Quorum of Twelve (TOS-RH)

The Council of Twelve, also known as the Quorum of Twelve or simply the Council or the Quorum, is the governing body of the Fleet. The Quorum consists of one representative from each of the Twelve Colonies and is presided over by a president.

Structure and Powers

The Council chamber is white and featurelessly austere, decorated only with pictographs representing the star system from which each council member once departed during the Cylon attack. There are thirteen seats around the council table: one for each of the twelve members, and one for any guest who might be invited to speak before the council.

The President of the Quorum holds special powers created specifically for dire situations. These powers have rarely been invoked in the history of the Colonies, but they allow the President to make critical decisions independently, including appointing interim commanders and placing military forces under temporary command.

The Quorum holds the authority to revoke the state of war and assume direct command of the fleet. Before appointing a new fleet commander, the Quorum must first vote to fill any vacant seat from the appropriate colony. Actual votes are not taken immediately, as it is deemed advisable to examine all nominations before making appointments.

After Adama's Death

Following Commander Adama's death, President Tigh presides over the Quorum during the tumultuous period of selecting a new fleet commander. The Council revokes the state of war—which had been in effect for nearly two decades, even six yahren after the last Cylon sighting—and assumes command of the fleet. Tigh notes that the Quorum is a collection of men and women so frightened of potential consequences that the very idea of making a decision not forced upon them by circumstance would terrify them into inaction. At least nine of the twelve members cannot make decisions for themselves, leaving Tigh in a one-on-one battle against Ambassador Puck for the opinions of the Quorum.

Using his presidential powers, Tigh appoints Lieutenant Commander Apollo as interim commander of Galactica, responsible for all military operations within the fleet until the Quorum votes otherwise. He announces this at Adama's funeral, noting that the hierarchy must be preserved and that Apollo will serve in this capacity during the lengthy debates over permanent command.

When Apollo departs the fleet on a mission, Tigh places Lieutenant Colonel Athena in temporary command of Galactica and all military operations. He also nominates Athena for her father's vacant post on the Quorum, arguing that even if she is not given full command, she should not be denied the council position. He declares she is clearly the most prominent Caprican in the fleet with Apollo's absence.

Political Tensions

The Quorum frequently experiences internal conflicts and power struggles. Some members feel that Capricans, or more precisely Kobollians, have held authority over the fleet for too long. Others question Apollo's ability to lead, though nobody denies his fighting skills or courage. His considerable ingenuity has always been overshadowed by his father's, and his bluntness has offended most Quorum members at one time or another.

Ambassador Puck proves to be a particularly divisive figure, attempting to undermine Tigh's appointment of Apollo as interim commander. He accuses Tigh of lobbying other Quorum members independently and trying to subvert the entire purpose of the Quorum. Puck questions whether Apollo possesses Adama's natural leadership and wisdom, suggesting the young commander has charisma but will never be the leader his father was.

The Quorum also grapples with the issue of Baltar, who has cooperated with them at every turn but uses his freedom to try rewriting history, convincing people he was an unwilling pawn in the Cylon betrayal. Siress Kiera believes him and appears with him publicly, serving as his friend and confidante. President Tigh is incensed and asks the Quorum for a formal censure against Kiera, but receives only a private reprimand instead. Tigh threatens that if Kiera ignores their concerns, Baltar will be returned to the Icarus and imprisoned for life.

During the crisis on Poseidon, the Quorum invites Commander Cain to provide insight into the situation with the Chitain and guidance on deploying available forces. Some Quorum members believe the presence of a living legend like Cain will boost morale, particularly with Apollo away from the fleet. However, Athena protests this invitation, arguing that Cain's dissembling and secretiveness brought about the crisis.

The Kobol Crisis

When the fleet reaches Kobol, the Quorum debates whether to accept the caretakers' offer to reclaim the planet. The council members are described as lacking brilliant leadership and courageous hearts—instead, they are a group of twelve men and women banded together by a deep and abiding mistrust of change. Change must be forced upon them by circumstances beyond their control, at which point they vote almost unanimously to accept events they cannot influence.

Sire Belloch of Gemon argues there is nothing to consider, as the caretakers are offering a safe planet from which to rebuild. He notes the fleet is safely concealed and the city is hidden below the surface of a planet the Cylons already decimated. Even if the Cylons followed them, they would find only a dead world. Apollo warns that the Cylons possess the same QSE technology and will eventually find them, but the Quorum murmurs assent among themselves, with even Athena nodding in agreement with Belloch's position.

Final Command Decision

After the successful defense against the Cylons and the resolution of various crises, the Quorum convenes to make its final decision on permanent fleet command. By this time, Puck has died and the Council numbers only eleven members. President Tigh announces several major decisions before revealing the new commander:

• Adena has been chosen as the new Forge ship to build new Scarlet-class Vipers to replace those lost to Cylon tyranny
• Retired pilots have offered their services in action and to help speed training of Academy cadets
• Icarus has been surrendered to the Quorum by Gar'Tokk of the Borellian Nomen, and discussions may lead to the Nomen leaving the fleet to found their own colony
• The Pit on Ursus will be monitored more closely and receive frequent medical team visits

The Quorum elects Major Sheba to fill the position left by Puck's death, as the seat must be filled by a native of Scorpius. In a unanimous decision, they name one of the most courageous Warriors in the fleet's history to the council. Apollo is surprised and Sheba is taken aback by the announcement.

Tigh then announces that Athena has been selected as the new fleet commander, noting he will let her address the current state of the fleet and hopes for the future. The announcement ends the long period of uncertainty that has plagued the fleet since Adama's death.

Known Members

• Commander Adama (Caprica) - deceased, seat filled by Athena
• President Tigh (Leonis) - first Leonid president of the Quorum
• Ambassador Puck (Scorpius) - deceased, seat filled by Sheba
• Sire Belloch (Gemon)
• Siress Kiera
• Sire Mikal (Tauron)
• Sire Aron