Jolly (TOS-RH)

This article has a separate continuity. This article is in the Richard Hatch Novelizations 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.

Lieutenant Jolly is a Colonial Warrior and Viper pilot serving aboard Galactica.

Biography

Early Service

Jolly is assigned to Blue Squadron and presents a jovial disposition as his namesake would imply. He serves alongside the squadron for the duration of his career, maintaining a healthy rivalry with Red Squadron that never interferes with his duties but keeps him primarily socializing with members of his own squadron.

Despite his considerable experience and skill as a Warrior, Jolly never advances beyond the rank of Lieutenant, content to follow rather than lead unless circumstances force him into a command position. This suits his personality, as he considers himself a Warrior first and an officer second.

The Strike

Jolly instructs Zimmer to summon Major Sheba following work stoppages by Virgil and other technicians in Galactica's bays. After a protracted argument between Virgil and Jolly, Sheba summarily orders the striking workers to remove themselves from the launch bay, and orders Jolly to not only take over all starship operations in the interim, but also arrest any striking worker that returns to the area without prior authorization.

Following Apollo's rescue of Starbuck and their return from Ochoa, Jolly greets Apollo with a bear hug. Apollo and Commander Athena order Jolly to retrieve Virgil "at laser point, if necessary."

Battle Against the Cylons

Jolly participates in the battle against Lucifer's Cylon forces when they spring their first full-fledged attack against the Fleet, after a six yahren pause. After corralling a group of Raiders into a kill zone near Galactica herself, Jolly is assigned to a small task force to keep Raiders from attacking Hephaestus, allowing the ship to be used in a successful suicide run against Lucifer's basestar.

Jolly survives this engagement, witnessing Apollo's formal promotion as Commander of the Fleet.

Chitain Crisis

Academy Duty

During the Chitain crisis, with half of Blue Squadron missing or away from the Fleet, Captain Hecate becomes the ranking pilot on Galactica and assumes temporary command of both Blue and Red Squadrons. When a critical shortage of pilots develops, Jolly accompanies Hecate to Academia to select Academy cadets for temporary promotion to active duty.

Though uncomfortable with putting cadets at risk when infantry-ranked Warriors could be called upon, Jolly reluctantly acknowledges Hecate's reasoning that against the Chitain, the Fleet needs speed, cleverness, and pilots willing to risk everything—traits more common in youth than in Warriors who have not flown since the destruction of the Colonies.

Together, they select three cadets for promotion: Cadet Squad Commanders Cato and Marcellus, both second-year students, and Freyja, a first-year cadet whose exceptional scores warrant her advancement.

Battle of Poseidon

Jolly participates in the defense of Poseidon against the Chitain assault. During the battle, he flies alongside Ensign Marcellus when his Viper's apex pulsar is damaged by Chitain fire, causing the ship to rock and shudder. While attempting evasive maneuvers with a misfiring engine, Jolly takes additional hits that blow out a chunk of his starboard wing. Nearly defenseless, he faces certain destruction until Marcellus intervenes, destroying the attacking Chitain craft and saving Jolly's life.

After witnessing Marcellus' skill and bravery, Jolly gains newfound respect for the young pilot, reflecting that the cadet has already proven himself a true Warrior.

Later in the battle, when Captain Hecate is killed by Chitain fire, Commander Athena informs Jolly that he is now the ranking officer still engaged in the battle and has tactical command. Jolly accepts this burden with grim determination, thinking to himself, "God help us all."

Personal Life

Jolly is married to Guinn and has been with her for many yahren. She is the last of her bloodline, having lost her family during the Great Betrayal. Guinn had a brother named Tyr, though Guinn has not spoken his name in yahren despite thinking of him often.

Notes

• While Jolly is first introduced as Captain Jolly, later instances refer to him as Lieutenant without explanation. This entry reflects the rank repeated throughout the series.