Omega (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.

For the canonical depiction of this character, see: Omega.

Omega is the Colonial Fleet's bridge operations officer, serving aboard Galactica and later Daedalus for over thirty yahren. Known for his calm demeanor, organizational skills, and unquestionable loyalty, Omega is one of the oldest officers still serving the fleet in active military capacity.

Biography

Long Service Record

Omega serves as communications officer on Galactica's bridge for thirty yahren, an extraordinarily long service record even considering that the human lifespan extends to nearly one hundred twenty yahren. In his seventies, he is one of the oldest officers still serving the fleet, with most others having retired shortly after Tigh stepped down from military service. Unlike Tigh, who continues serving on the Quorum and eventually becomes its President, Omega remains in active military duty throughout the fleet's journey.

His position evolves from communications officer to bridge operations officer, a role that encompasses broad responsibilities for coordinating bridge activities and relaying critical information to the command staff. Omega operates from a station equipped with a communications array capable of both audio and holographic displays.

Service Under Adama

Throughout Commander Adama's tenure, Omega proves himself an invaluable member of the bridge crew. His calm, organized approach to crisis situations earns him the respect of successive command officers. He frequently attends gatherings at the aft off-duty officer's club, which becomes a meeting place for Adama's family and those loyal to him after the Commander's death.

Transition Period

Following Adama's death, Omega continues serving under Lieutenant Colonel Athena when she temporarily assumes command of Galactica. During this tumultuous period, he attempts to warn Athena about important matters but finds himself interrupted when she becomes involved in a controversial TransVid broadcast announcing her candidacy for commander. Despite disapproving vehemently of her announcement—which he suspects is orchestrated by political forces—Omega's loyalty remains unquestionable, and he never speaks a word against her decision.

When Apollo is named acting commander by President Tigh, Omega continues his duties without complaint, providing seamless continuity during the leadership transition. His professionalism and experience make him indispensable during this period of political turmoil.

Service Under Apollo

Under Commander Apollo's leadership, Omega maintains his critical role on the bridge. He is present when Apollo brings Gar'Tokk onto the bridge as his bodyguard, a decision that shocks the crew but which Omega handles with his characteristic professionalism. When Apollo and Athena engage in telepathic communication, Omega snaps them back to attention, announcing they have found their objective in scanner range.

His calm demeanor proves essential during critical moments. When approaching the Xerik system, Omega coordinates scanner operations and communications, helping to guide the fleet toward what may be an ancient human colony. During off-duty hours, he is sometimes found on the bridge along with other officers who cannot sleep due to anticipation, all of them searching for signs of their destination.

Omega reports critical developments with precision and clarity. When unknown craft appear on scanner, he immediately alerts the commander that one vessel is extremely large and two others are warships preparing to attack, noting energy spikes that indicate imminent hostile action. His analysis proves accurate when the vessels are identified as a battlestar—Pegasus—accompanied by two escort ships.

Personal Life and Challenges

Omega maintains close family ties despite the demands of his position. He has a brother aboard the fleet whose family faces starvation during a severe crisis when fuel and food supplies are diverted for emergency operations. His brother contacts him asking for help, though Omega insists he did not want to make such a request.

The situation places Omega in a moral dilemma. While he could have his brother's family transferred to Daedalus, he refuses to show such favoritism, believing it would be inappropriate for a bridge officer to give special treatment to relatives. However, he does quietly send extra food rations to his brother's family, convinced that no one will notice since "the food wasn't as bad as the fuel." The ethical compromise weighs on him, caught between his duty and his family obligations.

When Athena expresses concern that their current crisis might not be the worst they will face, Omega responds with quiet dread: "If it could get worse, I don't know what that would be."

Transfer to Daedalus

When the fleet acquires additional battlestars, Omega transfers to serve as Flight Officer aboard Daedalus under Commander Athena's command. His experience proves invaluable in this new assignment, providing Athena with the steady, reliable support she needs.

During a crisis aboard Daedalus, Omega reports that the civilian vessel Hestia is breaking up with three hull breaches, threatening over two hundred men, women, and children. When Athena asks if they can launch a repair team, Omega must deliver the difficult news that they are completely overextended and can only send a transport to evacuate the crew. He notes that the crisis is partially due to fuel diversions that prevented proper repairs, though he leaves the rest of the sentence unsaid.

Relationship with Command

Omega demonstrates unwavering professionalism in his interactions with superior officers. When Ambassador Puck contacts the bridge making insulting demands, Omega quietly witnesses Athena's struggle to maintain composure, understanding the diplomat's toxic effect on morale. After Puck's transmission ends with him calling Athena "girl" and cutting communication, Omega whispers "Lords," sharing her disgust but maintaining appropriate discretion.

He shows concern for his commanding officers' welfare, inquiring after Athena when she appears distressed and ensuring she is all right before delivering reports. His ability to read situations and people makes him an effective operations officer, knowing when to press for attention and when to hold back.

Athena comes to recognize Omega as someone who could fulfill the role of first officer, noting that of all the officers she has known throughout the fleet, she has never met anyone as calm and organized. When she formally assumes command after the political crisis, Omega stands from his station and offers her the fingers-to-forehead salute of the Colonial Warrior, greeting her as "Commander Athena." He then provides a comprehensive fleet-wide status report, demonstrating his mastery of the broader strategic picture beyond mere communications.

Personality

Omega exemplifies the ideal bridge officer: calm under pressure, highly organized, and completely professional. His long service record speaks to his competence and dedication, having maintained his position through numerous command transitions and crises over three decades.

He displays genuine concern for others' welfare, from inquiring about commanders to worrying about civilian ships in distress. Despite his advanced age for active military service, Omega remains sharp and effective, his experience making him an invaluable asset during emergencies.

His loyalty is described as "unquestionable," even when he disagrees with decisions made by his commanding officers. This loyalty extends to maintaining discretion about sensitive matters and supporting the chain of command regardless of personal feelings.

However, Omega is not without his struggles. The crisis that forces him to choose between military regulations and helping his starving family reveals the human cost of the fleet's desperate circumstances. His quiet compromise—sending extra rations while refusing more overt favoritism—demonstrates both his dedication to duty and his fundamental humanity.

Omega is characterized as tall and lanky in build, with an aging but still-capable physique. He is described as a "very serious man" for whom a broad smile is an uncommon expression, making such moments notable when they occur.