Belloch

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Sire Belloch is the Gemon representative to the Quorum of Twelve in 7360. He serves during the succession crisis following Commander Adama's death and remains a council member during subsequent fleet operations.

Appearance and Personality

Belloch is described as a pudgy man with icy blue eyes. Athena considers him arrogant, though she acknowledges most Quorum members share this trait. Despite initial impressions, Belloch demonstrates political insight that earns Athena's respect during critical moments.

During debates concerning Kobol, Belloch is characterized as tall and thin, gaunt as death—though this description may reflect Apollo's perception during a tense council session rather than Belloch's actual appearance.

Role in Succession Crisis

Initial Response

When Ambassador Puck begins sparring with Lieutenant Colonel Athena following Apollo's departure from the fleet, Belloch attempts to defuse tensions. As accusations fly between Puck and Athena regarding Apollo's whereabouts and Athena's cooperation, Belloch interjects to prevent escalation. However, both Puck and Athena respond to his intervention with withering stares, demonstrating the limited effectiveness of his peacekeeping attempt.

When President Tigh exercises emergency powers to name Athena interim commander and nominate her for Adama's vacant Quorum seat, Belloch begins to offer commentary. Before he can finish speaking, Major Sheba interrupts the closed council session with urgent news that the Scorpius Ascendant has declared independence and demands Puck receive command. Belloch immediately declares this an outrage.

When Sheba reports that protests are spreading throughout the fleet based on rumors that Apollo conspired with Cylons, Belloch anxiously asks what should be done. Siress Kiera questions how the fleet will respond even if the Quorum spurns Puck, presenting the dilemma with impeccable logic that troubles the council.

Confronting Puck

Belloch accompanies President Tigh and Commander Athena when they inform Ambassador Puck of the Quorum's decisions. His presence serves as witness to ensure no questions arise about what was discussed and decided. When Athena announces her appointment as interim commander and election to Adama's seat, Belloch addresses Puck directly about the Quorum's dismay over his tactics in seeking fleet command.

Belloch firmly tells Puck that command is the Quorum's decision, not a democratic one determined by popular support. When Puck refuses to address the fleet and call off his supporters despite the crisis threatening to tear the fleet apart, Belloch responds with passion, roaring about Puck's people destroying the fleet. He emphasizes that internal strife alone could destroy them, setting aside even the Cylon threat.

Belloch supports Athena's decision to place Puck under arrest and confine him to quarters with all communications access diverted. When they exit Puck's chambers, Belloch witnesses Sheba's report about the mutiny aboard the Hephaestus and the disappearance of Lieutenant Troy and Ensign Dalton in the Pit. He rages at each new crisis development, asking what will come next.

Apollo's Return

When Apollo returns to the fleet, Belloch is among those who welcome him back. During the emergency Quorum session convened to address the Cylon threat, Belloch asks Apollo bluntly whether he wishes to nominate himself for fleet commander. This direct question reflects the ongoing political uncertainty despite the immediate military crisis.

Service on the Quorum

Final Resolution

Following the destruction of Lucifer's basestar and the defeat of Iblis' machinations, Belloch attends the ceremony where Apollo formally assumes full command of the fleet. He stands on the podium with other Quorum members including Tigh, Athena, Sheba, and Siress Kiera as the succession crisis finally concludes.

Poseidon Discussions

When the fleet encounters Poseidon and Commander Cain's settlement, Belloch participates in Quorum deliberations about the planet's future role. When Siress Kiera expresses confusion about Athena's warning regarding loss of Quorum authority, Belloch provides clear explanation. He observes that Poseidon is not their planet—if fleet citizens choose it as home, they must accept that Cain has already established the planet's government. He characterizes Cain as a warhawk who will have filled Poseidon's Quorum with sympathizers to his militaristic fervor.

Athena finds herself surprised by Belloch's insight. Though she never thought highly of him beyond noting his arrogance, his political acumen in this instance earns her respect. When Belloch notices her stare, he responds with a grin, acknowledging he may be old and pompous but is not foolish.

Kobol Debates

During debates about reclaiming Kobol, Belloch argues in favor of accepting the caretakers' offer. When Apollo expresses concerns about accepting the caretakers at their word without fully considering ramifications, Belloch dismisses these objections. He declares there is nothing to consider—the caretakers offer a safe planet for rebuilding, regardless that the world is not homeworld to any Quorum members besides those from Caprica.

Belloch emphasizes that Kobol represents the last place Cylons would search for the fleet. When Apollo warns that Cylons possess the same QSE technology and will eventually find them, Belloch counters that the fleet is safely concealed and the city hidden below the surface of a planet Cylons already decimated. He argues that even if Cylons follow, they will find only a dead world exactly as they left it a thousand yahrens ago. The Quorum murmurs assent at Belloch's reasoning, with even Athena nodding agreement.

Political Philosophy

Belloch demonstrates pragmatic political thinking throughout his service. During the succession crisis, he recognizes that popular support alone cannot determine command—the Quorum must maintain its constitutional authority even when public sentiment runs counter to its decisions. His willingness to confront Puck directly about undermining Quorum authority shows commitment to institutional legitimacy.

His analysis of Poseidon's political situation reveals sophisticated understanding of governmental structures and power dynamics. He immediately grasps implications that elude other Quorum members, recognizing that settling on Cain's planet means accepting Cain's governmental framework. This insight demonstrates ability to think beyond immediate circumstances to long-term political consequences.

However, Belloch also shows tendency to favor stability and safety over caution when circumstances seem favorable. His enthusiastic support for Kobol settlement despite Apollo's warnings suggests willingness to accept promising situations without exhaustive analysis. This pattern reflects broader Quorum tendencies—as Apollo observes, council members are not brilliant leaders or possessors of courageous hearts, but rather a group banded together by deep mistrust of change, accepting only circumstances beyond their control.

Relationships

Athena

Belloch's relationship with Athena evolves during the succession crisis. Initially, she views him primarily as an arrogant Quorum member, no different from most council representatives. However, his political insight during Poseidon discussions earns her respect. His willingness to stand with her when confronting Puck demonstrates loyalty during a critical period when many flee from difficult decisions.

President Tigh

Belloch works closely with Tigh throughout the succession crisis and subsequent challenges. He accompanies Tigh when delivering difficult news to Puck and supports the president's exercise of emergency powers. His presence as witness during critical confrontations helps legitimize controversial decisions during the unstable transition period.