Starbuck (TOS-BN)

In the novelization of Saga of a Star World, Starbuck's romantic relationships are explored in greater detail than the televised version. When Cassiopeia storms away from him in the casino, Athena angrily hands him the room key and leaves as well, later regretting not having stayed with Starbuck as she believes she could have made him forget about Cassiopeia. During the mass exodus from Caprica's surface, Starbuck and Cassiopeia pilot a shuttle filled with highly volatile Tylium, barely evading attacking Cylons before returning safely to Galactica.

The Tombs of Kobol novelization expands on Starbuck's capture aboard the Cylon basestar, where he teaches Lucifer how to play Pyramid and consistently beats the Cylon at the card game. This interaction leads to Lucifer developing a fondness for Starbuck that becomes significant in later stories.

In The Long Patrol novelization, the Robber that Starbuck encounters is revealed to be a woman who later joins Galactica and changes her name to Roberta. The book's final scene shows Starbuck taking Roberta to the Rising Star where they encounter the same waiter from his previous visit. When Starbuck notices Athena and Cassiopeia in a booth next to their reserved table, he has the waiter relocate them to another area to avoid potential complications.

The 12th novel The Nightmare Machine presents Starbuck in a darker psychological context when the Cylons deploy a guilt-inducing device aboard Galactica. Starbuck is affected worse than anyone else, feeling terrible about his treatment of women throughout his life. The psychological pressure eventually drives him nearly insane, culminating in an attempt to kill Greenbean.

In the 13th novel Die, Chameleon!, Starbuck's relationship with Chameleon takes a dramatic turn when Cassiopeia reveals that Chameleon is actually Starbuck's father. After Chameleon is captured by alien smugglers, Starbuck pursues them and is also captured. Though he manages to break free, Chameleon is taken hostage by one of the aliens who escapes in a spacecraft. Chameleon eventually steals a ship but has no navigation knowledge to return to Galactica, ultimately plotting his course based on the roll of dice.

SuperViper Test Flight

Starbuck becomes involved in testing the experimental SuperViper prototype alongside Apollo. Despite his initial nervousness about the test, admitting he's "scared right out of my flight booties," Starbuck demonstrates his characteristic humor to lighten tense situations.

The SuperViper requires two physiologically linked pilots working in tandem, with specialized equipment that reads and transmits muscular movements between pilots. The ship demonstrates incredible power and maneuverability, performing loops so tight the ship appears to bend with the curve. However, the test flight becomes dangerous when the ship's sensitivity to pilot input creates near-catastrophic situations.

Following the dangerous test flight, Starbuck undergoes medical examination by Cassiopeia, who pronounces him fit for duty while maintaining professional distance despite their romantic history.

Relationship with Hera

Starbuck faces romantic complications with Hera, a Vailean cadet who pursues him romantically. Before the events of the novel, during the Yevra mission, Hera had announced to Starbuck that she wished to be his woman. However, he rejected her advances because he "preferred to pursue his women" and felt "it was up to him to make such proposals."

Their relationship becomes further strained when Hera reveals Starbuck's plan to desert the fleet and search for the missing Apollo, despite Starbuck's trust in her. She physically confronts him by punching him on the jaw to prevent his unauthorized departure, then summons Commander Adama to intervene. While Adama ultimately allows both Starbuck and himself to search for Apollo under strict orders, Starbuck remains resentful of Hera's interference.

During their confrontations, Starbuck is described as having "odd cold blue eyes" that remind Hera of the skies over Vaile. He maintains his dismissive attitude toward her, often avoiding eye contact and speaking in chilled tones when forced to interact.

The Satirical Play

Hera's rejection leads her to seek revenge by collaborating with Cassiopeia and Athena to write a satirical play specifically designed to humiliate Starbuck during theatrical performances aboard Galactica. The play, performed by Dwybolt's theatrical company, is designed as a curtain-raiser that addresses issues of gender relations aboard the ship.

Initially, Starbuck shows reluctance to attend theater performances, stating that he finds them to be "just fantasy" and "too much reality in my world. I can't take playacting seriously." However, he is convinced to attend by being told it's a command performance.

During the performance, the play includes pointed references to his character, with lines like "buck the star" clearly targeting him. When Ensign Giles recognizes the reference and points it out, Starbuck becomes visibly angry, glaring up at Hera in her box seat and declaring "I don't have to sit here for this!" He storms out of the auditorium, with Hera following to confront him.

Final Confrontation and Resolution

Following the theatrical incident, Starbuck and Hera have a final confrontation where she attempts to explain her motivations. Starbuck demonstrates a surprising level of self-awareness and honesty about his character, stating: "I don't want to change. I like being a womanizer, if I may be allowed to use the word. I wouldn't be happy any other way. I wouldn't be happy molded into some other kind of guy."

He also clarifies his position on their relationship, explaining that he doesn't want her to change either but insists on the right to remain himself. Their conversation ends on a surprisingly positive note, with Starbuck telling Hera "I like you" as he heads to the awards ceremony where both are being honored.

Combat and SuperViper Deployment

During the climactic battle against Spectre's Cylon forces, when conventional Viper launches are prevented by sabotage damage, Starbuck and Apollo deploy the SuperViper as their only hope for defense. Despite its previous test flight dangers, Starbuck volunteers for the mission, understanding it represents their only chance for survival against overwhelming odds.

Relationship with Cassiopeia

Throughout the novel, Starbuck's complicated relationship with Cassiopeia continues to cause him emotional difficulty. Despite their past as "one of Galactica's hottest items," she firmly rebuffs his attempts to rekindle their romance, maintaining professional distance while working as his medtech. When he attempts to charm her with promises of change, she responds that she "really liked the old one" but is "not available" anymore.

Personal Philosophy

Starbuck demonstrates a complex understanding of his own character flaws and strengths. He acknowledges his reputation as a womanizer but refuses to change his fundamental nature to please others. He treats relationships with women as personal challenges rather than emotional connections, preferring to be "the one who makes the approach" rather than being pursued. His conversation with Hera reveals both his selfishness and his honesty about his limitations in romantic relationships.