Editing Osiris

{{Ship Data
|italic=y
| image= Osiris Prep to Jump.png
| title= Osiris (0913)
| race= Colonial
| type= Military
| co= Commander [[Ozar]] (At time of loss)
| crew = ~150 (minus pilots)
| ftl= Yes
| propol = 2x fuselage-housed sublight engines <br /> 2x nacelle-housed sublight engines
| role= Battleship / carrier <br> Stealth reconnaissance vessel
| arm= 12x [[Battery#Gun_Clusters|primary guns]] <br> 32x ship-to-ship missile batteries <br> 28x [[Battery#Close-in_Weapon_Systems|gun based CIWS turrets]] <br> Nuclear [[missile tubes]]
| def= Flak <br /> DRADIS absorbent hull plating 
| aircraft= Small Viper [[Viper Mark III|Mk. III]] detachment <br /> Small [[Raptor]] detachment
| facilities= 1x flight deck <br /> 18x Viper launch tubes
| status= Destroyed, [[Battle of Djerba]], {{BCH|42}}
| patch= Osiris Gold.png
}}

{{disline|For other uses of the word '''Osiris''', please see: [[Osiris (disambiguation)]].}}

'''''Osiris''''' (0913) was an [[Orion class battlestar|''Orion'' class "pocket battlestar"]]<ref>Designation revealed on the ship's patch.</ref> in the [[Colonial Fleet (TRS)|Colonial Fleet]], during the First [[Cylon War]]. It served in a semi-secretive role during the war, having been hidden away by Colonial admiralty as part of a covert "[[Ghost Fleet|ghost fleet]]." At the time of [[Battle of Djerba|its destruction]] circa {{BCH|42}}, ''Osiris'' was attached to the 54th [[Battlestar Group]] and commanded by Commander [[Ozar]].

== Class Information ==

''Osiris'' belonged to the ''Orion''-class of assault ships, nicknamed "pocket battlestars" due to their smaller size compared to full battlestars like ''[[Galactica]]''. These vessels were approximately quarter the size of ''Galactica'' and designed specifically for special operations, incorporating the latest stealth technology available during the First Cylon War.<ref>''[[Blood and Chrome]]'' [{{fullurl:File:B&C Pre-Production Draft - 11-30-10 - Version 01.FDX.pdf|page=45}} pre-production script dated 30 November 2010], pgs. 45-46</ref> 

The ''Orion''-class featured a distinctive submarine-like design that was long, dark, and forbidding, with torpedo-like tubes for launching Vipers positioned in the bow. The ship's CIC maintained a stealthier, more submarine-like feel compared to larger battlestars, with blue LEDs glowing coolly in the dark rather than the standard lighting found on other Colonial vessels.<ref>''[[Blood and Chrome]]'' [{{fullurl:File:B&C Pre-Production Draft - 11-30-10 - Version 01.FDX.pdf|page=56}} pre-production script dated 30 November 2010], pg. 56</ref>

Due to their specialized design and dangerous missions, ''Orion''-class ships earned the grim nickname "one-way wonders" among Colonial personnel.<ref>''[[Blood and Chrome]]'' [{{fullurl:File:B&C Pre-Production Draft - 11-30-10 - Version 01.FDX.pdf|page=45}} pre-production script dated 30 November 2010], pg. 45</ref>

== History ==

''Osiris'' first entered service sometime before the tenth year of the First Cylon War c. {{BCH|42}}, but was reported as destroyed in an earlier engagement with Cylon forces. In reality, the ship was hiding in Cylon-held space as part of a secret "[[Ghost Fleet|ghost fleet]]" the Colonial admiralty had been assembling for over a year as part of an effort to strike at the Cylons when and where they were least expecting it.<ref>''[[Blood and Chrome]]'' [{{fullurl:File:B&C Pre-Production Draft - 11-30-10 - Version 01.FDX.pdf|page=53}} pre-production script dated 30 November 2010], pg. 53</ref>

The ghost fleet concept involved taking Colonial warships that had been shot to hell but could be salvaged, then officially declaring them destroyed while secretly repairing them for covert operations. Ships like ''[[Valkyrie]]'' and ''[[Loki]]'', also reported lost and presumed destroyed, actually formed the backbone of this hidden fleet operating deep in Cylon space.<ref>''[[Blood and Chrome]]'' [{{fullurl:File:B&C Pre-Production Draft - 11-30-10 - Version 01.FDX.pdf|page=44}} pre-production script dated 30 November 2010], pgs. 44-45</ref> 

As part of the psychological impact on their crews, Colonial Command made all personnel assigned to the ghost fleet witness their own death certificates, emphasizing the complete secrecy of their operations and their official non-existence.<ref>''[[Blood and Chrome]]'' [{{fullurl:File:B&C Pre-Production Draft - 11-30-10 - Version 01.FDX.pdf|page=54}} pre-production script dated 30 November 2010], pg. 54</ref>

== Mission to Djerba ==

Sometime after being hidden away, ''Osiris'' was tasked by the admiralty for a Priority 1 mission involving a combat jump to [[Djerba]], an ice moon that had become a Cylon strategic outpost early in the war. The mission was part of a larger operation to deliver what appeared to be a virus to blind Cylon defenses, but was actually an intelligence gathering operation in preparation for the [[Ghost Fleet Offensive]].<ref>''[[Blood and Chrome]]'' [{{fullurl:File:B&C Pre-Production Draft - 11-30-10 - Version 01.FDX.pdf|page=50}} pre-production script dated 30 November 2010], pgs. 50-51</ref>

=== Mission Planning ===

Commander Ozar briefed approximately a dozen pilots in ''Osiris'''s cramped briefing room, explaining that a Marine Recon team had already been inserted on Djerba's surface. The ship's mission was to deliver Dr. [[Becca Kelly]] safely to the Marines, then extract all personnel once her objective was complete.<ref>''[[Blood and Chrome]]'' [{{fullurl:File:B&C Pre-Production Draft - 11-30-10 - Version 01.FDX.pdf|page=52}} pre-production script dated 30 November 2010], pg. 52</ref>

The operation required ''Osiris'' to be fitted out for a 12-league jump and equipped with ten [[Viper Mark III|Mark III Vipers]] "loaded for bear" and prepared for atmospheric insertion. Due to supply shortages, Ozar noted they were low on ammunition but had managed to "liberate" two cases of ambrosia from ''Valkyrie'''s mess as a morale booster for the pilots.<ref>''[[Blood and Chrome]]'' [{{fullurl:File:B&C Pre-Production Draft - 11-30-10 - Version 01.FDX.pdf|page=52}} pre-production script dated 30 November 2010], pg. 52</ref>

=== Security Protocols ===

The ghost fleet maintained strict security protocols, including challenge-response authentication systems. Incoming aircraft were required to respond to coded challenges such as "Spigot" with the correct response "Arrow." Personnel arriving on ''Osiris'' underwent thorough security screening, including retinal scans, weapons searches, and verification of their orders and identity.<ref>''[[Blood and Chrome]]'' [{{fullurl:File:B&C Pre-Production Draft - 11-30-10 - Version 01.FDX.pdf|page=47}} pre-production script dated 30 November 2010], pgs. 47-48</ref>

== Battle of Djerba ==
:''Main article: [[Battle of Djerba]]''

''Osiris'' successfully completed its jump to Djerba, arriving on the dark side of the moon to avoid detection. However, as the ship came around the nighttime curve of the planet, a Cylon basestar appeared directly in its path. Initially, the Cylon [[DRADIS]] could not detect the ship due to its hull's DRADIS-absorbent qualities and stealth capabilities.<ref>''[[Blood and Chrome]]'' [{{fullurl:File:B&C Pre-Production Draft - 11-30-10 - Version 01.FDX.pdf|page=56}} pre-production script dated 30 November 2010], pg. 56</ref>

Despite the tactical disadvantage, Commander Ozar made the difficult decision to proceed with the mission, knowing that the Marines on the surface were waiting and that "timing's everything with this op." She acknowledged that even in stealth mode, the Cylons would pick them up on DRADIS once they launched their aircraft, but felt they had no choice but to continue.<ref>''[[Blood and Chrome]]'' [{{fullurl:File:B&C Pre-Production Draft - 11-30-10 - Version 01.FDX.pdf|page=57}} pre-production script dated 30 November 2010], pg. 57</ref>

The ship was quickly overwhelmed by the more powerful basestar and suffered numerous hits in the initial assault, eventually losing its starboard sublight engine nacelle. The outnumbered Vipers engaged the Raiders while the main body fought the basestar, but were overwhelmed ten to one.<ref>''[[Blood and Chrome]]'' [{{fullurl:File:B&C Pre-Production Draft - 11-30-10 - Version 01.FDX.pdf|page=58}} pre-production script dated 30 November 2010], pg. 58</ref>

=== Final Sacrifice ===

As the battle situation deteriorated, Commander Ozar gave the order to fire the nuclear warheads, but the missile launch systems had been compromised by prior hits - the bay doors were jammed. His Executive Officer warned that at their current range, they might not be able to clear the blast radius, but Ozar determined they had no choice.<ref>''[[Blood and Chrome]]'' [{{fullurl:File:B&C Pre-Production Draft - 11-30-10 - Version 01.FDX.pdf|page=61}} pre-production script dated 30 November 2010], pg. 61</ref>

In order to protect those on the planet below, Ozar ordered ''Osiris'' to charge directly at the basestar and requested manual override control of the nuclear warheads. Looking at her crew one final time, she said "It was an honor, gentlemen" before flipping the manual detonation switch.<ref>''[[Blood and Chrome]]'' [{{fullurl:File:B&C Pre-Production Draft - 11-30-10 - Version 01.FDX.pdf|page=61}} pre-production script dated 30 November 2010], pg. 61</ref>

Not long after, a massive nuclear detonation occurred, and DRADIS contact with both vessels was lost. The sacrifice of ''Osiris'' successfully destroyed the Cylon basestar and eliminated the Raiders that had been pursuing the surface mission team {{TRS|Blood and Chrome}}.<ref>''[[Blood and Chrome]]'' [{{fullurl:File:B&C Pre-Production Draft - 11-30-10 - Version 01.FDX.pdf|page=61}} pre-production script dated 30 November 2010], pg. 61</ref>

== Aircraft Operations ==
[[File:B&C - Osiris Hangar Bay from Doug Drexler.jpg|thumb|''Osiris''' [[hangar deck]] as seen circa {{BCH|42}}.]]
''Osiris'' carried a complement of [[Viper Mark III]] fighters specifically designed for the ship's special operations role. These Mark III Vipers were sleeker than standard models, with bigger wings designed for both space combat and ground air support missions. The ship's forward-facing launch tubes allowed for rapid deployment, though the cramped hangar bay meant operations were more constrained than on full-sized battlestars.<ref>''[[Blood and Chrome]]'' [{{fullurl:File:B&C Pre-Production Draft - 11-30-10 - Version 01.FDX.pdf|page=53}} pre-production script dated 30 November 2010], pg. 53</ref>

The ship's aft landing bay posed significant challenges for incoming aircraft. The flight deck was positioned directly behind the engines and was notably short, requiring precise timing and skill from pilots. Incoming craft risked becoming "ramp roast" if they came in too slow, or smashing into the reinforced bulkhead if they came in too fast. The bay was equipped with magnetic arrestors to help stop incoming Raptors and Vipers.<ref>''[[Blood and Chrome]]'' [{{fullurl:File:B&C Pre-Production Draft - 11-30-10 - Version 01.FDX.pdf|page=46}} pre-production script dated 30 November 2010], pgs. 46-47</ref>

== Crew ==

=== Command Staff ===
*Commander [[Ozar]] - Commanding officer<ref>''[[Blood and Chrome]]'' [{{fullurl:File:B&C Pre-Production Draft - 11-30-10 - Version 01.FDX.pdf|page=48}} pre-production script dated 30 November 2010], pg. 48</ref>
*Unnamed Executive Officer - Managed tactical operations and damage control<ref>''[[Blood and Chrome]]'' [{{fullurl:File:B&C Pre-Production Draft - 11-30-10 - Version 01.FDX.pdf|page=48}} pre-production script dated 30 November 2010], pg. 48</ref>
*Unnamed Doctor - Performed security screening and retinal scans<ref>''[[Blood and Chrome]]'' [{{fullurl:File:B&C Pre-Production Draft - 11-30-10 - Version 01.FDX.pdf|page=49}} pre-production script dated 30 November 2010], pg. 49</ref>
*Unnamed Marine Sergeant - Led security teams and screening operations<ref>''[[Blood and Chrome]]'' [{{fullurl:File:B&C Pre-Production Draft - 11-30-10 - Version 01.FDX.pdf|page=48}} pre-production script dated 30 November 2010], pg. 48</ref>
*Unnamed Landing Signals Officer - Coordinated dangerous aft deck landings<ref>''[[Blood and Chrome]]'' [{{fullurl:File:B&C Pre-Production Draft - 11-30-10 - Version 01.FDX.pdf|page=46}} pre-production script dated 30 November 2010], pg. 46</ref>

=== Detached Crew ===
*Lieutenant [[Zachary Elias]] - Viper pilot, call sign "Spoon," originally assigned to battlestar ''[[Valkyrie]]''<ref>''[[Blood and Chrome]]'' [{{fullurl:File:B&C Pre-Production Draft - 11-30-10 - Version 01.FDX.pdf|page=60}} pre-production script dated 30 November 2010], pg. 60</ref>
*Lieutenant [[Jim Kirby|Jim "Sunshine" Kirby]] - Viper pilot, originally assigned to battlestar ''[[Valkyrie]]'', changed call sign to "Anslem"<ref>''[[Blood and Chrome]]'' [{{fullurl:File:B&C Pre-Production Draft - 11-30-10 - Version 01.FDX.pdf|page=55}} pre-production script dated 30 November 2010], pg. 55</ref>

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== Related Imagery ==

<gallery perrow="5" mode="slideshow">
File:Osiris 1.png|[[Raptor 909]] approaches ''Osiris''.
File:Osiris 2.png|''Osiris'' among the "ghost fleet."
File:Djerba 2.png|''Osiris'' approaching Djerba.
File:Osiris 4.png|''Osiris'''s point defense batteries.
File:Osiris 3.png|''Osiris''s CIC.
File:Battlstar Osiris patch.png|''Osiris'''s uniform patch.
File:Osiris Firing Point Defense Guns.png|''Osiris'' fires its CIWS.
File:Osiris Pummeled.png|''Osiris'' taking heavy damage from Cylon missile attacks.
File:Osiris Loses An Engine.png|''Osiris'', after losing its starboard engine nacelle.
File:Osiris Suicide Run.png|''Osiris'' maneuvering through flak and missiles on one engine. Even damaged, it is nimble.
File:Osiris Crash.png|''Osiris'' crashes into a basestar...
File:Osiris Final Resting Place.png|...comes to a stop...
File:Osiris Nuke Detonation.png|...and triggers its nuclear warheads...
File:Osiris BOOM.png|...taking out the basestar with itself.
</gallery>

== Production Notes ==

In the pre-production script for ''[[Blood and Chrome]]'' dated November 30, 2010, this vessel is consistently referred to as "''Reliant''" rather than "''Osiris''."<ref>''[[Blood and Chrome]]'' [{{fullurl:File:B&C Pre-Production Draft - 11-30-10 - Version 01.FDX.pdf|page=45}} pre-production script dated 30 November 2010], pg. 45</ref> The name change to "''Osiris''" occurred in future drafts leading to production, though the reasons for this alteration are not documented. The script provides significantly more detail about the ship's operations, crew, and final battle than appears in the finished production.

Additionally, Commander Ozar's characterization differs significantly between the script and final version. In the pre-production script, Ozar is depicted as a male "hard-looking ex-pilot and commando in his 40s,"<ref>''[[Blood and Chrome]]'' [{{fullurl:File:B&C Pre-Production Draft - 11-30-10 - Version 01.FDX.pdf|page=48}} pre-production script dated 30 November 2010], pg. 48</ref> while in the final aired version, Commander Ozar is portrayed by actress [[Jill Teed]].

== Notes ==

* [[w:Osiris|Osiris]] is an [[w:Ancient Egyptian deity|Ancient Egyptian deity]] of the [[w:Egyptian afterlife|afterlife]], the [[w:underworld|underworld]], and [[w:reincarnation|rebirth]]. An apt name given the significance of battlestar ''Osiris'' during the [[First Cylon War]] as a member of the so-called "[[Ghost Fleet|ghost fleet]]"―ships that were officially "dead" but continued to serve in secret.

* The ''Orion''-class design philosophy of cramped but efficient operations reflects the Colonial Fleet's adaptation to prolonged warfare and resource constraints during the later stages of the [[First Cylon War]].

== References ==
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