Field

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A forced nitron field is some sort of an agro operation that is run by farmers. Starbuck claims that his father and he run one, but need some seed, for which he is willing to exchange an unmarked energizer ^{(TOS: "The Magnificent Warriors")}.

An ion field is a stellar phenomenon known to the Colonials.

Athena believes that she is receiving a visual echo, resulting from Galactica's image reflecting off such a field when first detecting Pegasus ^{(TOS: "The Living Legend")}.

Part of the series on Battlestar Galactica Terminology

Original Series Separate Continuity and Unproduced Scripts Richard Hatch's Continuation Novels Steampunk Battlestar Galactica 1880 Galactica 1980 Re-imagined Series Separate Continuity (Books, Comics, Video Games, et al.)

This is a list of terms in Galactica 1980. Some of these terms are specific to the Galactica 1980 television series, and not to the Original Series from which it was spun-off, although there may be overlap from the Original Series into this listing.

This list also includes Earth terms that the Colonials have apparently never encountered before.

The formatting of this article allows for its use in conjunction with the Lingo extension used throughout Battlestar Wiki. This includes multiple spellings, each listed on its own line, preceding the definition of the definidendum.

Earth terms

The following are Earth terms that the Colonials do not immediately understand, thus having to learn about them through experience or by using their wrist computron.

APB

Galactica 1980 definition: all points bulletin; Dillon goes to look this term up, but is stopped by Jamie Hamilton, who informs them about the general meaning of the term ^{(1980: "Galactica Discovers Earth, Part III")}

A.M.

Galactica 1980 definition: Troy mispronounces this as the word "am," which is corrected by the desk clerk ^{(1980: "The Night the Cylons Landed, Part I")}

bigshot

Galactica 1980 definition: after being called this at the police station for asking to speak to Dr. Donald Mortinson, Dillon asks what a bigshot is ^{(1980: "Galactica Discovers Earth, Part I")}

chauvinist

Galactica 1980 definition: Dillon is called both a terrorist and a chauvinist by Jamie Hamilton during their phone call from the police station; he asks Troy "what's a terrorist chauvinist?" ^{(1980: "Galactica Discovers Earth, Part I")}

coffee

Galactica 1980 definition: Dillon looks up this term after Jamie Hamilton orders a coffee at a diner, upon their return to 1980 Earth ^{(1980: "Galactica Discovers Earth, Part III")}.

Cuba

Galactica 1980 definition: When two hijackers first make their demands aboard Flight 2, Dillon looks up this place, but Troy replies they don't have time to go there ^{(1980: "The Night the Cylons Landed, Part I")}

department store

Galactica 1980 definition: Troy looks this up when attempting to find a place to procure clothing for the Super Scouts ^{(1980: "The Super Scouts, Part I")}

dollar

Galactica 1980 definition: When Hamilton asks Troy and Dillon for a dollar, Dillon looks the term up and then replies "No, I'm sorry, but we just used our last denomination of currency ourselves." ^{(1980: "Galactica Discovers Earth, Part I")}

Eagle

Galactica 1980 definition: Moonstone looks this up after Colonel Jack Sydell mentions that he used to be an Eagle scout; there is subsequent humor over the term as it literally means "a large bird," and does not provide the definition of the Boy Scout level ^{(1980: "The Super Scouts, Part I")}

FBI

Galactica 1980 definition: After being told by the stewardess that the FBI would want to talk to them regarding their involvement in thwarting the Cuban hijackers, Dillon is told to look up this term ^{(1980: "The Night the Cylons Landed, Part I")}

girlfriend

Galactica 1980 definition: Dillon looks up this term after Gloria Alonzo asks if he has one ^{(1980: "Space Croppers")}

Halloween

Galactica 1980 definition: Dillon goes to look up this term when the stewardess announces that the delayed passengers will be at their Halloween parties in plenty of time, but is stopped by Troy who tells him to look up the term FBI ^{(1980: "The Night the Cylons Landed, Part I")}.

hijacking

Galactica 1980 definition: Troy and Dillon look up this word after the desk clerk explains the reasons for the metal detectors. Unsurprisingly, a hijacking by Cuban nationals subsequently occurs on their flight ^{(1980: "The Night the Cylons Landed, Part I")}.

horse

Galactica 1980 definition: When John Steadman asks if the Warriors know anything about these creatures, Dillon looks this up ^{(1980: "Space Croppers")}

Martians

Galactica 1980 definition: After discovering the ineptitude of Dillon and Troy in driving an automobile, she asks if they are Martians. After consulting the computron, Dillon replies: "Close." ^{(1980: "Galactica Discovers Earth, Part II")}

phone

Galactica 1980 definition: Troy attempts to use a phone booth near a gas station prior to their first run-in with Jamie Hamilton ^{(1980: "Galactica Discovers Earth, Part I")}.

robbing a bank

Galactica 1980 definition: Dillon doesn't understand the situation he is placed in when attempting to exchange the gold cubits for American currency with a judgmental bank teller, this being the end result ^{(1980: "Galactica Discovers Earth, Part I")}.

terrorist

Galactica 1980 definition: Dillon is called both a terrorist and a chauvinist by Jamie Hamilton during their phone call from the police station; he asks Troy "what's a terrorist chauvinist?" ^{(1980: "Galactica Discovers Earth, Part I")}

Colonial terms

These are terms directly relating to Galactica 1980, some of which are based from the Original Series. For terms from that series, please refer to List of terms (TOS).

airfoil deflection

Galactica 1980 definition: a piece of equipment on a Viper that reduces air drag in an atmosphere ^{(1980: "The Return of Starbuck")}

alpha waves

Galactica 1980 definition: type of signals used in correcting disturbed brainwave patterns ^{(1980: "Space Croppers")}

ascension tube

Galactica 1980 definition: elevator; Dillon refers to the elevators at the WQSL radio station building as these ^{(1980: "The Night the Cylons Landed, Part II")}

astral wind

Galactica 1980 definition: wind; Starbuck experiences these on planet Starbuck ^{(1980: "The Return of Starbuck")}

auric

Galactica 1980 definition: gold; cubits are minted from this ^{(1980: "The Super Scouts, Part I")}

auto flight

Galactica 1980 definition: automatic piloting system aboard a Viper, which can be loaded with coordinates ^{(1980: "Spaceball")}

automatic beacon

Galactica 1980 definition: an electronic device that automatically transmits a distress signal ^{(1980: "The Return of Starbuck")}

automatic detonator

Galactica 1980 definition: a self destruct mechanism; such a mechanism is inside the A-B Raider and is activated by Andromus upon crash landing outside of New York City ^{(1980: "The Night the Cylons Landed, Part I")}

battle urgent

Galactica 1980 definition: a term for high military alert, particularly in relation to crisis condition ^{(1980: "Galactica Discovers Earth, Part II")}

brace

Galactica 1980 definition: a personal safety device on shuttles; i.e. safety belts ^{(1980: "The Super Scouts, Part I")}

breaking skip

Galactica 1980 definition: a maneuver done in an atmosphere; three of these are used by the Cylon A-B Raider to reduce speed to ensure a non-fatal landing ^{(1980: "The Night the Cylons Landed, Part I")}

cerebral mutation

Galactica 1980 definition: Adama describes Doctor Zee as being this in his log when touching upon the topic of Zee's advanced intelligence, as well as scientific expertise that is far in advance of the Colonials ^{(1980: "Galactica Discovers Earth, Part I")}

chromosome count

Galactica 1980 definition: a result from a remote scan that can discern a person's gender; Galactica's sensors indicated that one of the Viper carries a female occupant ^{(1980: "Galactica Discovers Earth, Part II")}

chronic

Galactica 1980 definition: a unit of temperature; 2000 degrees chronic would be the skin temperature of the A-B Raider at maximum upon entering Earth's atmosphere ^{(1980: "The Night the Cylons Landed, Part I")}

Commander's Court

Galactica 1980 definition: a court of law, probably over military disputes ^{(1980: "The Return of Starbuck")}.

communication media

Galactica 1980 definition: Colonial term vis-à-vis journalism ^{(1980: "Galactica Discovers Earth, Part II")}

computron

Galactica 1980 definition: computer ^{(1980: "Galactica Discovers Earth, Part I")}

Crisis condition

Galactica 1980 definition: a high-military alert; Adama uses this in light of Xaviar's escape into Earth's past to Nazi Germany circa 1944 ^{(1980: "Galactica Discovers Earth, Part II")}

distress beacon

Galactica 1980 definition: the Cylon variant of the automatic beacon; a portable version of this is taken from the A-B Raider and attached to Centuri before Andromus and the Centurion escape the crash ^{(1980: "The Night the Cylons Landed, Part I")}

energizer

Galactica 1980 definition: a power source (see: energizer); Dillon voices his concern that the energizer feeding power to the invisibility field hiding their Vipers needs to be recharged before the ships are rendered visible ^{(1980: "Galactica Discovers Earth, Part I")}

epidermal transformation

Galactica 1980 definition: a process of changing one's outward appearance to look like someone else; Xaviar used this process to make himself look (and sound) like Lieutenant Nash ^{(1980: "Spaceball")}

felgercarb

Galactica 1980 definition: vulgarism equivalent to "shit" (see: felgercarb); Dillon uses this when discovering that his laser pistol wasn't set to stun ^{(1980: "Galactica Discovers Earth, Part II")}

force field

Galactica 1980 definition: a safety device that restrains the Viper pilot in their seat ^{(1980: "The Return of Starbuck")}, Troy and Dillon refer to the invisibility field as thus ^{(1980: "Galactica Discovers Earth, Part I")}

frack

Galactica 1980 definition: a term meaning "rats" or "shit" (see: frack); it is only used by Starbuck ^{(1980: "The Return of Starbuck")}

frimp

Galactica 1980 definition: mild derogatory term, essentially equivalent "dummy" or "idiot" ^{(1980: "The Super Scouts, Part II", "The Night the Cylons Landed, Part I")}

function guard mechanism

Galactica 1980 definition: a mechanism in a Viper that transfers control from automatic to manual should any automatic function malfunction ^{(1980: "Spaceball")}

Galactican

Galactica 1980 definition: a member of the Fleet; Hamilton first uses the term when replying to Stockwell's question regarding Xavier's affiliation ^{(1980: "Galactica Discovers Earth, Part II")}

Galactican fleet

Galactica 1980 definition: Cylons' term for the Fleet ^{(1980: "Space Croppers")}

Galactic war

Galactica 1980 definition: a Cylon term for the war with the humans, which may refer to either (or both) the Thousand-Yahren War or their pursuit of Galactican fleet ^{(1980: "The Night the Cylons Landed, Part I")}

kils

Galactica 1980 definition: a unit of measuring distance; the Earth's radius measures 6,378 of these ^{(1980: "The Night the Cylons Landed, Part I")}

limiter

Galactica 1980 definition: a device that limits the energy sent to a Viper's turbo charger ^{(1980: "Space Croppers")}

navigational computron

Galactica 1980 definition: navigational computer; Adama says that coordinates to uninhabited landing zones on Earth are programmed in these ^{(1980: "Galactica Discovers Earth, Part I")}

neuro-transmitter anogram

Galactica 1980 definition: a medical testing technique meant to test some aspects of neuro-transmitters; Troy requests Dr. Spencer run such a test, but he is unfamiliar with it ^{(1980: "The Super Scouts, Part I")}

nutrient monitor

Galactica 1980 definition: a device capable of monitoring the growth of plants ^{(1980: "Space Croppers")}

Priority Red

Galactica 1980 definition: high priority ^{(1980: "Spaceball")}; Captain Kanon tells Britton to contact the Galactica with a Priority Red message regarding the A-B Raider ^{(1980: "The Night the Cylons Landed, Part I")}.

pulse jet

Galactica 1980 definition: a rocket; Dillon sees the V-1 flying bombs launching and calls them this ^{(1980: "Galactica Discovers Earth, Part II")}

respiratory readout

Galactica 1980 definition: a result from a remote scan that can discern the number of people inside a ship; Colonel Boomer discerns from this readout that two people occupy one of the incoming Vipers ^{(1980: "Galactica Discovers Earth, Part II")}

six-carbon-chain supplement

Galactica 1980 definition: a term for glucose, introduced intravenously ^{(1980: "The Super Scouts, Part I")}

sleep mode

Galactica 1980 definition: sleep ^{(1980: "Spaceball")}

study period

Galactica 1980 definition: a time where children are instructed, similar to instruction period in the Original Series ^{(1980: "The Super Scouts, Part I")}

support vapors

Galactica 1980 definition: air produced by a life support system ^{(1980: "The Return of Starbuck")}

time warp synthesizer

Galactica 1980 definition: a device of Doctor Zee's that allows travel back and forth in time ^{(1980: "Galactica Discovers Earth, Part II")}

tractor gear

Galactica 1980 definition: the landing gear of a Viper ^{(1980: "The Return of Starbuck")}

turbine

Galactica 1980 definition: the "flying motorcycles" used by Troy and Dillon ^{(1980: "Galactica Discovers Earth, Part I")}

turbo charger

Galactica 1980 definition: a powered component of a Viper ^{(1980: "Space Croppers")}.

transmission band

Galactica 1980 definition: Colonial equivalent to "television channel" ^{(1980: "Galactica Discovers Earth, Part I")}

wrist computron

Galactica 1980 definition: wrist computer, a device with a multitude of different capabilities ^{(1980: "Galactica Discovers Earth, Part I")}

Measurement

acron ions

Galactica 1980 definition: unit of measurement in determining signal strength ^{(1980: "The Night the Cylons Landed, Part II")}

Mega-Kay

Galactica 1980 definition: a unit of astral distance; Boomer tells Troy that the Fleet is 30,000 Mega-Kays from Alpha Centauri ^{(1980: "The Super Scouts, Part I")}. Coincidentally, the term is also used as a measure of astronomical distance in the Buck Rogers in the 25th Century episode "Twiki is Missing." Of particular note, the term is used in relation to measuring the distance between Twiki and a star called Alpha Centari: that number, 33,000 Mega-Kays.

metron

Galactica 1980 definition: a unit equivalent to 1 hectometer

Sayings

May God go with you

Galactica 1980 definition: a salutation used upon departure to a serious mission; Adama uses this after Zee's presentation on the invisibility field ^{(1980: "Galactica Discovers Earth, Part I")}

The glory of the universe is intelligence.

Galactica 1980 definition: a saying Dillon imparts on Stockton when encouraging him to enter the anti-gravity ship ^{(1980: "The Super Scouts, Part II")}

Terms from the scripts

voicescriber

Galactica 1980 definition: the log-keeping device Adama useres to dictate his journals, basically a form of voice recognition speech-to-text technology

References

A readout from the wrist computron providing the definition of a "phone" ^{(1980: "Galactica Discovers Earth, Part I")}.

A wrist computron is a portable device worn by Troy and Dillon during their first adventures on the newly discovered Earth.

The complete features of the wrist computron are not defined, but the device has four basic functions: communication, translation, data storage/retrieval and scanning capabilities.

The device is worn on the wrist, and comes in two different sizes. The adult size computron is attached by two metal stretch extension bands, while the child size computron is attached via a wide, off-white elasticated strap. Galacticans who wear this device on Earth typically hide it under a sleeve to avoid attracting attention to its uniquity.

Invisibility field

The feature of personal invisibility, or the invisibility field, is devised by Doctor Zee after the discovery of Earth. He first demonstrates the invisibility field on a Viper on a launch platform, explaining beforehand that "each color and sound has its own frequency, some of which are too high to be perceived by the human eye or ear" and that by generating a "nuclear field in a frequency above the perception of Earth's conventional electronic equipment or even the human eye" whole ships or personnel can be rendered invisible.

The power cost, however, is too high for this to be used in all applications, and thus must be used only in "life or death" situations ^{(1980: "Galactica Discovers Earth, Part I")}.

One feature, personal invisibility, is used by Willy Griffin to torment a bully, Tucker ^{(1980: "Galactica Discovers Earth")}. Later, the invisibility feature is used by Troy and Dillon to avoid questioning by the Federal Bureau of Investigation after thwarting a hijacking attempt on an commercial air plane ^{(1980: "The Night the Cylons Landed, Part I")}.

Those using the invisibility field emitted by the device cannot see others who are also invisible using the same device; Troy and Dillon hold hands while quickly exiting the plane so as to remain in close proximity during their escape ^{(1980: "The Night the Cylons Landed, Part I")}.

Scanning

The computron is also capable of scanning communication frequencies, including those used by the Cylons ^{(1980: "The Night the Cylons Landed, Part II")}, medical probing, and making scientific analyses.

The computron's scanner can cause certain Earth machines to malfunction. This discovery first happens when Troy attempts to scan the phone in a phone booth, causing the phone to empty its coin box ^{(1980: "Galactica Discovers Earth, Part I")}.

The scanner function is also capable of making medical diagnoses, and aided Troy in saving the lives of Moonstone and two other Super Scouts. It can also make scientific analyses, analyzing various mineral and chemical content ^{(1980: "The Super Scouts, Part I")}.

Translation

It is also used by Dillon and Troy to translate Earth terms they do not understand ^{(1980: "Galactica Discovers Earth, Part I")}, in addition to providing information on the many aspects of Earth, including its locations and organizations ^{(1980: "The Night the Cylons Landed, Part I")}.

The translation goes both ways, with a reverse lookup feature to look up Earth equivalents for Colonial terms. For instance, Dillon looks up the Earth term for "transmission band" and comes up with "television channel" ^{(1980: "Galactica Discovers Earth, Part I")}.

References

This article has a separate continuity. This article is in the Miniseries novelization separate continuity, which is related to the Re-imagined Series. Be sure that your contributions to this article reflect the characters and events specific to this continuity only.

In the novelization of the miniseries, the term "Lorey-field gravity" is used to describe the artificial gravity used aboard Colonial Fleet vessels such as Raptors and battlestars such as Galactica.

The name "Lorey" appears to be a made-up reference from the novel, with no known supporting scientific principles discussed. No significant scientific references have yet been found by Battlestar Wiki contributors on research by a person or object named "Lorey."

In the aired series, the concept of artificial gravity has not been discussed, although various displays show information that confirms some sort of artificial gravity is in use. The term that is used is "synthetic gravity field".

The novelization of the miniseries has other marked differences from the aired or sourced content of the series, such as Natasi and Jane Cally. As a result, these differences makes the novelization a separate continuity from the Re-imagined Series canon.

See Also

• The article, Science in the Re-imagined Series, explores more about the nature of artificial gravity as used in the series.

The image used for each "Playing The Field" article.

"Playing The Field" is an advice column featured in the Lifestyle section of the daily periodical The Caprican on dating in the Twelve Colonies before the First Cylon War. It was started by journalist Sharon Edmonson on Februarius 18, YR42 (The Caprican: "Playing the Field: A Guide to Love in the Colonies") and ended on Martius 14, YR42 (The Caprican: "Playing the Field: Scorpian Man in Waiting, and More!"). The title is a sports metaphor on Pyramid.

Articles

Headline	Writer	Publication Date	URL
Playing the Field: A Guide to Love in the Colonies	Sharon Edmonson	Februarius 18, YR42	Archived Link
Playing the Field: Lonely Girl from B.C. needs our help & more!	Sharon Edmonson	Februarius 23, YR42	Archived Link
Playing the Field: Scorpian Man in Waiting, and More!	Sharon Edmonson	Martius 14, YR42	Archived Link

This article has a separate continuity. This article is in the Richard Hatch continuation separate continuity, which is related to the Original Series. Be sure that your contributions to this article reflect the characters and events specific to this continuity only.

Part of the series on Battlestar Galactica Terminology

Original Series Separate Continuity and Unproduced Scripts Richard Hatch's Continuation Novels Steampunk Battlestar Galactica 1880 Galactica 1980 Re-imagined Series Separate Continuity (Books, Comics, Video Games, et al.)

This is a listing of terms that appear in the glossary in "Armageddon," from page 310—312, in addition to terms not defined in that glossary, but appear in the Richard Hatch novels. Terms appearing in List of terms (TOS) do not appear here, unless to note a discrepancy.

Military

Units

• Blue Squadron: Warrior unit commanded by Lieutenant Commander Apollo circa 7360 (RH: Armageddon). Unit members include:
  • Boomer
  • Sheba
  • Starbuck
  • Jolly
  • Giles†
  • Zimmer†
  • Eva
• Fourth Squadron: Warrior unit commanded by Captain Hecate in 7360. Ensign Dalton is assigned to this squadron following her graduation from the Academy (RH: Armageddon).

Strategies

• "divide and conquer": a maneuver involving two Vipers, wherein both head in opposite directions, but later head towards each other in a near collision course after their enemy splits its forces to follow both craft; the enemy craft are later disposed of as they blindly pursue their opposite number, with the partner Viper attacking the other's pursuers

Terms

General

• altered: intoxicated or under the influence of drugs
• anchor spikes: nails
• berth: bed
• brain crystals: outlawed chemical weapon causing portions of the brain to wither and harden, as if frozen
• buritician: a member of the hereditary nobility of the Colonies
• cogitator: a Cylon diplomat, like Lucifer
• commander's court: military court
• cycle: work details and duties are divided into two eight-hour periods and one nine-hour period, or cycle, per ship's day; three consecutive cycles comprise a full day
• drag-field: a type of gravity well generated by "the collective mass and inertia" of various larger craft, thus allowing smaller vessels (shuttles, Vipers) traveling at the same velocities; the Fleet's mass of vessels generated such a field, allowing intra-fleet travel via computed routes
• fiberline: a thin, strong rope
• forge ship: designation of a craft tasked with the manufacture of support crafts and other equipment (c.f. Hephaestus, Adena)
• frizzort: a mishap, error, or malfunction
• fundamental code: a language of sounds, gestures and images believed to be significant to most sentient lifeforms
• instruction period: term for time dedicated to education
• mealprep: a kitchen
• mucoid: slimy, sticky; likely an adjective
• novayahren: birthday
• slagger: slothful person
• tarpit: a form of quicksand on Caprica, appearing as a black abyss; Borellian Nomen are taught to avoid it, for one step would spell doom
• temblor: a ground tremor or seismic planetary phenomenon

Creatures

• avion: a bird
• bova: a large livestock animal kept in herds
• flanchette: a stinging insect known for its nests, similar to that of the Earth hornet; Major Boomer notes that Puck is "stirring up a flanchette's nest all over the fleet," suggesting that the act is deleterious to one's well-being
• mugjape: maggot-like creatures; the larval stage of skreeters
• skreeter: described in the book as a "bothersome but essentially harmless insect"; perhaps similar to flies or, at worst, mosquitoes

Foodstuffs

• beschkurd: green, leafy vegetable common to most Colonies
• coneth stew: a spicy vegetable dish made with bova meat
• fallaga: a plant found on Qorax
• heffala berries: fruit native to Caprica, grown on the Agro Ships
• kirasolis: a sticky, caramel-like candy
• mange grass: an editable item used in stews, fields of which are grown aboard Agro-3; this grass grew tall enough to cover a then-unidentified body of a murder victim
• ogliv: a fruit described as prickly skinned and sweet; perhaps similar to pineapple
• tulipian buds: exotic appetizer or side dish made from vegetables

Labor

• agro-worker: an individual tasked with agricultural work, e.g. farmer or farmhand
• servitor: waiter

Materials

• flexi-weave: a type of fabric
• kyluminum: a lightweight, plasteen/saligium alloy
• oregg: a precious metal, equivalent to gold
• plasteen: an indestructible plastic
• saligium: heavy metal alloy used in construction
• sylvanus: metal used in jewelry, similar to brass

Slang

• cog: slang for cogitator, e.g. Lucifer; Starbuck refers to Lucifer thusly when asking why Lucifer is seated on the "High Seat of Command" instead of Baltar
• "High Seat of Command": the high-stationed seat in the Cylon basestar's command chamber, from where Imperious Leader, Baltar, and other Cylon leaders command
• "trank it": calm down

Technology

• apex pulsar: the top, center engine on a Viper
• ascensior: an elevator
• flatscreen: computer screen
• fuel buoy: a fuel storage container, typically deployed for fighter patrols to refuel on long range recons if beyond the range of a mothership
• gyro-capacitor: the energy transference system used in starships
• helm: the helmet worn by Viper pilots
• hyperdrive: a fast drive, typically those on spacecraft, like Vipers
• hyperspeed: term for high speed
• imager: a high-tech mirror
• info-scroll: a heads-up display projected against the energy shield of a helm
• info-sphere: data storage capsule
• launch aperture: energy-shielded opening in a starship bay through which smaller ships take off and land
• magnalift: hi-tech crane
• micronoscope: powerful electronic microscope
• musiclink: radio; primarily for music and entertainment
• navi-hilt: the pilot's stick in a Viper
• Quantum Shift Effect/QSE: a Cylon invisibility technology developed to shift a ship out of reality, thus allowing un-phased matter and energy to travel through it; believed by Apollo and Starbuck to be a primitive version of the technology employed by lightships
• S-cube: simulcast sight-and-sound unit; a video camera
• sensorline: physical connection between two technology systems
• skyeye: a multiple-lensed, spherical camera capable of hovering
• stellar projector: panels absorbing, storing, and projecting light for use aboard Agro Ships
• support vapors: life support aboard ships
• techno center: technology center; the Cylon base on Ochoa broadcasted jamming signals from this point
• TransVid: television
• turbolaser: the laser guns on a Viper

Measurements

• centimetron: 1/100th of a metron; about 1/2 inch
• metron: term similar to meter, comprising of 100 centimetrons; about 50 inches (4 feet 2 inches)

Contradictions

• grog
  • In "Lost Planet of the Gods, Part I," Greenbean is seen taking grog from the Officer's Mess and bottled like beer.
  • In "Armaggedon," grog is an alcoholic beverage as well, but is similar to rum.
• pogees
  • In "The Living Legend, Part II," Lucifer uses the term similar to how "shit" would be utilized; e.g. "They're blowing the pogees out of it."
  • In "Armageddon," pogees is a term for testicles.
• pulsar
  • In "The Gun on Ice Planet Zero," the term pulsar is used to identify the Ravashol pulsar, a device that is used as a weapon by the Cylons.
  • In "The Hand of God," the term "mega pulsar" is used to identify the major offensive weapons on a basestar.
  • In the novel, this is a term for an engine aboard a starship.
• TransVid Information Service
  • In Richard Hatch's Armageddon, Guinevere is a reporter for this service. It is referred to by the initialism TIS.
  • While Original Series' "The Man with Nine Lives" introduces Inter-Fleet Broadcasting (IFB), it is unknown whether or not this is either a competing or replacement service.

Differences

• centari: equivalent to nearly one minute; one hundred microns
• centon: equivalent to nearly one hour; one hundred centari
• cubit: the cubit is said to be made from oregg, although this is never mentioned in the series
• micron: equivalent to a fraction of a second; 1/100th of a centari
• week: defined as "ten days"; which would make 25 weeks in a yahren
• yahren: while still equivalent to a year, a yahren is 250 days

Notes

• With the numbers given, there is a noted disconnect between Earth time and Colonial time. For instance, someone living 100 yahren (2,500 weeks) in Colonial time would be only be 48 Earth years old. This explains why the Colonials appear to have a longer lifespan, as Adama noted that the Colonial lifespan was 200 yahren (96 Earth years).

References

This article has a separate continuity. This article is in a separate continuity, which is related to the Original Series and Galactica 1980. Be sure that your contributions to this article reflect the characters and events specific to this continuity only.

Part of the series on Battlestar Galactica Terminology

Original Series Separate Continuity and Unproduced Scripts Richard Hatch's Continuation Novels Steampunk Battlestar Galactica 1880 Galactica 1980 Re-imagined Series Separate Continuity (Books, Comics, Video Games, et al.)

Like the show, the comics or novels based on the Original Series, and its spinoff, Galactica 1980, use different terminology in order to make the universe visceral to the reader. This array of terminology, used by both the Colonials and Cylons, consists of military jargon, colloquialisms, sayings, and technical terms.

This page does not serve to regurgitate or repeat terminologies used in both series, but terms that only appear in both the comics and novels. Each section is separated by publisher (Berkley, Marvel, Realm Press, et al.), in order to make the continuities clear.

Berkley novelizations

• germicide: part of a Warrior's medkit. Given the use of the suffix "-cide," this substance kills germs.
• viruscide: part of a Warrior's medkit. Given the use of the suffix "-cide," this substance kills viruses.

Dynamite Entertainment comics

Cultural

• Boray fracker: a derogatory term specifically disparaging a targeted party as "Boray shit"; Starbuck uses this when engaging on his bombing run on Tessida (Battlestar Galactica: Cylon Apocalypse #3).
• countess: honorific for a Colonial female aristocrat, c.f. Sephoni (Battlestar Galactica: Death of Apollo #1).
• daggit dribble: a kinder version of "felgercarb"; Cassiopeia uses this when Starbuck lies his way out of the real reason he wants to talk to Cassiopeia before a mission to attack the Cylon mainframe at Tessida (Battlestar Galactica: Cylon Apocalypse #1).
• daggit fracker: a variation of "dog shit"; Starbuck tells the Cylons to "eat this, daggit frackers!" as he and Apollo take on the Centurion stealth team that boarded Galactica (Battlestar Galactica: Cylon Apocalypse #1).
• felger-hole: "shit hole"; Boomer calls Tessida this when making his landing run to recover Starbuck (Battlestar Galactica: Cylon Apocalypse #4).
• for Sagan's sake: a statement issued in exasperation; Starbuck exclaims this after a red alert alarm goes off in response to Galactica's boarding by a Cylon stealth team (Battlestar Galactica: Cylon Apocalypse #1).
• flark: an alternative of the word frack in an alternate reality, hewing more toward the vulgarism "fuck" than "shit" (Classic Battlestar Galactica Vol. 2 #3).
• Larson's Apogee in C-Minor: a Colonial piano piece played by Baltar (Galactica 1980 #2).
• Mother of Hermes: variation of the phrase "Mother of God"; Tassos uses this exclamation when Starbuck wrings Tassos by his tunic (Battlestar Galactica: Cylon Apocalypse #3).
• nutszoidal: crazy, in a state of immense frustration (Classic Battlestar Galactica Vol. 2 #9).
• perdition's name: a form of "devil's name"; Adama uses this in an exasperated inquiry regarding a Cylon stealth team boarding Galactica (Battlestar Galactica: Cylon Apocalypse #1).
• soil-grown mushies: a Colonial foodstuff believed by some to be a higher-quality counterpart to the more commonplace hydronic mushies; Starbuck won three cases of these in order to barter for a ring featuring Geminese sapphires for Cassiopeia (Battlestar Galactica: Cylon Apocalypse #1-#3).
• Spirit of Caprica: a saying often used in exaltation of an unbelievable miracle; Adama utters this—"Spirit of Caprica preserve us."—when believing they have found Earth within a storm zone (Classic Battlestar Galactica Vol. 2 #8).

Cylons

• alphad: equivalent to the Colonial "alpha," such a letter is used in the code confirming the legitimacy of the super basestar's critical reactor failure (Battlestar Galactica: Death of Apollo #4).
• betan: equivalent to the Colonial "beta," such a letter is used in the code confirming the legitimacy of the super basestar's critical reactor failure (Battlestar Galactica: Death of Apollo #4).
• cautionary myth: early Cylon conditional programming that was unsuccessful, and "remembered" only by IL-series units, e.g. Lucifer (Classic Battlestar Galactica Vol. 3 #4).
• clankies: Colonial slang for Cylons; used by Boxey during Adama's Fleet-wide speech (Battlestar Galactica: Cylon Apocalypse #1).
• Meclons: a rogue cast of Cylons from Cylon cautionary myths, and later applied to Iblis Cylon forces (Battlestar Galactica: Folly of the Gods).
• tin horn: Colonial slang for Cylons; used by the black market merchant aboard Rising Star from whom Starbuck acquires an engagement ring for Cassiopeia (Battlestar Galactica: Cylon Apocalypse #1).

Material

• chromium: a material used in the threading of Colonial uniform braiding (Battlestar Galactica: Starbuck #4).
• Geminese sapphire: a red precious gemstone used in jewelry; Starbuck acquires a ring made with these sapphires in order to propose marriage to Cassiopeia (Battlestar Galactica: Cylon Apocalypse #3).

Military

General

• blue shift: duty cycle 12 centars in length, beginning in the evening and ending in the early morning (Classic Battlestar Galactica Vol. 2 #6).
• cerebral law: law enacted by Doctor Gaius Zee when assuming total command of the Fleet after Adama's death at the hands of the Thirteenth Tribe (Galactica 1980 #2).
• command blues: slang for the uniform worn by officers, like Tigh and Athena (Classic Battlestar Galactica Vol. 2 #9).
• Command Core: alternate name for Core Command (Classic Battlestar Galactica Vol. 2 #7).
• contact alarm: klaxon denoting potential enemy contact (Classic Battlestar Galactica Vol. 2 #8).
• D-com Warrior: "Decompression Colonial Warrior," equipped to handle decompression situations; a force of D-com Warriors is dispatched to repel a Cylon boarding party that attempts to recover the nano-cybrid from Galactica's science deck (Battlestar Galactica: Cylon Apocalypse #2).
• defense net: a network of automated defenses around each of the Colonies (Battlestar Galactica: Starbuck #1).
• full rate: maximum firing rate during an engagement (Battlestar Galactica: Death of Apollo #4).
• habitation chamber or hab-pod: crew quarters, such as those aboard Galactica (Classic Battlestar Galactica Vol. 2 #9).
• half-cycle handover: the transition period between military shifts (Classic Battlestar Galactica Vol. 2 #6).
• Officer of the Watch: commanding officer in effective command during a duty cycle (Classic Battlestar Galactica Vol. 2 #6).
• Q-Cache: a military storage depot, many are placed throughout known space for Colonial forces to resupply (Classic Battlestar Galactica Vol. 2 #2).
• red shift: duty cycle 12 centars in length, beginning in the morning and ending in the early evening (Classic Battlestar Galactica Vol. 2 #6).
• snuff dive: a terminal dive (Battlestar Galactica: Death of Apollo #2).
• time cycle: a military work shift (Classic Battlestar Galactica Vol. 2 #6).
• top tier: the top most tier of Core Command, where the Commander's Station is located (Classic Battlestar Galactica Vol. 2 #6).

Squadrons and Forces

• Blue Flight/Blue Squadron: interchangeable designation for a fighter squadron
  • During the events of leading up to Adama's Gambit, Blue Flight was lead by Apollo, consisting of Boomer, Jolly, and Sheba (Classic Battlestar Galactica Vol. 2 #6).
• Blue Leader: leader of Blue Flight (Classic Battlestar Galactica Vol. 2 #6).
• blue patrol: identifier for a patrol dispatched from Galactica (Classic Battlestar Galactica Vol. 2 #8).
• Bronze Star Squadron: Galactica squadron (Battlestar Galactica: Cylon Apocalypse #3).
• Red Flight/Red Squadron: interchangeable designation for a fighter squadron
  • During the events of leading up to Adama's Gambit, Red Flight was lead by Starbuck, consisting of Breena, Greenbean, and Hightail (Classic Battlestar Galactica Vol. 2 #6).
  • In 7358, Red Flight consists of Boomer, Sheba, Greenbean and Breena (Battlestar Galactica: Death of Apollo #4).
• Red Leader: leader of Red Flight (Classic Battlestar Galactica Vol. 2 #6).
• Silver Spar Squadron: Pegasus squadron, reassigned to Galactica following the Battle of Gamoray, later lead (at times) by Lieutenant Sheba (Battlestar Galactica: Cylon Apocalypse #3, Battlestar Galactica Classic #1).

Strategies

• Attack Pattern Omega: a defensive posture employed by Lucifer's Raiders against the Meclons (Classic Battlestar Galactica Vol. 3 #2).
• Beton Beton Five: a defense strategy employed during Adama's Gambit, ordered by Athena (Classic Battlestar Galactica Vol. 2 #11).
• Diamond Spread: flight pattern employed by Vipers (Classic Battlestar Galactica Vol. 2 #6).
• mutli-split: Viper maneuver sprung from a formation during a battle; Boomer orders this during the dogfight outside of the super basestar (Battlestar Galactica: Death of Apollo #4).
• quad formation: formation of four Vipers that regroup during a battle; Boomer orders this during the dogfight outside of the super basestar (Battlestar Galactica: Death of Apollo #4).
• trailing line: flight pattern employed by Vipers (Classic Battlestar Galactica Vol. 2 #6).

Technology

• braking jet: reaction control thrusters on Vipers used to arrest momentum; Viper pilots use braking jets to allow Raiders to overshoot, thus allowing the Warrior to gain targeting lock by quickly switching from being on the enemy's fore to aft (Battlestar Galactica: Death of Apollo #4).
• datanet: an information network, e.g. internet; each colony has its own, such as the Aerian datanet for Aeries (Battlestar Galactica: Starbuck #2).
• deep-pulse: form of long-range scanning technology employed by the Colonials (Battlestar Galactica: Death of Apollo #1).
• emergency tracker: device outfitted on Colonial Vipers, used to track (or allow tracking of) other Vipers in need of assistance (Classic Battlestar Galactica Vol. 2 #4).
• environment mask: basic breathing apparatus meant for short-term emergency use; Dr. Wilker keeps such in his lab, and they are later put to use during the Cylon boarding of Galactica (Battlestar Galactica: Cylon Apocalypse #2).
• exo-lifter: a mechanical apparatus, likely an exoskeleton (ergo, "exo") capable of heavy-duty tasks (Classic Battlestar Galactica Vol. 2 #6).
• fusion missile: ranged offensive ordnance of battlestars (Classic Battlestar Galactica Vol. 2 #11).
• gamma frequency field: energy dampening field; in order to prevent communications to other Cylons, Boomer engages such a field around a Centurion prisoner while it is restrained in Galactica's detention chamber (Battlestar Galactica: Cylon Apocalypse #2).
• gravitic warhead: ordnance capable of collapsing a wormhole; Adama deploys it upon the Canopus wormhole in order to prevent further Cylon pursuit of the Fleet (Battlestar Galactica: Cylon Apocalypse #4).
• holo-cube: a hand-held digital device in the shape of a cube, capable of projecting a holographic image (Classic Battlestar Galactica Vol. 2 #1).
• planetary expeditionary vehicle carrier: also known as a "PEV" craft; Gemini is such a craft and is capable of launching smaller craft (such as turbines) on a planet's surface (Galactica 1980 #4).
• pocket grenade: explosive anti-personnel device carried by Colonial Warriors; Starbuck uses a device to cause a hull breach in Dr. Wilker's science lab when the Cylons attempt to recover the nano-cybrid (Battlestar Galactica: Cylon Apocalypse #2).
• radiation charge: device capable of emitting radiation, enough to render tylium worthless (Battlestar Galactica Annual 2014).
• radiotelegraph probe: form of long-range scanning technology employed by the Colonials (Battlestar Galactica: Death of Apollo #1).
• stealth probe: clandestine Colonial reconnaissance device (Battlestar Galactica: Cylon Apocalypse #1).
• tractor field: technology used to ensnare spacecraft; in an alternate reality, a Raider ensnares Starbuck's Temporal Viper in one (Classic Battlestar Galactica Vol. 2 #2).

Temporal Mechanics

• temporal storm: a convergence of tachyon and other energies capable of bridging two disparate realities (Classic Battlestar Galactica Vol. 2 #2 & #5).
• temporal drive / t-drive: engine powering the temporal warper (Classic Battlestar Galactica Vol. 2 #5).
• temporal weapon: defensive/offensive technology capable of warping space-time for military purposes that, due to its inherently unpredictable and far-reaching nature, the Colonials have outlawed (Classic Battlestar Galactica Vol. 2 #1).
• time mirage: a form of temporal displacement where, to a viewer, an object is frozen in space-time, but interaction with it is impossible (Classic Battlestar Galactica Vol. 2 #2).
• time-warp or temporal warp: a means of conveyance of an object in both space and time, either controlled or uncontrolled (Classic Battlestar Galactica Vol. 2 #2).

Units of Measure

• light-yahren: Colonial term for lightyear (Galactica 1980 #1).

Miscellany

• aldarium belt: asteroid belt; Starbuck promises Serina that he would bring Apollo back from his mission, even if it meant dragging him a hundred hectars through this belt (Classic Battlestar Galactica Vol. 1 #1).
• decompression sickness: a physically and mentally exhausting event occurring after experiencing atmospheric decompression; Starbuck blames this sickness after awakening in life sciences and mis-identifying Cassiopeia as Aurora (Battlestar Galactica: Cylon Apocalypse #1).
• delta-class telepath: individual possessing high psionic potential, capable of being detected by hand scanners (Classic Battlestar Galactica Vol. 2 #9).
• first contact: a Colonial protocol dealing with communications to a new civilization (Classic Battlestar Galactica Vol. 2 #9).
• full rate: a weapon's maximum fire rate, i.e. "weapons free" (Battlestar Galactica: Death of Apollo #4).
• full retro: engine on full burn, Starbuck compares Doctor Madusa beauty to being "hotter than a thruster on full retro" (Classic Battlestar Galactica Vol. 2 #7).
• handshake signal: the opening transmission commencing first contact protocols (Classic Battlestar Galactica Vol. 2 #9).
• Hovian: a sector containing a planet known for its unique magnetic field, capable of attracting derelict ships much like Iblis' planet (Classic Battlestar Galactica Vol. 3 #1).
• hyper-fast: euphemism for extreme speed (Classic Battlestar Galactica Vol. 2 #6).
• ideo-psion: a mental aberration, an incongruent thought like "wishful thinking" (Battlestar Galactica: Death of Apollo #3).
• mega-static discharge: created by high energons that can accumulate around craft before they eventually discharge (Classic Battlestar Galactica Vol. 2 #6).
• positive array lock: a sensor lock (Classic Battlestar Galactica Vol. 2 #9).
• power-dead: electrical blackout (Classic Battlestar Galactica Vol. 2 #6).
• protein bar: foodstuff (Classic Battlestar Galactica Vol. 1 #1).
• psionic: someone with mental powers, also used to describe aforesaid powers themselves (Classic Battlestar Galactica Vol. 2 & Battlestar Galactica: Death of Apollo)
• telepathic overload: a mental condition, the result of using psionic potential beyond the human mind's ability to cope (Classic Battlestar Galactica Vol. 2 #9).
• ticophine: chemical in fumarello products causing withdrawal symptoms, akin to nicotine (Classic Battlestar Galactica Vol. 1 #1).
• ventle steak: a type of meat, known to be served cooked (Classic Battlestar Galactica Vol. 1 #1).
• void lightning: electrical discharges within a quantum storm zone (Classic Battlestar Galactica Vol. 2 #6).

Marvel Comics

• armistice: a term referring to the falsely believed-in peace between the Colonials and Cylons (Annihilation!).
• liesuron: a furlough; Apollo tells Zac that he expects that all the Warriors will be given this after the armistice (Annihilation!).
  • Note: This is an alternate spelling of the canonical term "leisuron," also used by Apollo when discussing his participation in the recon patrol prior to the Battle of Cimtar ^{(TOS: "Saga of a Star World")}.
• quadron: a unit of astral distance; the Imperious Leader's basestar is "several hundred quadrons" away from Carillon (Deathtrap!).
• supreme star force: Cylon attack force; Imperious Leader dispatches the star force stationed at Borallus to attack the Fleet at Carillon (Deathtrap!).

Maximum Press comics

• ion storm: a spatial disturbance, one that creates a malfunction in Cylon 8765 (The Rebirth of Cy, Part 1).

Realm Press comics

• Psych-Med: mental health specialist, e.g. Doctor Ishtara (Fear of Flying).

Unproduced Scripts

• barrier wave: a wave of turbulence, such a wave strikes Galactica and the Fleet during their proximity to the Beta Triangle ^{(TOS: "The Beta Pirates")}.
• Fix-it: robotic machines that serve to repair ships, and are part of the salvage tug sent to repair the Gemini freighter. During Boomer and Starbuck's review of the salvage tug's checklist, they check the readiness of the "Heavy-duty Fix-it" and the "Electronics Fix-it" ^{(TOS: "The Beta Pirates")}.
• forcewave: another term for barrier wave ^{(TOS: "The Beta Pirates")}.
• quarter-milliton: a time unit ^{(TOS: "The Beta Pirates")}.
• gyroball: a spherical toy larger than a marble ^{(TOS: "I Have Seen Earth")}.
• sentinel buoy: a spheroid spy satellite with lens-systems and sensors that is used by the Cylons. One such satellite detects Galactica as she and her Fleet skirt the outer boundary of the Beta Triangle ^{(TOS: "The Beta Pirates")}.

References

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• Forced nitron field
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• Lorey-field gravity
• Playing the Field
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