Broadside (TOS-BN)

This article has a separate continuity. This article is in the Berkley Novelizations separate continuity, which is related to the Original Series. Be sure that your contributions to this article reflect the characters and events specific to this continuity only.

Broadside is a supply ship within the Fleet, commanded by Captain Ironhand (Stedonis). Once an intergalactic shuttle serving the Twelve Worlds, it has been repurposed as a cargo vessel and serves as a refuge for outcasts and fugitives within the Fleet.

History

Broadside was originally constructed as an intergalactic shuttle during the time when the Twelve Colonies were "still thriving, before the Cylon doublecross and subsequent ambush had destroyed them." Following the destruction of the Colonies, the vessel was incorporated into the refugee Fleet and converted to serve as a supply ship.

Physical Condition and Design

Broadside is described as "not the classiest ship of the fleet" and shows significant signs of wear and neglect. The vessel features rusty airlocks that "saw little traffic" and lacks posted guards at ship entryways, reflecting both the low security priority of the vessel and its captain's relaxed approach to formal protocols.

The ship's interior is characterized as "rundown," "desultory, cluttered, old-looking, badly lit." The captain's quarters feature "an ancient piece of furniture that might have been a desk before it died," reflecting the general state of decay throughout the vessel.

Broadside includes a large meeting room that serves as a makeshift auditorium for theatrical performances. This "badly painted but massive room" is "not usually an auditorium" but can be converted for entertainment purposes when needed.

Crew Composition and Culture

Under Captain Ironhand's command, Broadside operates with a crew largely composed of society's outcasts. As Ironhand explains to new arrivals, his crew consists of "either ex-cons from the grid barge or fugitives from justice who've heard this is a safe ship for escapees from anything." The ship also houses "a few who just want to hide from the fleet for their own private reasons."

The crew's work ethic reflects their backgrounds and circumstances. Workers display "laconic" movements and appear to do "only as much work as they were told, and no more." Their uniforms are described as hanging "loosely, like discarded cloth," contributing to their overall disheveled appearance.

Captain Ironhand frequently expresses frustration with his crew, describing them as "my curse" and "ignoramuses, all of them." He acknowledges them as "a scurvy and sleazy bunch" but maintains operational discipline despite their shortcomings.

Fleet Position and Operations

Broadside is positioned "near the rear of the massive fleet," requiring "a long one" journey to reach Galactica at the fleet's head. This positioning reflects both its supply ship role and its lower priority within the Fleet hierarchy.

The ship serves important logistical functions within the Fleet, carrying supplies and materials necessary for the survival of the refugee population. Despite its humble status, Broadside contributes to the overall Fleet operations and follows Galactica's lead "across the galaxies."

Notable Inhabitants

Broadside houses several significant individuals:

Command Staff:

• Captain Ironhand (Stedonis) - Ship's captain and theater enthusiast
• Slug - Crewman with notably lethargic demeanor

Temporary Residents:

• Baltar (as "Korriman") - Disguised Cylon collaborator seeking passage to Galactica
• Lucifer (as "Trogla") - Disguised Cylon assassin posing as a Borellian Noman
• Lingk - Genuine Borellian Noman who becomes suspicious of Lucifer's disguise
• Dwybolt's theater company - Traveling performers using Broadside as a performance venue

Cultural Activities

Broadside serves as a venue for Dwybolt's traveling theater company, hosting performances in its converted meeting room auditorium. The ship's crew serves as an often unappreciative audience, frequently heckling the performers during dramatic presentations. Despite the crew's crude behavior, Captain Ironhand demonstrates genuine appreciation for the theatrical arts, having previously attended the troupe's performances at the Piscean capital.

Security Incidents

The ship's relaxed security protocols make it vulnerable to infiltration. Baltar and Lucifer easily gain access through the unguarded airlock, with no crew present to challenge their arrival. Captain Ironhand's acceptance of fugitives and outcasts, while providing sanctuary for those in need, also creates opportunities for hostile infiltration.

The murder of Lingk by the disguised Lucifer represents a significant security breach, though the crime goes undetected. Lingk's body is disposed of through a waste chute, leaving no evidence of the killing or the compromise of Fleet security.