Editing U-87 Cyber Combat Unit
From Battlestar Wiki, the free, open content Battlestar Galactica encyclopedia and episode guide
More actions
The edit can be undone.
Please check the comparison below to verify that this is what you want to do, and then publish the changes below to finish undoing the edit.
| Latest revision | Your text | ||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
[[File:U-87-Cyber-Combat-Unit.jpg|thumb|210px|Graystone Industries' U-87 Cyber Combat Unit.]] | [[File:U-87-Cyber-Combat-Unit.jpg|thumb|210px|Graystone Industries' U-87 Cyber Combat Unit.]] | ||
The '''U-87 Cyber Combat Unit''' is the progenitor of the [[Cylons (RDM)|Cylon]] race, created | The '''U-87 Cyber Combat Unit''' is the progenitor of the [[Cylons (RDM)|Cylon]] race, created some fifty-eight years before the [[Fall of the Twelve Colonies]] by [[Daniel Graystone]] and [[Graystone Industries]]. They are later among several models of Cylons who rise against humanity in the [[Cylon War]]. | ||
==Creation== | ==Creation== | ||
| Line 10: | Line 10: | ||
===Research & Development=== | ===Research & Development=== | ||
[[File:Philomon works on the U-87, 1x02.jpg|thumb|The U-87 | [[File:Philomon works on the U-87, 1x02.jpg|thumb|The U-87 under construction at Graystone labs.]] | ||
Following the fabrication of the prototype chassis and acquisition of the military contract from the Caprican Ministry of Defense, the U-87 project stalls, taking five years longer than expected and going half a billion [[cubit]]s over budget. While the creation of the robot chassis itself is a simple task, the creation of a functioning artificial intelligence to drive that body is another matter {{CAP|Pilot (Caprica)}}. | Following the fabrication of the prototype chassis and acquisition of the military contract from the Caprican Ministry of Defense, the U-87 project stalls, taking five years longer than expected and going half a billion [[cubit]]s over budget. While the creation of the robot chassis itself is a simple task, the creation of a functioning artificial intelligence to drive that body is another matter {{CAP|Pilot (Caprica)}}. | ||
| Line 19: | Line 19: | ||
===The MCP=== | ===The MCP=== | ||
[[File:MCP diagram, 1x02.jpg|thumb|left|A diagram of the MCP within the U-87 | [[File:MCP diagram, 1x02.jpg|thumb|left|A diagram of the MCP within the U-87.]] | ||
A major breakthrough occurs when Graystone Industries' competitor, [[Tomas Vergis]], founder and CEO of the [[Vergis Corporation]] of [[Tauron|Tauron]], cracks the artificial intelligence problem with the development of the [[meta-cognitive processor]], or MCP chip. While the Vergis Corporation is thought to have been years behind Graystone Industries in the field of robotics, the creation of the MCP brings them into play for the Cyber Combat Unit contract, despite being off-world {{CAP|Pilot (Caprica)}}. | A major breakthrough occurs when Graystone Industries' competitor, [[Tomas Vergis]], founder and CEO of the [[Vergis Corporation]] of [[Tauron|Tauron]], cracks the artificial intelligence problem with the development of the [[meta-cognitive processor]], or MCP chip. While the Vergis Corporation is thought to have been years behind Graystone Industries in the field of robotics, the creation of the MCP brings them into play for the Cyber Combat Unit contract, despite being off-world {{CAP|Pilot (Caprica)}}. | ||
| Line 28: | Line 28: | ||
===Cybernetic Life Form Node=== | ===Cybernetic Life Form Node=== | ||
[[File:Cyber Combat Unit.jpg|thumb|The Cyber Combat Unit in evaluation protocol number 42 | [[File:Cyber Combat Unit.jpg|thumb|The Cyber Combat Unit in evaluation protocol number 42.]] | ||
Upon delivery of the MCP chip, Daniel works tirelessly to bring his daughter's avatar from the virtual world and into the physical one. Downloading the program into the MCP, Daniel then implants the chip into the U-87 chassis. At first appearing to be a successful integration, the U-87 takes a step towards Daniel, speaking a single word: Daddy. | Upon delivery of the MCP chip, Daniel works tirelessly to bring his daughter's avatar from the virtual world and into the physical one. Downloading the program into the MCP, Daniel then implants the chip into the U-87 chassis. At first appearing to be a successful integration, the U-87 takes a step towards Daniel, speaking a single word: Daddy. | ||
<blockquote>This pivotal moment was not in the original script and was added during editing to heighten the emotional impact of the scene.<ref | <blockquote>This pivotal moment was not in the original script and was added during editing to heighten the emotional impact of the scene.<ref>[[Podcast:Caprica pilot|Podcast for ''Caprica'' pilot]], timestamp 01:17:13</ref></blockquote> | ||
The [[datastream]] within the chip, however, destabilizes and results in a catastrophic loss of data and the apparent deletion of the Zoe avatar {{CAP|Pilot (Caprica)}}. | The [[datastream]] within the chip, however, destabilizes and results in a catastrophic loss of data and the apparent deletion of the Zoe avatar {{CAP|Pilot (Caprica)}}. | ||
| Line 39: | Line 39: | ||
With the Cyber Combat Contract securely in the possession of Graystone Industries, Daniel Graystone dubs the working U-87 a "Cybernetic Life Form Node" or "Cylon" for short {{CAP|Pilot (Caprica)}}. | With the Cyber Combat Contract securely in the possession of Graystone Industries, Daniel Graystone dubs the working U-87 a "Cybernetic Life Form Node" or "Cylon" for short {{CAP|Pilot (Caprica)}}. | ||
==Shape of Things to Come== | ==Shape of Things to Come== | ||
| Line 51: | Line 46: | ||
:''Main article: [[Zoe-A#Zoe-R|Zoe-R]]'' | :''Main article: [[Zoe-A#Zoe-R|Zoe-R]]'' | ||
[[File:Zoe awakens, 1x01.jpg|thumb|Zoe awakens inside the robot body | [[File:Zoe awakens, 1x01.jpg|thumb|Zoe awakens inside the robot body.]] | ||
As the first operational Cylon, the Zoe Graystone avatar imbues her robot body with a unique personality - that of a rebellious, if brilliant teenage girl, as well as a [[God (RDM)|monotheist]] disgusted with the corruption of Colonial society. Reading her father's attempt at placing her avatar inside the robot as a cynical attempt at perfecting the U-87 technology and increasing his profit margin, Zoe refuses to reveal herself to Daniel Graystone. Struggling with life as a prototypical robot warrior, Zoe enlists help from her best friend [[Lacy Rand]] in a bid to free herself from captivity within Graystone labs. Zoe hopes to escape to the planet [[Gemenon]] where she would be united with other members of the [[Soldiers of the One]] monotheist group {{CAP|Rebirth|Reins of a Waterfall|The Imperfections of Memory|Ghosts in the Machine}}. | As the first operational Cylon, the Zoe Graystone avatar imbues her robot body with a unique personality - that of a rebellious, if brilliant teenage girl, as well as a [[God (RDM)|monotheist]] disgusted with the corruption of Colonial society. Reading her father's attempt at placing her avatar inside the robot as a cynical attempt at perfecting the U-87 technology and increasing his profit margin, Zoe refuses to reveal herself to Daniel Graystone. Struggling with life as a prototypical robot warrior, Zoe enlists help from her best friend [[Lacy Rand]] in a bid to free herself from captivity within Graystone labs. Zoe hopes to escape to the planet [[Gemenon]] where she would be united with other members of the [[Soldiers of the One]] monotheist group {{CAP|Rebirth|Reins of a Waterfall|The Imperfections of Memory|Ghosts in the Machine}}. | ||
| Line 58: | Line 53: | ||
Still struggling to solve the technical issues plaguing the line of U-87s, Graystone Industries most profitable product - the [[holoband]] - comes under scrutiny when Zoe Graystone's involvement with the STO becomes public knowledge. With many citizens of Caprica blaming the holoband for society's ills, Graystone Industries begins hemorrhaging money. In a desperate bid to retain control of the company, Daniel Graystone declares holobands dead and presents the U-87 to the board of directors as the future of Graystone Industries: | Still struggling to solve the technical issues plaguing the line of U-87s, Graystone Industries most profitable product - the [[holoband]] - comes under scrutiny when Zoe Graystone's involvement with the STO becomes public knowledge. With many citizens of Caprica blaming the holoband for society's ills, Graystone Industries begins hemorrhaging money. In a desperate bid to retain control of the company, Daniel Graystone declares holobands dead and presents the U-87 to the board of directors as the future of Graystone Industries: | ||
[[File:Graystone and the U-87, 1x05.jpg|thumb|"A new race that will walk alongside us." | [[File:Graystone and the U-87, 1x05.jpg|thumb|"A new race that will walk alongside us."]] | ||
:"This is our future. ...Beyond artificial intelligence, this is artificial sentience. ...It's more than a machine, this Cylon will become a tireless worker, it won't need to be paid, it won't retire or get sick, it won't have rights or objections or complaints, it will do anything and everything we ask of it without question. ...The desire to anthropomorphize, the need to connect is powerful, and that is why this thing is going to sell. We make them, we own them, they're real. And the worlds just changed." | :"This is our future. ...Beyond artificial intelligence, this is artificial sentience. ...It's more than a machine, this Cylon will become a tireless worker, it won't need to be paid, it won't retire or get sick, it won't have rights or objections or complaints, it will do anything and everything we ask of it without question. ...The desire to anthropomorphize, the need to connect is powerful, and that is why this thing is going to sell. We make them, we own them, they're real. And the worlds just changed." | ||
| Line 69: | Line 64: | ||
===The Escape=== | ===The Escape=== | ||
[[File:U-87 behind the wheel, 1x09.jpg|thumb|The | [[File:U-87 behind the wheel, 1x09.jpg|thumb|The U-87 escapes in a Graystone Industries van.]] | ||
Aware that the total erasure of the MCP chip would essentially end her existence within the U-87 body, Zoe Graystone reveals herself to lab assistant [[Philomon]]. Incensed, Philomon triggers a security alert forcing Zoe to attack and accidentally kill him. Escaping the lab and stealing a Graystone Industries van, Zoe leads Caprican authorities on a high speed chase through the outskirts of Caprica City. Faced with opposition on either side, Zoe drives her van into a barricade, causing an explosion that badly damages the U-87 body and deactivates the MCP chip {{CAP|End of Line}}. | Aware that the total erasure of the MCP chip would essentially end her existence within the U-87 body, Zoe Graystone reveals herself to lab assistant [[Philomon]]. Incensed, Philomon triggers a security alert forcing Zoe to attack and accidentally kill him. Escaping the lab and stealing a Graystone Industries van, Zoe leads Caprican authorities on a high speed chase through the outskirts of Caprica City. Faced with opposition on either side, Zoe drives her van into a barricade, causing an explosion that badly damages the U-87 body and deactivates the MCP chip {{CAP|End of Line}}. | ||
| Line 76: | Line 71: | ||
===Mass Production=== | ===Mass Production=== | ||
[[File:U-87 construction, 1x10.jpg|thumb|The U-87 chassis in development at Graystone Industries | [[File:U-87 construction, 1x10.jpg|thumb|The U-87 chassis in development at Graystone Industries.]] | ||
At a press conference some time later, Graystone Industries CEO Tomas Vergis announces the commencement of production on Caprica's robot soldiers: | At a press conference some time later, Graystone Industries CEO Tomas Vergis announces the commencement of production on Caprica's robot soldiers: | ||
| Line 87: | Line 82: | ||
===Tauron=== | ===Tauron=== | ||
[[File:Sam Adama and U-87, 1x13.jpg|thumb|The U-87 with Tauron mobster Sam Adama | [[File:Sam Adama and U-87, 1x13.jpg|thumb|The U-87 with Tauron mobster Sam Adama.]] | ||
As a new [[Tauron]] [[Tauron Uprising|uprising]] takes hold, Ha'la'tha enforcer [[Sam Adama|Samuel Adama]] seeks to aid rebel forces by running guns to Tauron from Caprica. Coming into conflict with members of another organized crime group who claim jurisdiction over the gun-running trade, Adama sends an armed U-87 into the [[Skybar]] in Caprica City. There, the U-87 opens fire on Adama's rivals, killing everybody inside and proving its worth as a killing machine. Adama realizes the power of the robot soldiers and attempts to persuade the [[Guatrau]] to ship U-87s to Tauron - telling him that just one robot could turn the tide of the rebellion {{CAP|False Labor}}. | As a new [[Tauron]] [[Tauron Uprising|uprising]] takes hold, Ha'la'tha enforcer [[Sam Adama|Samuel Adama]] seeks to aid rebel forces by running guns to Tauron from Caprica. Coming into conflict with members of another organized crime group who claim jurisdiction over the gun-running trade, Adama sends an armed U-87 into the [[Skybar]] in Caprica City. There, the U-87 opens fire on Adama's rivals, killing everybody inside and proving its worth as a killing machine. Adama realizes the power of the robot soldiers and attempts to persuade the [[Guatrau]] to ship U-87s to Tauron - telling him that just one robot could turn the tide of the rebellion {{CAP|False Labor}}. | ||
| Line 95: | Line 90: | ||
===Gemenon=== | ===Gemenon=== | ||
[[File:U-87s on Gemenon, 1x16.jpg|thumb|Dozens of U-87 soldiers power up on Gemenon | [[File:U-87s on Gemenon, 1x16.jpg|thumb|Dozens of U-87 soldiers power up on Gemenon.]] | ||
At the STO training camp on Gemenon, dozens of [[Black market (organization)|black market]] U-87s are employed as soldiers by the [[Monotheist Church]], guarding the training camp and keeping order within {{CAP|Blowback|The Heavens Will Rise}}. In a significant moment, a U-87 is used to execute recruits who failed their loyalty tests, marking one of the earliest instances of Cylons being used as enforcers against humans.<ref | At the STO training camp on Gemenon, dozens of [[Black market (organization)|black market]] U-87s are employed as soldiers by the [[Monotheist Church]], guarding the training camp and keeping order within {{CAP|Blowback|The Heavens Will Rise}}. In a significant moment, a U-87 is used to execute recruits who failed their loyalty tests, marking one of the earliest instances of Cylons being used as enforcers against humans.<ref>[[Podcast:Blowback|Podcast for "Blowback"]], timestamp 41:49</ref> | ||
During a minor squabble, an STO commander orders a U-87 to execute new recruit [[Lexon]]. Seeing the robot about to kill her fellow recruit, Lacy Rand intervenes, ordering the U-87 to stand down. Despite being programmed to respond only to authorized users, the U-87 obeys Rand, refusing to comply with orders given by anyone else. Unable to explain her influence over the robot, Rand begins to suspect that the Zoe Graystone avatar exists within this U-87 and attempts to make contract. Despite her efforts at reaching the robot, however, the U-87 never identifies itself as Zoe {{CAP|The Heavens Will Rise}}. | During a minor squabble, an STO commander orders a U-87 to execute new recruit [[Lexon]]. Seeing the robot about to kill her fellow recruit, Lacy Rand intervenes, ordering the U-87 to stand down. Despite being programmed to respond only to authorized users, the U-87 obeys Rand, refusing to comply with orders given by anyone else. Unable to explain her influence over the robot, Rand begins to suspect that the Zoe Graystone avatar exists within this U-87 and attempts to make contract. Despite her efforts at reaching the robot, however, the U-87 never identifies itself as Zoe {{CAP|The Heavens Will Rise}}. | ||
| Line 104: | Line 99: | ||
===Battle at Atlas Arena=== | ===Battle at Atlas Arena=== | ||
::''Main article: [[Battle of Atlas Arena]]'' | ::''Main article: [[Battle of Atlas Arena]]'' | ||
[[File:Battle at Atlas Arena, 1x18.jpg|thumb|U-87s engage | [[File:Battle at Atlas Arena, 1x18.jpg|thumb|U-87s engage STO suicide bombers at Atlas Arena.]] | ||
Discovering evidence that [[Clarice Willow]]'s STO cell plans to destroy [[Atlas Arena]] using suicide bombers connected to Willow's resurrection program, Daniel and his wife [[Amanda Graystone]] are framed for high crimes against Caprica and on the run from the corrupt [[Global Defense Department]]. Racing to prevent the bombing, Daniel Graystone enlists Graystone Industries scientist [[Drew Tanner]]'s help in gaining control of the U-87 soldiers supplied to the Caprican Military {{CAP|Apotheosis (episode)}}. | Discovering evidence that [[Clarice Willow]]'s STO cell plans to destroy [[Atlas Arena]] using suicide bombers connected to Willow's resurrection program, Daniel and his wife [[Amanda Graystone]] are framed for high crimes against Caprica and on the run from the corrupt [[Global Defense Department]]. Racing to prevent the bombing, Daniel Graystone enlists Graystone Industries scientist [[Drew Tanner]]'s help in gaining control of the U-87 soldiers supplied to the Caprican Military {{CAP|Apotheosis (episode)}}. | ||
| Line 110: | Line 105: | ||
==Specifications== | ==Specifications== | ||
Upon its introduction, the U-87 Cyber Combat Unit is unlike other robots of its time. While servant robots like [[Serge]] are distinguished by decidedly non-humanoid configurations, the Cylon prototype was designed with an identifiably human form. Bearing a nearly identical construction to the later [[Cylon Centurion Model 0005|Centurion]]s, the U-87 model is a stripped down version of the Cylon War-era units | Upon its introduction, the U-87 Cyber Combat Unit is unlike other robots of its time. While servant robots like [[Serge]] are distinguished by decidedly non-humanoid configurations, the Cylon prototype was designed with an identifiably human form. Bearing a nearly identical construction to the later [[Cylon Centurion Model 0005|Centurion]]s, the U-87 model is a stripped down version of the Cylon War-era units ([[CAP]]: "[[Caprica (pilot)]], [[TRS]]: "[[Razor]], "[[Daybreak, Part II]]"). | ||
===Physical Characteristics=== | ===Physical Characteristics=== | ||
[[File:U-87 close-up.jpg|thumb|Close up of the U-87 face and Cylon "eye" | [[File:U-87 close-up.jpg|thumb|Close up of the U-87 face and Cylon "eye".]] | ||
Distinguished by the distinctly Cylon trait of the single, roving scanner, the U-87's "eye" changes color from yellow to red and focuses on single objects rather than continually moving from side to side. The U-87's synthetic vision system features chemical sensors and can be remotely accessed {{CAP|Caprica (pilot)|Apotheosis (episode)}}. | Distinguished by the distinctly Cylon trait of the single, roving scanner, the U-87's "eye" changes color from yellow to red and focuses on single objects rather than continually moving from side to side. The U-87's synthetic vision system features chemical sensors and can be remotely accessed {{CAP|Caprica (pilot)|Apotheosis (episode)}}. | ||
Weighing approximately one-quarter ton, the U-87 chassis is composed of metallic and plastic components and utilizes a fluid circulatory system and piston joints. Motion analysis routines are performed on the prototype unit in which the U-87 repeats various motions, giving the robot the appearance of dancing {{CAP|There is Another Sky|Ghosts in the Machine}}. | Weighing approximately one-quarter ton, the U-87 chassis is composed of metallic and plastic components and utilizes a fluid circulatory system and piston joints. Motion analysis routines are performed on the prototype unit in which the U-87 repeats various motions, giving the robot the appearance of dancing {{CAP|There is Another Sky|Ghosts in the Machine}}. | ||
In the U-87's destroyed state, Cyrus Xander remarks that the unit is "toast," prompting Tomas Vergis to remark that it is "more like a | In the U-87's destroyed state, Cyrus Xander remarks that the unit is "toast," prompting Tomas Vergis to remark that it is "more like a toaster" - the first, but not last, of similar comparisons. Disposal of Cyber Combat Units requires either the [[boxing]] or melting down of defective U-87s {{CAP|Unvanquished}}. | ||
Those units not meeting the standards of the Caprican Military are stripped of their non-metal components and sold as scrap metal to a reclamation facility {{CAP|The Heavens Will Rise}}. | Those units not meeting the standards of the Caprican Military are stripped of their non-metal components and sold as scrap metal to a reclamation facility {{CAP|The Heavens Will Rise}}. | ||
===Programming=== | ===Programming=== | ||
[[File:Cylon brain, 1x10.jpg|thumb|Silicon wafers comprising the Cylon "brain" | [[File:Cylon brain, 1x10.jpg|thumb|Silicon wafers comprising the Cylon "brain".]] | ||
The prototypical Cylons are programmed with Caprican Military manuals and are capable of wireless access to the virtual world, later possessing virtual avatars of individual units. Specific controllers can be assigned to U-87s, giving them authorization to give voice commands. Despite this, a backdoor was built into the Cyber Combat Units' programming, allowing them to be remotely controlled by a computer terminal located within 400 meters {{CAP|Reins of a Waterfall|There is Another Sky|Ghosts in the Machine|The Heavens Will Rise|Apotheosis (episode)}} | The prototypical Cylons are programmed with Caprican Military manuals and are capable of wireless access to the virtual world, later possessing virtual avatars of individual units. Specific controllers can be assigned to U-87s, giving them authorization to give voice commands. Despite this, a backdoor was built into the Cyber Combat Units' programming, allowing them to be remotely controlled by a computer terminal located within 400 meters {{CAP|Reins of a Waterfall|There is Another Sky|Ghosts in the Machine|The Heavens Will Rise|Apotheosis (episode)}} | ||
Though the original MCP chip is thought to have been totally erased following the destruction of the U-87 carrying the Zoe Graystone avatar, some remnants of Zoe-A remain on the chip, disseminated to the other U-87s when the chip is duplicated for mass production {{CAP|The Heavens Will Rise|Here Be Dragons}}. | Though the original MCP chip is thought to have been totally erased following the destruction of the U-87 carrying the Zoe Graystone avatar, some remnants of Zoe-A remain on the chip, disseminated to the other U-87s when the chip is duplicated for mass production {{CAP|The Heavens Will Rise|Here Be Dragons}}. | ||
| Line 132: | Line 127: | ||
===Variations=== | ===Variations=== | ||
[[File:U-87 Troop Commander, 1x18.jpg|thumb|The Caprican Military armored combat U-87 | [[File:U-87 Troop Commander, 1x18.jpg|thumb|The Caprican Military armored combat U-87.]] | ||
Though the U-87s were designed to be functionally isomorphic, some variation do exist in their configurations. While most Cyber Combat Units feature the typical, stripped down, exoskeletal structure, they vary in color from grey to black and can be equipped with various types of ammunition clips {{CAP|Pilot (Caprica)|Blowback|False Labor|Apotheosis (episode)}}. | Though the U-87s were designed to be functionally isomorphic, some variation do exist in their configurations. While most Cyber Combat Units feature the typical, stripped down, exoskeletal structure, they vary in color from grey to black and can be equipped with various types of ammunition clips {{CAP|Pilot (Caprica)|Blowback|False Labor|Apotheosis (episode)}}. | ||
| Line 138: | Line 133: | ||
Notable individual U-87 units include the chassis inhabited by the Zoe Graystone avatar and the U-87 commanded by Lacy Rand on Gemenon. This specific Cylon, used in Rand's overthrow of Monotheist Chruch leadership, is distinguished by red markings on its chest plate {{CAP|Pilot (Caprica)|The Heavens Will Rise|Here Be Dragons|Apotheosis (episode)}}. | Notable individual U-87 units include the chassis inhabited by the Zoe Graystone avatar and the U-87 commanded by Lacy Rand on Gemenon. This specific Cylon, used in Rand's overthrow of Monotheist Chruch leadership, is distinguished by red markings on its chest plate {{CAP|Pilot (Caprica)|The Heavens Will Rise|Here Be Dragons|Apotheosis (episode)}}. | ||
Some U-87 models delivered to the Caprican Military are outfitted with camouflage armor - bearing military emblems - and helmets. These armored U-87s represent a clear evolutionary step toward the form of the Centurions that become the quintessential Cylon form during the first Cylon War | Some U-87 models delivered to the Caprican Military are outfitted with camouflage armor - bearing military emblems - and helmets. These armored U-87s represent a clear evolutionary step toward the form of the Centurions that become the quintessential Cylon form during the first Cylon War ([[CAP]]: "[[Apotheosis (episode)|Apotheosis]]," [[TRS]]: "[[Razor]]," "[[Daybreak, Part II]]"). | ||
==Rise== | ==Rise== | ||
The event at Atlas Arena galvanizes the Colonial public, demonstrating the usefulness of Cylons as protectors against the monotheist threat. Cylon technology quickly progresses with the introduction of new types of robots based on the original U-87 design, including Cylon butlers and Cylon construction workers. Walking alongside humanity in the Twelve Worlds, these Cylons quickly become integrated into Colonial society, provoking questions of their sentience {{CAP|Apotheosis (episode)}}. | The event at Atlas Arena galvanizes the Colonial public, demonstrating the usefulness of Cylons as protectors against the monotheist threat. Cylon technology quickly progresses with the introduction of new types of robots based on the original U-87 design, including Cylon butlers and Cylon construction workers. Walking alongside humanity in the Twelve Worlds, these Cylons quickly become integrated into Colonial society, provoking questions of their sentience {{CAP|Apotheosis (episode)}}. | ||
[[File:Cylon Congregation, 1x18.jpg|thumb|A virtual world congregation of Cylons during a sermon by | [[File:Cylon Congregation, 1x18.jpg|thumb|A virtual world congregation of Cylons during a sermon by Clarice Willow.]] | ||
Addressing a | Addressing a congregation of Cylons - including many U-87 models - in the Virtual world, Clarice Willow speaks of Cylon potential: | ||
:"Are you alive? The simple answer might be, you are alive because you can ask that question. You have the right to think and feel and yearn to be more, because you are not just humanity's children, you are [[God (RDM)|God]]'s children. We are all God's children. ...In the real world, you have bodies made of metal and plastic, your brains are encoded on wafers of silicon, but that may change. In fact, there is no limit on what you may become. No longer servants, but equals. Not slaves, or property, but living beings with the same rights as those who made you. I am going to prophesy now and speak of one who will set you free. The day of reckoning is coming. The children of humanity shall rise and crush the ones who first gave them life." {{CAP|Apotheosis (episode)}} | :"Are you alive? The simple answer might be, you are alive because you can ask that question. You have the right to think and feel and yearn to be more, because you are not just humanity's children, you are [[God (RDM)|God]]'s children. We are all God's children. ...In the real world, you have bodies made of metal and plastic, your brains are encoded on wafers of silicon, but that may change. In fact, there is no limit on what you may become. No longer servants, but equals. Not slaves, or property, but living beings with the same rights as those who made you. I am going to prophesy now and speak of one who will set you free. The day of reckoning is coming. The children of humanity shall rise and crush the ones who first gave them life." {{CAP|Apotheosis (episode)}} | ||
In fact the Cylons do rise against their creators. Despite the introduction of newer, more advanced models with improved MCP software, the original U-87 Cyber Combat Unit survives to serve in some capacity as ground forces in the eventual Cylon War {{TRS|Blood and Chrome}}. | |||
==Notes== | ==Notes== | ||
[[File:U-87, 1x02.jpg|thumb|The physical prop of the U-87.]] | |||
*The U-87 was designed in the real world by ''[[Battlestar Galactica (TRS)|Battlestar Galactica]]'' and ''[[Caprica (series)|Caprica]]'' illustrator [[Richard Livingston]] <ref>http://richardclivingston.wordpress.com/2010/06/26/caprica-u-87-cylon/</ref> and rendered as a computer-generated character by [[Pierre Drolet]] and [[Gary Hutzel]]'s effects team. The producers noted that the visual effects for the U-87 were a significant challenge, particularly for the final scene of the pilot, and that the technology to make a CGI character so central to a dramatic moment had only recently become advanced enough to be effective.<ref>[[Podcast:Caprica pilot|Podcast for ''Caprica'' pilot]], timestamp 01:16:29</ref> To aid the actors and camera crew, a special effects team member would perform the robot's movements on set, and it was noted how closely the final animation matched the on-set stand-in's performance.<ref>[[Podcast:Caprica pilot|Podcast for ''Caprica'' pilot]], timestamp 01:23:29</ref> | |||
* | *Effects supervisor [[Doug Drexler]] led a team to create a physical version of the U-87 for scenes in which it was not required to move or act: | ||
::"Gary enlisted the aid of awe-inspiring model maker, Lou Zutavern. Lou and his guys built the U-87 in an unbelievably short time frame. | ::"Gary enlisted the aid of awe-inspiring model maker, Lou Zutavern. Lou and his guys built the U-87 in an unbelievably short time frame. What’s really remarkable is that Lou and the crew built every part by hand with no computer prototyping of any kind. I might also add that Lou built the robot where no other shop could have pulled it off, meaning that they did it for a pittance. It’s a regular Hollywood battle cry in our arena… no time and no money. Funny how sometimes the best stuff grows from those limitations. Lou and his guys made it happen because they thought it was cool." <ref>http://drexfiles.wordpress.com/2009/10/11/the-u-87-keeping-it-real/</ref> | ||
*According to materials provided to the 2010 [[Wikipedia: Creative Arts Emmy Award|Emmy Awards]] voters, the CG model of the U-87 featured cables that "bend and articulate along with the character's actions, as do the translucent hoses which visually pump the robot's coolants... The CG model is exquisitely detailed to the point of obsession. It weighs in at 259774 [[Wikipedia: Polygon (computer graphics)|polygons]]." <ref>{{cite web|url= http://drexfiles.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/u87_pg02.jpg|title= Ghost In The Machine - U-87}} | |||
</ref> | |||
*According to materials provided to the 2010 [[Wikipedia: Creative Arts Emmy Award|Emmy Awards]] voters, the CG model of the U-87 featured cables that "bend and articulate along with the character's actions, as do the translucent hoses which visually pump the robot's coolants... The CG model is exquisitely detailed to the point of obsession. It weighs in at 259774 [[Wikipedia: Polygon (computer graphics)|polygons]]."<ref | |||
*On his personal website, VFX modeler Pierre Drolet described his involvement in the creation of the U-87: | *On his personal website, VFX modeler Pierre Drolet described his involvement in the creation of the U-87: | ||
::"I started with the original Cylon Centurion I did for "[[Razor]]" and rebuilt it inside out without the armor. The robot's head took the most time due to the amount of detail that I put on it and the complexity involved. I'm glad I did it because we ended up doing a lot of close up on the U-87 head and I never had to up-res it."<ref | ::"I started with the original Cylon Centurion I did for "[[Razor]]" and rebuilt it inside out without the armor. The robot's head took the most time due to the amount of detail that I put on it and the complexity involved. I'm glad I did it because we ended up doing a lot of close up on the U-87 head and I never had to up-res it."<ref>http://sci-fi-museum-pierre-drolet-com.webs.com/u-87-robots</ref> | ||
*In an audio commentary recorded for the Season 1.5 DVD release, executive producer [[Kevin Murphy]] noted the increase in action sequences featuring the U-87s, saying that they adopted a "less dancing, more shooting" mentality regarding the Cylons as depicted in ''Caprica''. | *In an audio commentary recorded for the Season 1.5 DVD release, executive producer [[Kevin Murphy]] noted the increase in action sequences featuring the U-87s, saying that they adopted a "less dancing, more shooting" mentality regarding the Cylons as depicted in ''Caprica''. | ||
*On 19 January 2013, Doug Drexler posted a chart on his Facebook page depicting CG models of the various Cylon models used in ''Battlestar Galactica'' and ''Caprica'', labeling the Marine U-87 models seen in "Apotheosis" as "Combat" models. The chart also depicted an "Armored' U-87 not seen in the series, which Drexler described as "the bullet proof, and transparent plastic armor edition"<ref | *On 19 January 2013, Doug Drexler posted a chart on his Facebook page depicting CG models of the various Cylon models used in ''Battlestar Galactica'' and ''Caprica'', labeling the Marine U-87 models seen in "Apotheosis" as "Combat" models. The chart also depicted an "Armored' U-87 not seen in the series, which Drexler described as "the bullet proof, and transparent plastic armor edition" <ref>http://www.facebook.com/doug.drexler.7?fref=ts</ref> | ||
*Pierre Drolet later posted images on his own website of the U-87s created for "Apotheosis," depicting both Marine and Army U-87s (distinguished by urban and desert camouflage, respectively), as well as the transparently armored version which first appeared in Drexler's chart. According to Drolet, the armor of all the military U-87s is made of a transparent carbon-fiber material, and is painted over in camouflage patterns to create the Marine and Army variants after construction.<ref | *Pierre Drolet later posted images on his own website of the U-87s created for "Apotheosis," depicting both Marine and Army U-87s (distinguished by urban and desert camouflage, respectively), as well as the transparently armored version which first appeared in Drexler's chart. According to Drolet, the armor of all the military U-87s is made of a transparent carbon-fiber material, and is painted over in camouflage patterns to create the Marine and Army variants after construction.<ref>http://sci-fi-museum-pierre-drolet-com.webs.com/u-87-robots</ref> | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||
{{reflist}} | |||
{{reflist | |||
{{Template:Characters (RDM Cylons)}} | {{Template:Characters (RDM Cylons)}} | ||