Editing Stedonis

{{Separate continuity|universe=TOS|cont=Berkley Novelizations}}

'''Stedonis''', known by his nickname '''Ironhand''', is the captain of the supply ship ''[[Broadside (TOS-BN)|Broadside]]'' within [[The Fleet (TOS-BN)|the Fleet]]. 

== Background ==

Captain Ironhand is described as "a burly man going to fat" with distinctive thick eyebrows that often obscure his surprisingly soft-looking mud-brown eyes. His most notable feature is his prosthetic right hand, which has been replaced with "a metal clawlike hand whose fingers came to sharp points," earning him the nickname "Ironhand."<ref name="STG22-23">{{cite book|last=Larson|first=Glen A.|last2=Thurston|first2=Robert|authorlink=Glen A. Larson|title=[[Surrender the Galactica!]]|publisher=Ace Books|date=1988|pages=22-23|isbn=}}</ref>

Ironhand has a colorful past as a fugitive and former prisoner. He openly admits to [[Baltar (TOS-BN)|Baltar]] (disguised as "Korriman") that he has "been a fugitive, too. A couple of times" and served "a couple of forced tours in twelve-world prisons," specifically mentioning imprisonment on [[Gemon]] and [[Sagitara]]. This background makes him sympathetic to others fleeing from legal troubles.<ref name="STG120-121">{{cite book|last=Larson|first=Glen A.|last2=Thurston|first2=Robert|authorlink=Glen A. Larson|title=[[Surrender the Galactica!]]|publisher=Ace Books|date=1988|pages=120-121|isbn=}}</ref>
== Command of the ''Broadside'' ==

Under Ironhand's command, ''Broadside'' serves as a refuge for outcasts and fugitives within [[The Fleet (TOS-BN)|the Fleet]]. As Ironhand explains, his crew consists of "either ex-cons from the [[grid barge]] or fugitives from justice who've heard this is a safe ship for escapees from anything," as well as those who "just want to hide from the fleet for their own private reasons." Despite this motley composition, Ironhand maintains operational discipline and keeps the ship functioning as part of the Fleet's supply network.<ref name="STG120">{{cite book|last=Larson|first=Glen A.|last2=Thurston|first2=Robert|authorlink=Glen A. Larson|title=[[Surrender the Galactica!]]|publisher=Ace Books|date=1988|pages=120|isbn=}}</ref>

Ironhand frequently expresses frustration with his crew, describing them as "my curse" and "ignoramuses, all of them." He notes that "their uniforms hung on them loosely, like discarded cloth," and observes that they are "a scurvy and sleazy bunch" who do "only as much work as they were told, and no more."<ref name="STG23">{{cite book|last=Larson|first=Glen A.|last2=Thurston|first2=Robert|authorlink=Glen A. Larson|title=[[Surrender the Galactica!]]|publisher=Ace Books|date=1988|pages=23|isbn=}}</ref>
== Relationship with Theater ==

Ironhand demonstrates a surprising appreciation for the dramatic arts, serving as an enthusiastic patron of [[Dwybolt (TOS-BN)|Dwybolt]]'s traveling theater company. He attended performances when the troupe was previously docked at the [[Piscean Colony|Piscean capital]] during the era when [[The Great Franda (TOS-BN)|the Great Franda]] was still performing with the company.<ref name="STG23-24">{{cite book|last=Larson|first=Glen A.|last2=Thurston|first2=Robert|authorlink=Glen A. Larson|title=[[Surrender the Galactica!]]|publisher=Ace Books|date=1988|pages=23-24|isbn=}}</ref>

When the troupe performs aboard ''Broadside'', Ironhand shows genuine enthusiasm for their work, particularly praising ''[[The Curse of the Sagitaran Ruby]]'' as "wonderful, just wonderful" and calling ''[[The Killing of the Cylon Master]]'' "one of my favorites." His appreciation creates an awkward dynamic with Dwybolt, who finds the captain's praise uncomfortable because he considers Ironhand "such a dolt" that his appreciation "makes me insecure."<ref name="STG23">{{cite book|last=Larson|first=Glen A.|last2=Thurston|first2=Robert|authorlink=Glen A. Larson|title=[[Surrender the Galactica!]]|publisher=Ace Books|date=1988|pages=23|isbn=}}</ref>

Despite his crew's frequent heckling during performances, Ironhand remains supportive of the theatrical company and becomes so entranced with their work that he decides to accompany them to ''[[Galactica (TOS-BN)|Galactica]]'' for their next engagement.<ref name="STG136">{{cite book|last=Larson|first=Glen A.|last2=Thurston|first2=Robert|authorlink=Glen A. Larson|title=[[Surrender the Galactica!]]|publisher=Ace Books|date=1988|pages=136|isbn=}}</ref>
== Journey to ''Galactica'' ==

When the theater company prepares to travel to ''Galactica'', Ironhand expresses childlike excitement about the opportunity, telling Baltar, "I never thought I'd get the chance to get inside the ''Galactica''." This enthusiasm reflects the special status that ''Galactica'' holds for Fleet inhabitants who rarely have opportunities to visit the command ship.<ref name="STG148">{{cite book|last=Larson|first=Glen A.|last2=Thurston|first2=Robert|authorlink=Glen A. Larson|title=[[Surrender the Galactica!]]|publisher=Ace Books|date=1988|pages=148|isbn=}}</ref>

Aboard ''Galactica'', Ironhand eagerly assists the theater company with their equipment, finding his metal claw particularly useful for gripping coat-hangers and lugging heavy cartons. His enthusiasm to help his "favorite theater troupe" demonstrates his genuine affection for the performing arts.<ref name="STG149">{{cite book|last=Larson|first=Glen A.|last2=Thurston|first2=Robert|authorlink=Glen A. Larson|title=[[Surrender the Galactica!]]|publisher=Ace Books|date=1988|pages=149|isbn=}}</ref>
== Death ==

Ironhand's criminal instincts prove useful when he becomes suspicious of Baltar's activities aboard ''Galactica''. Having recognized "flight in a man's eyes" from his own experience as a fugitive, he tracks Baltar to the shuttle bay where he discovers the disguised traitor preparing to escape. When Ironhand attempts to bring Baltar to Commander [[Adama (TOS-BN)|Adama]], Baltar shoots him with a concealed [[laser pistol]].<ref name="STG188-189">{{cite book|last=Larson|first=Glen A.|last2=Thurston|first2=Robert|authorlink=Glen A. Larson|title=[[Surrender the Galactica!]]|publisher=Ace Books|date=1988|pages=188-189|isbn=}}</ref>

Despite being shot twice, Ironhand makes a final attempt to stop Baltar, lunging forward and swiping at him with his metal claw. The prosthetic hand rips Baltar's tunic and creates "a long gash in his upper arm" before a third shot finally kills the captain. Even in death, Baltar remains afraid of the mechanical hand's potential to cause damage.<ref name="STG189">{{cite book|last=Larson|first=Glen A.|last2=Thurston|first2=Robert|authorlink=Glen A. Larson|title=[[Surrender the Galactica!]]|publisher=Ace Books|date=1988|pages=189|isbn=}}</ref>
== References ==

{{reflist}}


[[Category:Characters (TOS)]]
[[Category:Berkley Novelizations]]
[[Category:Fleet inhabitants]]
[[Category:Ship captains]]
[[Category:Deceased characters]]