Battlestar Wiki - User contributions [en]

Cylon Centurion

2006-04-01T19:19:40Z

Centurion 99:

: ''For Centurions from the original series, refer to: [[Cylon Centurion Model 0005]].''

[[Image:CylonCenturion.jpg|200px|thumb|right|Centurion, Warrior of the Cylon Army.]]

The basic unit of Cylon ground forces, the '''Cylon Centurion''' appears to be an upgrade to the [[Cylon Centurion Model 0005]]. They have long, needlelike fingers with multiple joints and have a double barreled automatic projectile weapon mounted on the end of each arm. These newer, fiercer Centurions are capable of moving extremely fast via [[Wikipedia:bipedal locomotion|bipedal locomotion]]. The projectile guns built into each arm are so powerful that they make counterattacks very difficult by Colonials since the barrage is, in effect, much like a [[Wikipedia:gatling gun|gatling gun]]. Unlike the Model 0005, a single Centurion of the reimagined series is more than enough to terrorize a squad of Colonial fighters.

The Cylon Centurions may also have different armors. For instance, a small number of them wreaked havoc when boarding ''[[Galactica]]'', and could only be destroyed using explosive rounds ([[Valley of Darkness]]).

Centurions encountered on [[The Twelve Colonies (RDM)#Caprica|Caprica]] reacted more slowly, acted less intelligently, and were more easily destroyed by small arms fire. This may be due to the Cylons' plans for [[Karl Agathon|Helo]] and [[Sharon Valerii (Caprica copy)|the copy of Sharon Valerii]] with him; killing them would render their experiments worthless. A similiar group of Centurions found on [[Kobol]] during the episode [[Fragged]] were equally less individually intelligent. It may be that these Centurions are very simple soldiers that, despite their menacing statistics, are limited in their evolution and programming. Centurians are not sentient, and are not downloaded upon destruction.

It seems that the Cylon collective prefers not to use these Centurions in large-scale encounters, despite their obvious effectiveness. This may be because the [[Cylon agent|humanoid model]]s are more manipulative by way of psychology and terrorism and, frankly, prefer to play with their prey before striking it down by whatever means they have at their disposal. However, when Centurions are deployed greatly, they are deployed in huge numbers.

===Notes===
*RDM said in a [http://www.scifi.com/battlestar/blogs/ blog] entry on January 20th, 2006, that "the Centurions are not sentient and their memories/experiences are not downloaded into new bodies when they die".

===Cinematic Notes===
[[Image:CenturionWarrior.jpg|200px|thumb|left|Programmed Killing Machine]]
The creators of the reimagined series decided that using actors in an elaborate Cylon robot outfit (as was done in the Original Series) would detract from the realism of the series. They decided to make fully computer-generated Cylon Centurions for the new series.

Inaugural director [[Michael Rymer]] wanted the new Cylon warrior to blend in and avoid detracting from the live actor's performances. However, the new designs were eye-catching, and the new robot became a popular addition to many scenes. The virtual Cylons are designed with full articulation in the hands and joints that gives a realistic appearance to the viewer. Initially the new warrior was built with more human movement, such as swaggering. However, the movements did not fit the robotic attitude that the writers wanted to convey and were later discarded.

Actors interact with a life-size cardboard stand-in when filming a scene that will later have virtual Cylon warriors inserted. Some times human actors (production assistants in reality) stand in for the CG Centurions in more complex shots. As revealed in a [http://www.scifi.com/battlestar/bts/videoblog/ Video Blog] entry on SciFi's ''Galactica'' website, stand-ins portraying Centurions are made to wear thick black vests with the word '''CENTURION''' printed across them. Much like the cardboard stand-ins the "actors" are then digitally painted out of the shot and replaced with vitrual Centurions.

== Related Imagery ==

<gallery>
Image:Cylon Centurion New 001.jpg|'''Centurion''' in action during the boarding of ''Galactica'' ([[Valley of Darkness]])
Image:Cylon Centurion New 002.jpg|'''Centurion''' leaving the crashed [[Cylon Heavy Raider]] ([[Scattered]])
</gallery>

[[Category:A to Z]]
[[Category:Cylons]]
[[Category:RDM]]

Cyrannus

2006-03-26T18:54:54Z

Centurion 99:

==Overview==

'''Cyrannus''' (also spelled "Cyranus") is the name of the solar system containing the worlds of the Twelve Colonies of Man in the [[Video Game|Battlestar Galactica video game]], published in 2003.

The 2003 video game has its own continuity (as opposed to the [[Battlestar Galactica (RDM)|Re-imagined Series]] or [[Battlestar Galactica (TOS)|Original Series]]) that draws from elements of the Original Series and the [[Thousand Yahren War]] and elements apparently slated for the [[Battlestar Galactica (SDS)|first revival attempt of "Battlestar Galactica"]] as a new TV series by Bryan Singer and Tom DeSanto in 2001.

The name "Cyrannus" has also been used in one [[Battlestar Galactica (TOS)|Original Series]] episode, "[[The Long Patrol]]", but not to describe a solar system (see [[Cyrannus#Origin of the Name in the Original Series|the section on the use of the term in the Original Series]]).

*No aired episode of the [[Battlestar Galactica (RDM)|Re-imagined Series]] has used "Cyrannus" as the name of their solar system. Therefore, the [[canon|official name]] of the solar system of the [[The Twelve Colonies (RDM)|Twelve Colonies]] for the Re-imagined Series is unknown.
*It's not known in the video game whether Cyrannus is a single star with multiple life-bearing planets, or a [[#Binary Stars|binary]], a trinary star system, or an [[#Open Star Clusters|open cluster]] of stars.

== The Problem of "Cyrannus" and 12 Earth-like planets ==

While it has been ascertained through searches undertaken from both the surface of the Earth and the [[Wikipedia:Hubble_Space_Telescope|Hubble Space Telescope]] that there are a large number of planets orbiting sunlike stars in our galaxy, most of the planets discovered to date are clssified as gas giants, similar in size and potentialy in composition as the planet [[Wikipedia:Jupiter_%28planet%29|Jupiter]] in our own solar system. However, it is very hard for modern telescopes to discern Earth-sized worlds, so currently gas giants are the main planets being discovered.

Further, it is believed that there is a very narrow band of space around a star that will encourage the formation of life-bearing planets (the so-called "Goldilocks Zone"). This is a region of space where the heat from the sun is neither too hot nor too cold to allow for the stable presence of liquid water, which is a prerequisite for the natural development of life through chemical and then organic means (life on Earth, at any rate). However, it is possible, albeit unlikely, that all of the Twelve Worlds are on the same orbital path that goes through this zone.

It is highly improbable that a single star would have no fewer than twelve planets and moons orbiting a star within the "zone of life" for that star. Moreover, a system with this many planets would probably be dynamically unstable. This would indicate that it is doubtful the 12 colonies exist within the planetary system of a single star - unless the Colonials have the ability to carry out considerable [[Wikipedia: Terraforming|terraforming]], something that is not indicated given their current technological capabilities. A limited degree of terraforming is possible even with Earth-level technology, however, so it is not entirely implausible. Moreover, the number of candidates for terraforming may be higher than conventionally assumed; in our solar system, for example, they may include the Galilean satellites of Jupiter. In the [[Battlestar Galactica (RDM)|Re-imagined Series]], Caprica is depicted as Earthlike, but the other Colonies are not shown, so they may well be non-Earthlike worlds.

==Binary Stars==
[[Wikipedia:Binary_stars|Binary stars]] are stars bound by a common gravitational force such that they orbit around a common point in space. Their spectral types can vary quite widely, and it is questionable as to whether all binaries will be capable of producing stable planets due to the degree of gravitational flux between the stars.

Binary star systems can also form the center of hierarchical triple (trinary) systems (a binary system with a third star orbiting both) at a much greater distance.

Cyrannus might be considered a binary star system because such systems, while containing multiple stars, are often referred to by a single name.
A binary star system, with stars in the G-K spectral range offer the possibility that each star develops its own Goldilocks Zone and habitable planets therein. The changing distance between the two stars as they orbit each other could conceivably encourage the use of some form of FTL travel to move rapidly between worlds orbiting either star.

=== Example of a Binary Star System ===

The [[Wikipedia:Alpha Centauri|Alpha Centauri]] system is a prime example of both a binary star system and an hierarchial triple star system, a multiple-star system having a single name.

Alpha Centauri comprises a true binary system, Alpha Centauri A and Alpha Centauri B, both of which are of the correct spectral types to sustain life-bearing planets. They in turn are orbited by a third star at a much greater distance (Proxima Centauri), thus making the system an hierarchial triple. Proxima Centauri is classified as a red dwarf, and thus is believed incapable of bearing life-sustaining planets.

==Open Star Clusters==

Open star clusters, as their name suggests, are groupings of multiple stars in relatively close proximity to one another which are not bound together by gravity (although a star cluster can contain [[#Binary Stars|binaries]] among its number). Due to the number of stars within a cluster, the possibly of several being able to support life-bearing planets might be considered high.

There are several advantages in considering Cyrannus to represent a star cluster, or for the Twelve Colonies of Man to be within an open star cluster:

* A star cluster may present a much large number of stars capable of supporting life-bearing planets
* The distances between stars would be much greater than a binary system, and would help explain why some vessels operated by the Colonials are so luxuriously equipped or outfitted for long duration flights, as it would most likely require vessels to make multiple jumps between stars, thus measuring journey times in terms of days (or possibly weeks).
* A star cluster might explain why the Colonials don't appear to have undertaken much in the way of really deep-space exploration. They might have been engaged in simply surveying other stars within the cluster, but at the same time being oblivious to the precise location of [[Kobol]] relative to their own worlds.
* A star cluster would give the [[Cylons (TOS)|Cylons]] ample opportunity to hide away from Colonial eyes, while still monitoring (and perhaps influencing) Colonial activities.

===Example of an Open Star Cluster===

The [[Wikipedia:Pleiades_%28star_cluster%29|Pleiades]] cluster is a classic exmaple of an open star cluster, although it is one that contains relatively young stars, many of which are burning too hot to sustain life-bearing planets.

==Origin of the Name in the Original Series==

In "[[The Long Patrol]]", [[Starbuck (TOS)|Starbuck]] refers to the [[The Twelve Colonies (TOS)|Twelve Colonies]] as being in the "Cyranus Galaxy". This may be an error on the part of the series writers on the grounds that:

* The Colonials are seeking [[Earth]], and so must be travelling within the Milky Way Galaxy
* The [[Battlestar Galactica (TOS)|Original Series]] neither shows nor implies any inter-galactic travel.

Counterpoints:

*Earth in the Original Series does not have to be the Earth of the Milky Way Galaxy.
*The Original Series may use a different name for our galaxy, so inter-galatic travel is not necessarily implied.
*The Original Series may use a different definition for the word galaxy to mean solar system or sector. There are several examples in the series that appear to bear this out.
**The lead Centurion in [[The Hand of God (TOS)|The Hand of God]] orders their Raiders on patrol deeper into the galaxy.
**The episode "[[Saga of a Star World (TOS)|Saga of a Star World]]" makes clear that a [[Raider]] needed to refuel to reach the Colonies from [[Cylons (TOS)|the Cylon Empire]].

[[Category:A to Z]]
[[Category:Colonial History]]
[[Category:Planets]]
[[Category:Video Game]]

Viper (TOS)

2006-03-26T08:21:01Z

Centurion 99:

''This article discusses the Viper fighter seen in the [[Battlestar Galactica (TOS)|Original Series]]. For information on the Vipers used in the [[Battlestar Galactica (RDM)|Re-imagined Series]], see [[Viper (RDM)]].''
[[Image:bsg-viper-tos.jpg|thumb|Starhound Viper (credit: Universal / ABC)]]

The Colonial Starhound Viper was the primary space superiority fighter / attack craft deployed by the Colonials. Capable of atmospheric flight, it was a single-seat craft mounting two laser-torpedo guns as standard, as well as having hardpoints for mounting missiles.

The Viper was originally introduced into Colonial service during the 1,000 yahren war with the Cylons, and was a far superior craft to the [[Cylon Raider#Original Series Raider|Cylon Raider]].

Propulsion was said to be provided by a hybrid tylium / fusion reactor powering three ion engines with a "turbo-boost" facility for very rapid acceleration. For atmospheric flight, the engines are additionally supplied with atmospheric gases as combustibles to conserve on-board fuel supplies. The viper cockpit is fully pressurised, and in the event of catastrophic system damage, the entire module can detach and eject away from the damaged Viper.

== Dimensions ==
*Length: (approx) 8.7m
*Wingspan: (approx) 3.8m

== Propulsion ==
*3x ion engines mounted aft

== Aramaments ==
*2 x forward-firing laser-torpedo guns
*4 x two-hundred kiloton Solonite missiles
*2 x thirty megaton Solonite bombs

==Crew==
* Pilot

==Layout==
[[Image:tos-viper-cut.jpg|thumb|Starhound Viper Cutaway (credit: Mike McAdams)]]
The Viper is a long, sleek vehicle that can be spilt into two parts, fore and aft.

* Fore section: comprises the nose back to the cockpit. This contains the targeting dish and sensor array, the forward landing gear; the main avionics and sensor packages, plus the cockpit module
* Stern section: comprises the main engines, reactor systems, turbo-boost injection systems, fuel tanks, wings and vertial stabiliser. The wings themselves contain the laser-torpedo guns and their power packs. Harpoints beneath the wings allow missiles, munitions pods and other items to be rack-mounted.

==Notes==
The Viper bears a somewhat obvious resemblance to the [[Wikipedia: X-wing|X-wing starfighter]] of [[Wikipedia: Star Wars|Star Wars]].

[[Category:A to Z]] [[Category:TOS]] [[Category:Colonial Craft (TOS)]] [[Category:Colonial Military (TOS)]]

Cylon Models

2006-03-24T08:06:01Z

Centurion 99: C'mon. It's obvious she's referring to the old ones...

{{Cylons Series}}
==Centurion Model 0005==
[[Image:Centurion_armor_old.jpg|thumb|Cylon Centurion (Armor) on display. ([[Miniseries]])]]
Model Name: Cylon Centurion
:''Main article: [[Cylon Centurion Model 0005]]''
The Centurion Model 0005, glimpsed briefly in two scenes of the [[Miniseries]], was apparently the latest Cylon model to have been extensively documented by Colonial authorities after the [[Cylon War]]. It is a primitive model, resembling a short, clumsy humanoid with a single red eye - or as some of the Colonials contemptuously referred to them, "chrome [[toaster]]s". According to [[Saul Tigh]] in a deleted [http://www.scifi.com/battlestar/episodes/season02/202/deleted1.html scene] from the episode "[[Resistance]]", they had a distinctive "stink" of machine oil.

These models were apparently the instigators of the Cylon Rebellion, or their immediate descendants. They fought in all the major engagements of the Cylon War, including the boardings of ''[[Brenik]]'' and ''[[Galactica]]''. A painting by [[Monclair]] depicts a massive melee between early-model Cylons and joint Aerelon-Caprican ground forces.

They were apparently far from emotionless — in the above-mentioned scene, Tigh recollects their vicious tactics in hand-to-hand combat: "The first one was Duncan Raverty. I found him in the corridor. His guts were strewn around on the floor. Y'know, at first I couldn't figure out why the Cylons would bother doing something like that [...] You had to look into their red eye-slit. They hated us. They hated us so much it wasn't enough just to kill us."

:''This model was included in the miniseries primarily as an homage to the [[Battlestar Galactica (TOS)|Original Series]]. Within the context of the Re-imagined Series, the Model 0005 is over 40 years old, and was the last assumed appearance of the Cylons after the war. While remarks by [[Number Six]] in the miniseries state that "those [walking chrome toaster] models are still around. They have their uses," it is most likely that she is referring to the old Centurions, as the new Centurions seem to be a fairly recent addition to Cylon forces. ''

==Modern Centurion==
[[Image:Cento.jpg|thumb|right|The deadly Cylon Centurion, upgraded from its predecessors.]]
:''Main article: [[Cylon Centurion]]''
The current mainstay of Cylon ground forces, the modern Centurion is a taller, swifter and more agile unit than the Model 0005. Its "fingers" serve as edged weapons in close-quarters combat, and can retract to make way for projectile weapons built into its forearms.

There are apparently two armor configurations - the Centurions encountered by Lt. [[Karl Agathon]] on occupied [[The Twelve Colonies (RDM)#Caprica|Caprica]] were susceptible to normal small-arms fire, while the boarding party dispatched to ''[[Galactica (RDM)|Galactica]]'' in the episode "[[Valley of Darkness]]" could only be impeded by explosive rounds.

Although the earlier centurion models presumably took a leadership role in their war against the colonials, modern centurions are completely mute and subservient to the human models. According to an interview with Ron Moore, they are not sentient and unlike the Cylon agents, their minds are not transferred to new bodies upon death.

==Cylon Spacecraft==
[[image:SCinside2.jpg|thumb|right|[[Kara Thrace]] is cutting her way through the biomechanical muscles of the [[Cylon Raider]] in order to get in. ("[[You Can't Go Home Again]]")]]
:''Main article: [[Cylon Spacecraft]]''
The current model Cylon Raider is an unpiloted, autonomous craft ([[Miniseries]]), apparently capable of operating at fair distance from any command vessel ([[Tigh Me Up, Tigh Me Down]], [[Final Cut]]). Capt. [[Jackson Spencer]], encountering the newer model Cylon Raider for the first time, expresses shock that "nobody's flying these things". Lt. [[Kara Thrace]] later discovers that the Raider she had [[Skirmish over the Red Moon|shot down over the Red Moon]] was, after a fashion, "alive". She removes most of its organic parts before returning with it to ''[[Galactica (RDM)|Galactica]]''. There, [[Sharon Valerii (Galactica copy)|Sharon Valerii]], a Cylon sleeper agent, guesses that the Raider is a Cylon in its own right, although "More of an animal, maybe, than the human models... like a pet" ([[Six Degrees of Separation]]).

Later on, in the the episode [[Scar]], [[Sharon Valerii]] and [[Kara Thrace]] have a discussion about the Raider that has been shooting down pilots frequently, and Sharon confirms that Raiders 'download'/reincarnate. In addition, Sharon reinforces the earlier statement about the animal-like nature of Raiders, saying, "A raider's much like a trained animal, with the basic consciousness and survival instinct."

The current model [[Cylon Basestar]] also makes extensive use of organic parts ([[Kobol's Last Gleaming, Part II]]), although it is unclear whether or not is can function autonomously.

:''In both these cases, the distinction between a "Cylon" and their own semi-sentient technology becomes increasingly blurred — interestingly, the same problem that led to the [[Cylon War]] in the first place.''

== Human Models ==
:''Main article: [[Cylon agent]]''
At some point at least two years prior to the [[miniseries]], Cylon forces in exile on their homeworld were able to perfect the creation of organic models, almost completely indistinguishable from human beings. These were used to quietly and effectively infiltrate the Colonial defense forces, with agents such as [[Number Six#Natasi|Natasi]] gaining access to secret military technology, and sleeper agents such as [[Sharon Valerii (Galactica copy)|Sharon Valerii]] being planted within the [[Colonial Fleet]] itself.

Cylon agents can be programmed to believe they are human, and several have been planted within colonial society with false memories and forged backgrounds. Unplanned discovery of their true nature can be extremely disturbing for these units, and their behavior is not always predictable.

Cylon agents are visually indistinguishable from humans. Only slight chemical differences reveal human from Cylon agent. Humanoid Cylons apparently differ from humans in three principal ways:

===Reproductive Difficulties=== [[Image:Sharonspine.jpg|thumb|right|Sharon Valerii conceives a child with [[Karl Agathon]] ([[Six Degrees of Separation]]).]]
With a single exception, no human-model Cylon has been able to conceive a child ([[The Farm]]). It is impossible for two Cylons to reproduce with each other, and as result the Cylons began cross-breeding experiments with humans (who can reproduce easily), which so far has only resulted in the pregnancy of [[Sharon Valerii (Caprica copy)|the Caprica-copy of Sharon Valerii]]. Cylon beliefs attribute this to the apparent inability of Cylons to feel love, which they believe to be a crucial element of the process.

===Bioluminescence===
[[Image:6spine-ms.jpg|thumb|left|[[Number Six]]'s spine glows during intercourse]]On two occasions, the vertebrae of human-model Cylons have been seen to emit a red glow visible through the skin during sexual intercourse ([[Miniseries]], "[[Six Degrees of Separation]]"). Their bodies' ability to emit or respond to light appears linked to their ability to interface with computer systems via fiber-optic connections ([[Flight of the Phoenix]]).

===Silica Pathways===
Cylon brains are imbued with a vaguely described technology called [[Silica Pathways|silica pathways]]. This legacy technology existed in the original Centurion Model 0005, but some of this technology remains in the human models, although the technology appears to have been integrated at the molecular level since the brains of Cylon agents and humans are visually identical. Silica pathways are possibly key in the maintenance or transfer of thoughts, memories and consciousness of a Cylon to be downloaded and transferred into a new body when the agent dies. Silica pathways in Cylon agents, as in Centurions, remain susceptible to certain forms of radiation, as found in the upper atmosphere of the planet [[Ragnar]] and the [[Wikipedia:Plutonium|Plutonium]] used as the active element of Dr. [[Gaius Baltar]]'s [[Cylon Detector]]. It normally takes several hours of prolonged exposure for this radiation to have a visible effect ([[Miniseries]], "[[Bastille Day]]").

===Known Models===

In the miniseries, somewhat ambiguous comments by [[Caprica-Six]] and a note left for [[William Adama]] (presumably by [[Gaius Baltar]]) indicated that there were only twelve humanoid models at the time of the [[Fall of the Twelve Colonies]]. These were clarified by [[Ronald D. Moore]] in an [http://www.thefandom.com/Article50.phtml interview] on "The Chase Show", hosted on the SF webcast news site [http://www.thefandom.com/TheFandom.com]. Of the twelve human models, seven have been revealed as of the episode "[[Lay Down Your Burdens, Part II]]".
<gallery>
Image:Xena_closeup.jpg|[[Number Three]]
Image:Doral.PNG|[[Number Five]]
Image:Six_closeup.jpg|[[Number Six]]
Image:Boomer_closeup.jpg|[[Number Eight]]
Image:CyLeo.jpg|[[Leoben Conoy]]
Image:Cysim.jpg|[[Simon]]
Image:Cavil_closeup.jpg|[[Cavil]]
</gallery>

===Organizational Relationships===

The exact nature of the Cylon hierarchy remains unclear. The humanoid models, as the most evolved form of Cylon, are definitely in charge of the Centurions and Raiders. [[Caprica-Six]]'s statement in "[[Downloaded]]" that Cylon culture is based on unity and that celebrities such as herself are something new implies that there is no single "Imperious Leader" as there was in the old series. Copies of Numbers Three, Five, Six, and Eight are most often seen in command positions.

[[Category:A to Z]]
[[Category:Cylons]]
[[Category:RDM]]

Cyrannus

2006-03-23T18:25:54Z

Centurion 99: /* The Problem of "Cyrannus" and 12 Earth-like planets */

==Overview==

'''Cyrannus''' (also spelled "Cyranus") is the name of the solar system containing the worlds of the Twelve Colonies of Man in the [[Video Game|Battlestar Galactica video game]], published in 2003.

The 2003 video game has its own continuity (as opposed to the [[Battlestar Galactica (RDM)|Re-imagined Series]] or [[Battlestar Galactica (TOS)|Original Series]]) that draws from elements of the Original Series and the [[Thousand Yahren War]] and elements apparently slated for the [[Battlestar Galactica (SDS)|first revival attempt of "Battlestar Galactica"]] as a new TV series by Bryan Singer and Tom DeSanto in 2001.

The name "Cyrannus" has also been used in one [[Battlestar Galactica (TOS)|Original Series]] episode, "[[The Long Patrol]]", but not to describe a solar system (see [[Cyrannus#Origin of the Name in the Original Series|the section on the use of the term in the Original Series]]).

*No aired episode of the [[Battlestar Galactica (RDM)|Re-imagined Series]] has used "Cyrannus" as the name of their solar system. Therefore, the [[canon|official name]] of the solar system of the [[The Twelve Colonies (RDM)|Twelve Colonies]] for the Re-imagined Series is unknown.
*It's not known in the video game whether Cyrannus is a single star with multiple life-bearing planets, or a [[#Binary Stars|binary]], a trinary star system, or an [[#Open Star Clusters|open cluster]] of stars.

== The Problem of "Cyrannus" and 12 Earth-like planets ==

While it has been ascertained through searches undertaken from both the surface of the Earth and the [[Wikipedia:Hubble_Space_Telescope|Hubble Space Telescope]] that there are a large number of planets orbiting sunlike stars in our galaxy, most of the planets discovered to date are clssified as gas giants, similar in size and potentialy in composition as the planet [[Wikipedia:Jupiter_%28planet%29|Jupiter]] in our own solar system. However, it is very hard for modern telescopes to discern Earth-sized worlds, so currently gas giants are the main planets being discovered.

Further, it is believed that there is a very narrow band of space around a star that will encourage the formation of life-bearing planets (the so-called "Goldilocks Zone"). This is a region of space where the heat from the sun is neither too hot nor too cold to allow for the stable presence of liquid water, which is a prerequisite for the natural development of life through chemical and then organic means.

It is highly improbable that a single star would have no fewer than twelve planets and moons orbiting a star within the "zone of life" for that star. Moreover, a system with this many planets would probably be dynamically unstable. This would indicate that it is doubtful the 12 colonies exist within the planetary system of a single star - unless the Colonials have the ability to carry out considerable [[Wikipedia: Terraforming|terraforming]], something that is not indicated given their current technological capabilities. A limited degree of terraforming is possible even with Earth-level technology, however, so it is not entirely implausible. Moreover, the number of candidates for terraforming may be higher than conventionally assumed; in our solar system, for example, they may include the Galilean satellites of Jupiter. In the [[Battlestar Galactica (RDM)|Re-imagined Series]], Caprica is depicted as Earthlike, but the other Colonies are not shown, so they may well be non-Earthlike worlds.

==Binary Stars==
[[Wikipedia:Binary_stars|Binary stars]] are stars bound by a common gravitational force such that they orbit around a common point in space. Their spectral types can vary quite widely, and it is questionable as to whether all binaries will be capable of producing stable planets due to the degree of gravitational flux between the stars.

Binary star systems can also form the center of hierarchical triple (trinary) systems (a binary system with a third star orbiting both) at a much greater distance.

Cyrannus might be considered a binary star system because such systems, while containing multiple stars, are often referred to by a single name.
A binary star system, with stars in the G-K spectral range offer the possibility that each star develops its own Goldilocks Zone and habitable planets therein. The changing distance between the two stars as they orbit each other could conceivably encourage the use of some form of FTL travel to move rapidly between worlds orbiting either star.

=== Example of a Binary Star System ===

The [[Wikipedia:Alpha Centauri|Alpha Centauri]] system is a prime example of both a binary star system and an hierarchial triple star system, a multiple-star system having a single name.

Alpha Centauri comprises a true binary system, Alpha Centauri A and Alpha Centauri B, both of which are of the correct spectral types to sustain life-bearing planets. They in turn are orbited by a third star at a much greater distance (Proxima Centauri), thus making the system an hierarchial triple. Proxima Centauri is classified as a red dwarf, and thus is believed incapable of bearing life-sustaining planets.

==Open Star Clusters==

Open star clusters, as their name suggests, are groupings of multiple stars in relatively close proximity to one another which are not bound together by gravity (although a star cluster can contain [[#Binary Stars|binaries]] among its number). Due to the number of stars within a cluster, the possibly of several being able to support life-bearing planets might be considered high.

There are several advantages in considering Cyrannus to represent a star cluster, or for the Twelve Colonies of Man to be within an open star cluster:

* A star cluster may present a much large number of stars capable of supporting life-bearing planets
* The distances between stars would be much greater than a binary system, and would help explain why some vessels operated by the Colonials are so luxuriously equipped or outfitted for long duration flights, as it would most likely require vessels to make multiple jumps between stars, thus measuring journey times in terms of days (or possibly weeks).
* A star cluster might explain why the Colonials don't appear to have undertaken much in the way of really deep-space exploration. They might have been engaged in simply surveying other stars within the cluster, but at the same time being oblivious to the precise location of [[Kobol]] relative to their own worlds.
* A star cluster would give the [[Cylons (TOS)|Cylons]] ample opportunity to hide away from Colonial eyes, while still monitoring (and perhaps influencing) Colonial activities.

===Example of an Open Star Cluster===

The [[Wikipedia:Pleiades_%28star_cluster%29|Pleiades]] cluster is a classic exmaple of an open star cluster, although it is one that contains relatively young stars, many of which are burning too hot to sustain life-bearing planets.

==Origin of the Name in the Original Series==

In "[[The Long Patrol]]", [[Starbuck (TOS)|Starbuck]] refers to the [[The Twelve Colonies (TOS)|Twelve Colonies]] as being in the "Cyranus Galaxy". This may be an error on the part of the series writers on the grounds that:

* The Colonials are seeking [[Earth]], and so must be travelling within the Milky Way Galaxy
* The [[Battlestar Galactica (TOS)|Original Series]] neither shows nor implies any inter-galactic travel.

Counterpoints:

*Earth in the Original Series does not have to be the Earth of the Milky Way Galaxy.
*The Original Series may use a different name for our galaxy, so inter-galatic travel is not necessarily implied.
*The Original Series may use a different definition for the word galaxy to mean solar system or sector. There are several examples in the series that appear to bear this out.
**The lead Centurion in [[The Hand of God (TOS)|The Hand of God]] orders their Raiders on patrol deeper into the galaxy.
**The episode "[[Saga of a Star World (TOS)|Saga of a Star World]]" makes clear that a [[Raider]] needed to refuel to reach the Colonies from [[Cylons (TOS)|the Cylon Empire]].

[[Category:A to Z]]
[[Category:Colonial History]]
[[Category:Planets]]
[[Category:Video Game]]

Cylon Centurion Model 0005

2006-03-23T18:24:01Z

Centurion 99: /* See Also */

[[Image:Centurion_armor_old.jpg|thumb|Cylon Centurion (Armor) on display. ([[Mini-Series]]) Credit Sci-Fi Channel / GateWorld.net]]
Model Name: Cylon Centurion

Model Designation: 0005

Life Span: Unknown

The Cylon Centurion is a model of [[Cylon]] used in various heavy to light labor and military applications. Before the [[Cylon War]], the model earned the nickname of "walking chrome [[toaster]]s" due to their physical appearance. ([[Mini-Series]])

== Physical Appearance ==
Cylons are bipedal and, unlike the modern day [[Cylon Centurion]], are apparently not equipped with attached weapons packages. Despite this disadvantage, they can utilize any weapon at hand and are physically stronger than a human.

This model averages 6-foot, 6-inches in height and is silver chrome in color. It is neither a fast model nor extremely efficient, due to its bulk. Its iconic feature is the one Cylon "eye" that glows red and pulsates back and forth in a visor-like slot.

Centurions of this model are run on internal powercells.

The Cylon can last 9 to 10 years without excessive maintenance or need for additional power. ([[Miniseries]])

This model has been replaced with the new [[Cylon Centurion]] in all appearances.

== Source Text ==
[[Image:Cylon_centurion_model_0005.jpg|thumb|[[Armistice Officer]]'s paper work on the Cylon Centurion model. ([[Miniseries]]) Credit: Universal Studios]]
Some information was gleaned from the paperwork reviewed by the [[Armistice Officer]] in the [[Mini-Series]]. One issue with this information is the use of the word "yahren" (term used in the [[Battlestar Galactica (TOS)|original ''Battlestar Galactica'']] meaning a year). Other paperwork visible in the same scene is labeled "[[Cimtar Peace Accord]]," which occurred in the original series as well.

The readable text of the Cylon Specifications sheet is as follows:

: <center>CYLON SPECIFICATIONS</center>
: <center>Cylon Centurian Model 0005</center>
: The Cylon:

: A Cylon is a bipedal robot. They are self aware, and usually quite logical. They are not especially fast, but they are quite strong. They are artificial in nature, and are larger than a human, around 6' 6" (2m), although this varies with their type. Cylon eyes glow red, and pulse back and forth.
: A Cylon is powered by internal powercells which allow it to function without outside aid for around nine to ten yahrens.

== New versus Old ==
This model of Cylon Centurion is one aspect of the Original Series that maintains continuity to the reimagined series. It is noted by the Armistice Officer's paperwork, and their appearance in the museums on Caprica and ''Galactica''.

== Canonical Spelling ==
There is some debate among fans regarding the canonical spelling of this model's name. [[Wikipedia:Centurion|Centurion]]s were professional officers of the Roman Army, and are widely acknowledged as the basis of the Cylon name. Some official material, such as the on-screen appearance of the Armistice Officer's datasheet and the packaging of the original Mattel action figures, used the spelling "Centurian." For the purposes of this wiki, the spelling "Centurion" is used throughout.

==See Also==

The [[Cylon Centurion]] model used in the reimagined series is more versatile and dangerous than its predecessor, and has replaced Model 0005 in almost all, if not all, of its use over the course of the forty years between the end of the Cylon War and the holocaust, though it is implied by [[Number Six]] that some might still be around.

[[Category:A to Z]]
[[Category:Cylons]]
[[Category:Cylons (TOS)|Centurion Model 0005]]
[[Category:RDM]]
[[Category:TOS]]

Cylon Models

2006-03-23T18:22:30Z

Centurion 99: /* Centurion Model 0005 */

{{Cylons Series}}
==Centurion Model 0005==
[[Image:Centurion_armor_old.jpg|thumb|Cylon Centurion (Armor) on display. ([[Miniseries]])]]
Model Name: Cylon Centurion
:''Main article: [[Cylon Centurion Model 0005]]''
The Centurion Model 0005, glimpsed briefly in two scenes of the [[Miniseries]], was apparently the latest Cylon model to have been extensively documented by Colonial authorities after the [[Cylon War]]. It is a primitive model, resembling a short, clumsy humanoid with a single red eye - or as some of the Colonials contemptuously referred to them, "chrome [[toaster]]s". According to [[Saul Tigh]] in a deleted [http://www.scifi.com/battlestar/episodes/season02/202/deleted1.html scene] from the episode "[[Resistance]]", they had a distinctive "stink" of machine oil.

These models were apparently the instigators of the Cylon Rebellion, or their immediate descendants. They fought in all the major engagements of the Cylon War, including the boardings of ''[[Brenik]]'' and ''[[Galactica]]''. A painting by [[Monclair]] depicts a massive melee between early-model Cylons and joint Aerelon-Caprican ground forces.

They were apparently far from emotionless — in the above-mentioned scene, Tigh recollects their vicious tactics in hand-to-hand combat: "The first one was Duncan Raverty. I found him in the corridor. His guts were strewn around on the floor. Y'know, at first I couldn't figure out why the Cylons would bother doing something like that [...] You had to look into their red eye-slit. They hated us. They hated us so much it wasn't enough just to kill us."

:''This model was included in the miniseries primarily as an homage to the [[Battlestar Galactica (TOS)|Original Series]]. Within the context of the Re-imagined Series, the Model 0005 is over 40 years old, and was the last assumed appearance of the Cylons after the war. While remarks by [[Number Six]] in the miniseries state that "those [walking chrome toaster] models are still around. They have their uses" it is most likely that she is referring to the old Centurions, as the new Centurions appear to be a new addition to the Cylon ranks.

==Modern Centurion==
[[Image:Cento.jpg|thumb|right|The deadly Cylon Centurion, upgraded from its predacessors.]]
:''Main article: [[Cylon Centurion]]''
The current mainstay of Cylon ground forces, the modern Centurion is a taller, swifter and more agile unit than the Model 0005. Its "fingers" serve as edged weapons in close-quarters combat, and can retract to make way for projectile weapons built into its forearms.

There are apparently two armor configurations - the Centurions encountered by Lt. [[Karl Agathon]] on occupied [[The Twelve Colonies (RDM)#Caprica|Caprica]] were susceptible to normal small-arms fire, while the boarding party dispatched to ''[[Galactica (RDM)|Galactica]]'' in the episode "[[Valley of Darkness]]" could only be impeded by explosive rounds.

Although the earlier centurion models presumably took a leadership role in their war against the colonials, modern centurions are completely mute and subservient to the human models. According to an interview with Ron Moore, they are not sentient and unlike the Cylon agents, their minds are not transferred to new bodies upon death.

==Cylon Spacecraft==
[[image:SCinside2.jpg|thumb|right|[[Kara Thrace]] is cutting her way through the biomechanical muscles of the [[Cylon Raider]] in order to get in. ("[[You Can't Go Home Again]]")]]
:''Main article: [[Cylon Spacecraft]]''
The current model Cylon Raider is an unpiloted, autonomous craft ([[Miniseries]]), apparently capable of operating at fair distance from any command vessel ([[Tigh Me Up, Tigh Me Down]], [[Final Cut]]). Capt. [[Jackson Spencer]], encountering the newer model Cylon Raider for the first time, expresses shock that "nobody's flying these things". Lt. [[Kara Thrace]] later discovers that the Raider she had [[Skirmish over the Red Moon|shot down over the Red Moon]] was, after a fashion, "alive". She removes most of its organic parts before returning with it to ''[[Galactica (RDM)|Galactica]]''. There, [[Sharon Valerii (Galactica copy)|Sharon Valerii]], a Cylon sleeper agent, guesses that the Raider is a Cylon in its own right, although "More of an animal, maybe, than the human models... like a pet" ([[Six Degrees of Separation]]).

Later on, in the the episode [[Scar]], [[Sharon Valerii]] and [[Kara Thrace]] have a discussion about the Raider that has been shooting down pilots frequently, and Sharon confirms that Raiders 'download'/reincarnate. In addition, Sharon reinforces the earlier statement about the animal-like nature of Raiders, saying, "A raider's much like a trained animal, with the basic consciousness and survival instinct."

The current model [[Cylon Basestar]] also makes extensive use of organic parts ([[Kobol's Last Gleaming, Part II]]), although it is unclear whether or not is can function autonomously.

:''In both these cases, the distinction between a "Cylon" and their own semi-sentient technology becomes increasingly blurred — interestingly, the same problem that led to the [[Cylon War]] in the first place.''

== Human Models ==
:''Main article: [[Cylon agent]]''
At some point at least two years prior to the [[miniseries]], Cylon forces in exile on their homeworld were able to perfect the creation of organic models, almost completely indistinguishable from human beings. These were used to quietly and effectively infiltrate the Colonial defense forces, with agents such as [[Number Six#Natasi|Natasi]] gaining access to secret military technology, and sleeper agents such as [[Sharon Valerii (Galactica copy)|Sharon Valerii]] being planted within the [[Colonial Fleet]] itself.

Cylon agents can be programmed to believe they are human, and several have been planted within colonial society with false memories and forged backgrounds. Unplanned discovery of their true nature can be extremely disturbing for these units, and their behavior is not always predictable.

Cylon agents are visually indistinguishable from humans. Only slight chemical differences reveal human from Cylon agent. Humanoid Cylons apparently differ from humans in three principal ways:

===Reproductive Difficulties=== [[Image:Sharonspine.jpg|thumb|right|Sharon Valerii conceives a child with [[Karl Agathon]] ([[Six Degrees of Separation]]).]]
With a single exception, no human-model Cylon has been able to conceive a child ([[The Farm]]). It is impossible for two Cylons to reproduce with each other, and as result the Cylons began cross-breeding experiments with humans (who can reproduce easily), which so far has only resulted in the pregnancy of [[Sharon Valerii (Caprica copy)|the Caprica-copy of Sharon Valerii]]. Cylon beliefs attribute this to the apparent inability of Cylons to feel love, which they believe to be a crucial element of the process.

===Bioluminescence===
[[Image:6spine-ms.jpg|thumb|left|[[Number Six]]'s spine glows during intercourse]]On two occasions, the vertebrae of human-model Cylons have been seen to emit a red glow visible through the skin during sexual intercourse ([[Miniseries]], "[[Six Degrees of Separation]]"). Their bodies' ability to emit or respond to light appears linked to their ability to interface with computer systems via fiber-optic connections ([[Flight of the Phoenix]]).

===Silica Pathways===
Cylon brains are imbued with a vaguely described technology called [[Silica Pathways|silica pathways]]. This legacy technology existed in the original Centurion Model 0005, but some of this technology remains in the human models, although the technology appears to have been integrated at the molecular level since the brains of Cylon agents and humans are visually identical. Silica pathways are possibly key in the maintenance or transfer of thoughts, memories and consciousness of a Cylon to be downloaded and transferred into a new body when the agent dies. Silica pathways in Cylon agents, as in Centurions, remain susceptible to certain forms of radiation, as found in the upper atmosphere of the planet [[Ragnar]] and the [[Wikipedia:Plutonium|Plutonium]] used as the active element of Dr. [[Gaius Baltar]]'s [[Cylon Detector]]. It normally takes several hours of prolonged exposure for this radiation to have a visible effect ([[Miniseries]], "[[Bastille Day]]").

===Known Models===

In the miniseries, somewhat ambiguous comments by [[Caprica-Six]] and a note left for [[William Adama]] (presumably by [[Gaius Baltar]]) indicated that there were only twelve humanoid models at the time of the [[Fall of the Twelve Colonies]]. These were clarified by [[Ronald D. Moore]] in an [http://www.thefandom.com/Article50.phtml interview] on "The Chase Show", hosted on the SF webcast news site [http://www.thefandom.com/TheFandom.com]. Of the twelve human models, seven have been revealed as of the episode "[[Lay Down Your Burdens, Part II]]".
<gallery>
Image:Xena_closeup.jpg|[[Number Three]]
Image:Doral.PNG|[[Number Five]]
Image:Six_closeup.jpg|[[Number Six]]
Image:Boomer_closeup.jpg|[[Number Eight]]
Image:CyLeo.jpg|[[Leoben Conoy]]
Image:Cysim.jpg|[[Simon]]
Image:Cavil_closeup.jpg|[[Cavil]]
</gallery>

===Organizational Relationships===

The exact nature of the Cylon hierarchy remains unclear. The humanoid models, as the most evolved form of Cylon, are definitely in charge of the Centurions and Raiders. [[Caprica-Six]]'s statement in "[[Downloaded]]" that Cylon culture is based on unity and that celebrities such as herself are something new implies that there is no single "Imperious Leader" as there was in the old series. Copies of Numbers Three, Five, Six, and Eight are most often seen in command positions.

[[Category:A to Z]]
[[Category:Cylons]]
[[Category:RDM]]

Cylon Models

2006-03-23T18:20:56Z

Centurion 99: /* Centurion Model 0005 */

{{Cylons Series}}
==Centurion Model 0005==
[[Image:Centurion_armor_old.jpg|thumb|Cylon Centurion (Armor) on display. ([[Miniseries]])]]
Model Name: Cylon Centurion
:''Main article: [[Cylon Centurion Model 0005]]''
The Centurion Model 0005, glimpsed briefly in two scenes of the [[Miniseries]], was apparently the latest Cylon model to have been extensively documented by Colonial authorities after the [[Cylon War]]. It is a primitive model, resembling a short, clumsy humanoid with a single red eye - or as some of the Colonials contemptuously referred to them, "chrome [[toaster]]s". According to [[Saul Tigh]] in a deleted [http://www.scifi.com/battlestar/episodes/season02/202/deleted1.html scene] from the episode "[[Resistance]]", they had a distinctive "stink" of machine oil.

These models were apparently the instigators of the Cylon Rebellion, or their immediate descendants. They fought in all the major engagements of the Cylon War, including the boardings of ''[[Brenik]]'' and ''[[Galactica]]''. A painting by [[Monclair]] depicts a massive melee between early-model Cylons and joint Aerelon-Caprican ground forces.

They were apparently far from emotionless — in the above-mentioned scene, Tigh recollects their vicious tactics in hand-to-hand combat: "The first one was Duncan Raverty. I found him in the corridor. His guts were strewn around on the floor. Y'know, at first I couldn't figure out why the Cylons would bother doing something like that [...] You had to look into their red eye-slit. They hated us. They hated us so much it wasn't enough just to kill us."

:''This model was included in the miniseries primarily as an homage to the [[Battlestar Galactica (TOS)|Original Series]]. Within the context of the Re-imagined Series, the Model 0005 is over 40 years old, and was the last assumed appearance of the Cylons after the war. While remarks by [[Number Six]] in the miniseries state that "those [walking chrome toaster] models are still around. They have their uses," it is most likely that she is referring to the old Centurions, as the new Centurions appear to be a new addition to the Cylon ranks.

==Modern Centurion==
[[Image:Cento.jpg|thumb|right|The deadly Cylon Centurion, upgraded from its predacessors.]]
:''Main article: [[Cylon Centurion]]''
The current mainstay of Cylon ground forces, the modern Centurion is a taller, swifter and more agile unit than the Model 0005. Its "fingers" serve as edged weapons in close-quarters combat, and can retract to make way for projectile weapons built into its forearms.

There are apparently two armor configurations - the Centurions encountered by Lt. [[Karl Agathon]] on occupied [[The Twelve Colonies (RDM)#Caprica|Caprica]] were susceptible to normal small-arms fire, while the boarding party dispatched to ''[[Galactica (RDM)|Galactica]]'' in the episode "[[Valley of Darkness]]" could only be impeded by explosive rounds.

Although the earlier centurion models presumably took a leadership role in their war against the colonials, modern centurions are completely mute and subservient to the human models. According to an interview with Ron Moore, they are not sentient and unlike the Cylon agents, their minds are not transferred to new bodies upon death.

==Cylon Spacecraft==
[[image:SCinside2.jpg|thumb|right|[[Kara Thrace]] is cutting her way through the biomechanical muscles of the [[Cylon Raider]] in order to get in. ("[[You Can't Go Home Again]]")]]
:''Main article: [[Cylon Spacecraft]]''
The current model Cylon Raider is an unpiloted, autonomous craft ([[Miniseries]]), apparently capable of operating at fair distance from any command vessel ([[Tigh Me Up, Tigh Me Down]], [[Final Cut]]). Capt. [[Jackson Spencer]], encountering the newer model Cylon Raider for the first time, expresses shock that "nobody's flying these things". Lt. [[Kara Thrace]] later discovers that the Raider she had [[Skirmish over the Red Moon|shot down over the Red Moon]] was, after a fashion, "alive". She removes most of its organic parts before returning with it to ''[[Galactica (RDM)|Galactica]]''. There, [[Sharon Valerii (Galactica copy)|Sharon Valerii]], a Cylon sleeper agent, guesses that the Raider is a Cylon in its own right, although "More of an animal, maybe, than the human models... like a pet" ([[Six Degrees of Separation]]).

Later on, in the the episode [[Scar]], [[Sharon Valerii]] and [[Kara Thrace]] have a discussion about the Raider that has been shooting down pilots frequently, and Sharon confirms that Raiders 'download'/reincarnate. In addition, Sharon reinforces the earlier statement about the animal-like nature of Raiders, saying, "A raider's much like a trained animal, with the basic consciousness and survival instinct."

The current model [[Cylon Basestar]] also makes extensive use of organic parts ([[Kobol's Last Gleaming, Part II]]), although it is unclear whether or not is can function autonomously.

:''In both these cases, the distinction between a "Cylon" and their own semi-sentient technology becomes increasingly blurred — interestingly, the same problem that led to the [[Cylon War]] in the first place.''

== Human Models ==
:''Main article: [[Cylon agent]]''
At some point at least two years prior to the [[miniseries]], Cylon forces in exile on their homeworld were able to perfect the creation of organic models, almost completely indistinguishable from human beings. These were used to quietly and effectively infiltrate the Colonial defense forces, with agents such as [[Number Six#Natasi|Natasi]] gaining access to secret military technology, and sleeper agents such as [[Sharon Valerii (Galactica copy)|Sharon Valerii]] being planted within the [[Colonial Fleet]] itself.

Cylon agents can be programmed to believe they are human, and several have been planted within colonial society with false memories and forged backgrounds. Unplanned discovery of their true nature can be extremely disturbing for these units, and their behavior is not always predictable.

Cylon agents are visually indistinguishable from humans. Only slight chemical differences reveal human from Cylon agent. Humanoid Cylons apparently differ from humans in three principal ways:

===Reproductive Difficulties=== [[Image:Sharonspine.jpg|thumb|right|Sharon Valerii conceives a child with [[Karl Agathon]] ([[Six Degrees of Separation]]).]]
With a single exception, no human-model Cylon has been able to conceive a child ([[The Farm]]). It is impossible for two Cylons to reproduce with each other, and as result the Cylons began cross-breeding experiments with humans (who can reproduce easily), which so far has only resulted in the pregnancy of [[Sharon Valerii (Caprica copy)|the Caprica-copy of Sharon Valerii]]. Cylon beliefs attribute this to the apparent inability of Cylons to feel love, which they believe to be a crucial element of the process.

===Bioluminescence===
[[Image:6spine-ms.jpg|thumb|left|[[Number Six]]'s spine glows during intercourse]]On two occasions, the vertebrae of human-model Cylons have been seen to emit a red glow visible through the skin during sexual intercourse ([[Miniseries]], "[[Six Degrees of Separation]]"). Their bodies' ability to emit or respond to light appears linked to their ability to interface with computer systems via fiber-optic connections ([[Flight of the Phoenix]]).

===Silica Pathways===
Cylon brains are imbued with a vaguely described technology called [[Silica Pathways|silica pathways]]. This legacy technology existed in the original Centurion Model 0005, but some of this technology remains in the human models, although the technology appears to have been integrated at the molecular level since the brains of Cylon agents and humans are visually identical. Silica pathways are possibly key in the maintenance or transfer of thoughts, memories and consciousness of a Cylon to be downloaded and transferred into a new body when the agent dies. Silica pathways in Cylon agents, as in Centurions, remain susceptible to certain forms of radiation, as found in the upper atmosphere of the planet [[Ragnar]] and the [[Wikipedia:Plutonium|Plutonium]] used as the active element of Dr. [[Gaius Baltar]]'s [[Cylon Detector]]. It normally takes several hours of prolonged exposure for this radiation to have a visible effect ([[Miniseries]], "[[Bastille Day]]").

===Known Models===

In the miniseries, somewhat ambiguous comments by [[Caprica-Six]] and a note left for [[William Adama]] (presumably by [[Gaius Baltar]]) indicated that there were only twelve humanoid models at the time of the [[Fall of the Twelve Colonies]]. These were clarified by [[Ronald D. Moore]] in an [http://www.thefandom.com/Article50.phtml interview] on "The Chase Show", hosted on the SF webcast news site [http://www.thefandom.com/TheFandom.com]. Of the twelve human models, seven have been revealed as of the episode "[[Lay Down Your Burdens, Part II]]".
<gallery>
Image:Xena_closeup.jpg|[[Number Three]]
Image:Doral.PNG|[[Number Five]]
Image:Six_closeup.jpg|[[Number Six]]
Image:Boomer_closeup.jpg|[[Number Eight]]
Image:CyLeo.jpg|[[Leoben Conoy]]
Image:Cysim.jpg|[[Simon]]
Image:Cavil_closeup.jpg|[[Cavil]]
</gallery>

===Organizational Relationships===

The exact nature of the Cylon hierarchy remains unclear. The humanoid models, as the most evolved form of Cylon, are definitely in charge of the Centurions and Raiders. [[Caprica-Six]]'s statement in "[[Downloaded]]" that Cylon culture is based on unity and that celebrities such as herself are something new implies that there is no single "Imperious Leader" as there was in the old series. Copies of Numbers Three, Five, Six, and Eight are most often seen in command positions.

[[Category:A to Z]]
[[Category:Cylons]]
[[Category:RDM]]

Cylon Models

2006-03-23T17:08:03Z

Centurion 99:

{{Cylons Series}}
==Centurion Model 0005==
[[Image:Centurion_armor_old.jpg|thumb|Cylon Centurion (Armor) on display. ([[Miniseries]])]]
Model Name: Cylon Centurion
:''Main article: [[Cylon Centurion Model 0005]]''
The Centurion Model 0005, glimpsed briefly in two scenes of the [[Miniseries]], was apparently the latest Cylon model to have been extensively documented by Colonial authorities after the [[Cylon War]]. It is a primitive model, resembling a short, clumsy humanoid with a single red eye - or as some of the Colonials contemptuously referred to them, "chrome [[toaster]]s". According to [[Saul Tigh]] in a deleted [http://www.scifi.com/battlestar/episodes/season02/202/deleted1.html scene] from the episode "[[Resistance]]", they had a distinctive "stink" of machine oil.

These models were apparently the instigators of the Cylon Rebellion, or their immediate descendants. They fought in all the major engagements of the Cylon War, including the boardings of ''[[Brenik]]'' and ''[[Galactica]]''. A painting by [[Monclair]] depicts a massive melee between early-model Cylons and joint Aerelon-Caprican ground forces.

They were apparently far from emotionless — in the above-mentioned scene, Tigh recollects their vicious tactics in hand-to-hand combat: "The first one was Duncan Raverty. I found him in the corridor. His guts were strewn around on the floor. Y'know, at first I couldn't figure out why the Cylons would bother doing something like that [...] You had to look into their red eye-slit. They hated us. They hated us so much it wasn't enough just to kill us."

:''This model was included in the miniseries primarily as an homage to the [[Battlestar Galactica (TOS)|Original Series]]. Within the context of the Re-imagined Series, the Model 0005 is over 40 years old, and was the last assumed appearance of the Cylons after the war. While remarks by [[Number Six]] in the miniseries state that "those [walking chrome toaster] models are still around. They have their uses," it is most likely that she is referring to the old Centurions, as the new Centurions appear to be a fairly recent model.

==Modern Centurion==
[[Image:Cento.jpg|thumb|right|The deadly Cylon Centurion, upgraded from its predacessors.]]
:''Main article: [[Cylon Centurion]]''
The current mainstay of Cylon ground forces, the modern Centurion is a taller, swifter and more agile unit than the Model 0005. Its "fingers" serve as edged weapons in close-quarters combat, and can retract to make way for projectile weapons built into its forearms.

There are apparently two armor configurations - the Centurions encountered by Lt. [[Karl Agathon]] on occupied [[The Twelve Colonies (RDM)#Caprica|Caprica]] were susceptible to normal small-arms fire, while the boarding party dispatched to ''[[Galactica (RDM)|Galactica]]'' in the episode "[[Valley of Darkness]]" could only be impeded by explosive rounds.

Although the earlier centurion models presumably took a leadership role in their war against the colonials, modern centurions are completely mute and subservient to the human models. According to an interview with Ron Moore, they are not sentient and unlike the Cylon agents, their minds are not transferred to new bodies upon death.

==Cylon Spacecraft==
[[image:SCinside2.jpg|thumb|right|[[Kara Thrace]] is cutting her way through the biomechanical muscles of the [[Cylon Raider]] in order to get in. ("[[You Can't Go Home Again]]")]]
:''Main article: [[Cylon Spacecraft]]''
The current model Cylon Raider is an unpiloted, autonomous craft ([[Miniseries]]), apparently capable of operating at fair distance from any command vessel ([[Tigh Me Up, Tigh Me Down]], [[Final Cut]]). Capt. [[Jackson Spencer]], encountering the newer model Cylon Raider for the first time, expresses shock that "nobody's flying these things". Lt. [[Kara Thrace]] later discovers that the Raider she had [[Skirmish over the Red Moon|shot down over the Red Moon]] was, after a fashion, "alive". She removes most of its organic parts before returning with it to ''[[Galactica (RDM)|Galactica]]''. There, [[Sharon Valerii (Galactica copy)|Sharon Valerii]], a Cylon sleeper agent, guesses that the Raider is a Cylon in its own right, although "More of an animal, maybe, than the human models... like a pet" ([[Six Degrees of Separation]]).

Later on, in the the episode [[Scar]], [[Sharon Valerii]] and [[Kara Thrace]] have a discussion about the Raider that has been shooting down pilots frequently, and Sharon confirms that Raiders 'download'/reincarnate. In addition, Sharon reinforces the earlier statement about the animal-like nature of Raiders, saying, "A raider's much like a trained animal, with the basic consciousness and survival instinct."

The current model [[Cylon Basestar]] also makes extensive use of organic parts ([[Kobol's Last Gleaming, Part II]]), although it is unclear whether or not is can function autonomously.

:''In both these cases, the distinction between a "Cylon" and their own semi-sentient technology becomes increasingly blurred — interestingly, the same problem that led to the [[Cylon War]] in the first place.''

== Human Models ==
:''Main article: [[Cylon agent]]''
At some point at least two years prior to the [[miniseries]], Cylon forces in exile on their homeworld were able to perfect the creation of organic models, almost completely indistinguishable from human beings. These were used to quietly and effectively infiltrate the Colonial defense forces, with agents such as [[Number Six#Natasi|Natasi]] gaining access to secret military technology, and sleeper agents such as [[Sharon Valerii (Galactica copy)|Sharon Valerii]] being planted within the [[Colonial Fleet]] itself.

Cylon agents can be programmed to believe they are human, and several have been planted within colonial society with false memories and forged backgrounds. Unplanned discovery of their true nature can be extremely disturbing for these units, and their behavior is not always predictable.

Cylon agents are visually indistinguishable from humans. Only slight chemical differences reveal human from Cylon agent. Humanoid Cylons apparently differ from humans in three principal ways:

===Reproductive Difficulties=== [[Image:Sharonspine.jpg|thumb|right|Sharon Valerii conceives a child with [[Karl Agathon]] ([[Six Degrees of Separation]]).]]
With a single exception, no human-model Cylon has been able to conceive a child ([[The Farm]]). It is impossible for two Cylons to reproduce with each other, and as result the Cylons began cross-breeding experiments with humans (who can reproduce easily), which so far has only resulted in the pregnancy of [[Sharon Valerii (Caprica copy)|the Caprica-copy of Sharon Valerii]]. Cylon beliefs attribute this to the apparent inability of Cylons to feel love, which they believe to be a crucial element of the process.

===Bioluminescence===
[[Image:6spine-ms.jpg|thumb|left|[[Number Six]]'s spine glows during intercourse]]On two occasions, the vertebrae of human-model Cylons have been seen to emit a red glow visible through the skin during sexual intercourse ([[Miniseries]], "[[Six Degrees of Separation]]"). Their bodies' ability to emit or respond to light appears linked to their ability to interface with computer systems via fiber-optic connections ([[Flight of the Phoenix]]).

===Silica Pathways===
Cylon brains are imbued with a vaguely described technology called [[Silica Pathways|silica pathways]]. This legacy technology existed in the original Centurion Model 0005, but some of this technology remains in the human models, although the technology appears to have been integrated at the molecular level since the brains of Cylon agents and humans are visually identical. Silica pathways are possibly key in the maintenance or transfer of thoughts, memories and consciousness of a Cylon to be downloaded and transferred into a new body when the agent dies. Silica pathways in Cylon agents, as in Centurions, remain susceptible to certain forms of radiation, as found in the upper atmosphere of the planet [[Ragnar]] and the [[Wikipedia:Plutonium|Plutonium]] used as the active element of Dr. [[Gaius Baltar]]'s [[Cylon Detector]]. It normally takes several hours of prolonged exposure for this radiation to have a visible effect ([[Miniseries]], "[[Bastille Day]]").

===Known Models===

In the miniseries, somewhat ambiguous comments by [[Caprica-Six]] and a note left for [[William Adama]] (presumably by [[Gaius Baltar]]) indicated that there were only twelve humanoid models at the time of the [[Fall of the Twelve Colonies]]. These were clarified by [[Ronald D. Moore]] in an [http://www.thefandom.com/Article50.phtml interview] on "The Chase Show", hosted on the SF webcast news site [http://www.thefandom.com/TheFandom.com]. Of the twelve human models, seven have been revealed as of the episode "[[Lay Down Your Burdens, Part II]]".
<gallery>
Image:Xena_closeup.jpg|[[Number Three]]
Image:Doral.PNG|[[Number Five]]
Image:Six_closeup.jpg|[[Number Six]]
Image:Boomer_closeup.jpg|[[Number Eight]]
Image:CyLeo.jpg|[[Leoben Conoy]]
Image:Cysim.jpg|[[Simon]]
Image:Cavil_closeup.jpg|[[Cavil]]
</gallery>

===Organizational Relationships===

The exact nature of the Cylon hierarchy remains unclear. The humanoid models, as the most evolved form of Cylon, are definitely in charge of the Centurions and Raiders. [[Caprica-Six]]'s statement in "[[Downloaded]]" that Cylon culture is based on unity and that celebrities such as herself are something new implies that there is no single "Imperious Leader" as there was in the old series. Copies of Numbers Three, Five, Six, and Eight are most often seen in command positions.

[[Category:A to Z]]
[[Category:Cylons]]
[[Category:RDM]]