Baltar (TOS-RH) - Revision history

Joe Beaudoin Jr.: + Linaweaver's commentary

2025-11-02T22:11:44Z

+ Linaweaver's commentary

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 * Baltar nearly collides with Count Iblis on the astral plane following his work to save the fleet from the plague, an encounter that would have been "most inopportune" had it occurred.<ref name="RED198" />
 * His ability to navigate the astral plane, discover the cure's location, and communicate across the barrier between life and death suggests that death has not diminished his exceptional intellect and willpower, but rather freed them from mortal limitations.<ref name="RED196" />
 ==References==
 <references />
 [[Category:Characters (TOS)]]

Joe Beaudoin Jr. at 01:18, 26 October 2025

2025-10-26T01:18:11Z

Show changes

Joe Beaudoin Jr. at 13:56, 20 October 2025

2025-10-20T13:56:21Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:56, 20 October 2025
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	{{Separate continuity\|universe=TOS\|cont=Richard Hatch Novelizations}}		{{Separate continuity\|universe=TOS\|cont=Richard Hatch Novelizations}}{{disambiguation\|Baltar (TOS)\|the canonical depiction of this character}}


	'''Baltar''' is the greatest traitor in human history, a former advisor to the [[President of the Quorum (TOS-RH)\|President of the Quorum]] who orchestrated the betrayal of the [[Twelve Colonies of Man (TOS-RH)\|Twelve Colonies]] to the [[Cylons (TOS-RH)\|Cylons]], leading to the near-extinction of humanity.<ref name="WAR88">{{cite book/RH\|2\|88}}</ref> Despite his infamy, Baltar survives for decades after, serving the Cylons before eventually being captured by the [[Colonial Fleet (TOS-RH)\|Colonial Fleet]] and living among the survivors he betrayed.<ref name="ARM26">{{cite book/RH\|1\|26}}</ref>		'''Baltar''' is the greatest traitor in human history, a former advisor to the [[President of the Quorum (TOS-RH)\|President of the Quorum]] who orchestrated the betrayal of the [[Twelve Colonies of Man (TOS-RH)\|Twelve Colonies]] to the [[Cylons (TOS-RH)\|Cylons]], leading to the near-extinction of humanity.<ref name="WAR88">{{cite book/RH\|2\|88}}</ref> Despite his infamy, Baltar survives for decades after, serving the Cylons before eventually being captured by the [[Colonial Fleet (TOS-RH)\|Colonial Fleet]] and living among the survivors he betrayed.<ref name="ARM26">{{cite book/RH\|1\|26}}</ref>

Joe Beaudoin Jr.: /* Return to the Fleet */

2025-10-20T02:39:56Z

Return to the Fleet

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:39, 20 October 2025
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	===Return to the Fleet===		===Return to the Fleet===

	Eventually, Baltar is captured by Colonial forces and brought back to the fleet.<ref name="WAR88" /> Rather than being executed, he is placed under a form of house arrest with a tracking device implanted around his ankle that causes pain when he strays too far from his designated quarters.<ref name="REB96" /> This tracebomb implant is controversial, with some Quorum members like [[Kiera\|Siress Kiera]] objecting to it as an inhuman form of punishment.<ref name="WAR25" />		Eventually, Baltar is captured by Colonial forces and brought back to the fleet.<ref name="WAR88" /> Rather than being executed, he is placed under a form of house arrest with a tracking device implanted around his ankle that causes pain when he strays too far from his designated quarters.<ref name="REB96" /> This [[tracebomb]] implant is controversial, with some Quorum members like [[Kiera\|Siress Kiera]] objecting to it as an inhuman form of punishment.<ref name="WAR25" />

	[[Apollo (TOS-RH)\|Commander Apollo]] takes personal responsibility for Baltar, allowing him relative freedom in exchange for information about the Cylons and strategic advice.<ref name="REB96" /> The Council's leniency stems partly from Baltar's extensive knowledge of Cylon capabilities and partly from political considerations.<ref name="REB96" /> However, Baltar remains a pariah among the fleet's citizens, his name snarled with disgust by the average person.<ref name="WAR88" />		[[Apollo (TOS-RH)\|Commander Apollo]] takes personal responsibility for Baltar, allowing him relative freedom in exchange for information about the Cylons and strategic advice.<ref name="REB96" /> The Council's leniency stems partly from Baltar's extensive knowledge of Cylon capabilities and partly from political considerations.<ref name="REB96" /> However, Baltar remains a pariah among the fleet's citizens, his name snarled with disgust by the average person.<ref name="WAR88" />

Joe Beaudoin Jr. at 02:39, 20 October 2025

2025-10-20T02:39:05Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:39, 20 October 2025
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	{{Separate continuity\|universe=TOS\|cont=Richard Hatch Novelizations}}		{{Separate continuity\|universe=TOS\|cont=Richard Hatch Novelizations}}

	'''Baltar''' is the greatest traitor in human history, a former advisor to the [[President of the Quorum (TOS-RH)\|President of the Quorum]] who orchestrated the betrayal of the [[Twelve Colonies of ~~Kobol~~ (TOS-RH)\|Twelve Colonies]] to the [[Cylons (TOS-RH)\|Cylons]], leading to the near-extinction of humanity.<ref name="WAR88">{{cite book/RH\|2\|88}}</ref> Despite his infamy, Baltar survives for decades after ~~the [[Fall of the Twelve Colonies (TOS-RH)\|Fall]]~~, serving the Cylons before eventually being captured by the [[Colonial Fleet (TOS-RH)\|Colonial Fleet]] and living among the survivors he betrayed.<ref name="ARM26">{{cite book/RH\|1\|26}}</ref>		'''Baltar''' is the greatest traitor in human history, a former advisor to the [[President of the Quorum (TOS-RH)\|President of the Quorum]] who orchestrated the betrayal of the [[Twelve Colonies of Man (TOS-RH)\|Twelve Colonies]] to the [[Cylons (TOS-RH)\|Cylons]], leading to the near-extinction of humanity.<ref name="WAR88">{{cite book/RH\|2\|88}}</ref> Despite his infamy, Baltar survives for decades after, serving the Cylons before eventually being captured by the [[Colonial Fleet (TOS-RH)\|Colonial Fleet]] and living among the survivors he betrayed.<ref name="ARM26">{{cite book/RH\|1\|26}}</ref>

	==Biography==		==Biography==

Joe Beaudoin Jr.: Created page with "{{Separate continuity|universe=TOS|cont=Richard Hatch Novelizations}} '''Baltar''' is the greatest traitor in human history, a former advisor to the President of the Quorum who orchestrated the betrayal of the Twelve Colonies to the Cylons, leading to the near-extinction of humanity.{{cite book/RH|2|88}} Despite his infamy, Baltar survives for decades a..."

2025-10-20T02:37:48Z

Created page with "{{Separate continuity|universe=TOS|cont=Richard Hatch Novelizations}} '''Baltar''' is the greatest traitor in human history, a former advisor to the President of the Quorum who orchestrated the betrayal of the Twelve Colonies to the Cylons, leading to the near-extinction of humanity.<ref name="WAR88">{{cite book/RH|2|88}}</ref> Despite his infamy, Baltar survives for decades a..."

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

'''Baltar''' is the greatest traitor in human history, a former advisor to the [[President of the Quorum (TOS-RH)|President of the Quorum]] who orchestrated the betrayal of the [[Twelve Colonies of Kobol (TOS-RH)|Twelve Colonies]] to the [[Cylons (TOS-RH)|Cylons]], leading to the near-extinction of humanity.<ref name="WAR88">{{cite book/RH|2|88}}</ref> Despite his infamy, Baltar survives for decades after the [[Fall of the Twelve Colonies (TOS-RH)|Fall]], serving the Cylons before eventually being captured by the [[Colonial Fleet (TOS-RH)|Colonial Fleet]] and living among the survivors he betrayed.<ref name="ARM26">{{cite book/RH|1|26}}</ref>

==Biography==

===Early Life and Political Career===

Baltar serves as advisor to the President of the Quorum before the Fall of the Colonies.<ref name="ARM26" /> Despite his ambitions, he is passed over repeatedly for the Presidency of the Quorum itself, leading him to realize he will never attain that post through legitimate means.<ref name="WAR88" /> Even if he had achieved the presidency, he recognizes he would still have to contend with the eleven other councilors.<ref name="WAR88" /> This frustration, combined with his belief that he needs to rule absolutely, sets him on his path to betrayal.<ref name="WAR88" />

Baltar is of the same blood as [[Adama (TOS-RH)|Commander Adama]], a son of [[Kobol (TOS-RH)|Kobol]].<ref name="REB96">{{cite book/RH|4|96}}</ref>

===The Great Betrayal===

After nearly a millennium of warfare between humanity and the Cylons, Baltar devises a scheme to end the war and simultaneously seize absolute power.<ref name="WAR88" /> He orchestrates a false peace initiative with the Cylons, planning for the Cylon Empire to conquer the human race with his assistance.<ref name="WAR25">{{cite book/RH|2|25}}</ref> In exchange, Baltar believes he will rule humanity as regent under the [[Imperious Leader (TOS-RH)|Imperious Leader]], so long as he does not defy Cylon authority.<ref name="WAR88" />

Baltar aids the Cylons in deceiving the Quorum, ensuring the Colonies are dealt a devastating defeat.<ref name="WAR88" /> He justifies his actions with the twisted logic that a few million lives are acceptable losses when measured against what he perceives as the future well-being and long-term survival of the human race under his leadership.<ref name="WAR88" /> However, the Cylons betray Baltar's expectations completely—the Imperious Leader seeks nothing less than the complete eradication of humanity from the galaxy.<ref name="WAR88" />

===Service to the Cylons===

Following the betrayal, Baltar spends eighteen [[yahren]] working with the Cylons, attempting to track down the fleeing [[Colonial Fleet (TOS-RH)|Colonial Fleet]] and destroy the last remnants of humanity.<ref name="WAR25" /> During this time, he does whatever is necessary to survive, continuing to obey the Imperious Leader while trying to consolidate some power among the Cylons, only to be betrayed repeatedly.<ref name="WAR88" />

Baltar commands a [[Cylon basestar (TOS-RH)|Cylon base star]] for a time, with [[Lucifer (TOS-RH)|Lucifer]] serving as his aide.<ref name="ARM27">{{cite book/RH|1|27}}</ref> However, the Imperious Leader eventually relieves Baltar of command, demoting him to mere advisor while elevating Lucifer to command of the base star.<ref name="ARM27" /> Baltar despises Lucifer, particularly the cogitator's amused tone when saying "By your command."<ref name="ARM27" />

During his time among the Cylons, Baltar learns much about their three castes: the nearly mindless [[Cylon Centurions (TOS-RH)|Centurions]], the Imperious Leader himself, and higher-functioning Cylons like Lucifer who possess two brains and serve as officers.<ref name="ARM26" /> He discovers that when an Imperious Leader dies—Cylon lifespans extend beyond two centuries—a new leader is chosen from the ranks of cogitators, who receive a third brain that grants them the capacity for abstract thought and limitless knowledge.<ref name="RES89">{{cite book/RH|3|89}}</ref>

Baltar also learns critical information about [[Count Iblis (TOS-RH)|Count Iblis]], the ancient being who created the Cylon race millennia earlier through genetic splicing of the reptilian natives of planet [[Cylon (planet) (TOS-RH)|Cylon]] and cybernetic technology, programming them with two species goals: conquest of the universe and extermination of humanity.<ref name="WAR163">{{cite book/RH|2|163}}</ref> Before his death, Iblis prepared an Imperious Leader with all his wisdom and knowledge to carry on in his place, though cogitators consider Iblis largely mythical.<ref name="WAR164">{{cite book/RH|2|164}}</ref> When Baltar faces execution, Iblis offers him information sufficient to save his life.<ref name="WAR164" />

===Return to the Fleet===

Eventually, Baltar is captured by Colonial forces and brought back to the fleet.<ref name="WAR88" /> Rather than being executed, he is placed under a form of house arrest with a tracking device implanted around his ankle that causes pain when he strays too far from his designated quarters.<ref name="REB96" /> This tracebomb implant is controversial, with some Quorum members like [[Kiera|Siress Kiera]] objecting to it as an inhuman form of punishment.<ref name="WAR25" />

[[Apollo (TOS-RH)|Commander Apollo]] takes personal responsibility for Baltar, allowing him relative freedom in exchange for information about the Cylons and strategic advice.<ref name="REB96" /> The Council's leniency stems partly from Baltar's extensive knowledge of Cylon capabilities and partly from political considerations.<ref name="REB96" /> However, Baltar remains a pariah among the fleet's citizens, his name snarled with disgust by the average person.<ref name="WAR88" />

Despite the restrictions, Baltar manages to acquire luxuries like ambrosa through sympathetic individuals who don't view him as the monster most citizens believe him to be.<ref name="WAR161">{{cite book/RH|2|161}}</ref> He develops a particularly notable friendship with Siress Kiera, appearing with her in public multiple times, which causes considerable controversy within the Quorum.<ref name="WAR69">{{cite book/RH|2|69}}</ref> President [[Tigh (TOS-RH)|Tigh]] is especially incensed by this relationship and seeks a formal censure against Kiera, though the Quorum only issues a private reprimand.<ref name="WAR69" /> Tigh warns that if Kiera continues appearing publicly with Baltar, he will have the traitor imprisoned for life on ''[[Icarus (TOS-RH)|Icarus]]''.<ref name="WAR69" />

===Attempts at Redemption===

While living among the fleet, Baltar makes periodic attempts to rehabilitate his image, working to convince people that he was an unwilling pawn in the Cylon betrayal.<ref name="WAR69" /> He presents himself as having been a prisoner of the Cylons rather than a willing collaborator.<ref name="WAR164" /> At times, Baltar even claims to have experienced "real freedom" and describes himself as "a free man," despite his captive status.<ref name="REB98">{{cite book/RH|4|98}}</ref>

However, Baltar's true nature occasionally surfaces. When alone with [[Cain (TOS-RH)|Commander Cain]], he drops his pretense entirely, revealing pride in his accomplishments and showing no remorse for his actions.<ref name="WAR161" /> He demonstrates a philosophy that rejects concepts of good and evil, instead viewing life as a series of "choices."<ref name="REB97">{{cite book/RH|4|97}}</ref>

Despite his past, Baltar provides valuable intelligence to the fleet on multiple occasions. He offers the coordinates of a supposedly habitable planet unknown to the Cylons, knowledge he acquired during his time serving them.<ref name="RES27">{{cite book/RH|3|27}}</ref> He insists his continued well-being is tied to the fleet's survival and claims his only future lies in redeeming himself with the colonials.<ref name="RES27" />

===Conspiracy and Vindication===

During a period of political upheaval, Baltar becomes entangled in a conspiracy orchestrated by Sire [[Aron (TOS-RH)|Aron]]. When Apollo is falsely accused of murdering [[Jinkrat]], Baltar emerges from the shadows to help uncover the truth.<ref name="REB185">{{cite book/RH|4|185}}</ref> Working with [[Koren (TOS-RH)|Koren]], the son of Jinkrat, Baltar helps prove Apollo's innocence by allowing the boy to testify that his father died saving Apollo, not at Apollo's hand.<ref name="REB240">{{cite book/RH|4|240}}</ref>

When Aron attempts to kill Apollo during the tribunal, Baltar physically grapples with the conspirator, forcing his laser blast astray and saving Apollo's life.<ref name="REB241">{{cite book/RH|4|241}}</ref> In this moment, Baltar displays genuine courage and looks like "a true member of the Council" and "the great Lord he could once have been."<ref name="REB240" /> His actions during this crisis demonstrate that despite his history, Baltar is capable of acting selflessly when circumstances demand it.<ref name="REB240" />

During the confrontation with Aron, Baltar makes a critical statement to the Council: "I'm not lying now, Aron. I am telling the truth!"<ref name="REB240" /> This moment represents a turning point where Baltar openly acknowledges his past deceptions while insisting on his present honesty.<ref name="REB240" />

===Final Days===

Eventually, Baltar achieves a measure of freedom from his internal torments. In his final moments, he tells Apollo across a communication channel: "For the Lords of Kobol, I go to meet what fate the Gods have in store for me. You died bravely, Baltar."<ref name="REB246">{{cite book/RH|4|246}}</ref> Before the connection ends, he delivers a dire warning about an approaching Cylon assault: "But your fate approaches too, Apollo. You must meet it with every ounce of courage that you have. Your father never faced such a challenge. The Cylons are coming, Apollo. Coming in all their might. And I know better than any man how weak the fleet is now. May the Light of the Lords of Kobol shine on you."<ref name="REB246" />

His final words are cut short: "I will see you no—"<ref name="REB246" /> The implication is clear that Baltar dies shortly after delivering this warning, having achieved some form of peace and freedom from the Imperious Leader's mental control that had plagued him for decades.<ref name="REB246" />

==Personality and Abilities==

Baltar possesses an extraordinary ability to perceive and manipulate the thoughts of others, able to give commands with his mind as easily as breathing.<ref name="REB97" /> The weak-minded and unwary are particularly vulnerable to his mental influence.<ref name="REB97" /> Even strong-willed individuals like Apollo must guard their thoughts carefully in his presence to avoid giving Baltar any opening to worm his way into their minds.<ref name="REB97" />

Despite his advanced age—the years have not been kind to him as they were to Adama—Baltar retains much of his cunning and intelligence.<ref name="REB96" /> However, there is a visible weakness in his movements and an uncertainty that stems not just from age but from something deeper in his soul.<ref name="REB96" /> Much of his old fury and vigor fades over time, and he can no longer capture the nastiness he once possessed with such ease.<ref name="REB96" />

In his heart, Baltar believes he is the hero of his own story, never seeing himself as the villain others perceive.<ref name="RES244">{{cite book/RH|3|244}}</ref> Every choice he makes seems foredoomed to turn into betrayal, though he cannot understand why this is so.<ref name="RES244" /> He maintains that all his actions were undertaken for the betterment of humanity, believing that nothing could be better for the human race than his own leadership.<ref name="WAR88" />

Baltar is haunted by persistent nightmares featuring the eyes of the Imperious Leader, Count Iblis, and all those who died because of his betrayals, including his long-dead parents.<ref name="PAR2">{{cite book/RH|5|2}}</ref> These nightmares grow increasingly bizarre and intense over time, becoming more elaborate and disturbing with each occurrence.<ref name="PAR2" /> The voice of the Imperious Leader continues to torment him even after his service to the Cylons ends, suggesting a lingering psychological connection.<ref name="PAR4">{{cite book/RH|5|4}}</ref>

==Relationships==

===Apollo===

Baltar's relationship with Apollo is complex and contradictory. He openly mocks and taunts the commander at times, yet also provides crucial assistance during critical moments.<ref name="REB96" /> Despite taking personal responsibility for Baltar, Apollo maintains extreme caution around him, knowing the traitor's ability to manipulate minds.<ref name="REB97" /> Their interactions are marked by mutual wariness, though Baltar occasionally shows what might be genuine concern for Apollo's well-being.<ref name="REB185" />

On one occasion, Baltar even walks in on [[Athena (TOS-RH)|Athena]] and [[Starbuck (TOS-RH)|Starbuck]] in a compromising situation in Apollo's quarters, an incident that causes Baltar to blush—an expression Apollo has never seen on the villain's face before.<ref name="REB117">{{cite book/RH|4|117}}</ref>

===The Cylons===

Baltar's relationship with the Cylons is one of perpetual disappointment and betrayal. He despises them, particularly the Imperious Leader who repeatedly deceives him, and Lucifer, whose amused superiority grates on his pride.<ref name="ARM27" /> Yet he remains dependent on them for survival during his years of service.<ref name="ARM27" /> The Imperious Leader tells Baltar he was "the perfect traitor" because he "never loved," a statement that haunts him in his nightmares.<ref name="PAR3">{{cite book/RH|5|3}}</ref> The Cylons consider Baltar dysfunctional and evil precisely because he does not serve his own species, though they acknowledge he possesses one Cylon virtue: he does not let concern for any individual detract from his larger purpose.<ref name="PAR3" />

==Notes==

* Baltar's statement that "there are always choices" reflects his philosophical rejection of absolute moral standards, viewing decisions as purely pragmatic rather than ethical.<ref name="REB98" />
* His ability to manipulate minds suggests either advanced psychological training or some form of psychic capability acquired through unknown means.<ref name="REB97" />
* The tracking device around his ankle causes him agony when he strays too far from his quarters, yet on at least one occasion he demonstrates remarkable pain tolerance, showing no reaction despite the device glowing "like a Cylon's eye."<ref name="REB96" />
* Despite being one of the most reviled figures in human history, Baltar maintains a small circle of sympathizers who provide him with contraband luxuries and social companionship.<ref name="WAR161" />

==References==
<references />

[[Category:Characters (TOS)]]
[[Category:Humanoids (TOS)]]
[[Category:Kobollians (TOS)]]
[[Category:Richard Hatch Novelizations]]
[[Category:Government Officials (TOS)]]
[[Category:Traitors]]