Editing Cain (TOS-RH)

{{Separate continuity|universe=TOS|cont=Richard Hatch Novelizations}}{{disambiguation|Cassiopeia|the canonical depiction of this character}}'''Commander Cain''' is a legendary Colonial military officer and commander of the battlestar ''[[Pegasus (TOS-RH)|Pegasus]]''.<ref name="ARM45">{{cite book/RH|1|45}}</ref> After the destruction of the [[Twelve Colonies of Man (TOS-RH)|Twelve Colonies]] and the [[Battle of Gamoray (TOS-RH)|Battle of Gamoray]], he establishes a colony on [[Poseidon (TOS-RH)|Poseidon]] in the [[Xerik system (TOS-RH)|Xerik system]], where he serves as president while maintaining his military command.<ref name="WH102">{{cite book/RH|2|102}}</ref> Cain is the father of [[Sheba (TOS-RH)|Sheba]], a premier [[Viper (TOS-RH)|Viper]] pilot who becomes engaged to [[Apollo (TOS-RH)|Apollo]].<ref name="ARM45" />

==Early Career and Reputation==

Cain establishes himself as a living legend among the Colonial fleet, known for his tactical genius and commanding presence.<ref name="WH60">{{cite book/RH|2|60}}</ref> He possesses cold [[saligium]] in his eyes that makes him an intimidating presence, though the yahrens deepen the lines in his face, making him bonier and more slender with thinner hair.<ref name="WH60" /> Despite physical changes, Cain retains the formidable presence that defines his reputation.<ref name="WH60" />

His relationship with [[Adama (TOS-RH)|Adama]] is one of mutual respect, though they do not always agree.<ref name="WH102" /> Adama had great respect for Cain, a sentiment Cain reciprocates, noting that this respect was never greater than when fate forced him into Adama's role of leading survivors after the Cylon destruction.<ref name="WH102" />

==The Siege at Gamoray==

Approximately twenty yahren before reuniting with the [[Colonial Fleet (TOS-RH)|Colonial Fleet]], Cain participates in the siege at Gamoray, a hard-fought battle where ''[[Galactica (TOS-RH)|Galactica]]'' and ''[[Pegasus (TOS-RH)|Pegasus]]'' engage multiple Cylon base stars.<ref name="WH102" /> Cain's tactical genius leads to the destruction of two base stars, though a third bearing [[Baltar (TOS-RH)|Baltar]] escapes.<ref name="WH102" />

During the battle, Cain orders that his injured daughter [[Sheba (TOS-RH)|Sheba]] be brought aboard ''Galactica'', unknowingly separating them for nearly two decades.<ref name="ARM45" /> The explosion debris from the destroyed base stars creates a sea of shrapnel that blinds both battlestars' monitoring systems for many centons.<ref name="WH103">{{cite book/RH|2|103}}</ref> ''Pegasus'' is damaged but not destroyed, though Cain believes the entire Colonial fleet has been destroyed.<ref name="WH103" />

After Gamoray, ''Pegasus'' was repeatedly counted out and reported destroyed at least half a dozen times, though Cain always survived.<ref name="ARM45" /> Sheba never believes her father is gone forever, maintaining faith in his survival despite the uncertain fate of ''Pegasus''.<ref name="ARM45" />

==Rescue of Refugees==

One yahren after Gamoray, ''Pegasus'' remains within the Cylon perimeter, fighting a guerrilla war.<ref name="WH103" /> With only one battlestar, Cain's options are limited to strike-and-run tactics, harrying the enemy then fleeing to fight again—"not the kind of war I like to wage, but the only one that was available to me."<ref name="WH103" />

After destroying a Cylon supply base while evading reprisal, ''Pegasus'' receives distress signals from refugee ships.<ref name="WH103" /> Initially reluctant to credit them, Cain responds when multiple calls arrive, recognizing that refugees had screened ''Pegasus'' and knew the battlestar was within range.<ref name="WH103" />

Cain discovers that many survived the Cylon destruction of the Twelve Colonies, noting bitterly that ''Galactica'' arrived "too late to stand against the Cylons, too late to save all the refugees."<ref name="WH103" /> He gathers the refugees that ''Galactica'' could not reach and leads them to safety.<ref name="WH103" />

==Establishment of Poseidon Colony==

Approximately nineteen yahren after Gamoray, Cain leads the refugees to [[Poseidon (TOS-RH)|Poseidon]] (also known as Xerik-5) in the [[Xerik system (TOS-RH)|Xerik system]].<ref name="WH102" /> There he establishes a colony with the explicit purpose of using planetary resources to create a foundation from which to launch a counteroffensive against the Cylons.<ref name="WH63">{{cite book/RH|2|63}}</ref>

===Industrial Development===

After ''Pegasus''<nowiki>'</nowiki> foundry ship suffers what Cain describes as a meteor strike, he moves heavy equipment from the battlestar to Poseidon's surface, using it as the basis for extensive industrial operations.<ref name="WH101">{{cite book/RH|2|101}}</ref> The colony develops foundries, factories, smelters, and warehouses arranged in a ringed configuration at the settlement's heart.<ref name="WH100">{{cite book/RH|2|100}}</ref>

The colonists establish massive open-pit saligium mines using brutal extraction techniques rarely employed on more heavily settled worlds.<ref name="WH101" /> Mining equipment claws huge slabs of ore from the pit walls, crushes them into rubble, and transports the debris to refining smelters whose chimneys vent black smoke into the sky.<ref name="WH101" /> Under Cain's direction, the colony grows to a surprisingly large population—far exceeding what might be expected from a single battlestar's crew.<ref name="WH102" />

===Fleet Expansion===

Cain oversees construction of new warships using Poseidon's resources, with forces growing stronger each day.<ref name="WH217">{{cite book/RH|2|217}}</ref> The colony develops its own fleet including ''[[Hypatia (TOS-RH)|Hyapatia]]'' and other vessels, supplementing ''Pegasus'' with two additional battlestars and a half-dozen more warships.<ref name="WH249">{{cite book/RH|2|249}}</ref> Components are fabricated on the surface and lifted into orbit for final assembly by shipwrights.<ref name="WH101" />

Cain establishes a dual role as both military commander and president of Poseidon, wielding complete authority over the colony and its colonists.<ref name="WH248">{{cite book/RH|2|248}}</ref>

==Philosophy and Character==

Cain is fundamentally a warhawk who views military conflict as necessary and even desirable.<ref name="WH70">{{cite book/RH|2|70}}</ref> Unlike [[Adama (TOS-RH)|Adama]], who saw armed conflict as a final, desperate option to prepare for but never embrace, Cain speaks of war as something he "likes to wage," distinguishing acceptable from unacceptable forms of warfare.<ref name="WH103" />

His militaristic fervor extends to Poseidon's government, which he fills with a Quorum sympathetic to his views.<ref name="WH70" /> When [[Apollo (TOS-RH)|Apollo]] realizes Cain's true nature, he thinks: "War...it's all he's ever understood."<ref name="WH64">{{cite book/RH|2|64}}</ref>

Despite his martial focus, Cain demonstrates capacity for love and vulnerability, particularly regarding his daughter [[Sheba (TOS-RH)|Sheba]] and his relationship with [[Cassiopeia (TOS-RH)|Cassiopeia]].<ref name="WH76">{{cite book/RH|2|76}}</ref> When he fears Sheba might be dead, the pain in his eyes reveals a resemblance to his daughter—"a fire there, but a kind of empathy as well."<ref name="WH76" />

==Reunion with the Colonial Fleet==

When the Colonial Fleet arrives in the Xerik system, Cain welcomes them, offering Poseidon as a potential home.<ref name="WH64" /> He greets [[Apollo (TOS-RH)|Apollo]], [[Athena (TOS-RH)|Athena]], [[Starbuck (TOS-RH)|Starbuck]], and [[Tigh (TOS-RH)|President Tigh]] aboard ''Pegasus'', though his reunion is complicated by Sheba's disappearance.<ref name="WH60" />

Cain's grip when clasping Apollo's hand is hard and intimidating, retaining the commanding presence that made him a legend.<ref name="WH60" /> He pays particular attention to [[Gar'Tokk (TOS-RH)|Gar'Tokk]]'s presence as Apollo's bodyguard, narrowing his eyes but saying nothing.<ref name="WH60" />

The commander offers Poseidon as a home for the entire Colonial Fleet: "The planet which, if you so desire, you and your entire fleet may call your home."<ref name="WH64" /> However, he intends to use the combined resources to launch offensive operations against the Cylons rather than simply providing sanctuary.<ref name="WH63" />

==Conflict with Apollo and Athena==

Cain's secretiveness and militaristic agenda create tension with the Colonial Fleet's leadership. Apollo suspects Cain is hiding something, noting the commander's enigmatic expressions don't match his words.<ref name="WH102" />

When Apollo discovers Poseidon's environmental dangers and the [[Cylons (TOS-RH)|Cylon]] presence on [[Xerik-7 (TOS-RH)|Xerik-7]], he orders immediate evacuation of all Poseidon colonists.<ref name="WH248" /> Cain thunders in rage, his face a mask of dark fury, asserting his complete authority over Poseidon and its colonists.<ref name="WH248" /><ref name="WH249" />

The confrontation escalates with Cain challenging Apollo's authority: "I was commanding a fleet before you were born. You are not aboard this vessel. Until you return, I am the ranking authority!"<ref name="WH249" /> Apollo responds decisively: "I'm the commander of the ''Galactica'' and its entire fleet. You're standing on my bridge."<ref name="WH249" />

When Cain raises his hand to strike [[Athena (TOS-RH)|Athena]] after she calls him an "old fool," she strikes first.<ref name="WH249" /> Apollo authorizes Athena to arrest Cain if he interferes with evacuation efforts.<ref name="WH249" />

===Role as Advisor===

Despite tensions, Cain's military expertise proves valuable. [[Athena (TOS-RH)|Athena]] allows him to serve as advisor to the [[Quorum of Twelve (TOS-RH)|Quorum]], though she makes clear: "You are here as an advisor and an ally, President Cain, not because of your rank as commander."<ref name="WH189">{{cite book/RH|2|189}}</ref>

Cain insists the [[Chitain (TOS-RH)|Chitain]] are not enemies and should be made allies against the Cylons, dismissing concerns as "phantom conflicts."<ref name="WH189" /> He reminds Athena that "the Pegasus's forces are mine, as are all the human resources in this system. Your people are my guests here."<ref name="WH190">{{cite book/RH|2|190}}</ref>

Ironically, during the crisis, Cain—normally a warhawk—argues for peace while Athena determines they must strike first.<ref name="WH206">{{cite book/RH|2|206}}</ref> The Quorum members find themselves treated to "the rare spectacle of a warhawk arguing for peace."<ref name="WH206" />

==Relationship with Sheba==

Cain's relationship with his daughter is complex, marked by long separation and his tendency toward self-sacrifice. When Sheba goes missing during reconnaissance, Cain experiences profound fear and pain.<ref name="WH76" /> [[Cassiopeia (TOS-RH)|Cassiopeia]] reassures him: "She's your daughter, Cain, through and through."<ref name="WH76" />

When ''Pegasus'' sustains critical damage, Cain attempts to take a shuttle to his dying battlestar, willing to sacrifice himself and his crew.<ref name="WH257">{{cite book/RH|2|257}}</ref> Sheba, though badly wounded, confronts him in the launch bay, supported by Cassiopeia.<ref name="WH257" />

Sheba accuses her father of always trying to throw his life away: "You want to die a hero. If you do this, you'll just die an old fool."<ref name="WH257" /> Her words break through Cain's resolve, and they embrace as she weeps, with Cain whispering, "I thought you were dead."<ref name="WH257" /> Sheba responds, "Then we're even."<ref name="WH257" />

==Relationship with Cassiopeia==

Cain maintains a romantic connection with [[Cassiopeia (TOS-RH)|Cassiopeia]] that spans decades.<ref name="WH76" /> When they reunite, he holds her in silence for nearly a full centari before chuckling, "Doesn't seem like twenty yahren."<ref name="WH76" /> Cassiopeia pointedly notes that [[Starbuck (TOS-RH)|Starbuck]] "hasn't been my Captain Starbuck in a long time."<ref name="WH76" />

Cain invites her to Poseidon as his guest for the diplomatic reception, and she accepts with pleasure.<ref name="WH76" /> Later, when Cassiopeia brings Sheba to stop him from sacrificing himself, Cain's initial anger at Cassiopeia transforms to gratitude, and he blows her a kiss above his daughter's head.<ref name="WH257" />

==Final Battle and Death==

During the major battle in the Xerik system, ''Pegasus'' sustains overwhelming damage.<ref name="RES232">{{cite book/RH|3|232}}</ref> Cain makes a final transmission to Cassiopeia and Sheba, his face painted in bold red strokes by countless fires, coughing from suffocating smoke and massive internal trauma.<ref name="RES232" /> He tells Cassiopeia, "I'll always love you," and asks her to tell Sheba, "I have always been proud to be her father."<ref name="RES232" />

Sheba breaks formation and speeds back toward ''Pegasus'', screaming for her father to hang on.<ref name="RES232" /> She manages to get within range of the landing bay, but the apertures refuse to open—Cain will not allow her to join him in death.<ref name="RES232" /> His voice comes back weak and breaking: "Sheba...Sheba, I—" before being lost in static.<ref name="RES232" />

''Pegasus'', burning out of control with long tongues of flame licking the sky, rises at full speed and rams directly into [[Lucifer (TOS-RH)|Lucifer]]'s Cylon basestar.<ref name="RES232" /> The sacrifice destroys the basestar but takes Cain and his entire crew with it.

==Legacy==

After the battle, the Colonial Fleet gains "the military genius of Commander Cain," though [[Apollo (TOS-RH)|Apollo]] believes he has lost his future with Sheba in the bargain.<ref name="WH270">{{cite book/RH|2|270}}</ref> Between ''Galactica'', ''[[Daedelus]]'', and ''Pegasus'', the fleet loses more than half its Warriors and starfighters, but gains four warships from Cain's forces.<ref name="WH271">{{cite book/RH|2|271}}</ref>

Later, when [[Troy (TOS-RH)|Troy]] and [[Dalton (TOS-RH)|Dalton]] explore the wreckage of ''Pegasus'' pulled into the [[Ur cloud (TOS-RH)|Ur cloud]], they find Cain's body anchored to a twisted bulkhead, his blue cloak caught on a jagged shard of metal.<ref name="REB208">{{cite book/RH|4|208}}</ref> His gold medallion floats above his neck, his usually neat white hair waving about his sharp-featured face.<ref name="REB208" /> Dalton touches the still face of the former great commander, mourning the loss of Sheba's father and a legendary warrior.<ref name="REB208" />

==References==
<references />

{{DEFAULTSORT:Cain}}
[[Category:Characters (TOS)]]
[[Category:Richard Hatch Novelizations]]
[[Category:Colonial Warriors]]
[[Category:Military Officers]]
[[Category:Commanders]]
[[Category:Deceased Characters]]