont=:Category:Books}}
{{disambiguation|Athena (TOS)|the canonical depiction of this character}}
[[File:Athena from Armageddon.jpg|thumb|Athena as depicted on the cover of ''[[Armageddon]]''.]]

'''Athena''' is a [[Colonial Warrior]] who serves as executive officer and later commander of ''[[Galactica (TOS-RH)|Galactica]]'' following the death of [[Adama (TOS-RH)|Commander Adama]]. She is promoted to the rank of full colonel and serves as her brother [[Apollo (TOS-RH)|Apollo]]'s deputy, assuming command in his absence.<ref name="hatch_armageddon_277">{{cite book/RH|1|277}}</ref>

==Background==

Athena is the daughter of Commander Adama and sister to Apollo and [[Zac (TOS-RH)|Zac]]. Eighteen [[yahren|yahrens]] following the {{alt|Battle of Cimtar}}, she holds the rank of lieutenant colonel and serves as first officer of ''Galactica''.<ref name="hatch_armageddon_34">{{cite book/RH|1|34}}</ref>

===Early Career===

Athena serves as ''Galactica''{{'|s}} first officer and infantry commander for years under her father's command, in a role similar to that previously held by [[Tigh (TOS-RH)|Colonel Tigh]].<ref name="hatch_armageddon_34" /> During this period, she develops expertise in both military operations and fleet administration. Her experience encompasses strategic planning, diplomatic matters, and understanding of the fleet's governmental systems—skills that distinguish her from purely military officers.<ref name="hatch_armageddon_76-77">{{cite book/RH|1|76-77}}</ref>

As a young cadet, Athena participates in formal debates. During one notable debate, she successfully argues that women should serve in combat roles within the Colonial military. Though she wins the debate decisively, she notes that male cadets seem intimidated afterward, with at least one potential suitor becoming too afraid to ask her out.<ref name="hatch_destiny_17-18">{{cite book/RH|7|17-18}}</ref>

===Command of ''Daedalus''===

Before assuming duties aboard ''Galactica'', Athena commands the battlestar ''[[Daedalus (TOS-RH)|Daedalus]]''. She finds this command challenging but manageable compared to the responsibilities that await her.<ref name="hatch_destiny_98-99">{{cite book/RH|7|98-99}}</ref>

==Succession Crisis==

===Adama's Death===

Following Commander Adama's death, President Tigh appoints Apollo as interim commander without consulting Athena. This decision rankles her despite understanding the reasoning—Apollo is the eldest and was trained directly by their father. Nevertheless, Athena feels that after years of service as first officer, she merits at least consideration for the position.<ref name="hatch_armageddon_34" />

Adama never considers Athena less capable than Apollo, but remains more protective of her throughout their lives. In certain respects, she is their father's favorite, though Athena never fully understands this preferential treatment.<ref name="hatch_armageddon_101">{{cite book/RH|1|101}}</ref>

===Political Maneuvering===

A group of influential women including [[Marialis]] and [[Cassiopeia]] approach Athena about opposing Apollo's appointment. Marialis argues that Apollo faces significant opposition within the Quorum and among the citizenry. She frames Athena as an alternative candidate—a woman, yet still a Caprican and Kobollian, still Adama's child, but with proven administrative ability to helm the fleet.<ref name="hatch_armageddon_74">{{cite book/RH|1|74}}</ref>

Athena experiences profound anxiety about the decision. She recognizes the potential for tearing the fleet apart through sibling rivalry, especially given Apollo's popularity and their father's apparent intention for him to become commander. The conflict between loyalty to her brother and her sense of fairness—questioning why Tigh never even considered her—creates internal turmoil.<ref name="hatch_armageddon_74" />

===Public Announcement===

Despite her reservations, Athena makes a public announcement on the bridge declaring her candidacy for commander. Speaking directly into a TransVid Information Service camera, she states that after her years as first officer, she is better suited for command than Apollo. She emphasizes that while Apollo is an exceptional warrior, the commander's position requires additional qualities: diplomacy, governmental facility, knowledge of fleet operations beyond military matters, objectivity, and caution. She formally places herself in nomination before the Quorum.<ref name="hatch_armageddon_76-77">{{cite book/RH|1|76-77}}</ref>

The announcement stuns the bridge crew. [[Omega]], the operations officer, appears particularly grave and disapproving, though his loyalty remains unquestionable.<ref name="hatch_armageddon_77">{{cite book/RH|1|77}}</ref>

Ambassador [[Puck]] immediately broadcasts his own message undermining Athena's candidacy. He suggests the contest between siblings is orchestrated to ensure a Caprican remains commander, calling it deceitful political theater designed to exclude other candidates while guaranteeing an Adama child receives the appointment.<ref name="hatch_armageddon_77-78">{{cite book/RH|1|77-78}}</ref>

===Withdrawal and Resolution===

Athena later confronts Apollo about withdrawing from consideration. She explains that Puck has branded her candidacy fraudulent, making both siblings appear as scheming politicians. Though she genuinely believes herself better qualified for command, she proposes withdrawing to expose Puck's manipulation and clear the field for Apollo's appointment.<ref name="hatch_armageddon_84">{{cite book/RH|1|84}}</ref>

However, Apollo departs to rescue [[Starbuck (TOS-RH)|Starbuck]], leaving Athena to maintain her candidacy. She accepts both nominations by proxy, keeping Apollo in contention despite his absence.<ref name="hatch_armageddon_100">{{cite book/RH|1|100}}</ref>

During Apollo's absence, President Tigh exercises emergency powers to place Athena in temporary command of ''Galactica'' and all military operations. He simultaneously nominates her for Adama's vacant Quorum seat, arguing that as the most prominent Caprican in the fleet, she deserves the position regardless of the command appointment outcome.<ref name="hatch_armageddon_101" />

===Final Appointment===

The Quorum ultimately selects Apollo as commander in a unanimous decision. However, they promote Athena to full colonel and establish her as Apollo's deputy. In Apollo's absence or during battles where he participates as an active pilot, Athena assumes command. This arrangement allows Apollo to continue flying combat missions while ensuring experienced leadership remains constantly available.<ref name="hatch_armageddon_277" />

Athena embraces this resolution with genuine happiness. When Apollo joins her on the podium, they embrace warmly. She tells him their father would be proud, and Apollo responds that Adama would be equally proud of her. Both agree their father would particularly approve of this arrangement.<ref name="hatch_armageddon_277" />

==Service as Deputy Commander==

===Working with Omega===

Athena develops strong professional respect for Omega, the elderly bridge operations officer. She recognizes him as exceptionally calm and organized, providing support comparable to what Colonel Tigh once offered Adama. Though Athena lacks an official first officer, Omega's steady presence and competence fill much of that role.<ref name="hatch_armageddon_223">{{cite book/RH|1|223}}</ref>

===Command Philosophy===

As deputy commander, Athena confronts the profound burden of leadership. She begins understanding the weight that both Apollo and their father carry constantly. Commanding ''Daedalus'' had seemed daunting, but assuming supreme command of the fleet introduces entirely different challenges.<ref name="hatch_destiny_98-99">{{cite book/RH|7|98-99}}</ref>

She discovers that the magnitude of responsibility creates a new ethical calculus. The time spent honing personal justice seems inadequate for decisions affecting the entire fleet's survival. Individual considerations become increasingly difficult to maintain as the number of lives under her command grows. A new paradigm gradually develops within her consciousness, displacing the ethical code she previously trusted.<ref name="hatch_destiny_99">{{cite book/RH|7|99}}</ref>

Everything that fails becomes attributed to her leadership. Unlike aboard ''Daedalus'', where civilian opinions seemed remote, they now assault her consciousness persistently. She genuinely desires to make correct decisions while recognizing that civilians have rights entrusted to her protection. The fate of the Colonials rests in her hands.<ref name="hatch_destiny_99" />

Athena comes to understand that quantity fundamentally affects quality in command. Power creates not merely corruption potential, but an entirely transformed perspective that anyone lacking supreme authority cannot fully comprehend.<ref name="hatch_destiny_99" />

===Command During Crises===

When Apollo leads diplomatic missions or participates in combat operations, Athena assumes full command authority. During the encounter with [[Poseidon (TOS-RH)|Poseidon]] and [[Cain (TOS-RH)|Commander Cain]], Athena exercises decisive leadership. When Apollo reports genetic mutations among colonists and Cylon presence on the planet, she immediately orders evacuation despite Cain's violent objections.<ref name="hatch_warhawk_248-249">{{cite book/RH|2|248-249}}</ref>

Cain attempts to assert authority as Poseidon's president and commander of multiple battlestars. Athena confronts him directly, explaining that the planet is poisoned and uninhabitable long-term, but more critically, Cylon presence makes remaining impossible. When Cain dismisses Apollo's warnings, Athena bluntly states the Chitain have played Cain for a fool.<ref name="hatch_warhawk_249">{{cite book/RH|2|249}}</ref>

When Cain raises his hand to strike her, Athena strikes first, slapping the legendary commander hard enough to make him stumble backward. She addresses the shocked bridge personnel directly, cursing Cain's obstruction and declaring they lack time for such interference. Her decisive action and uncompromising stance ultimately force Cain to cooperate with the evacuation.<ref name="hatch_warhawk_250">{{cite book/RH|2|250}}</ref>

===Acting Commander Authority===

Athena exercises her role as acting commander with firm authority. When the ''Scorpius Ascendant'' declares independence from the fleet and refuses communication until Ambassador Puck receives command, Athena issues an uncompromising ultimatum. She orders the ship's captain to pledge immediate fealty to the Quorum or face two choices: permanent exile from the fleet or obliteration of their vessel.<ref name="hatch_armageddon_224-225">{{cite book/RH|1|224-225}}</ref>

President Tigh finds her ultimatum extreme, noting that Adama would never issue such harsh demands. Athena acknowledges this but explains she lacks Adama's loyalty from the fleet and possesses none of his limitless patience. Her leadership must account for these deficits.<ref name="hatch_armageddon_225">{{cite book/RH|1|225}}</ref>

After successfully managing a crisis in the Pit, she earns new respect from the bridge crew. They begin viewing her as a warrior rather than merely an administrator—a perception shift she finds gratifying.<ref name="hatch_armageddon_223">{{cite book/RH|1|223}}</ref>

===Relationship with Cain===

When Cain joins the fleet, his presence aboard ''Galactica'' creates tension. Athena must explicitly establish protocol before meetings, declaring herself acting commander and rejecting any claims Cain might make to rival authority. She emphasizes she will not surrender her responsibilities to anyone except Apollo.<ref name="hatch_warhawk_189">{{cite book/RH|2|189}}</ref>

Cain dismisses her concerns, claiming they are not rivals and suggesting cooperation against the Cylons as their true enemy. However, he asserts that Poseidon's forces remain under his command, pointedly reminding Athena that the fleet exists as his guests in the system.<ref name="hatch_warhawk_189-190">{{cite book/RH|2|189-190}}</ref>

Athena protests Cain's invitation to provide counsel to the Quorum, arguing his dissembling and secretiveness brought about the current crisis. His continued presence risks pushing the situation beyond recovery. This concern extends to Apollo's safety and the mission to [[Xerik-7]].<ref name="hatch_warhawk_190">{{cite book/RH|2|190}}</ref>

==Personal Life==

===Relationship with Starbuck===

Athena develops a complex romantic relationship with Starbuck that creates significant tension throughout the fleet. The relationship features both intense passion and frequent conflict, primarily stemming from their fundamentally different personalities and relationship expectations.

Athena desires absolute commitment from romantic partners. She seeks a relationship with someone strong enough not to be threatened by her authority and accomplishments, yet finds herself unable to accept the independence such men require. Her pattern involves attraction to men who challenge her while simultaneously refusing to let them maintain autonomy.<ref name="hatch_paradis_80">{{cite book/RH|5|80}}</ref>

Apollo observes that Athena's concept of equality involves someone willing to walk slightly behind her. He notes that while she is intelligent, strong, beautiful, and has earned every aspect of her rank, she cannot provide Starbuck what he needs most: solitude when he requires it. Apollo recognizes the fundamental issue—Athena does not trust men.<ref name="hatch_paradis_80" />

Starbuck finds Athena's constant demands overwhelming. While acknowledging she is one of the most beautiful and intelligent women in the universe, he describes her as the most demanding woman he has ever encountered. He unfavorably compares her to [[Cassiopeia]], who never applied such pressure. Their conflicts frequently erupt into shouting matches where Athena demands to know why Starbuck avoids her.<ref name="hatch_paradis_192-194">{{cite book/RH|5|192-194}}</ref>

During one confrontation, Athena accuses Starbuck of representing women's worst nightmares—men with courage to risk their lives daily but lacking courage to love completely. She demands absolute love without games, lies, or manipulations, making the word sound like a dire threat. Despite their mutual understanding at some level, the relationship proves unsustainable.<ref name="hatch_paradis_194">{{cite book/RH|5|194}}</ref>

The relationship impacts Starbuck's appreciation for Cassiopeia. After his tumultuous involvement with Athena ends, he recognizes Cassiopeia's worth more clearly. His near-death experience on [[Paradis]] forces him to prioritize relationships, with Cassiopeia occupying preeminent position on his list. Whenever he faces death, his mental image of Cassiopeia grows in power as a symbol of life and reason to survive.<ref name="hatch_destiny_56">{{cite book/RH|7|56}}</ref>

===Tensions with Apollo===

The romantic involvement with Starbuck creates friction between Athena and Apollo. Their brother experiences anger at how Starbuck treats women, particularly after witnessing scratches on Starbuck's face from an argument with Athena. Apollo loves Starbuck like a brother but finds himself questioning tolerance for Starbuck's behavior patterns, especially when directed toward his sister.<ref name="hatch_rebellion_119">{{cite book/RH|4|119}}</ref>

Apollo had laughed at Starbuck's romantic escapades for years because such behavior was foreign to his own character. However, experiencing the situation from the perspective of a woman's brother—particularly Adama's daughter—transforms his reaction. The situation with Athena differs fundamentally from Starbuck's relationship with Cassiopeia.<ref name="hatch_rebellion_119" />

Their confrontation over this matter demonstrates the depth of their friendship's strain. Apollo speaks coldly to Starbuck for perhaps the first time, expressing anger over behavior patterns he can no longer dismiss as harmless.<ref name="hatch_rebellion_119" />

===Isolation of Command===

Athena experiences profound loneliness inherent to command. She recognizes that only those who have known command isolation can understand this particular form of solitude. While having dependents differs from wilderness isolation, leadership creates its own separation when nobody can treat the commander as an equal. The responsibility isolates leaders in what she describes as a cocoon of decisions and regrets.<ref name="hatch_paradis_126">{{cite book/RH|5|126}}</ref>

This isolation affects her deeply, particularly when viewing the diminished fleet after dismantling and refurbishing operations. The desolate fleet appears lonely and incomplete, reflecting her own emotional state. She envies her father and brother for living entire lives within this isolated state while questioning whether she can endure the same.<ref name="hatch_paradis_126">{{cite book/RH|5|126}}</ref>

Despite command pressures, Athena occasionally desires Starbuck's company for reasons having nothing to do with romance. After witnessing the destruction of Paradis, she wishes simply for his presence—knowing he is someone who would like to see the Cylon homeworld enter the cosmic cemetery alongside the destroyed Colonial worlds.<ref name="hatch_destiny_18-19">{{cite book/RH|7|18-19}}</ref>

==Personality and Abilities==

Athena demonstrates diplomatic skills and governmental understanding that surpass her brother's capabilities. While Apollo excels as a warrior and tactical commander, Athena possesses superior administrative abilities and political acumen.<ref name="hatch_armageddon_76-77">{{cite book/RH|1|76-77}}</ref>

She approaches leadership with determination to do right by the Colonial population. Her genuine concern for citizens' welfare motivates her decisions, even as the magnitude of responsibility gradually transforms her ethical framework.<ref name="hatch_destiny_99" />

In personal relationships, Athena exhibits controlling tendencies that undermine her romantic pursuits. She seeks equality but struggles to accept true partnership, instead desiring partners who will defer to her judgment. This pattern creates conflicts particularly evident in her relationship with Starbuck.<ref name="hatch_paradis_80">{{cite book/RH|5|80}}</ref>

Under pressure, Athena can be decisive and uncompromising. Her willingness to issue extreme ultimatums and use physical force when necessary demonstrates her commitment to fleet security, even when her methods exceed her father's more patient approach.<ref name="hatch_armageddon_224-225">{{cite book/RH|1|224-225}}</ref> <ref name="hatch_warhawk_250">{{cite book/RH|2|250}}</ref>

==Psychic Abilities==

Like her brother Apollo, Athena possesses developing psychic abilities that allow limited mental communication. However, her powers remain less developed than Apollo's, who spent ten yahrens reaching his current proficiency level. Most mental exchanges between siblings occur through Apollo's abilities rather than Athena initiating contact.<ref name="hatch_warhawk_20">{{cite book/RH|2|20}}</ref>

Their communication combines direct thoughts with emotional impressions. During one bridge exchange, they share feelings without words—Athena's confusion and frustration washing over Apollo, who responds with pacifying calm and reassurance. Bridge officer Omega must interrupt their mental dialogue to report critical information.<ref name="hatch_warhawk_20" />

Athena continues exercising her psychic powers throughout her service, though she requires considerable additional time to achieve Apollo's level of proficiency. Their mental link provides advantages in coordination and communication, particularly during crises when conventional communications might be monitored or intercepted.<ref name="hatch_warhawk_20" />

==References==
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