Editing Classic Battlestar Galactica Vol. 2 8

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

{{Comic Data
| image=BSG08CovWorley.jpg
| title={{comics|vol2|8|nolink=y}} a.k.a. "Dreams of the Thirteenth, Part Two"
| series=Dynamite
| issueno=8
| episode=
| writer= [[Dan Abnett]]
| illustrator=[[Cezar Razek]]
| penciller=
| colorist= 
| letterer= 
| editor=
| cover= [[Colton Worley]] (Main Cover)<br/>[[Chris Eliopoulos]] (Subscription Cover)
| published=December 18, 2013
| collects=
| collected=
| reprints=
| reprinted=
| pages=32
| isbn= 725130204622
| prev={{comics|vol2|7}} a.k.a. "Dreams of the Thirteenth, Part One"
| next={{comics|vol2|9}} a.k.a. "Dreams of the Thirteenth, Part Three"
}}

:''"Dreams of the Thirteenth" continues! The ''{{alt|Galactica|TOS}}'' has led the fleet into an uncharted storm zone to escape the {{alt|Cylons|TOS}}, but danger awaits. Haunted by chilling dreams of the lost colony of {{alt|Earth|TOS}}, the crews of the fleet encounter a vast and mysterious artifact at the heart of the storm. Sensors report that the Cylons have pursued the fleet into the storm. Which is the greatest threat: what lies ahead or what snaps at their heels?''<ref>{{cite_web|url=https://www.dynamite.com/htmlfiles/viewProduct.html?PRO=C72513020462200811|title=Classic Battlestar Galactica Vol. 2 #8|date=|accessdate=8 April 2020|last=|first=|format=|language=}}</ref>

==Plot==

* In ''{{alt|Galactica|TOS}}''{{'|s}} [[launch bay]], [[Xam]] works on {{alt|Starbuck|TOS-DE}}'s {{alt|Viper|TOS}}. Nearby, Starbuck sits while Xam waxes poetic on {{alt|Adama|TOS}}'s backing those who've had the dreams of {{alt|Earth|TOS}} being discovered in the [[storm zone]]. Starbuck finds it "spooky," and the conversation is cut short by a [[contact alarm]]. 
* {{alt|Tigh|TOS}} tells Starbuck to prepare his flight for launch, but not to deploy until given the word. Much to confusion and concern of many, an item approximately the size of {{alt|Caprica|TOS}} suddenly appears out of nowhere within the zone, and that they are nearly atop it. Adama orders {{alt|the Fleet|TOS}} to full stop, while ordering ''Galactica''{{'|s}} own batteries, shields, and other defensive and offensive systems online as they proceed forth.
* As they proceed forward, ''Galactica''{{'|s}} sensor resolution clears and they happen upon a distinct object: to some it appears as an [[artifact]], while to others it is the promised shining world of Earth.
* Adjourning to [[Adama's quarters]], Adama proclaims to {{alt|Apollo|TOS}}, Athena, and Tigh that they have found Earth. After the trio note that it looks nothing like a planet, but rather an artificial structure, Adama admits that it may not look like a planet but maintains that it is Earth of legend.
* After nonsensical ramblings from Adama, where he attempts to justify his rationale with various hypotheses— including a belief that the artifact is some kind of gateway mechanism to the fabled Thirteenth Colony—the Commander orders the science division to prepare a detailed time table to analyze and reconnoiter the structure. Apollo attempts to protest, but is quickly rebuked. 
* Starbuck arrives at Dr. [[Madusa]]'s office, where she and Starbuck begin by trading various barbs relating to the Warrior's "high-intensity flirting." Before Starbuck can retort, Apollo arrives and notes that their presence is official, in what Starbuck notes as being "in an unofficial kinda way." After Starbuck closes the office door, Apollo presses Madusa about the dreams about the Thirteenth Colony. She notes that cases have increased, and it has become an epidemic. She shares Apollo's concern, advising that they approach the issue with the greatest possible care and caution. 
* Before they leave, Apollo asks Madusa about her crisis powers. She confirms that she has them, and what is unsaid is that Apollo believes that they may need to be used to remove Adama from command.
* {{alt|Boomer|TOS}} and [[Hightail]] launch as part of [[blue patrol]], tracking back the way the Fleet came and quickly encounter a {{alt|Cylon|TOS}} patrol—and with great abandon they dispatch the Cylon {{alt|Raider|TOS}}s. However, they soon realize that the Cylons have begun entering the storm zone en masse, lead by a singular {{alt|basestar|TOS}}.
* Tigh confers with Adama on Boomer's report: Adama advocates staying put, much to Tigh's chagrin as the colonel feels that they'll be "sitting ducks" for the Cylons.
* Apollo and Starbuck then arrive with Dr. Madusa, with Apollo asking for a word in private. Apollo then advocates for withdrawing from the artifact to evade the incoming Cylon threat, as doing otherwise would jeopardize the remaining human race within their Fleet. Apollo replies that he questions Adama's mental state, and Madusa is present to enact her crisis power of removing ''any'' senior officer from their post pending evaluation. 
* A befuddled Adama asks if this is a mutiny, to which Madusa clarifies as an "intervention" and notes that she will only invoke her powers should Adama refuse to cooperate. She emphasizes that she has the utmost respect for Adama, and has no wish to deprive him of command. Adama's last ally, Tigh, reluctantly agrees with Madusa.
* Adama compromises with them: allow 30 [[centon]]s to commit a full deep-scan probe to collect data from the artifact, and then they run from the Cylons. He commits to return should the data—analyzed as they flee—yields results, once they've shaken the Cylons.
* They agree to the compromise, and Athena begins the sensor probe. Astonishingly, she confirms that the data collected is coming from ''Galactica'' itself.

==Notes==

=== Publication Releases ===

* A version of this issue, the ''Battlestar Galactica #8 Exclusive Subscription Variant'', released in December 2013. Per the publisher:
*: ''A super-special, exclusive [[Chris Eliopoulos]] Cute cover, only available to comic shop subscribers and limited to initial orders!''<ref>{{cite_web|url=https://www.dynamite.com/htmlfiles/viewProduct.html?PRO=C72513020462200821|title=Battlestar Galactica #8 Exclusive Subscription Variant|date=|accessdate=8 April 2020|last=|first=|format=|language=}}</ref>
===Timeline===
* The {{comics|doa}} series, also written by [[Dan Abnett]], establishes the events of this comic take place in {{alt|7351}}, three [[Yahren|yahrens]] into {{TOS|the Fleet}}'s journey.
=== Visual ===

==== Disparities from Earlier Issues ====

* The issue visually differs from earlier installments from this point forward due to the change in artists. Amongst the detailed-oriented, realistic artwork, a few noteworthy changes occur:
** [[Xam]] is no longer a bald man with a goatee and mustache, but now with a full head of hair and only a mustache. 
** [[Madusa]] no longer has a cropped hair style, but is now shoulder length. 
** {{alt|Adama|TOS}} no longer has a goatee and mustache, and is clean shaven. 
** {{alt|Viper|TOS}}s no longer look like their [[Re-imagined Series]] counterparts (the [[Viper Mark II]]), but more like the {{TOS|Viper|Original Series counterpart}}. The notable exception being the striping color: it is red whereas it should be more orange. 
** [[Hightail]] is no longer a male with a goatee and mustache, but a female with blonde hair.

==== Uniforms ====

[[File:BSGv2 - Core Command Assembly.png|thumb|An assembly of warriors and officers conferring with Commander {{alt|Adama|TOS}} on ''{{alt|Galactica|TOS}}'' [[core command]], showing off the various colorations.]]

* Adama's uniform is colorized in cerulean blue, contrasting the midnight blue of the officers (e.g. {{alt|Tigh|TOS}} and {{alt|Athena|TOS}}).
* Officers in the lower levels of the [[core command]] are also dressed in midnight blue officers outfits, instead of tans (e.g. [[Rigel]]). 
* Over the first few pages, Adama's outfit is depicted as having both a cape and an open tabard with the silver trimming detail.
* This issue introduces a variant to the Colonial outfit, an olive green version of the officer's uniform worn by Xam.

=== Miscellany ===

* Dr. [[Madusa]]'s ability to remove high-ranking officers from command due to mental concerns is in keeping with various checks-and-balances within military hierarchies. Medical doctors often have such abilities, but are often contradicted (either via negotiation or outright refusal by the leader) and it is a [[tropes:DoctorsOrders|common trope within science fiction]]. 

=== Errata ===

* The use of the animal "duck" is not in keeping with the [[Original Series]]' penchant of renaming common terms, e.g. "[[daggit]]" for "dog".

==Analysis==

* Adama's ability to command has come under fire previously, notably from the {{TOS|Quorum of Twelve}} in various episodes, from "[[Saga of a Star World]]" (by [[Sire]] [[Uri]]) to "[[Baltar's Escape]]" with [[Siress]] [[Tinia]] being appointed as a liaison. {{alt|Apollo|TOS}}'s challenge is the first instance of that authority being challenged by a member of Adama's own command staff.
* {{alt|Athena|TOS}} is left in the dark about Apollo and Starbuck's visit to Dr. [[Madusa]], given her surprise at Apollo's declaration and Starbuck's deflecting Athena's potential defense of Adama. This behavior would have been expected to come from Tigh, who Apollo had a heated discussion with in the {{comics|vol2|7|previous issue}}, but the colonel seems to have acquiesced to the validity of Apollo's concerns.

==Questions==

=== Answered Questions ===

* Where and why is the data retrieved from the artifact coming from within ''{{alt|Galactica|TOS}}'' itself? ({{comics|vol2|9|Answer}})
* What is the source of the alleged dreams, and why are those affected by them so certain that they are real?  ({{comics|vol2|9|Answer}})

=== Unanswered Questions ===

* Why were the Cylons originally hesitant to enter the storm zone? 
* Why did the Cylons overcome their hesitancy to enter the storm zone? 
* Who is leading the Cylon task force pursuing them?

==Noteworthy Dialogue==

* ''{{alt|Apollo|TOS}}, {{alt|Athena|TOS}}, {{alt|Tigh|TOS}} and {{alt|Adama|TOS}} discuss the [[artifact]]:''

: '''Athena''': Apollo's right, Commander. It's ''not'' a planet. Not as far as we can detect. It's an ''artificial structure''. A giant ''artifact''. Before you ask, I've got nothing on manufacture ''or'' origin...
: '''Tigh''': Can I inquire, sir, why you even ''think'' it's {{alt|Earth|TOS}}? Why you ''think'' it's a planet? By your ''own admission'', it looks ''nothing'' like anything that's been sen in the dreams so far. 
: '''Adama''': I know. It doesn't. Not at ''all''. Except... if ''you'd'' had the dreams I've had, Tigh, you'd see... you'd ''know''. It ''is'' Earth. It's ''exactly'' what the dreams have shown us. Perhaps not ''visually,'' but—
: '''Apollo''': You're not really making much sense right now. 
: '''Adama''': I know. Apollo, I ''know'' how this must sound. I just feel such ''certainty''.

* ''{{alt|Apollo|TOS}} confronts {{alt|Adama|TOS}} after the {{alt|Cylon|TOS}} task force enters the [[storm zone]]:''

: '''Apollo''': Father, I believe your convictions regarding this [[artifact]] are in danger of ''jeopardizing'' the {{alt|the Fleet|TOS|entire fleet}}. We must move as ''soon'' as ''possible'' and get some distance from the Cylons. The fate of mankind is at stake.
: '''Adama''': Are you actually ''questioning my orders''?
: '''Apollo''': No, Father. Your ''state of mind.'' In the event of psychological concerns, Doctor [[Madusa]] is empowered to remove ''any'' senior officer from his posting pending evaluation.
: '''{{alt|Athena|TOS}}''': Oh my stars! 
: '''Adama''': That my ''own son'' would... Is this a ''mutiny''?
: '''Madusa''': ''No,'' Commander... it is an ''intervention''. I will only invoke my powers if you ''refuse'' to cooperate. Believe ''me,'' Commander, I hold you in the ''highest'' respect. I have ''no'' wish to deprive you of command.
: '''Adama''': {{alt|Tigh|TOS}}?
: '''Tigh''': I share their concerns, Commander.

==Related Imagery==

===Covers===

<gallery mode="slideshow">
BSG08CovWorley.jpg|'''Main Cover'''<br/>''Art:'' [[Colton Worley]]
BSG08CovSubscription.jpg|'''Subscription Cover''' "Cute Exclusive"<br/>''Art:'' [[Chris Eliopoulos]]
</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:BSG081.jpg|Page 1
File:BSG082.jpg|Page 2
File:BSG083.jpg|Page 3
File:BSG084.jpg|Page 4
File:BSG085.jpg|Page 5
</gallery>

==External links==

* {{archivelink|url=https://www.dynamite.com/htmlfiles/viewProduct.html?PRO=C72513020462200811|title=Dynamite.com: BATTLESTAR GALACTICA #8}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

{{comic list|series=TOS}}

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