Editing Cassiopeia (TOS-RH)

{{separate continuity|universe=TOS|cont=Richard Hatch continuation|lcont=:Category:Books}}
{{disambiguation|Cassiopeia (TOS)|the canonical depiction of this character}}

'''Cassiopeia''' is a former {{TOS-RH|socialator}} who becomes a highly skilled med-tech and bio-research specialist serving aboard ''[[Galactica (TOS-RH)|Galactica]]''. She is the mother of {{TOS-RH|Dalton}} and a central figure in the surviving [[The Fleet (TOS-RH)|Colonial fleet]].

==Biography==

===Background===

Cassiopeia is {{TOS-RH|Gemonese}}, hailing from the colony of {{TOS-RH|Gemini}}. She was originally trained as a {{TOS-RH|socialator}}, an ancient occupation with a tradition of great respect, described as "women of exemplary manners, diplomacy and education" who serve as "perfect companions"<ref name="war_socialator_tradition">{{cite book/RH|2|75}}</ref>. Though there was glamour to that life, it was also a lonely one<ref name="war_socialator_lonely">{{cite book/RH|2|50}}</ref> {{RH|Warhawk}}.

===Medical career===

Cassiopeia works diligently to leave her past behind and become a medical professional. She becomes "the finest med-tech in the fleet" and the primary bio-research tech on [[Galactica (TOS-RH)|''Galactica'']], though she remains self-conscious about not being a full doctor<ref name="war_medtech_skills">{{cite book/RH|2|74-75}}</ref> {{RH|Warhawk}}.

Her medical expertise makes her invaluable to the fleet. She maintains both a medical station and an adjoining research laboratory<ref name="war_medtech_skills" />. Even as she advances in her career, she occasionally still sees patients, particularly those who feel more comfortable coming to her<ref name="war_nita_treatment">{{cite book/RH|2|73-74}}</ref> {{RH|Warhawk}}.

Cassiopeia works closely with Doctor {{TOS-RH|Salik}} and {{TOS-RH|Wilker}} on various research projects, including dissecting the remains of destroyed {{TOS-RH|Cylons}} that have been in storage for yahren<ref name="res_cylon_research">{{cite book/RH|3|35}}</ref> {{RH|Resurrection}}.

===Personal relationships===

====Starbuck====

Cassiopeia has a long and complicated relationship with {{TOS-RH|Starbuck}}. They were in love "off and on for eighteen yahren"<ref name="arm_cassie_starbuck_history">{{cite book/RH|1|20}}</ref>, and she bore him a daughter, {{TOS-RH|Dalton}}, approximately a {{TOS-RH|yahren}} after the [[Battle at Galaxy's Edge]] in {{TOS-RH|7343}}<ref name="arm_dalton_birth">{{cite book/RH|1|30}}</ref> {{RH|Armageddon}}.

Though they love each other, they cannot live together. Cassiopeia needs "a mate who would be home when she wanted him there. Not out playing pyramid at some chancery all through light cycle, spending cubits on bad wagers or expensive bottles of ambrosa shared with women half his age"<ref name="war_cassie_starbuck_relationship">{{cite book/RH|2|38-39}}</ref>. Half a {{TOS-RH|yahren}} before Dalton's eighteenth {{TOS-RH|novayahren}}, they briefly entertain the idea of reuniting, but "that dalliance had ended badly"<ref name="war_cassie_starbuck_relationship" /> {{RH|Warhawk}}.

Cassiopeia acknowledges that while Starbuck cared for her, "the real Starbuck, the man he was at his core, the courageous and giving person beneath the facade, that man always belonged to" {{TOS-RH|Athena}}<ref name="arm_cassie_starbuck_history" /> {{RH|Armageddon}}.

After taking the Seal with another man, Cassiopeia later divorces him<ref name="arm_cassie_divorced">{{cite book/RH|1|36}}</ref>. When Starbuck returns to {{TOS-RH|Athena}}, Cassiopeia finds herself attracted to {{TOS-RH|Plutarch}}, a young scientist twenty-two yahren old. Though she has a "schoolgirl crush" on him, she recognizes it as completely harmless and knows she would never act upon it<ref name="war_plutarch_attraction">{{cite book/RH|2|49-50}}</ref> {{RH|Warhawk|Armageddon}}.

When Starbuck is critically injured and dying, Cassiopeia serves as his attending med-tech. {{TOS-RH|Apollo}} notes that Starbuck "loved you as much as he ever loved anyone," to which Cassiopeia responds "As much, or as often?" before her eyes prick with tears<ref name="res_starbuck_dying">{{cite book/RH|3|120}}</ref>. She weeps openly and bitterly at his funeral, held by {{TOS-RH|Athena}}<ref name="res_starbuck_funeral">{{cite book/RH|3|123}}</ref> {{RH|Resurrection}}.

Following Starbuck's resurrection, their relationship remains complex. On {{TOS-RH|Paradis}}, Starbuck visits her in the med-lab and kisses her "with all the passion in him." {{TOS-RH|Apollo}} walks in on them, leading to a confrontation. Cassiopeia stops the argument by reminding them of a previous fight between Apollo and Starbuck over {{TOS-RH|Athena}}<ref name="par_starbuck_kiss">{{cite book/RH|5|59}}</ref> {{RH|Paradis}}.

====Apollo====

Cassiopeia develops deep feelings for {{TOS-RH|Apollo}}. When Starbuck is critically wounded, she finds comfort in {{TOS-RH|Apollo}}'s embrace. He kisses her softly on the top of her head and tells her "I'm here for you." {{TOS-RH|Apollo}} recognizes that Starbuck fell for Cassiopeia because "she had a rare quality that one didn't find often in this hardscrabble life—it was kindness"<ref name="res_apollo_comfort">{{cite book/RH|3|120}}</ref> {{RH|Resurrection}}.

Their relationship becomes romantic, and Cassiopeia becomes pregnant with what she believes is {{TOS-RH|Apollo}}'s child. When she tells him, {{TOS-RH|Apollo}}'s reaction is one of shock rather than joy, leaving her hoping for "a different expression on the face of the man she loved"<ref name="par_pregnancy_reveal">{{cite book/RH|5|57-58}}</ref>. {{TOS-RH|Apollo}} tells her he needs time to think, then retreats from the conversation, leaving Cassiopeia to wait<ref name="reb_apollo_reaction">{{cite book/RH|4|87-88}}</ref> {{RH|Rebellion|Paradis}}.

Cassiopeia reflects that she is "hopelessly in love" with both {{TOS-RH|Apollo}} and {{TOS-RH|Starbuck}}, though they inspire very different emotions in her. With {{TOS-RH|Apollo}}, she feels "a pressure in her, a command to rise to the occasion," while with her "jaunty colonel" Starbuck, she is "more relaxed, ready to laugh." However, Starbuck can also make her angry "in ways no other man could"<ref name="par_apollo_starbuck_feelings">{{cite book/RH|5|58-59}}</ref> {{RH|Paradis}}.

====Athena====

Cassiopeia initially has a caustic, adversarial relationship with {{TOS-RH|Athena}}, beginning when they competed for {{TOS-RH|Starbuck}}'s attentions<ref name="res_athena_history">{{cite book/RH|3|45}}</ref>. {{TOS-RH|Athena}} admits she once thought Cassiopeia was "cheap" because of her background as a socialator, but comes to admire her hard work and accomplishments<ref name="res_athena_admiration">{{cite book/RH|3|46}}</ref> {{RH|Resurrection}}.

When Starbuck is dying, the two women make peace. Cassiopeia tells {{TOS-RH|Athena}} that while Starbuck cared for her, "the real Starbuck" always belonged to {{TOS-RH|Athena}}. She proposes they end their rivalry, noting "Starbuck is dead, Athena. I don't know if we'll ever really be friends, but I do know we've both lost something"<ref name="arm_cassie_athena_peace">{{cite book/RH|1|20}}</ref> {{RH|Armageddon}}.

After Starbuck returns to {{TOS-RH|Athena}}, Cassiopeia and {{TOS-RH|Athena}} become closer. Cassiopeia notes "Athena and I are getting closer than we've ever been," acknowledging that the situation is awkward given her continued involvement with Starbuck<ref name="war_cassie_athena_closer">{{cite book/RH|2|39-40}}</ref>. On {{TOS-RH|Paradis}}, {{TOS-RH|Athena}} is concerned for Cassiopeia and doesn't want to hurt her friend with her relationship with Starbuck<ref name="par_athena_concern">{{cite book/RH|5|58}}</ref> {{RH|Warhawk|Paradis}}.

====Cain====

Cassiopeia has a history with Commander {{TOS-RH|Cain}}. When he visits her laboratory, they embrace warmly, and Cain says "an entire phalanx of Cylon Raiders couldn't have kept me away. I'm just happy you remember an old man who once doted on you." Cassiopeia responds that he was "more than that" to her<ref name="war_cain_visit">{{cite book/RH|2|74}}</ref> {{RH|Warhawk}}.

Cain offers Cassiopeia a position on {{TOS-RH|Poseidon}}, acknowledging her skills and telling her "as long as I live, wherever I am, there's a place for you." Cassiopeia thanks him, noting "You always looked out for me"<ref name="war_cain_offer">{{cite book/RH|2|75}}</ref> {{RH|Warhawk}}.

===Political involvement===

Cassiopeia becomes involved with the {{TOS-RH|Gemon Matriarchs}}, a group that believes women are more capable than men and pursues that philosophy within the fleet. She approaches {{TOS-RH|Athena}} on behalf of this group, informing her that the Gemon Matriarchs are prepared to back {{TOS-RH|Athena}}'s bid as a candidate for commander, and that Cassiopeia plans to nominate her<ref name="arm_matriarchs_nomination">{{cite book/RH|1|37-38}}</ref> {{RH|Armageddon}}.

===Motherhood===

====Dalton====

Cassiopeia is the mother of {{TOS-RH|Dalton}}, whom she had with {{TOS-RH|Starbuck}}. When Starbuck is critically injured, Dalton keeps vigil at her father's deathbed. After Starbuck's death, Dalton embraces him and baptizes his face with bitter tears<ref name="res_dalton_grief">{{cite book/RH|3|121}}</ref> {{RH|Resurrection}}.

Cassiopeia is protective of her daughter. When {{TOS-RH|Nita}} visits for treatment, she asks Cassiopeia to say hello to Dalton, noting "I know where Dalton got her drive." Cassiopeia laughs and responds "Well, it wasn't from her father"<ref name="war_nita_treatment" /> {{RH|Warhawk}}.

====Second child====

On {{TOS-RH|Paradis}}, Cassiopeia becomes pregnant again. She accepts the services of a {{TOS-RH|Gamon}} midwife named {{TOS-RH|K'Ris}} despite this being unexpected<ref name="par_gamon_midwife">{{cite book/RH|5|82-83}}</ref> {{RH|Paradis}}.

When Cassiopeia gives birth, the midwife helps with the delivery, but during the birth Cassiopeia blacks out. When she wakes, both the midwife and the baby are gone<ref name="reb_baby_stolen">{{cite book/RH|4|280-281}}</ref> {{RH|Rebellion}}.

Cassiopeia breaks down completely and calls for {{TOS-RH|Apollo}}. Colonial Warriors and civilian security staff search for the child. The midwife is eventually found with the baby and arrested<ref name="par_baby_recovered">{{cite book/RH|5|96-97}}</ref>. The baby is a boy, though Cassiopeia and {{TOS-RH|Apollo}} have not yet named him<ref name="par_baby_unnamed">{{cite book/RH|5|97}}</ref> {{RH|Paradis}}.

The midwife took the baby to perform a special cleansing and healing ritual, claiming she "recognized an evil presence within the child, and felt compelled to perform a tribal exorcism upon it." {{TOS-RH|Gar'Tokk}} admits he had the same feeling about the child<ref name="par_exorcism_ritual">{{cite book/RH|5|98}}</ref>. {{TOS-RH|Baltar}} later reveals to {{TOS-RH|Apollo}} that the child is not born of man, but is {{TOS-RH|Count Iblis}}'s child<ref name="reb_iblis_child">{{cite book/RH|4|245}}</ref> {{RH|Paradis|Rebellion}}.

===Service during the Rebellion===

During the rebellion and food crisis aboard ''[[Galactica (TOS-RH)|Galactica]]'', Cassiopeia works in sickbay under dire conditions. The facility is overwhelmed with sick and injured people huddled on the floor, every bed filled, and limited medicine. When {{TOS-RH|Starbuck}} brings an injured elderly woman to sickbay, he finds Cassiopeia nowhere to be seen, and the staff barely able to cope with the crisis<ref name="reb_sickbay_crisis">{{cite book/RH|4|35-36}}</ref> {{RH|Rebellion}}.

==Personality==

Cassiopeia is described as beautiful, with her attractiveness enduring over the yahren. {{TOS-RH|Starbuck}} notes she is "even more beautiful than she had been two decades ago when they'd first met," appreciating "her wit, her intellect, and the kindness of her heart"<ref name="war_cassie_beauty">{{cite book/RH|2|38}}</ref> {{RH|Warhawk}}.

She is dedicated to her work and passionate about her research, though she acknowledges needing breaks from her laboratory<ref name="war_nita_treatment" />. Despite her professional accomplishments, she remains somewhat self-conscious about her past as a socialator and not being a full doctor<ref name="war_medtech_skills" /> {{RH|Warhawk}}.

Cassiopeia demonstrates considerable emotional strength, serving as attending med-tech while watching someone she loves die. However, she also experiences moments of vulnerability, particularly regarding her complex romantic relationships and concerns about her children<ref name="res_starbuck_dying" /> {{RH|Resurrection}}.

As a {{TOS-RH|Gemonese}}, Cassiopeia values loyalty above all else. She struggles with loving deeply while not having that love fully returned<ref name="par_gemonese_loyalty">{{cite book/RH|5|57-58}}</ref> {{RH|Paradis}}.

==References==

{{reflist}}

{{Characters (TOS-RH)}}

[[Category: A to Z]]
[[Category: Characters]]
[[Category: Characters (TOS)]]
[[Category: Characters (TOS-RH)]]
[[Category: Colonial]]
[[Category: Gemonese]]
[[Category: Medical personnel]]
[[Category: TOS]]
[[Category: TOS-RH]]