Editing Galactica (TOS-RH)

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

: ''For the ship in the {{TOS|Battlestar Galactica|Original Series}} canon, from which this ship is based, see: [[Galactica (TOS)]]. For other uses, see: [[Galactica (disambiguation)]].''

'''''Galactica''''' is the last known surviving [[battlestar (TOS)|battlestar]], which leads the "[[The Fleet (TOS-RH)|Rag-Tag Fugitive Fleet]]" on a lonely quest to find [[Earth (TOS)|Earth]].

Built about {{TOS-RH|6842}}, ''Galactica'' differs from other battlestars of her ilk with the addition of a [[sanctuary]], built and hidden in secret as directed by members of the [[House of Kobol]]<ref name="STG50">{{cite book/RH|1|50}}</ref> {{RH|Armageddon}}. More than five centuries old by {{TOS-RH|7360}}<ref name="STG53">{{cite book/RH|1|53}}</ref>, the battlestar was constructed with this sanctuary integrated into its design, done without the knowledge of the other Colonies<ref name="STG64">{{cite book/RH|1|64}}</ref> {{RH|Armageddon}}.

Despite the brief reunion with Commander {{TOS-RH|Cain}}'s ''{{TOS-RH|Pegasus}}'' {{OS|The Living Legend}}, survivors of the human race believed ''Galactica'' to be the last battlestar to survive the [[Cylons (TOS)|Cylons]]' assault against the Colonies, until a later reunion with this battleship and {{TOS-RH|Cain}}'s new fleet after {{TOS-RH|7360}}<ref name="WH47">{{cite book/RH|2|47}}</ref> {{RH|Warhawk}}.

== Layout ==

=== Quarters ===

''Galactica''{{'|s}} crew quarters are compartmentalized: ship's crew and infantry are housed on a single deck, distinctly separate and distant from the pilots' berths. The pilots' quarters are situated in close proximity to the launch bays to facilitate rapid deployment<ref name="STG50" />.

The officers' wing of the crew and infantry deck features warm green walls, adorned with lamps set every few {{TOS-RH|metron}}s for aesthetics rather than practical illumination<ref name="STG50" />. The corridor floors echo footsteps, particularly noticeable during light cycle when the wing is largely deserted<ref name="STG50" />.

At the time of Adama's passing in {{TOS-RH|7360}}, the commander's quarters, while located on this singular deck, featured no signage identifying said quarters as his—a tradition that {{TOS-RH|Apollo}} agreed with<ref name="STG50" />. The commander of the battlestar is expected to take up residence in these quarters, likely due to its proximity to a secret and well-hidden [[sanctuary]] that can only be accessed through the commander's quarters<ref name="STG50" /> {{RH|Armageddon}}.

=== Sanctuary ===

Accessible only through the commander's quarters via a door that, in any other compartment, would have been mistaken for a closet, is a {{TOS-RH|Kobollian}} sanctuary<ref name="STG51">{{cite book/RH|1|51}}</ref>. This private sanctuary is a storehouse of surviving Kobollian knowledge, doubling as a place for meditation and the practice of Kobollian mental arts for metamorphosing into a higher state of consciousness<ref name="STG50" /><ref name="STG60">{{cite book/RH|1|60}}</ref>.

Entry to the sanctuary requires voice identification. Upon approaching the door, one must announce: "Apollo, son of Adama and the House of Kobol" (or appropriate identification). The sanctuary's secured computer system then performs a unique voice comparison before granting access<ref name="STG51" /> {{RH|Armageddon}}.

Within the oval room stands a tall antique wooden chair—one of the few such pieces left in all the Fleet<ref name="STG51" /><ref name="RS28">{{cite book/RH|3|28}}</ref>—the only item in the sanctuary that gives off warmth, particularly in stark contrast to the smooth, cold surroundings that both gleam and shimmer<ref name="STG51" />. A second seat of {{TOS-RH|plasteen}} provides additional seating<ref name="STG51" />.

The walls of the sanctuary are adorned with star maps drawn from legend, featuring not only the {{TOS-RH|Twelve Colonies of Man}}, but also {{TOS-RH|Kobol}} and the solar system of {{TOS-RH|Earth}}<ref name="STG51" />. These star maps are etched with galaxies that unwind like clocksprings<ref name="RS28" />.

==== Kobollian Computer ====

The centerpiece of the sanctuary is an ancient Kobollian computer that outpaces Colonial technology of the {{TOS-RH|seventh millennium}}<ref name="STG53" />. Despite being more than five centuries old, it remains light years ahead of other computers aboard ''Galactica'' or any ship in the Fleet<ref name="STG51" /><ref name="RS28" />.

The computer's design is almost organic in nature, with sides curving up and around "as if to embrace the user," featuring a glittering gold and silver shell<ref name="STG53" />. A single red eye light serves as an awareness indicator, oddly disquieting yet familiar and comforting<ref name="STG51" /><ref name="RS28" />. Unlike other computers in the Fleet that have both holographic and flatscreen modes, this ancient machine projects only holographic images<ref name="STG51" />.

The system possesses advanced capabilities including:
* Three-dimensional holographic recording and playback<ref name="STG53" />
* Voice-activated systems<ref name="STG51" />
* Secure voice comparison authentication<ref name="STG51" />
* Storage of historical records and Kobollian teachings<ref name="STG64" />

Commander {{TOS-RH|Adama}} used this computer to record his final message for Apollo, which played automatically when Apollo first entered the sanctuary after his father's death<ref name="STG51" /> {{RH|Armageddon}}.

==== Kobollian Traditions ====

According to the Books of the Lords of Kobol, the sanctuary and its secrets are passed down to the eldest child only. Unless there is no second-generation heir by the time the eldest reaches fifty {{TOS-RH|yahren}}, no one else is allowed within the sanctuary<ref name="STG51" />. This tradition meant that {{TOS-RH|Athena}} was initially excluded from the sanctuary's knowledge, though Apollo later chose to include her following their father's death<ref name="WH86">{{cite book/RH|2|86}}</ref> {{RH|Warhawk}}.

The sanctuary serves as a place of power, spirituality, and focus for the commander, built with the intent that the commander would always be someone of Kobollian blood, descended from the Lords of Kobol themselves<ref name="WH86" /> {{RH|Warhawk}}.

=== Celestial Viewing Chamber ===

Located in the uppermost reaches of ''Galactica'', immediately above the topside engineering area, is a celestial viewing chamber<ref name="WH311">{{cite book/RH|2|311}}</ref>. This chamber, one of the areas that has fallen into disuse over the yahren, was possibly designed for navigation by the stars or perhaps divination in ancient times<ref name="WH311" />.

The chamber constantly hums with the noise of the battlestar's engines due to its proximity to engineering<ref name="WH311" />. Few people know of its existence, and it serves as another private meditation space, though unlike the sanctuary, it does not place the occupant completely out of contact—even another telepath can reach someone there<ref name="WH311" /> {{RH|Warhawk}}.

== Technical Specifications ==

=== Fighter Complement ===

''Galactica'' is adorned with two long fighter bays, one on either side of the battlestar. Each bay is split in half, with the fore section acting as launch bay and the aft section reserved for landing. ''Galactica'' carries a complement of seventy-five {{TOS-RH|Viper}}s, with the capacity to launch twenty—ten from each bay—almost simultaneously<ref name="STG240">{{cite book/RH|1|240}}</ref>.

Hostilities against the Cylons and other enemies dealt a devastating blow to the battlestar's Viper contingent over time. At the lowest point, fighter numbers dropped to fewer than forty operational Vipers<ref name="STG240" />. Following the discovery of a mineral-rich planetoid in {{TOS-RH|7352}}, the Fleet was able to rebuild its fighter strength through construction of {{TOS-RH|Azure-class Viper}}s and later {{TOS-RH|Scarlet-class Viper}}s<ref name="STG240" /> {{RH|Armageddon}}.

=== Bridge and Command Systems ===

''Galactica''{{'|s}} [[core command|bridge]] serves as the nerve center of both the battlestar and the Fleet. The command deck features a central position for the commanding officer, with various stations arrayed around it for navigation, weapons, communications, and tactical operations.

Throughout the 18 {{TOS-RH|yahren}} since the [[Battle at Galaxy's Edge]], ''Galactica'' has been upgraded with new technologies. All computer systems are automated, with each console featuring both flatscreen and holographic functions<ref name="STG37">{{cite book/RH|1|37}}</ref><ref name="STG273">{{cite book/RH|1|273}}</ref>. The systems are controlled by voice commands, a feature first introduced during the events of "[[Murder on the Rising Star]]"<ref name="STG37" />.

On the bridge, voice response programs are keyed to individual officers' voices to avoid conflicting voice commands from multiple personnel within earshot<ref name="STG37" />. As of {{TOS-RH|7360}}, these features are still being tested but are functional enough for military use<ref name="STG37" /> {{RH|Armageddon}}.

=== Communications ===

''Galactica'' features advanced communications systems including:
* [[S-cube]]: Simulcast sight-and-sound units similar to videocameras, providing three-dimensional visual commlink displays<ref name="RS112">{{cite book/RH|3|112}}</ref>
* Unicomm: Fleet-wide broadcast capability for addressing all ships simultaneously<ref name="WH312">{{cite book/RH|2|312}}</ref>
* Narrow-beam transmissions: Coded deep-space signals for secure communications<ref name="STG3">{{cite book/RH|1|3}}</ref>
* Inter-ship commlinks: Communication between ''Galactica'' and other battlestars or Fleet vessels<ref name="RS158">{{cite book/RH|3|158}}</ref>

=== Damage Control and Life Support ===

The battlestar features comprehensive damage control systems with automated diagnostic capabilities. When damaged, system alarms sound and damage reports are compiled automatically<ref name="RS112" />. The ship's infrastructure includes multiple redundant systems to maintain life support even during combat damage<ref name="RS112" />.

Klaxons and alarm systems alert the crew to battle stations and emergency conditions throughout the vessel<ref name="RS112" /> {{RH|Resurrection}}.

== Enhancements and Modifications ==

Throughout the 18 yahren since the [[Battle at Galaxy's Edge]] in "[[The Hand of God (TOS)|The Hand of God]]," ''Galactica'' has undergone numerous upgrades:

* Voice-controlled computer systems and instrumentation<ref name="STG37" />
* Automated console operations with dual flatscreen and holographic displays<ref name="STG37" /><ref name="STG273" />
* Voice-keyed response programs for individual officers<ref name="STG37" />
* Enhanced scanner and sensor technology<ref name="STG37" />
* [[Quantum Shift Effect]] (QSE) capability, stolen from Cylon technology and integrated into the battlestar's systems<ref name="RS262">{{cite book/RH|3|262}}</ref>

As of {{TOS-RH|7360}}, voice control features remain under testing but are operational for military purposes<ref name="STG37" /> {{RH|Armageddon}}.

== Operational History ==

=== Construction and Secret Purpose ===

''Galactica'' was constructed approximately {{TOS-RH|6842}}, making it roughly 500 yahren old by the time of the Fleet's exodus<ref name="STG53" />. Unlike other battlestars, ''Galactica'' was built with a hidden Kobollian sanctuary integrated into its design, constructed in secret without the knowledge of the other Colonies<ref name="STG64" />. This was done with the intent that the battlestar would always be commanded by someone of pure Kobollian blood, a descendant of the Lords of Kobol<ref name="WH86" /> {{RH|Armageddon|Warhawk}}.

=== Post-Exodus Service ===

Following the [[Cylon attack]] on the {{TOS-RH|Twelve Colonies of Man}} in {{TOS-RH|7342}}, ''Galactica'' became the last known surviving battlestar and protector of the refugee Fleet. Under Commander {{TOS-RH|Adama}}'s leadership, the battlestar led the "rag-tag fugitive fleet" on its journey to find {{TOS|Earth}}.

After Adama's death in {{TOS-RH|7360}}, command passed to his son, Commander {{TOS-RH|Apollo}}, and later shared responsibilities with Colonel {{TOS-RH|Athena}}<ref name="STG277">{{cite book/RH|1|277}}</ref> {{RH|Armageddon}}.

Throughout its service, ''Galactica'' engaged in numerous battles against Cylon forces, the [[Chitain]], and other threats encountered during the exodus {{RH|Armageddon}} {{RH|Warhawk}} {{RH|Resurrection}}.


== References ==

{{reflist}}

{{Ships (TOS-RH)}}

[[Category: A to Z]]
[[Category: Books (Richard Hatch)]]
[[Category: Colonial]]
[[Category: Colonial Military]]
[[Category: Colonial Military (TOS)]]
[[Category: Colonial Craft]]
[[Category: Colonial Craft (TOS)]]
[[Category: Ships]]
[[Category: Ships (TOS)]]
{{indicator|TOS}}[[Category:TOS]]
{{indicator|RH}}[[Category:TOS-RH]]