Saga of a Star World/Deleted scenes

Saga of a Star World[edit]

This is the longer (or possibly alternate) version Starbuck's pyramid game in the Officer's Quarters prior to the klaxon. Starbuck is playing against a Gemonese man, who calls and raises Starbuck. A shirtless Boomer pulls Starbuck away from the table to confer with a shirtless Jolly and Greenbean, who bring up their concerns about the Gemonese man's ability to play the game expertly; Starbuck believes that the Gemonese officer is inexperienced in the game and convinces the pilots that the Gemonese man is simply trying to "buy the pot". For the "glory of Caprica," the three prideful pilots furnish Starbuck with additional cubits. Starbuck returns to the table, dumps his wager, and reveals his cards–the Gemonese man does the same, and wins. After collecting the pot, the Gemonese man throws a cubit towards Starbuck. Starbuck's response is "Thanks."
- Several pieces of information come from this scene, including:
  - Jolly, Boomer and Greenbean are from Caprica, since Caprica's honor is at stake and they seem to be prideful of it.
  - The Gemonese man has a modified version of Galactica patch with a large embroidered diamond in the middle.
  - Starbuck's comment to Cassiopeia on how the Gemonese make excellent card players has better context, due to the Gemonese man winning the pot.
Apparently the full scene where Zac tries to convince Starbuck that he should take his place on the patrol, so that he can prove that he's a Warrior. The only major difference is that Starbuck claims his stomach is upset, likely because of all the cigars he smokes. (The term "fumarello" is not used in the scene, but "cigar".)
As they're waking out of the pilot's bunk, Zac asks Apollo how he drew the patrol. Apollo claims that "they'd be turning all us warriors out to leisuron once the armistice is signed" and that he wanted "just one last bite of a mission". Zac asks whether or not anyone would want to be stuck with him on his first patrol, Apollo makes note of Zac's high marks at the academy that even outshined Adama's marks.
- The term "leisuron" is used in place of vacation or leave of absence, though the term used in the series for pilots is "furlon". However, leisuron may also be another word for vacation.
- According to Apollo, Zac "came through with the highest marks in the history of the academy, when that includes the commander-in-chief it's downright embarrasing, even if it's his own son". This may explain his rank of lieutenant, despite his lack of experience.
After President Adar makes his toast before the Quorum of Twelve, Baltar objects, claiming that they should toast to the president himself who "has for the first time brought together the dissodant races of mankind together, to speak as one before the Alliance".
- This deleted scene gives indication as to the relationship between the Colonies prior to their destruction. Judging by Baltar's comments, the relationships between Colonies was not as united as it seemed throughout the series' run.
An extended scene (without audio) where Zac tries to make it back to the Fleet. One unique effects shot has Zac's Viper approaching Galactica from the aft, and summarily being destroyed just short of the starboard docking bay.
An extended scene where Serina hears the noise of the Raiders, whereafter an explosion occurs. Serina walks off camera, indicating that she is going to investigate the explosion, which likely bridges the scene where Serina is seen in the wide walkway (with the pyramids in the background).
Boxey is running with the daggit, whom he calls "Peanuts" (although it's the same dog that plays Muffit, though this might be the dogs real name and the dialogue might have been redubbed later on). They are playfully running through an area near the Caprica Presidium.
Serina is screaming for Boxey, and runs toward the camera after seeing Boxey off screen.
After Starbuck crashes and Athena tries to tell him about the destruction of the Colonies, he storms the bridge demanding to know why Galactica left the fleet.
- From the original script:
- Omega: "We're the only surviving battlestar." Tigh: "Oh, my god... Make the pilots from the other ships as welcome as you can." Starbuck: "Little late for that, Colonel..." All eyes swing to Starbuck moving in with Athena a few steps behind him. Athena: "He doesn't know what happened, Colonel. I don't think any of them know." Starbuck: "Know what?" Boomer and Jolly come to a stop beside Starbuck. Tigh: "Put the transmissions we monitored back on the scanners... for our young patriots." Starbuck: "If this is going to be a lecture on military protocol..." The bombing is displayed on the scanners and the pilots are sobered and horrified at what they see. (This scene survived mostly intact in the Berkely novelization).
On the Gemini, Boomer, Starbuck, and Apollo walk through the living area on the freighter. Apollo explains that they are doing a survey of people and their skill levels so that they can be put to work to help one another. This scene occurs up to the point where they encounter the hurt elderly Gemonese man and Cassiopeia.
Starbuck is attempting to get the name of the elderly Gemonese couple they encounter on the Gemini. Starbuck asks Boomer to translate, but Cassiopeia offers to help, though Starbuck tells her that she'll be busy herself telling him her information, and asks again for Boomer's help. Boomer approaches the old man while Starbuck approaches Cassiopeia, explaining that the questions are to help the Life Center be ready for them when they dock.
Cassiopeia finishes telling Starbuck about the Otori Sect. After this, he tells her that he has headaches due to the stress, to which she replies that he should "make an appointment". Starbuck replies that he just may do that.
- From the original script:
- Starbuck: "No wonder those little buggers are such good card players." Cassiopea: "Beg pardon?" Starbuck: "Nothing... Well, I guess I have all I need... They'll be waiting for you with this information when we dock. Are you in any pain now? Can I give you something?" Cassiopea: "You've already been very kind." Starbuck: "What can I tell you... It's my job. Also, I'm not an Otori... and I have been getting these headaches. The pressure, I guess I just need some kind of release." Cassiopea: "Make an appointment." Starbuck: "I just might do that... I might just... ah..."
Athena hugs Adama in Core Command during a red alert, likely after they exit the Straits of Madagon.
An alternate scene where Adama talks to Athena about his experience on the Colonies. Marked differences include "tickets to a raffle" instead of "tickets to a lottery". Athena goes on to explain that if it wasn't for him, they would be dead right now. Adama then talks about "handing off the scepter to the young" when the "spirit of the young transcends the wisdom of the old". He then reflects that Athena is as beautiful as her mother. He also states that he believes that there are others better equipped to lead and for that reason he was grateful.
- From the original script:
- Adama: "I don't know what happened to her but God... I don't want it anymore. Let someone else do it. Take this burden from me." He buries himself in Athena's arms. Athena: "Father... Were it not for you, we'd all be gone now. Instead, many are saved. Look out on that field of stars... It's the most beautiful sight I've ever seen. Life... life searching for a new world... a place to be and grow... to have happiness and a future..." Adama looks into his child's eyes. Adama: "There is a time when the sceptre passes from the old to the new... When the spirit of the young transcends the wisdom of the old. My time is past. Yours... Apollo's... So many others are better equipped to lead... And for that, I'm grateful..." Adama rises and moves back to the starfield.
Adama talks to Tigh about submitting his resignation to the newly elected Council of Twelve. Tigh says that they should talk, though Adama assures him that his mind is made up on the matter.
- From the original script:
- Tigh: "Finding us now would be almost impossible, assuming we don't make any mistakes." Adama: "That question I propose to leave to other voices." Tigh is concerned. Adama: "I'm submitting my resignation to the council." Tigh: "Commander, I think we'd better talk." Adama: "Of course, old friend. But my mind is made up." Woman On Duty: "Colonel... Long range patrol on com-line." Greenbean: (in viper cockpit) "Request permission to withdraw probes. Fuel running low and we're getting awfully hungry." Tigh turns to Adama who nods. Tigh: "Bring them back. Fuel and food, commander... They're fast becoming a calamity. If ever we needed leadership..." Adama: "The fleet is filled with good men... you included, Colonel. The council will decide." Adama turns and leaves the bridge. As he does, a troubled Colonel Tigh looks out to the starfield and the fleet of rag tag ships.
Apollo confronts Adama on his decision to resign, claiming that "it's treasonous to even consider stepping down" as commander. Athena defends her father, claiming that Apollo has the "mind of a mechanical drone programmed only to fight". As Athena voices her opinion, Adama says that he doesn't want what's left of the family to be torn apart, and says that he is perfectly capable of defending his own actions. Apollo counters that Adama is incapable of defending his own actions by his measure:
Adama: What is your measure? What heartbeat guides you in telling one man that he must die, while another may live?

Apollo: Could any man have done better? Or been fair? Did you succumb to influence, or politics, or whimsy? Didn't you do the best you could?

Adama: (beat) Yes... yes. But for the first time, it isn't enough to know that I did my best. I will sleep only when I know that I'll never have to face that agony again.

Apollo: That, commander, is cowardice.
Apollo then leaves, with Athena trying to convince her father that he is no coward. Adama considers the possibility that he is "for not speaking out soon enough" in order to avoid the destruction of the Colonies. (Referring to his earlier conversation with Adar about his distrust of the Cylons and their peace proposal through the treacherous Baltar.) When Athena asks him who he thinks is better suited to lead, he only replies that there had better be someone else, or "we're doomed".
Adama presents his resignation to the Council. Sire Anton says that the resignation is nonsense and that they need his leadership, particularly now. Uri objects, claiming that Adama knows his ability to lead better than the rest and blames Adama for the food and fuel issues. Anton counters that Uri's comments are hypocritical, in light that Uri himself is being brought up on charges of hording supplies. Adama ends the argument by saying the sparring is not in their best interest; Anton then redirects their attention to debating on a plan for their survival.
A Cylon Centurion asks the Imperious Leader about what to do with the survivors. The Imperious Leader commands that once the Centurion is satisfied that they have told them everything they know, the survivors are to be brought before the other Cylons, so they may have the "privilege" of seeing the Colonial survivors beheaded publicly.
Adama is summoned to a meeting of the Council, which has already assembled. Sire Uri proposes that they appeal to the justice and mercy of the Cylons. Adama is in disbelief, reminding the council that they Cylons have told them that they will not stop until every human had been exterminated.
Starbuck's attempt to weasel out of the Straits of Madagon mission include a request for permission to use sick leave, which Apollo denies.
Doctor Paye greets Serina and Apollo in the Life Station, complimenting Serina and claiming to be a fan of her broadcast work. Apollo ducks out to visit his father in the "core center," kissing Serina before he leaves. She points out that if she had anything contagious, he has it too now. Apollo says he's willing to share anything she has. Paye asks if he detects a blossoming romance at the core of the Fleet, and Serina says that though she can only speak for herself, it runs deep. Describing her medical symptoms, Serina says she has a general weakness, a lack of sensation in the fingertips, and a lightness of head. When she asks if anybody else has had similar complaints Paye appears to be covering up considerable concern.
Paye says there have been several other cases with the same symptoms. Paye has an idea what the problem is. He asks Serina if she is aware of the problem with the food brought from home. Serina replies that the Cylons had been intermixing some sort of neutron weapon with their explosives and it contaminated the food. Paye says that it broke down the cellular structure. He says that it is also happening to people. It has only happened to a few people who had been exposed to that weapon. The illness progresses with a gradual loss of strength. His experience with the illness is limited, but so far all of the affected people have died. He offers to alert Apollo, but Serina asks him not to tell anyone. Paye estimates that she has a few days left at most. They walk down the corridor together and he comforts her silently.
- From the original script:
- PAYE: "Serina. You look as ravishing as you do on Transmission. I love your programs." SERINA: "You’re very kind." PAYE: "I’m all set for you in the next chamber. Captain, if you want to have a chair." APOLLO: "No, I think I’ll see my father while I’m here. If you need me, I’ll be at Core Center." (he leans in and kisses Serina lightly) SERINA: "If it’s contagious, you’ve got it." APOLLO: "I’m willing to share anything you’ve got. She’s in your hands, Doctor." Moments later, after Apollo exits. PAYE: "You haven’t told him, yet." SERINA: "No, I can’t." PAYE: "How do you feel?" SERINA: "Worse. Can you tell me how much time I have left?" PAYE (grimly) "Yes, I think so." SERINA: "I can only speak for myself, Doctor. But it runs deep." PAYE: "Tell me the symptoms. Of the problem, not the romance." SERINA: "It’s unlike anything I’ve ever felt before. Kind of a general weakness, a lapsing of sensation in my fingertips. A lightness of head." There follow three scene numbers marked OMITTED, then we cut briefly to a scene of Apollo conferring with Adama and Tigh on the bridge about the upcoming medal ceremony, then back to Paye and Serina. The examination is clearly over and they are walking along what is described as a long, lonely corridor. Paye has his arm around Serina. PAYE: "We've had several other cases, the symptoms are the same." SERINA: "You don’t know what it is?" PAYE: "I have an idea." SERINA: "A theory?" PAYE: "More than a theory. You’re familiar with the problem we had with the food we brought from home?" SERINA: "Yes, of course. Apparently the Cylons were intermixing some sort of Nutron (sic) weapon with their explosives, contaminated the food." PAYE: "Broke down the cellular structure." SERINA: "And what has that to do with..." (Serina stops and turns into Paye) PAYE: "It’s happening to people." SERINA: "My God!" PAYE: "Not many... only a few who may have been exposed to that weapon." SERINA: "What’s going to happen to me?" (Paye turns to continue walking, desperately trying to break the eye contact) PAYE: "Within the limits of my knowledge, I can tell you you’ll experience a gradual loss of strength." SERINA: "How far will the loss go?" PAYE: "As I say, I’ve never experienced..." SERINA: "What’s the condition of the others?" PAYE: "Serina, you can’t judge one patient’s condition by another’s. The degree of exposure might have been quite different." (Serina stops the doctor cold, her eyes searing his defenses) SERINA: "Doctor..." PAYE: "They’ve all died." (it is now Serina’s defenses which crumble. She turns away) PAYE: "I’ll alert Captain Apollo." SERINA: "No. Don’t tell anyone." PAYE: "But someone will need to know... to be able to..." (she turns back, her spirits suddenly buttressed, her facade fortified) "How long?" PAYE: "It took you longer than the others to show symptoms. I think you could have..." SERINA: "Don’t make me waste what time I have left. How long?" PAYE: "A few days... at most."
The Imperious Leader gives his speech thanking Baltar for his service, then has a Centurion kill him, cutting his neck while another Centurion holds his head up. Baltar lets out a scream as the sword nears his neck.
Another shot of the execution scene, shot from behind the Imperious Leader. From this angle the sword looks like it actually strikes Baltar.
Another shot of the execution scene, shot from behind the Imperious Leader but tighter in on Baltar and the Centurions. It is more apparent in this shot that the cut stops short.
Yet another shot of the execution scene, shot from behind the Imperious Leader, but zoomed in on Baltar, showing only the arm of the Centurion holding his head up and the sword coming in to strike.
Another shot of the execution scene with the camera directly in front of Baltar. Once again only the arm of the Centurion and the sword striking are visible. This time, as the sword strikes the camera pans away quickly to black as Baltar finishes his scream.
The Imperious Leader tells a Centurion that it has been seven centons since any report of the humans. The Leader asks if the Centurion has anything to report regarding them, but the Centurion replies that nothing has been seen or heard of them. The Imperious Leader believes that their provisions will sooner or later force them to land with the Cylon's star system, and the Cylons will be watching, listening, and waiting.
In the landram down on Carillon, Apollo explains that they won't be able to stop at any planet for too long. Boxey doesn't understand why they had to leave in the first place. Apollo explains that there are, and have always been, living beings who cannot accept anything they don't understand, anything different. Boxey asks if Apollo means they're stupid, and Apollo guesses that by their standards they are. He asks how it can be anything but stupid to kill what you don't understand. Boxey asks why they don't kill them back. Apollo says that that would be changing themselves to be like them. He says that the Colonials don't believe in war, "but the opposite of war is not necessarily peace." What the Colonials want is freedom. The right to be left alone. But there's always a chance someone will come along and spoil everything. Boxey asks then if you kill them. Apollo, exasperated, points out that Boxey has a way of reducing everything to very simple terms. Apollo does finally agree that maybe it comes down to life or death, but life is precious and nobody has the right to tamper with another's without running the risk of forfeiting their own. Apollo claims the conversation is getting too deep for a boy his age, but Boxey points out that you can die at any age.
In the scene where Muffit escapes with Boxey in pursuit, Jolly exits the the landram but appears to have some difficulties (various clanging and rustling sounds are heard). Apollo and Serina laugh (/break character).
Boxey is looking for Muffit when two Ovions approach from behind. One covers his mouth while both of them put a hand on his shoulder. They appear to converse, their insectoid pincers moving rapidly.
The two Ovions and a calm Boxey exit an underground elevator. One of the Ovions is waddling awkwardly (in an apparent effort to make its second set of arms move more). Barking is heard off-camera, and Boxey yells for Muffit, breaking away from the Ovions and running back down the hallway towards the sound. Muffit is in the room with the Ovion queen. Boxey runs in and hugs Muffit. The Ovions follow shortly, moving to grab him. The Queen orders (in English) to leave him. She says that it is a curious group, but they will do nicely. She tells the Ovions to take them to a cell and prepare for the others as quickly as possible. The Ovions shoo Boxey and Muffit out of the Queen's chamber and a door closes behind them.
Same as above, but with a darker corridor, as well as more detail work on the costumes and the set.
An Ovion leads Apollo into the queen's chamber. This shot as the more ornate set, with an Ovion playing on some sort of a harp. The queen (in English) welcomes Apollo to Carillon, asking if he is impressed. Apollo claims to be more confused. He explains they they lost a little boy. The queen replies that he is safe, asking if they wish to join him. Apollo says that they would. The queen rises and approaches them.
Seetol approaches a Centurion in an underground area, reporting that "by your command" the Colonials have only been allowed to land a few of their warriors on the surface. The Centurion claims that will change. The Ovion says that the Centurion is most gracious and that "we live to serve you." The Centurion steps over to a glass orb, and an image of a lizardlike Imperious Leader appears in the orb. The Centurion identifies himself as the garrison leader on the planet Carillon. The Centurion reports that the humans have arrived and fallen pry to the lord of Ovion. The Imperious Leader informs the Centurion that the supreme star force stationed at Borallus has been dispatched to annihilate the survivors. The Imperious Leaders orders the Centurion to ensure that the Colonial military defenses are rendered impotent. The Imperious Leader's image fades from the orb.
Apollo and Serina are on the transport en route to the award ceremony. Apollo asks Serina if she is feeling better, to which she claims she is fine. Looking at Serina, Apollo claims to finally understand what the poets are talking about. Serina asks Apollo to write her a poem. Apollo claims that she doesn't know what she is asking, but she claims it will mean more to her than he'd know. She kisses his cheek, promising to do better in private. Apollo then notices the man wearing a Blue Squadron insignia.
In the chancery Serina has a bit of a spell. Apollo asks if she is alright, and she claims that it's just everything that happened starting to catch up with her. Apollo tries to take her back to the guest quarters, but she doesn't want to spoil a beautiful evening. She wants to sit at one of the tables. Apollo then asks why they don't go win a fortune. Serina agrees, saying, "Why don't we, my beautiful Captain?"
- From the original script:
- SERINA: "It’s a circus...a wonderland." APOLLO: "It’s giving a lot of people the kind of relief break they desperately needed." SERINA: "I'm so glad to see them all happy...that woman there at the table...I watched her husband die in her arms only a few days ago." (as they start forward an uncertain look crosses Serina’s face. She falters slightly, clinging to Apollo) APOLLO: "Are you all right?" (she appears slightly faint, then smiles warmly her, composure returning) SERINA: "So much has happened...I think it’s all catching up with me." APOLLO: "I'll take you to the guest quarters." SERINA: "No, I’m not going to let my evening be spoiled. I want to sit right here at one of the tables." APOLLO: "Why don’t we win a fortune?" SERINA: "Why don’t we, my beautiful captain?"
An alien welcomes Starbuck and Boomer. He points out that they are wearing an emblem of the Colonial Fleet, saying that he didn't realize that the Fleet was in the area. Starbuck claims that they're out here on their own. The alien points out that it's out of their way, but Boomer claims they're just on a reconnaissance flight to make sure the armistice is being observed. The alien seems satisfied, and tells them to consider themselves guests of the establishment, welcome to all the food and drink they want. As they walk off Boomer asks Starbuck how he feels now that they have the run of the place while their people are starving to death.
Starbuck asks Boomer to have some vision. He points out that war isn't going to last forever, and after that they'll just be antiquated, burned out starfighters. Boomer points out that'll only be if they last that long. Boomer is worried about the disappearing guests. Starbuck points out that it is a big place, and that there's a tour that people go on just before leaving for home. Boomer points out that the Blonde Taurus was going on that tour.
At the gambling table on Carillon, there is more to Starbuck and Athena's conversation.
- From the original script:
- Athena: "And to think of what I almost drove you to..." Starbuck: "Hmmm?" Athena: "That socialator... I practically forced you into her arms." Starbuck: "She had interesting arms..." (as Athena glares) "I mean they were unfeminine... Did you notice? Long pointy fingers! It was all I could do to put up with her to make you jealous." Athena breaks into a warm grin. Athena: "You went through that... that ordeal... just to make me jealous." Starbuck: (modestly) "Well..." (then considering the source) "Say, how is it you know so much about my ordeal?" When Cassiopea angrily storms away, Athena says, "Smart lady... You'd better look around for someone more on your level... If you can get that low." She gives him the room key and also leaves. In the wake of the two ladies, an extremely heavy girl at the end of the table with the face of a wild boar flashes her eyelashes at Starbuck. His expression sinks.
Apollo and Starbuck flee the attacking Cylons underground. Apollo mentions that with all the tylium around their firefight is lighting the biggest bomb in the universe. Starbuck thinks it is too late to talk to the Centurions, and Apollo agrees. (Somebody off-camera can be heard yelling, "Fire!") Apollo shoots a Centurion twice, causing it to fall over.
A voice off-camera orders the videos to roll, and the monitors in Core command come to life. On action, Adama gives the "Launch when ready" command. Athena remarks that Adama kept some pilots back, as an entire squadron is answering. Adama brushes her off. Omega informs them that the Cylon forces consist of three entire flights. Athena remarks that their one squadron is never going to make it. Adama orders all warriors recalled from the surface. Athena says that there's not enough time, then Maren Jensen then flubs her next line saying, "They'll never get here back in time," then laughs and hits her head realizing she blew the take.
Adama says a prayer of thanksgiving standing on a raised platform with the Council and a large gathering of Colonials. An organ starts up, and everyone assembled begins singing. It appears to be some sort of a hymn or anthem.

Hail to thee, O lord of manna, bounteous be thy hand.
Blessed be the core of freedom throughout the land.
Keep us safe from powers of darkness liberty and might.
Man rejoices, land of Zion, lead us by thy light.
Serina tells Boxey (while the song is in progress) to stay really close to Captain Apollo. Serina asks Apollo if he'll look after her baby, and he agrees. She steps out of the room, lingering a moment in the doorway watching Apollo hold Boxey in his arms before leaving. The Colonials sing the above verse twice through.

A closeup shot of Adama during the singing. The audio is much clearer on some of the lyrics. Adama's voice drops in volume while Serina is talking to Boxey and Apollo. Additional lines of the song are sung in this cut:

We salute the cause of freedom 'neath our flags unfurled.
Standing for eternal right through the star-wide worlds.

- From the original script, the so-called "Anthem scene" (Test audiences found it to be too depressing, and that may have played a factor as to why it was cut):
- ADAMA: "We thank our Lord for delivering us from evil and commit mankind unto all things that are good and righteous... on behalf of all creatures born to the blessing of life." (the body of people in the hall begin to sing the beguiling strains of the anthem of the colonies...) ON APOLLO, BOXEY AND SERINA (as they stand singing the strains... slowly pushing in we find Serina wavering slightly. Quickly she glances down to Boxey and across to Apollo. They haven’t noticed... she lets go of Boxey’s hand, bending down to whisper in his ear) SERINA: "I want to you to stay very close to Captain Apollo... all right?" BOXEY: "All right." (Serina rises up and exchanges smiles with Apollo who has turned to her) SERINA: "Will you keep an eye on my baby..." (Apollo smiles warmly, assuming little from Serina’s casual tone, as she turns and slides out of the end of the row and heads towards the door in the back of the auditorium, a short distance behind the back row.) A BACK SHOT OF APOLLO AND BOXEY (Pushing past the exiting Serina to a close shot on the backs of the strong young warrior holding the hand of the little boy... and just beneath Boxey’s seat... Muffy, curled up contentedly) SERINA: (at the door stops to look back once more) ON APOLLO (as his expression seems to turn reflective... then sober... Slowly he turns around to look back at the doorway) REVERSE ANGLE (as Apollo’s face swings around to look at the doorway) SERINA: (looks at Apollo soberly... pain crosses her face and she begins to turn away) APOLLO: (looks back... a knowing expression on his face... but the moment before he begins to move toward her, we:) FREEZE FRAME AND HOLD - HARD CUT TO THE GALACTICA AND THE RAG TAG FLEET (moving through space) ADAMA’S VOICE: "Fleeing from the Cylon tyranny, the last battlestar, Galactica, leads a rag tag fugitive fleet on a lonely quest... a shining planet, known as Earth."