Editing Battlestar Galactica: Death of Apollo 2

{{separate continuity|universe=TOS|cont=Dynamite Comics}}

{{Comic Data
| image =BSGDOA02CovAMayhew.jpg
| title=Battlestar Galactica: Death of Apollo #2
| series=Dynamite
| issueno=2
| episode=
| writer= [[Dan Abnett]]
| penciller=[[Dietrich Smith]] 
| inker= 
| colorist= [[Fran Gamboa]]
| letterer= [[Simon Bowland]]
| editor=
| cover= [[Mike Mayhew]] (Cover A)<br/>[[Dietrich Smith]] (Cover B)<br/>[[Livio Ramondelli]] (Cover C)<br/>[[Ardian Syaf]] (Cover D)
| published=January 2015
| collects=
| collected=[[Battlestar Galactica: Death of Apollo (Trade Paperback)|Battlestar Galactica: Death of Apollo]]
| reprints=
| reprinted=
| isbn= 725130224408
| prev={{comics|doa|1}}
| next={{comics|doa|3}}
}}

: ''[[The Fleet (TOS-DE alternate)|The Colonial Fleet]] has finally found an unexpected promise of salvation, after [[7358 (alternate)|ten years]] of desperate survival. Yet is it all it seems to be? The [[Cylons (TOS-DE alternate)|Cylons]] have been quiet for a long time, but they never sleep and they never give up. [[Apollo (TOS-DE alternate)|Apollo]] and his fellow warriors embark on a [[Encounter of the Super Basestar|dangerous mission]] to unlock the truth... and the consequences will change the lives of all aboard the'' [[Galactica (TOS-DE alternate)|Galactica]] ''forever. The shocking, continuity-shaking story continues from cosmic superstar writer [[Dan Abnett]] (''[[W:Guardians of the Galaxy|Guardians of the Galaxy]]'')!.''<ref>{{cite_web|url=https://www.dynamite.com/htmlfiles/viewProduct.html?PRO=C72513022440802011|title=
BATTLESTAR GALACTICA: THE DEATH OF APOLLO #2|date=|accessdate=06 November 2021|last=|first=|format=|language=}}</ref>

== Plot ==

* Major {{Alt|Apollo|TOS-DE}}'s squadron escorts ''Taurella'' back to the Fleet. Captain {{Alt|Athena|TOS-DE}} directs [[Countess]] [[Sephoni]]'s shuttle to [[launch bay]] alpha.
* In {{Alt|core command|TOS-DE}}, Commander {{Alt|Adama|TOS-DE}} celebrates the return of the ship and Sephoni, commenting that her [[psionic]] gifts are well known and that she could be of assistance in their quest to find {{Alt|Earth|TOS-DE}}. He reminds Colonel {{Alt|Tigh|TOS-DE}} of Athena's previous advocacy of psionics, where Tigh replies that he's simply glad to be reunited with survivors.
* A full ceremonial welcome is ordered and executed. Apollo presents Adama to Sephoni and her court. In the initial meeting, Sephoni senses Adama's hesitation, where he notes that he wonders "not what they have ''seen'', but what they ''haven't''."
* In a lounge, Sephoni (accompanied by ''Taurella''<nowiki/>'s Captain [[Rekort]]) tells Adama, Tigh and various assembled command echelon crewmembers of her divination of Earth's location, and tells of her survival from being hounded by the {{Alt|Cylons|TOS-DE}}. She claims to have heard the clarion call of human minds of the Thirteenth Colony, and upon divining their coordinates, sought to divine the location of the Fleet. This is when she was able to connect with [[Xam]]'s mind and ascertain their location. 
* Later, Captain {{Alt|Starbuck|TOS-DE}} ruminates "in an ''existential manner''" on Sephoni's endowments, but is quickly brought to heel by Adama who opens the floor for discussion regarding Earth's coordinates. 
* Athena advocates for sending a recon patrol to the coordinates, while Tigh also agrees, despite his misgivings on the efficacy of psionics. Apollo volunteers himself and two "new graders," [[Zurel]] and [[Neats]], to head up the recon patrol over Starbuck's objections.
* With the meeting adjourned, Apollo discusses his decision with Starbuck, reasoning that should things go badly he'll need Starbuck to be by Xam's side. They discuss Starbuck's plan to live forever, and how that ties into Apollo's continued existence as well, seeing as he doesn't want to be forever lonely in his ascended plane of existence.
*Major Apollo's search flight trio launches, finding a dead moon at the coordinates. Zurel gets a magnetic reading, which on the other side of the moon reveals itself to be a Cylon [[super basestar]] flanked by a massive swarm of {{Alt|Raider|TOS-DE}}s.
*On ''Galactica'', Adama orders red and blue squadrons to launch, but is stopped by Apollo as he reports on the size of the forces and advocates for the Fleet to flee.
*In due course, the [[Encounter of the Super Basestar|encounter turns disastrous]] and all are horrified as Apollo's last transmission (first presented ''in media res'' at the start of the [[Battlestar Galactica: Death of Apollo 1|previous issue]]) is severed.
*A shocked Adama orders Tigh to move the Fleet to escape. Sephoni offers her condolences, and Adama orders her and her court to be incarcerated on the suspicion of being Cylon agents. 
*As Athena and Tigh hug in mourning for Apollo, a rampaging and distraught Starbuck storms core command. Adama tells him that Apollo is gone.
*{{Alt|Boomer|TOS-DE}} reports to the [[bachelor officer's quarters]], informing them of Apollo's fate and that telemetry confirmed Apollo's [[snuff dive]].
*{{Alt|Sheba|TOS-DE}}'s thoughts go to {{Alt|Boxey|TOS-DE}} and to who will be telling him. As it turns out, that burden is on Adama and Athena.
*Adama returns to his cabin, where he records his personal journal. He is at a loss for words, beyond "My son, Apollo, is dead. He is dead."
*In ''Galactica''<nowiki/>'s brig, a belligerent and intoxicated Starbuck accosts Sephoni. After drawing his [[laser pistol]] at her, security officers restrain and tranquilize him. 
*In the life sciences center, Dr. [[Madusa]] informs Dr. {{Alt|Salik|TOS-DE}} of what transpired in the brig. Salik sympathizes with Starbuck and Madusa secures his help with dealing with Starbuck. 
*In his chamber, the comatose [[Xam]] types out the coordinates 441:334:112:198 with the word "APOLLO" on the data pad.

* 

== Notes ==

=== Releases ===

* An additional exclusive subscription variant cover (Cover D) featuring the work of [[Ardian Syaf]] was made available to "comic shop subscribers and limited to initial orders."

=== Artworks ===

* [[Mike Mayhew]]'s original cover panting for "Cover A" was done in watercolor on 11" x 17" Fabriano Artistico 140lb. hot press watercolor paper, painted with a combination of both hand-brush and airbrushing techniques. As of 7 November 2021, Mayhew's sale price for the unique piece is $2,500.00 USD.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mikemayhewstudio.com/products/mike-mayhew-original-battlestar-galactica-death-of-apollo-2-cover-painting|title=Mike Mayhew Original BATTLESTAR GALACTICA DEATH OF APOLLO #2 Cover Painting|accessdate=7 November 2021}}</ref>

=== Nods ===

* {{Alt|Sheba|TOS-DE}}'s romantic relationship with {{Alt|Apollo|TOS-DE}} seems to have dissipated, given her reaction to Boomer's news regarding Apollo's demise. 
*Starbuck's obvious reference to Sephoni's breasts is done by using the word "[[Psionic|psionics]]" interchangeably, a common motif in the Original Series when referring to secondary sexual characteristics. Previously, Starbuck compared the sensitivity of piloting a Viper to that of a "schoolgirl's... lips" when training shuttle pilots (a.k.a. "female pilots") in "[[Lost Planet of the Gods, Part I]]".    

* 

=== Errata ===

* As with previous [[Dynamite Entertainment]] installments, there is a juxtaposition of visuals between the [[Original Series]] and the [[Re-imagined Series]]. The corridor backgrounds depicted are those of the "A-frame" corridors of the [[Re-imagined Series]].
*The coordinates depicted for "APOLLO" on [[Xam]]'s data pad are the same ones used to depict ''[[Taurella]]''<nowiki/>'s location in [[Battlestar Galactica: Death of Apollo 1|the first issue]]. This is corrected in [[Battlestar Galactica: Death of Apollo 3|the subsequent issue]].

* 

== Analysis ==

* While the reactions to Apollo's death are typical, the one seemingly notable exception is Sheba's reaction, which seems to be a professional indifference. "[[The Hand of God (TOS)|The Hand of God]]" touched upon [[Sheba]]'s fear of losing someone else she cares for, so soon after Commander [[Cain]]'s apparent loss in "[[The Living Legend, Part II]]," which is why she experienced attachment issues with Apollo. The relationship hinted at in "The Hand of God" seems to have cooled to a professional yet friendly one, without the romantic entanglement.
* The [[Cylons (TOS-DE alternate)|Cylons]] appear to have a fundamental understanding of [[Psionic|psionics]], despite their current form as mechanical creatures. This may be either a vestigial understanding from their predecessor's organic roots or stem from Count [[Iblis]]' involvement in their creation.
* The Cylons' trap presupposes that they also had knowledge of ''Taurella'' and who they carried, and a confidence in their ability to fool psionically-inclined. 
* In the two [[yahren]]<nowiki/>s since the previous encounter, the Cylons develop a [[super basestar]] to stage a trap in waiting. The Cylons appear to play by the same playbook, wherein they use a human (this time an unwilling mouthpiece for Cylon propaganda) to issue a promise that would lead the humans to their destruction (this time being the promise of Earth). Given this, Adama's reaction to incarcerate Sephoni and her court on the belief they are Cylon agents is understandable, even in the immediate aftermath of his son's death. 
* Adama has now outlived both of his sons, each having been slain after a Cylon trap was sprung. 
* Starbuck's heavily emotional reaction to Apollo's death is mirrored by his reaction to Apollo's "death" at the hands of Count Iblis in "[[War of the Gods, Part II]]."

* 

== Questions ==

* How were the [[Cylons (TOS-DE alternate)|Cylons]] able to fool [[Sephoni]]'s [[psionic]] powers, particularly presenting the "clarion call" as those of humans from the Thirteenth Tribe?
* Are the Cylons able to track humans using psionics, in much the same way Xam was able to use divination to locate ''[[Taurella]]?'' 
* Has this event shaken Athena's confidence in using alternate means to find Earth?
* Are there other Cylon [[super basestar]]<nowiki/>s in existence? 

* 

== Noteworthy Dialogue ==

* ''Starbuck ruminates on Sephoni "in an existential manner":''
*:'''[[Starbuck (TOS-DE alternate)|Starbuck]]:''' She's quite a ''piece'', that [[Sephoni]]. Quite a ''piece''. 
*:'''[[Athena (TOS-DE alternate)|Athena]]:''' ''Down'', boy.  
*:'''Starbuck:''' I ''meant'' with the graces and the smile and the great big--''psionics. Gorgeous'' psionics. 
*:'''[[Adama (TOS-DE alternate)|Adama]]:''' Can we bring this briefing to ''order'', Captain Starbuck?
*:'''Starbuck:''' ''Aboslutely,'' sir. Merely ''ruminating'' in an ''existential manner.''

* ''Starbuck's view of Sephoni changes through the death of his friend, [[Apollo (TOS-DE alternate)|Apollo]], as he accosts her in'' [[Galactica (TOS-DE alternate)|Galactica]]''<nowiki/>'s brig:'' 
*:'''Starbuck:''' ''You''. You and your ''charming ways'' and your oh-so-perky... ''psionics''.
*:'''Sephoni:''' Captain Starbuck, ''please''--
*:'''Starbuck:''' You got him killed. You got him ''killed.'' Best friend I ''ever'' had and you got him ''killed.''
*:'''Sephoni:''' The psionic evidenced seemed accurate--
*:'''Starbuck:''' ''"Seemed?" Now'' you say ''"seemed?"'' You got him ''murdered'' by the ''Cylons!''   ''[Starbuck pulls out his [[laser pistol]].]''
*:'''Sephoni:''' '''''Captain!'''''  '''Starbuck:''' I ought to shoot you ''dead'' through these [[Frack|frackin']] ''bars!''

== Related Imagery ==

=== Covers ===
<gallery mode="slideshow">
File:BSGDOA02CovAMayhew.jpg|alt=Cover A by Mike Mayhew.|Cover A by [[Mike Mayhew]].
File:BSGDOA02CovBSmith.jpg|alt=Cover B by Dietrich Smith.|Cover B by [[Dietrich Smith]].
File:BSGDOA02CovCRamondelli.jpg|alt=Cover C by Livio Ramondelli.|Cover C by [[Livio Ramondelli]].
File:BSGDOA02CovDSubSyaf.jpg|alt=Cover D by Ardian Syaf.|Cover D by [[Ardian Syaf]].
File:BSGDOA02CovEIncenSmithBW.jpg|alt=Cover E by Dietrich Smith. (B&W Incentive)|Cover E by [[Dietrich Smith]]. (B&W Incentive)
File:BSGDOA02CovFIncenSyafBW.jpg|alt=Cover F by Ardian Syaf. (B&W Incentive)|Cover F by [[Ardian Syaf]]. (B&W Incentive)
File:BSGDOA02CovGIncenSmithRed.jpg|alt=Cover G by Dietrich Smith. (Red Monochrome Incentive)|Cover G by [[Dietrich Smith]]. (Red Monochrome Incentive)
File:BSGDOA02CovHFOCMayhewArtBoardNOTUSED.jpg|alt=Cover H by Mike Mayhew. (Sketch Board Incentive)|Cover H by [[Mike Mayhew]]. (Sketch Board Incentive)
File:BATTLESTAR GALACTICA Death of Apollo 2 LR.jpg|alt=Original Cover A artwork by Mike Mayhew.|Original Cover A artwork by [[Mike Mayhew]].
File:Mike Mayhew Original BATTLESTAR GALACTICA DEATH OF APOLLO 2 Cover Painting - Cylon Closeup.jpg|alt=Detail closeup from original Cover A artwork by Mike Mayhew.|Detail closeup from original Cover A artwork by [[Mike Mayhew]].
File:Mike Mayhew Original BATTLESTAR GALACTICA DEATH OF APOLLO 2 Cover Painting - Starbuck Closeup.jpg|alt=Detail closeup from original Cover A artwork by Mike Mayhew.|Detail closeup from original Cover A artwork by [[Mike Mayhew]].
File:Mike Mayhew Original BATTLESTAR GALACTICA DEATH OF APOLLO 2 Cover Painting - Pistol Closeup.jpg|alt=Detail closeup from original Cover A artwork by Mike Mayhew.|Detail closeup from original Cover A artwork by [[Mike Mayhew]].
File:Mike Mayhew Original BATTLESTAR GALACTICA DEATH OF APOLLO 2 Cover Painting - Cylon Pile Closeup.jpg|alt=Detail closeup from original Cover A artwork by Mike Mayhew.|Detail closeup from original Cover A artwork by [[Mike Mayhew]]. 
</gallery>

=== Preview Pages ===

: ''Please Note: These are used for promotional purposes by the publisher, and are provided here in the same vein.''
<gallery mode="slideshow">
File:BSGDOA021.jpg|alt=Page 1|Page 1
File:BSGDOA022.jpg|alt=Page 2|Page 2
File:BSGDOA023.jpg|alt=Page 3|Page 3
File:BSGDOA024.jpg|alt=Page 4|Page 4
File:BSGDOA025.jpg|alt=Page 5|Page 5
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== External links ==
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*{{Archivelink|url=https://dynamite.com/htmlfiles/viewProduct.html?PRO=C72513022440802041|title=Dynamite.com - BATTLESTAR GALACTICA: THE DEATH OF APOLLO #2 (OF 6) EXCLUSIVE SUBSCRIPTION VARIANT COVER}}
==References==
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