Joe Beaudoin Jr. at 05:24, 3 November 2025

2025-11-03T05:24:07Z

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	\| published=June 29, 2004		\| published=June 29, 2004
	\| isbn=0743486854		\| isbn=0743486854
	\| prev= [[Paradis]]		\| prev= ''[[Paradis]]''
	\| next= [[Redemption]]		\| next= ''[[Redemption]]''
	}}		}}

	'''''Destiny''''' is the sixth novel in [[Richard Hatch]]'s continuation story based on the [[Battlestar Galactica (TOS)\|Original Series]]. The novel confronts {{TOS-RH\|Apollo\|Apollo's}} [[the Fleet (TOS-RH)\|Fleet]] with its most morally devastating crisis yet: after [[Paradis (TOS-RH)\|Paradis]] catastrophically disintegrates and their aged vessels prove incapable of sustaining the entire population, eight hundred colonials must be chosen by lottery to remain behind in an uninhabitable system while the rest continue toward Earth. The story examines how desperation, hope, and the weight of impossible choices can transform even the noblest survivors into potential tyrants—or heroes willing to sacrifice everything.		'''''Destiny''''' is the sixth novel in [[Richard Hatch]]'s continuation story based on the [[Battlestar Galactica (TOS)\|Original Series]]. The novel confronts {{TOS-RH\|Apollo\|Apollo's}} [[the Fleet (TOS-RH)\|Fleet]] with its most morally devastating crisis yet: after [[Paradis (TOS-RH)\|Paradis]] catastrophically disintegrates and their aged vessels prove incapable of sustaining the entire population, eight hundred colonials must be chosen by lottery to remain behind in an uninhabitable system while the rest continue toward Earth. The story examines how desperation, hope, and the weight of impossible choices can transform even the noblest survivors into potential tyrants—or heroes willing to sacrifice everything.


	== Summary ==		== Summary ==
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	=== Chapter One ===		=== Chapter One ===

	The chapter opens with {{TOS-RH\|Baltar}}'s nightmares, haunted by countless eyes following him like a skyeye surveillance system.<ref name="DEST1" /> {{TOS-RH\|Cassiopeia\|Cassie}} experiences her own troubling dreams where [[Paradis (TOS-RH)\|Paradis]] speaks to her, warning of doom while she gives birth in the surf as dead fish wash ashore.<ref name="DEST2">{{cite book/RH\|6\|2}}</ref> Meanwhile, young {{TOS-RH\|Koren}} observes Paradis from a viewing portal and witnesses the planet's atmosphere beginning to show alarming color changes—tendrils of bright orange snaking across the blue-green surface, soon joined by pools of angry red. Blaring alarms confirm Koren's growing dread as he realizes the planet that had become their home is dying.<ref name="DEST9">{{cite book/RH\|6\|9}}</ref>		The chapter opens with {{TOS-RH\|Baltar}}'s nightmares, haunted by countless eyes following him like a [[skyeye]] surveillance system.<ref name="DEST1" /> {{TOS-RH\|Cassiopeia\|Cassie}} experiences her own troubling dreams where [[Paradis (TOS-RH)\|Paradis]] speaks to her, warning of doom while she gives birth in the surf as dead fish wash ashore.<ref name="DEST2">{{cite book/RH\|6\|2}}</ref> Meanwhile, young {{TOS-RH\|Koren}} observes Paradis from a viewing portal and witnesses the planet's atmosphere beginning to show alarming color changes—tendrils of bright orange snaking across the blue-green surface, soon joined by pools of angry red. Blaring alarms confirm Koren's growing dread as he realizes the planet that had become their home is dying.<ref name="DEST9">{{cite book/RH\|6\|9}}</ref>

	{{TOS-RH\|Apollo}} convenes an emergency meeting with {{TOS-RH\|Athena}} and {{TOS-RH\|Tigh\|President Tigh}} in [[Adama (TOS-RH)\|Adama]]'s secret chamber, the only appropriate setting for such a momentous decision. The three leaders understand that the vote must be perceived as fair or the colonials will revolt, potentially destroying everything they have worked to achieve. Tigh explains that after twenty-five yahren of deprivation, the people will accept nothing less than absolute parity between military, council, and civilians in determining who leaves and who stays behind—meaning essential personnel excepted, everyone must be placed in the lottery and at risk.<ref name="DEST69">{{cite book/RH\|6\|69}}</ref> Athena forcefully argues that they must face this terrible reality immediately, as Paradis shows every sign of imminent disintegration.<ref name="DEST39">{{cite book/RH\|6\|39}}</ref>		{{TOS-RH\|Apollo}} convenes an emergency meeting with {{TOS-RH\|Athena}} and {{TOS-RH\|Tigh\|President Tigh}} in [[Adama (TOS-RH)\|Adama]]'s secret chamber, the only appropriate setting for such a momentous decision. The three leaders understand that the vote must be perceived as fair or the colonials will revolt, potentially destroying everything they have worked to achieve. Tigh explains that after twenty-five yahren of deprivation, the people will accept nothing less than absolute parity between military, council, and civilians in determining who leaves and who stays behind—meaning essential personnel excepted, everyone must be placed in the lottery and at risk.<ref name="DEST69">{{cite book/RH\|6\|69}}</ref> Athena forcefully argues that they must face this terrible reality immediately, as Paradis shows every sign of imminent disintegration.<ref name="DEST39">{{cite book/RH\|6\|39}}</ref>
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	The Gamon speaks: "You and your people have chosen a new destiny; one that leads to life instead of annihilation. You and your people will be given a new opportunity for your civilization to evolve. Please accept our parting gift to you as a token of appreciation for reminding us that all life is capable of growing into the oneness of spirit."<ref name="DEST222" />		The Gamon speaks: "You and your people have chosen a new destiny; one that leads to life instead of annihilation. You and your people will be given a new opportunity for your civilization to evolve. Please accept our parting gift to you as a token of appreciation for reminding us that all life is capable of growing into the oneness of spirit."<ref name="DEST222" />

	Sheba wakes Apollo, though he insists he is not asleep but encourages her to keep touching him. She notes the air is starting to thin, but Apollo responds that he taught everyone in their cargo ship how to breathe more shallowly and believes they have behaved well enough to be rewarded in this life. Sheba asks if he knows what is outside their ship, and when he shakes his head with a little smile, she leads him past sleeping figures to the viewing ~~port~~.<ref name="DEST222" />		Sheba wakes Apollo, though he insists he is not asleep but encourages her to keep touching him. She notes the air is starting to thin, but Apollo responds that he taught everyone in their cargo ship how to breathe more shallowly and believes they have behaved well enough to be rewarded in this life. Sheba asks if he knows what is outside their ship, and when he shakes his head with a little smile, she leads him past sleeping figures to the viewing portal.<ref name="DEST222" />

	Apollo's first impression is that a few Cylon ships must have survived Baltar's grandstand play, but the stars are blotted out by a craft larger than any of the Cylon fighters. Apollo murmurs "So that's what he meant," referring to the Gamon elder, and announces they are receiving the gift of life from a Space Ark of the Thirteenth Tribe—they have found their destiny. Sheba's eyes grow wide at the huge dimensions of the craft as she points at the line of silver oxygen canisters drifting from a portal on the side of the ship. Apollo reflects that even if it had been the end, he could have faced it gladly after Baltar's heroic sacrifice.<ref name="DEST223">{{cite book/RH\|6\|223}}</ref>		Apollo's first impression is that a few Cylon ships must have survived Baltar's grandstand play, but the stars are blotted out by a craft larger than any of the Cylon fighters. Apollo murmurs "So that's what he meant," referring to the Gamon elder, and announces they are receiving the gift of life from a Space Ark of the Thirteenth Tribe—they have found their destiny. Sheba's eyes grow wide at the huge dimensions of the craft as she points at the line of silver oxygen canisters drifting from a portal on the side of the ship. Apollo reflects that even if it had been the end, he could have faced it gladly after Baltar's heroic sacrifice.<ref name="DEST223">{{cite book/RH\|6\|223}}</ref>

			== Behind the Scenes ==

			=== Development and Collaboration ===

			''Destiny'' was the second novel in the collaboration between [[Richard Hatch]] and [[Brad Linaweaver]], following their work on ''[[Paradis (TOS-RH)\|Paradis]]''.<ref group="external" name="linaweaver_mondocult_destiny_focus">{{cite web\|url=http://www.mondocult.com/articles/Linaweaver/Hatch/hatch.html#:~:text=In%20common%20with%20every%20other%20great%20villain\|title=A Man for All Reasons: A Personal Tribute to Richard Hatch\|author=Brad Linaweaver\|publisher=Mondo Cult\|date=November 2009\|accessdate=November 2, 2025}}</ref> According to Linaweaver, ''Destiny'' had the impression of being not only the most popular of the three novels they co-wrote together, but possibly the most popular of all the Hatch novels.<ref group="external" name="linaweaver_mondocult_destiny_popular">{{cite web\|url=http://www.mondocult.com/articles/Linaweaver/Hatch/hatch.html#:~:text=Had%20the%20impression%20that%20this%20novel%20was%20not%20only%20the%20most%20popular\|title=A Man for All Reasons: A Personal Tribute to Richard Hatch\|author=Brad Linaweaver\|publisher=Mondo Cult\|date=November 2009\|accessdate=November 2, 2025}}</ref>

			=== Writing Baltar ===

			The novel's focus on {{TOS-RH\|Baltar}} as the antagonist-turned-hero showcased what Hatch considered Linaweaver's greatest strength as a collaborator. Hatch informed Linaweaver that no one had written Baltar as effectively, including every writer on the original television series.<ref group="external" name="linaweaver_mondocult_baltar_praise">{{cite web\|url=http://www.mondocult.com/articles/Linaweaver/Hatch/hatch.html#:~:text=Richard%20happily%20informed%20me%20that%20no%20one%20did%20Baltar\|title=A Man for All Reasons: A Personal Tribute to Richard Hatch\|author=Brad Linaweaver\|publisher=Mondo Cult\|date=November 2009\|accessdate=November 2, 2025}}</ref> Hatch had never seen anyone get inside the head of the series' human villain the way Linaweaver comfortably took up residence in a malignant mind.<ref group="external" name="linaweaver_mondocult_baltar_praise" />

			Linaweaver's approach portrayed Baltar as individualistic evil, creating a counterpoint to Apollo's individualistic good and serving as the opposite of the Cylons' collectivistic evil.<ref group="external" name="linaweaver_mondocult_baltar_individual">{{cite web\|url=http://www.mondocult.com/articles/Linaweaver/Hatch/hatch.html#:~:text=Baltar%20is%20individualistic%20evil\|title=A Man for All Reasons: A Personal Tribute to Richard Hatch\|author=Brad Linaweaver\|publisher=Mondo Cult\|date=November 2009\|accessdate=November 2, 2025}}</ref> Exceptional humans of either moral alignment were a mystery to [[Imperious Leader (TOS-RH)\|Imperious Leader]], who understood empires but not Baltar's desire for an Empire of One.<ref group="external" name="linaweaver_mondocult_baltar_individual" />

			The cover art for ''Destiny'' by [[Bob Larkin]] captured this thematic essence, depicting a true meeting of minds between Apollo and Baltar.<ref group="external" name="linaweaver_mondocult_destiny_cover">{{cite web\|url=http://www.mondocult.com/articles/Linaweaver/Hatch/hatch.html#:~:text=The%20cover%20art%20on%20Destiny\|title=A Man for All Reasons: A Personal Tribute to Richard Hatch\|author=Brad Linaweaver\|publisher=Mondo Cult\|date=November 2009\|accessdate=November 2, 2025}}</ref> The melodramatic confrontations between Apollo and Baltar in the story allowed Hatch and Linaweaver to navigate their own somewhat different ideologies in a productive way, demonstrating that friends can discuss politics and religion productively through fiction.<ref group="external" name="linaweaver_mondocult_destiny_cover" />

			=== Influence on the Re-imagined Series ===

			When Universal relaunched, rebooted and [[Re-imagined Series\|reimagined ''Battlestar Galactica'']], Hatch and Linaweaver considered it possible that the new writers might have read his books and been influenced by their take on Baltar.<ref group="external" name="linaweaver_mondocult_reimagined_influence">{{cite web\|url=http://www.mondocult.com/articles/Linaweaver/Hatch/hatch.html#:~:text=When%20Universal%20relaunched%2C%20rebooted%20and%20reimagined\|title=A Man for All Reasons: A Personal Tribute to Richard Hatch\|author=Brad Linaweaver\|publisher=Mondo Cult\|date=November 2009\|accessdate=November 2, 2025}}</ref>

			=== Publication ===

			Like the other novels in the series published by ibooks and distributed by Simon & Schuster, ''Destiny'' suffered from production issues. The publisher never allowed Hatch to review galleys before publication, resulting in copy editing and proofreading errors.<ref group="external" name="linaweaver_mondocult_ibooks_galleys">{{cite web\|url=http://www.mondocult.com/articles/Linaweaver/Hatch/hatch.html#:~:text=ibooks%20never%20let%20Richard%20see%20the%20galleys\|title=A Man for All Reasons: A Personal Tribute to Richard Hatch\|author=Brad Linaweaver\|publisher=Mondo Cult\|date=November 2009\|accessdate=November 2, 2025}}</ref> Hatch did not keep this a secret from his fans, openly sharing the truth at conventions.<ref group="external" name="linaweaver_mondocult_ibooks_galleys" />

	== Notes ==		== Notes ==
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	* The destruction of Paradis leaves behind a resource-rich debris field containing all the elements of a living planet, presenting a cruel irony: those with the technology to exploit it will leave, while those staying behind lack the means to survive long enough to make use of it.		* The destruction of Paradis leaves behind a resource-rich debris field containing all the elements of a living planet, presenting a cruel irony: those with the technology to exploit it will leave, while those staying behind lack the means to survive long enough to make use of it.

			* According to co-author Brad Linaweaver, a specific passage from Chapter 14 exemplifies his approach to writing Baltar. The passage describes Baltar's observation that "One monster's morality is a free man's bad joke" in dialogue with {{TOS-RH\|Lucifer}}.<ref group="external" name="linaweaver_mondocult_baltar_quote">{{cite web\|url=http://www.mondocult.com/articles/Linaweaver/Hatch/hatch.html#:~:text=One%20monster%27s%20morality%20is%20a%20free%20man%27s%20bad%20joke\|title=A Man for All Reasons: A Personal Tribute to Richard Hatch\|author=Brad Linaweaver\|publisher=Mondo Cult\|date=November 2009\|accessdate=November 2, 2025}}</ref>


	== References ==		== References ==

			=== External Sources ===
			{{reflist\|group=external}}

			=== Novel Citations ===
	<references />		<references />

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	[[Category:Books]]		[[Category:Books]]
	[[Category:Merchandise]]		[[Category:Merchandise]]
	~~{{indicator\|TOS}}~~[[Category:TOS]]		[[Category:TOS]]
	[[Category:Richard Hatch Novelizations]]		[[Category:Richard Hatch Novelizations]]

Joe Beaudoin Jr. at 05:29, 25 October 2025

2025-10-25T05:29:36Z

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Joe Beaudoin Jr.: Text replacement - "[[Category:TOS" to "{{indicator|TOS}}[[Category:TOS"

2025-07-19T21:09:07Z

Text replacement - "[[Category:TOS" to "{{indicator|TOS}}[[Category:TOS"

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Joe Beaudoin Jr.: Text replacement - "Kara Thrace" to "{{callsign|Starbuck}}"

2025-06-30T18:13:21Z

Text replacement - "Kara Thrace" to "{{callsign|Starbuck}}"

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	{{separate continuity\|universe=TOS\|cont=Richard Hatch continuation\|lcont=:Category:Books}}		{{separate continuity\|universe=TOS\|cont=Richard Hatch continuation\|lcont=:Category:Books}}

	:''For information on the destiny storyline of ~~[[Kara Thrace]]~~ in the [[Re-imagined Series]], see [[The Destiny]].''		:''For information on the destiny storyline of {{callsign\|Starbuck}} in the [[Re-imagined Series]], see [[The Destiny]].''
	{{Book Data		{{Book Data
	\| image = Destiny.jpg		\| image = Destiny.jpg

Joe Beaudoin Jr.: adding navinfobox

2007-08-18T03:14:41Z

adding navinfobox

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	\| next= [[Redemption]]		\| next= [[Redemption]]
	}}		}}

			{{Richard Hatch novels}}

	{{mstub}}		{{mstub}}

Veepz: fixing continuity

2007-08-05T02:53:08Z

fixing continuity

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			{{separate continuity\|universe=TOS\|cont=Richard Hatch continuation\|lcont=:Category:Books}}

	:''For information on the destiny storyline of [[Kara Thrace]] in the [[Re-imagined Series]], see [[The Destiny]].''		:''For information on the destiny storyline of [[Kara Thrace]] in the [[Re-imagined Series]], see [[The Destiny]].''

	~~{{separate continuity\|tos=y}}~~
	{{Book Data		{{Book Data
	\| image = Destiny.jpg		\| image = Destiny.jpg

Spencerian: Destiny moved to Destiny (book): Renaming to avoid collisions with separate article.

2007-04-18T15:01:46Z

Destiny moved to Destiny (book): Renaming to avoid collisions with separate article.

← Older revision	Revision as of 15:01, 18 April 2007
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Spencerian: Updated.

2007-04-18T15:00:54Z

Updated.

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			:''For information on the destiny storyline of [[Kara Thrace]] in the [[Re-imagined Series]], see [[The Destiny]].''

	{{separate continuity\|tos=y}}		{{separate continuity\|tos=y}}
	{{Book Data		{{Book Data

Shane at 06:49, 17 October 2006

2006-10-17T06:49:37Z

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			[[Category:A to Z]]
	[[Category:Books]]		[[Category:Books]]
			[[Category:Merchandise]]
			[[Category:TOS]]

Shane at 17:13, 12 August 2006

2006-08-12T17:13:45Z

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	{{separate continuity\|tos=y}}		{{separate continuity\|tos=y}}
	{{Book Data\|		{{Book Data
	~~Image~~ = ~~[[Image:~~Destiny.jpg~~\|250px]]~~		\| image = Destiny.jpg
	\| ~~Title~~= Destiny		\| title= Destiny
	\| ~~Series~~= Richard Hatch		\| series= Richard Hatch
	\| ~~Bookno~~= 6		\| bookno= 6
	\| ~~Episode~~=		\| episode=
	\| ~~Author~~=[[Richard Hatch]] and Brad Linaweaver		\| author=[[Richard Hatch]] and Brad Linaweaver
	\| ~~Published~~=June 29, 2004		\| published=June 29, 2004
	\| ~~ISBN~~=0743486854		\| isbn=0743486854
	\| ~~Prev~~= [[Paradis]]		\| prev= [[Paradis]]
	\| ~~Next~~= [[Redemption]]		\| next= [[Redemption]]
	}}		}}

Destiny (book) - Revision history