Battlestar Wiki - User contributions [en]

Talk:Survivor count/Archive 1

2006-10-15T12:00:52Z

Killerman: /* Analysis on Baltar's Initial Projections is Off */

No whiteboard information given in the following episodes:
*Bastille Day
*Act of Contrition - 13 pilot deaths
*Litmus - 3 crew deaths and one copy of Doral
*Six Degrees of Separation - Shelly Godfrey "disappears"
*Tigh Me Up, Tigh Me Down - Baltar gives a verbal count, but the whiteboard is displaying something entirely weird.
*The Hand of God

I will be unable to update this page for the information in [[Home]] until a few days after it airs. Please be patient; I will attend to it as soon as possible. --[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 02:00, 19 Aug 2005 (EDT)

==Timeline Fuzziness==
As you may have noticed, the timeline is getting fuzzy. I believe it is possible to establish a reasonable sequence of events through the episode "Flight of the Phoenix", but later events will be difficult to pin down until the airing of "Epiphanies". --[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 00:45, 27 September 2005 (EDT)

==Graph Update==

Peter, which software did you use to create this graph? Perhaps I can update it to reflect Pegasus. --[[User:Watcher|Watcher]] 19:10, 19 October 2005 (EDT)

:The problem is with the dates, which have gotten very fuzzy since the start of the second season. See [[Talk:Timeline (RDM)]] if you'd like to help me sort things out. --[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 23:33, 19 October 2005 (EDT)

::Uh oh. Sounds like deciphering M Theory. OK. What the heck. I'm with ya. --[[User:Watcher|Watcher]] 02:03, 20 October 2005 (EDT)

:::I believe that we can now make a credible guess for the start dates of "Resistance", "The Farm", and "Flight of the Phoenix". "Home, Part I", "Home, Part II", "Final Cut" are not yet dated, and I am leaving them marked as such. Since I understand that including data from "Pegasus" is very desirable here, I'm making a completely unfounded guess that its events take place on Day 105, and updating the graph accordingly. --[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 20:19, 13 November 2005 (EST)

The entry for Home (2) should list the deaths of two Laura Roslin redshirts (not one), since the overall population is reduced by three, but only Elosha and one redshirt is listed, unless there's another factor I'm forgetting. Ltcrashdown December 23, 2005

:We didn't see it happen, so that's not a reasonable assumption. Maybe somebody on the Rising Star hit their head on a bulkhead during the episode. --[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 19:06, 24 December 2005 (EST)

I agree. I don't remember anyone else dying either, but the body count got reduced. I just figure with one dead Roslin redshirt listed, that it might make sense to make it two, just so it would match up with the three death population decrease. Ltcrashdown

The sketchy numbers in the early few episodes can be accounted for in a few ways. First off, people could have been injured or heavily irradiated in the holocaust and eventually died a few days later. Secondly, people could have been injured/killer during the events of "33". Ron Moore mentions a deleted take where Edward James Olmos improvises a line about "10 suicides", for instance. Thirdly, people could have been counted twice, or not counted at all. If you remember the first couple days after 9/11, it was originally thought that around 6,000 people had died, until the estimates were revised down to 3,000. Given that the only source for the survivor count in the first season is Laura's whiteboard, some inaccuracies are to be expected. [[User:Philwelch|Philwelch]] 19:33, 31 January 2006 (EST)

==Rationale for Death Count between "Epiphanies" and "Black Market"==
We conclude that the bomber killed herself in the attack based on the following dialogue:
:'''Bomber:''' None of us want to die, but the fighting must end. If my sacrifice sends a signal to the Cylon that brings peace, then it was worth it. I do this for my children, and for the children that will follow them. Gods willing, demand peace, demand peace!
And that at least two civilians were killed based on this:
:'''Adama:''' People are dead.
So at least two people died in total as a result of the attack. It seems unlikely that Adama included the suicide bomber in this count, which puts the total death toll at the bomber and at least two civilians. --[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 01:29, 11 February 2006 (EST)

Agreed. Though I must advise against actually basing theories on all of this. I mean it's just a way of keeping track of the current number of humans: in Season 1 the numbers changed around a lot; remember that point when like 30 people died with no apparent explanation? I mean, jumps of 20-50 people might be pushing it, but when it comes to changes of around just 4-5 people, this can be offset by newborn babies, and conversly, the number that have died could be augmented by those civilians dying of more everyday means in the Fleet (murder, poor medical supplies, industrial accidents, etc.) I'm just saying: It was never a perfectly tuned system to begin with.--[[User:The Merovingian|The Merovingian]] 01:50, 11 February 2006 (EST)

== Analysis on Baltar's Initial Projections is Off ==

In The Captain's Hand, where Baltar gives Roslin the fleet projections, the analysis erroneously goes on to state 7.5 deaths per day as a part of the fleet projections. That is a perspective, and it's off. Give Baltar credit enough to factor the known deathrate of 2.1 a day; ultimately leading to 62 years to total annihilation.

It is to my understanding that 18 years is how long it would be where the survivors would no longer be able to repopulate humanity. That is my initial thought, and what makes the most sense. From there the remaining survivors would simply live out the rest of their days or be killed, ending all of known humanity. Which, by the given analysis of 2.1 a day is 62 years.

The 18 years factor should not be used with the given analysis of 2.1 a day versus the erroneous 7.5 a day. That 7.5 does not match the deathrate from Season 1 to end of Season 2. --[[User:AJFederation|AJFederation]] 01:42, 23 July 2006 (CDT)

In biology, there is a concept of gene fixation, where a species loses genetic diversity and becomes highly susceptible to disease. Contributing to this is the reproductive population of a species. Since we have not a seen an age distribution chart, Baltar could be alluding to this concept. To illustrate, if the Fleet was reduced to 1000 males only or 500 males & 500 post menopausal females, the human race would functionally be extinct. Based on the current information, it is difficult to determine the truth.--[[User:Killerman|Killerman]] 07:00, 15 October 2006 (CDT)

Talk:Galactica type battlestar/Archive 1

2006-04-17T03:10:48Z

Killerman: /* Medical Capabilites of a Battlestar */

I think the "fan estimate" of 6-8 Viper squads is off. According to http://galactica.tv/colonials/galacticatv.shtml, the Galactica had only 2 Viper squadrons. Since it was a museum ship, it's possible this is less than the usual complement.

-- John Reese

-------

Hi John,

Thanks for contributing! It's nice to see that the site's picking up now!

Actually, there are bits of information on the Galactica.tv (or Galactica2003.tv) website that are suspect, such as Tigh's first name being "Paul", as opposed to the canonized "Saul". We mainly use the episodes for canonical information; the Zoic, as the Colonial Archivist (Ernestborg9) can tell you, is mainly conjecture unless canonical info shows up to disprove it.

However, [[Battlestar|Battlestars]] in general carry 6-8 sqads; [[Galactica]] does carry two. (Or did, as I'm sure that the ''Galactica'' is now left with, at most, one full squadron of Mark IIs from the [[Miniseries]], over the course of the series.)

- Joe

== Other Battlestars ==

Since the encounter of the Pegasus we have learned of another type of Battlestar,
will this page be edited in regard of this?

Another point is the appearence of the Galactica before the ship has been refitted
after the war. Is it clear that it had the appearance of the orginal show or is this
unclear?

Hardwing

: I've updated the page to reflect that this page deals primarily with the original battlestar class, of which ''Galactica'' is a member. I added a note on ''Pegasus'' and her class. There is a page for the [[Mercury-class]] battlestar, which could be edited and updated as this one as we get more technical information on that ship class. Note that only battlestars mentioned in an episode are canon; the rest technically may be made-up until then. [[User:Spencerian|Spencerian]] 19:00, 26 September 2005 (EDT)

=== Battlestar Article Structure ===

Since the term '''battlestar''' is a category of ship (analogous to space faring aircraft-carriers) shouldn't the content discussing battlestars in the RDM series, in overview terms, be moved to the [[Battlestar (RDM)]] page, and there list the two classes we know of so far, the Mercury class and the "Galactica" class (i.e. "Original battlestar (RDM)" which we don't know the name of)..?

This would then have the [[Original battlestar (RDM)]] page discussing the overall details of the "''Galactica'' class" battlestar, like we are doing with the [[Mercury class battlestar]] page which is about the class, and the [[Pegasus (RDM)]] page which deals with the specific vessel.

So in essence the [[Battlestar (RDM)]] page is the "root" page for the RDM entry on battlestars as a whole, then the [[Original battlestar (RDM)]] page about the "''Galactica'' class" battlestars in general, and the [[Galactica (RDM)]] page about the specifc vessel ''Galactica'':

==== Proposed restructuring ====

*[[Battlestar (RDM)]] (page about battlestars in general, i.e. "aircraft carriers")
**[[Original battlestar (RDM)]] (page about the original unnamed class as a whole)
***[[Galactica (RDM)]] (page about the specific vessel)
**[[Mercury class battlestar]] (page about the Mercury class as a whole)
***[[Pegasus (RDM)]] (page about the specific vessel)
***[[Mercury]] page (page about the specific vessel)

Thus leaving the [[Battlestar]] page as the top level disambiguation page between series. So everything within the RDM series about battlestars would fall within the outlined framework above beginning with the [[Battlestar (RDM)]] page.

:We don't have much content to say about battlestars in general, and what we do would be redundant with [[Colonial Fleet]]. I agree that "other battlestar" references should probably be removed from this page, though. --[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 01:39, 2 December 2005 (EST)

::Why would you want to remove reference to the other battlestars in this page? There are references made as to how there were 12 of the Original RDM class battlestars each representing one of the colonies (miniseries). Seems to me that the general overview information about the Original RDM class as a whole should be the content here, with listings of and links to the individual vessels of this class (''Galactica'' being one of course). — [[User:Lestatdelc|Lestatdelc]] 17:23, 3 December 2005 (EST)

:I think the Battlestar (RDM) link is a nice redirect link to Original Battlestar (RDM), but I'd avoid yet another disambig page. The show is focused on the events of ''Galactica''. It is very likely that ''Pegasus'' will disappear, one way or another, and that the modern battlestar will a footnote with no further additional data. Most readers will also be thinking of ''Galactica'' when they hear "battlestar" and not the lesser battlestars, almost all of which are mentioned-only and are very likely to remain that way, flashbacks notwithstanding. --[[User:Spencerian|Spencerian]] 10:36, 2 December 2005 (EST)

:: I probably should not have used the term disambiguation page as it would be an actual content page (was actually thinking more of a root entry or overview entry), but rather a page devoted to general overview content on the nature of battlestars as capital ships, discussion of general concepts of flight operations, battlegroup structures, etc. With the links to the various classes of battlestars. While I understand that we may not get an abundance of canonical info on them from the show itself, I guess this begs the question of the extent to which the encyclopedia content is about "the show" and how much is about the Galactica universe within the show? I personally was hoping that this would be the platform and vehicle to collect and fill-in and expand on the later. Where things are structured and presented as a "NPOV" encyclopedia "from" the Galactica universe (or as sometimes referred to in gaming terms as a 'poetic map' or 'real map' that a player-character would have). Think of it as if we had an "actual" Hitchhiker's Guide (albeit "serious and accurate" not the apocryphal one portrayed in the books and movies, etc) "from" the Galactica universe which is then 'viewed' here (i.e. the entry content of the encyclopedia portions of this site) — [[User:Lestatdelc|Lestatdelc]] 17:23, 3 December 2005 (EST)

::: I really think [[Colonial Fleet]] is perfectly adequate to that task. --[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 19:12, 3 December 2005 (EST)

:::: Ok, now I am a bit confused. Becuase before (I just read now) you seemed to be advocating basically the same thing when you said:

::::"We should definitely namespace it into Battlestar (TOS), Battlestar (VG), Battlestar (RDM). Also, we could split the RDM article into "Battlestar" as a general concept, and the unnamed Galactica-class battlestar specifically - think Aircraft carrier, Yorktown class aircraft carrier, Nimitz class aircraft carrier. --Peter Farago 00:22, 29 September 2005 (EDT)"

::::Which is why I was porposing shifting sections of overview content about battlestars and the basics of them, to the "root" battlestar (RDM) page (no longer a redriect)... then specifics about each class as the next level pages, then entries pages on each specific vessel. — [[User:Lestatdelc|Lestatdelc]] 21:06, 3 December 2005 (EST)

==Armament Details==

* ''With 512 Point-Defense Turrets, thats 1024 PD Guns, and from onscreen evidence, the Rounds Per Minute is atleast 90 or more. (fan estimation.)''
** ''Assuming a firing rate of 2 rounds per second, thats 120 rounds per minute, and from all turrets equates to 122,880 rounds per minute. 2048 rounds per second. Thats alot. (fan estimation.)''
** ''Considering a raider has been shown to be destroyed with around 4-10 direct hits, this means that should raiders enter the firing solution, would take only a few seconds to get blown up. If targetted by the PD turrets, less then a second. It would take a single turret 1 second to destroy a raider. That isn't accounting for maneuverability of the raider however. (fan estimation.)''
* ''Also, with 24 Rail gun turrets, thats, 48 rail gun , Barrels, if you will. Atleast 960 Rounds per minute (1 round per 3 seconds)''
** ''Onscreen evidence shows around 1 round firing per 2-3 seconds (please correct if wrong). Going with the 1 round-2 seconds, you get a single turret firing in a minute, 60 rounds. times that by 24 and you come to 1,440 rounds per minute.''
** ''Due the turrets being "rail guns", the rounds go much faster then the rounds fired from the PD turrets. This means that a single hit to a raider should destroy it due to the kenetic energy imparted to the raider. If this is true, then a battlestar, with accurate aiming, could take out 1,440 raiders in a minute. Thats like, double the estimated capacity of a basestar! Thats if every shot is a direct hit.''

This is interesting. Do you have a source for: the number of point-defense turrets, the number of rail guns, and the ''existance'' of rail guns (on-screen evidence indicates a three-rail design, which is inconsistant with the physics of a rail gun)? I don't think any of those things have been shown or mentioned on screen yet.

This line of inquiry might enable us to speculate on the Battlestar's total ammo store, if we can derive our estimates from good data. However, the concept of a Basestar sending two raider wings directly into Galactica's firing solution is a little silly. ''Galactica's'' firing solution has been used to provide cover for vipers and screen the ship from nukes, not to target enemy fightercraft directly. --[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 11:55, 28 September 2005 (EDT)

::''Aramaments - Defensive''
::* ''24 x primary railgun turrets (mounting 2 guns apiece)
::* ''512 x point-defense turrets (mounting 2 guns apiece)''

:according to the wiki entry.
:also pictures on there show the existance of the rail guns. 8 ontop. 8 on the under side of the 'crocodile head', and 8 on the underbelly.

:the Rate of Fire is all my doing however.

:can someone get me a short video of when the ship actually fires? cuz im actualy needing this much detail for something im doing (and using this wiki as a reference for).

:its guessing though i counted erm, 498 turrets myself.
:and worked out for that too , ive got those calculations somewhere.

:keeping in mind some of the personnel guns they have, that fire ate more-then-1-round-per-second (in some cases. for instance a gattling gun, while not seen onscreen they likely have one, what with theyre parralels with earth tech)..
:its more then realistic RoF for each turret no?

:asfor the rail gun RoF
:on second thought,
:ill need to re-examine the footage of the rail guns firing.
:theyre not said to be rail guns but theres a shot somewhere of 4 turrets , that resemble the rail guns, firing.
:ok ill stop now.

:thx for the, well, not going mad :)

:edit - oh sos forget this: --[[User:Alex mcpherson|Alex mcpherson]] 12:26, 28 September 2005 (EDT)

::Be careful when citing unsourced fan-estimates in your calculations. I don't think those stats on turret count should even be there without a source. This article needs some serious cleanup in that regard. As for rate of fire, that can probably be estimated by frame-stepping through the relevant effects scenes in the miniseries. --[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 12:39, 28 September 2005 (EDT)
:::Shall I upload my modified pics of the underbelly, top and side somewhere and link them in here for others to count? i can link to both the unmodified and the modified versions so people can compare each individual one. and asfor the frame-stepping, is there a scene of the galactica firing, upclose in the first 5 episodes? --[[User:Alex mcpherson|Alex mcpherson]] 14:04, 28 September 2005 (EDT)
::::I think it would be better for you to upload it to your own web space if possible and then post links here, if that's possible. It would be interesting to see. Close-ups on Galactica's guns firing can be found in the Miniseries, and I believe the footage was reused in "33". --[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 16:57, 28 September 2005 (EDT)
:::::I just wanted to point out that the Galactica has 20 heavy turrets, not 24. There are eight on each of the dorsal and ventral sides and four under the nose of the fore-section. You can see these on the Zoic high-res pictures of the Big G. --[[User:Talos|Talos]] 19:53, 28 September 2005 (EDT)
::::::I uploaded a picture to show what I mean. --[[User:Talos|Talos]] 20:09, 28 September 2005 (EDT) [[Image:BSG_Ortho_Bottom.jpg|thumb]]
:::::::Excellent. Can the smaller guns also be seen on the elevations? --[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 20:29, 28 September 2005 (EDT)
::::::::Yes, especially on the flight pod. There are other batteries along the top and bottom of the fore-section split, the top of the central hull, below the flight pods, and along both upper and lower engine pods. These are just the ones I've found though. I'll upload the other ortho views now. --[[User:Talos|Talos]] 22:35, 28 September 2005 (EDT)
:::::::::Actualy i can show you where the extra 4 come from!!! they are partially hidden . 2 on either side on the crocidile head. the hull plating left on either side of the underbelly, look there and youll see the other 4. *smiles like a know-it-all. --[[User:Alex mcpherson|Alex mcpherson]] 01:19, 29 September 2005 (EDT)
::::::::::If you mean the ones visible in the ventral elevation, I think Talos was including those in his count. --[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 01:35, 29 September 2005 (EDT)
:::::::::::those are fully visible. theres 4 at the very front and 2 either side of the underbelly partially visible. ill upload the pic when i get the change.
::::::::::::No need, I see them. Odd place for them, their range of motion must be quite constrained. --[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 01:39, 29 September 2005 (EDT)
::: (okay all these colons are really making this page long vertically. go 3-4-5-3 etc lol. anyway. ive uploaded to imageshack the pic so if anyone wants to count them and compare like i did go ahead. erm its 6:45am and had 3 hours sleep so , i forgot, how do i link? lol. img295.imageshack.us/my.php?image=bottomguns8ns.jpg (edit into a link for us. cheers) btw the pic is huge. --[[User:Alex mcpherson|Alex mcpherson]] 01:44, 29 September 2005 (EDT)
:Man, those large turrets are well hidden. I did not see them until now. You can also see the long line of small turrets along the edges of the main body. Look at the red markings on the bottom and go straight down until you reach the edge. You'll see them. --[[User:Talos|Talos]] 06:20, 29 September 2005 (EDT)

Changed "Each barrel fires non-explosive rounds in bursts" to explosive rounds. I mean, take a look at the screen cap from "Scattered" right in the same section and the data on Galactica's main batteries. Her large guns aren't capable of generating the dense flak barrier seen in the episode, their rate of fire and coverage are just too low. Besides, her main guns are generally used in direct fire roles. Even assuming Galactica's secondary batteries are only firing the same rounds as the Vipers (which they probably don't, Galactica's secondaries look considerably larger than Viper's guns), a 25-30mm round is plenty large to have a time-fuse. --[[User:David Templar|David Templar]] 14:04, 17 March 2006 (CST)

:I'd accept not mentioning whether they're incendiary rounds or not, but we have no positive evidence to that effect. I think that it's entirely plausible that the eight dorsal batteries, each firing two rounds in tandem every 2.5 seconds (for a total of 6.4 rounds per second) could produce a flack screen as dense as the one we saw in "Scattered". Remember, based on the explosion we saw in the miniseries, the burst radius of each flak round is very large. --[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 18:50, 17 March 2006 (CST)

::Except large explosions weren't characteristic of the flak barrier in "Scattered". Watch the episode again, the barrier consists of large numbers of *little* explosions surrounding most of the ship. Further more, 6.4 rounds a second still wouldn't be enough to cover a ship the size of Galactica the way the flak barrier in the episode did, especially since Galactica's primary batteries have a limited arc (they can't depress all that low). --[[User:David Templar|David Templar]] 20:25, 17 March 2006 (CST)

:::As seen in this screencap (http://www.battlestarwiki.org/wiki/Image:Flakfield.jpg), the aft turrets cluster is engaging off to the right of the the Viper with concentrated fire. However, there are flak rounds going off all around the ship. The front cluster can't generate such a large cloud alone, especially when you watch that scene in motion. Furthermore, since the secondary batteries are large enough to fire fused rounds of today and we've extrapolated much of BSG's KEW characteristics from modern cannons already, there's no reason why we can't here as well. --[[User:David Templar|David Templar]] 11:41, 18 March 2006 (CST)

::::More screencaps to support my position.
Galactica's main guns busy against the Baseship while her secondaries fire flak, note the explosions around the ship. Some are missiles going off, but some aren't: http://bsgmedia.org/gallery/albums/bsg212caps/bsg212510.jpg
http://bsgmedia.org/gallery/albums/bsg212caps/bsg212511.jpg --[[User:David Templar|David Templar]] 15:27, 18 March 2006 (CST)

Where exactly does the count of 24 large turrets onboard the Galactica come from? We've only seen 8 turrets and assuming symmetry between dorsal and ventral mountings, that'd still only be 16. Galactica's preference of exposing only her topside towards the enemy makes me very skeptical of the potential of large batteries on her underbelly. If she had guns there, it'd make a lot more sense if she fought while orienting the target to her horizontal axis, so both top and bottom batteries can be brought to bear. --[[User:David Templar|David Templar]] 11:41, 18 March 2006 (CST)

:The 24 figure has been well established earlier on this talk page. Galactica has eight turreted bow batteries, in addition to eight dorsal and eight ventral. --[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 16:37, 18 March 2006 (CST)

::I stand informed. --[[User:David Templar|David Templar]] 18:05, 18 March 2006 (CST)

==This Article Needs Work==

Who will join me in stripping this article of non-canon information and clearly labelling sources? --[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 19:07, 28 September 2005 (EDT)

: A challenge, but I like that. Perhaps we can move the Zoic information to a new page, as it is close to canon as we've got since they are part of the production process, although little of their info can be collaborated yet. We probably need to have this page moved to "Original Battlestar" or "Battlestar (RDM)" or somehow disamb it. Or, just offload the TOS info to another page. In a way I'm also big on placing the tech stats with the other technology pages to keep it easy to edit and read for both pages. [[User:Spencerian|Spencerian]] 22:28, 28 September 2005 (EDT)

::We should definitely namespace it into Battlestar (TOS), Battlestar (VG), Battlestar (RDM). Also, we could split the RDM article into "Battlestar" as a general concept, and the unnamed Galactica-class battlestar specifically - think [[Wikipedia:Aircraft carrier|Aircraft carrier]], [[Wikipedia:Yorktown class aircraft carrier|Yorktown class aircraft carrier]], [[Wikipedia:Nimitz class aircraft carrier|Nimitz class aircraft carrier]].

::Lastly, we must find an actual link to the Zoic source on all these details if we're going to keep them. --[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 00:22, 29 September 2005 (EDT)

:::That sounds good. I should be able to do the heavy work of moving data from the general "Battlestar" page to new pages for TOS and RDM battlestars and classes we know, and each of these pages will have links to their appropriate TOS or RDM named battlestar page. I may not strike the Zoic stuff yet, but at least by moving matters to separate pages, it will be much more manageable. [[User:Spencerian|Spencerian]] 18:28, 29 September 2005 (EDT)

The heavy work is done. This article has become a disamb page for all battlestar information. Unfortunately I did not properly move the [[Galactica]] page to [[Galactica (RDM)]], but created a new page instead. The content of the new page is OK, but the [[Galactica]] page should redirect to Galactica (RDM) to keep its history. There are several new pages that link from this page. The Pegasus (RDM) page deserved an article of its own and its page was moved, while Pegasus TOS from the original Battlestar page had only a few lines that were merged into [[Battlestar (TOS)]]. The new Galactica RDM class has [[Battlestar (RDM)]] for that general information. [[Mercury-class]] was moved to [[Mercury-class Battlestar (RDM)]] to keep its history and keep article consistency. Galactica has a TOS and RDM page (note earlier screw up) as well as Battlestars of TOS. I hope this aids greatly in keeping mixed information from becoming a bother. This does create bad links throughout, but the primary ones to catch are [[Galactica]] (which should redirect to Galactica (RDM) unless on a TOS area), Pegasus (which should go to Pegasus (RDM) if new, or Battlestar (TOS) if not). Comments, criticizm and help are appreciated. [[User:Spencerian|Spencerian]] 13:32, 30 September 2005 (EDT)

:Okay, I just finished a bit of cleanup. I've moved "Mercury-class Battlestar (RDM)" to "Mercury-Class Battlestar", since there's no need to disambiguate it from a TOS page of the same name that might ever exist. I've also corrected the namespace on "Galactica (Video Game 2003) to "Galactica (Video Game)", which is the namespace the other articles use. I've created a redirect from "Galactica" to "Galactica (RDM)", and moved the talk bage from "Talk:Battlestar" to "Talk:Battlestar (RDM)" (there were no TOS-specific comments there). --[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 17:56, 30 September 2005 (EDT)

::Thanks. The Mercury-class remove makes sense. Although I added RDM on those namespaces for consistency, your move simplifies the namespaces. There have been many games for BSG over the years, thus the use of the year just in case someone starts discussing other older games or new games are created. We can worry about that later. With the separations, we can see how some pages really could use more content, especially the TOS Galactica page. That's pretty sad, when you think of it. Perhaps another enterprising person can fill it will some general history. [[User:Spencerian|Spencerian]] 18:02, 30 September 2005 (EDT)

==Battletar Tally==

This page, like [[Mercury-class Battlestar]] is for a specific (albeit unnamed) class of battletar. A tally of the fleet's unclassified battlestars is not appropriate here, and should go in [[Colonial Fleet]].
:Makes sense. For lack of a better place to put it, I left it as a vestigial part from its former article. [[User:Spencerian|Spencerian]] 12:52, 3 October 2005 (EDT)

==Capitalization==

Battlestar isn't a proper noun, so it shouldn't be capitalized in article names. --[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 18:04, 3 October 2005 (EDT)

:I've been wrestling with that. So, when using battlestar, it seems fine to capitalize it ''as'' an article when next to a battlestar name, as in "Battlestar ''Galactica'' left for Caprica". But when discussing the ship it should be "battlestar" just as we would use "carrier" and not "Carrier" for aircraft carriers. I find the use of "the battlestar ''Galactica'' awkward: no definitive article required there when the ship name is next to it. An item for the Standards page? [[User:Spencerian|Spencerian]] 10:06, 4 October 2005 (EDT)

::Based on usage on the Wikipedia WWII articles, it would be either "the battlestar ''Galactica'' left for Caprica" or just "''Galactica'' left for Caprica". The only time Battlestar should be capitalized is in the title of the show. --[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 11:50, 4 October 2005 (EDT)

:::So say they all. It shall be done. [[User:Spencerian|Spencerian]] 12:41, 4 October 2005 (EDT)

==Warheads==

In the [[Miniseries]], Geata reports that the chief says it will be three hours to load all the warheads. I think this establishes that Galactica was, in fact, loading nukes from Ragnar, and that the five it departed the system with (c.f. Bastille Day) were all it could carry. The number does seem low to me, but what other sort of warhead would they be talking about? --[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 19:16, 30 December 2005 (EST)
:Maybe conventional missile warheads and bombs for the Vipers, possibly conventional warheads for Galactica, and warheads for the shells fired by the main cannons. It shouldn't take three hours to load five warheads, even nukes. It's possible that Ragnar only had five warheads. --[[User:Talos|Talos]] 20:05, 30 December 2005 (EST)
::The main cannons would probably fire shells, not warheads, and we haven't seen any non-nuclear warheads used by the Colonials so far. I agree that it's possible Ragnar's stores were the limiting factor, though, rather than ''Galactica's'' capacity. --[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 20:13, 30 December 2005 (EST)
:::Shells and warheads are two ways of talking about fused explosive payloads, the difference is in the mechanical execution rather than the function. The more we see of the main batteries in BSG, the more they look like the chemical energy driven weapons of today (most recently, the Pegasus' guns discharging fiery clouds). In that case, since we know firing nukes from artillery pieces is possible (Galactica's guns look much larger than the 203mm of the US Army) AND Galactica's nukes are shown to be very compact, there's every reason to believe that gun batteries are a possible way of delivering nuclear warheads. --[[User:David Templar|David Templar]] 11:51, 18 March 2006 (CST)

==Article Title==
Something Memory Alpha does for articles on unnamed ship classes is refer to them as "___ type" rather than "___ class", where the article would be named after the most prominent ship of the class rather than the (unknown) lead ship. You can see this at:
*[[MemoryAlpha:Aeon type|Aeon type]]
*[[MemoryAlpha:Artic One type|Artic One type]]
*[[MemoryAlpha:Aurora type|Aurora type]]
*[[MemoryAlpha:Bok'Nor type|Bok'Nor type]]
*[[MemoryAlpha:D'Kyr type|D'Kyr type]]
*[[MemoryAlpha:D'Vahl type|D'Vahl type]]
*[[MemoryAlpha:Intrepid type|Intrepid type]]
*[[MemoryAlpha:Raven type|Raven type]]
*[[MemoryAlpha:SD-103 type|SD-103 type]]
*[[MemoryAlpha:USS Enterprise-J type|USS Enterprise-J type]]
*[[MemoryAlpha:XCV type|XCV type]]
What do our military experts think of this sort of nomenclature? --[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 19:34, 1 February 2006 (EST)
:That sounds good, the only question is: Is it battlestar Galactica-type, or Galactica-type battlestar? --[[User:Talos|Talos]] 19:55, 1 February 2006 (EST)
::I'd go for "Galactica type battlestar" to match "Mercury class battlestar", personally. --[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 21:00, 1 February 2006 (EST)
:::I tend to agree. "Original battlestar" as a title is both ambiguous (is this page about the first battlestar ever built?) and clumsy. Galactica-type Battlestar should be the new title, and the move should be done sooner rather than later. --[[User:BMS|BMS]] 22:52, 6 February 2006 (EST)
::::I concur, and we should make similar it to what we have as shown: "Galactica type battlestar" (no hyphens). --[[User:Spencerian|Spencerian]] 23:40, 6 February 2006 (EST)

== Bow batteries ==
There's a new line about bow batteries, but doesn't that apply to the Mercury-class (''Pegasus'') and not the Galactica type battlestar? --[[User:Steelviper|Steelviper]] 19:20, 20 February 2006 (EST)

:Yes. I'm removing it. --[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 20:38, 20 February 2006 (EST)
::I was in the middle of doing that and got an edit conflict. Oh well. --[[User:Talos|Talos]] 20:40, 20 February 2006 (EST)

== ''Where'' exactly did this quote come from? ==

I removed the following quote from this page, because while it attributes who said the quote, we don't have a ''source'' for the quote (i.e. where it came from).

: I was asking Gary Hutzel to give me the technical specs just last week, actually. I think he described the flight pods [hangar decks] as being about four football fields in length." (source: Robert Falconer)

Please provide a source for the quote (whether it be an interview, bulletin board post, etc.) ASAP. Thanks! -- [[User:Joe Beaudoin Jr.|Joe Beaudoin]] 10:37, 24 February 2006 (EST)

==Capacity of Galactica's Hangers==
I'd like to point something out about the fighter carring capabilities of battlestars. Apparently all fighters on battlestars are carried in the 2 flight pods(one flight pod in Galactica's case). Each flight pod as stated in the Galactica Type Battlestar "is almost twice the length of a Nimitz class carrier, is some 150ft (46m) wider and is approximately as tall as a Nimitz class carrier measured from the waterline to the top of the carrier's communications and ELINT tower." Now assuming that the hangar deck on the Nimitz is as long as the flight deck (which is not),considering that the lower level of the flight pod of the Galactica is the hangar for that flight pod and not taking in to account that the flight pod is wider then the Nimitz hull at the level of the hangar deck, the surface of the hangar deck in a flight pod is twice that of a Nimitz class carrier. Galactica has at last 4 times the hangar space of the Nimitz. The Nimitza can carrie 85 aircraft, 50 of which ar fighters. So I don't know how the person who wrote this article came up with the figure of 80 Vipers carried in a fully armed battlestar,since this number would't even fill a quarter of the hangar space.What did they do with the rest of the hangar, play football maybe, or baseball? Take in to acoount that a Viper is about 8 times smaller in volume than an F-14, having half the lenght,wingspan and height, and a raptor just about as big. A Galactica type battlestar would be able to carry at least 400 Vipers and Raptors.
:I was looking at the orthos of Big-G a second ago and I think that the hanger isn't a very wide structure. The elevator that 2276NC lands on in the Mini is in the center of the hanger and is shown to be significantly off-center from the flight deck. The launch tubes also seem to take up alot of the flight pod. Even the Nimitz class can carry more aircraft than they do. Plus, Galactica has to carry Raptors, a half dozen or so, so it's not just Vipers. --[[User:Talos|Talos]] 16:03, 15 March 2006 (CST)
::My thinking is like this picture. The box I drew extends across all the launch tubes visible in the side view, plus a little in the rear for maintenance and storage. This would protect the hanger from damage, like after the nuke in the Mini. --[[User:Talos|Talos]] 16:12, 15 March 2006 (CST)
[[Image:Hanger.JPG|thumb|Hanger example]]

:::As far as "what else is all the hanger space used for", we've seen ships as large as Colonial One docking inside the flight pods. (Although Colonial One isn't that large...) --[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 18:02, 15 March 2006 (CST)

The area you drew Talos is still larger the the hangar of the Nimitz. Look at the picture that compares the Nimitz to the Galactica, and take in to accout that the hangar deck has a smaller width then the then the flight deck. The rectangle that you drew is about the width of the hanagar on a Nimitz and is still longer. And you should take in to account that a Viper Mk VII according to the page on this site is 9.8643 m long has a wingspan of 5.61 m and is 2.9508 m high (in flight, without landing gear.) the Naval fighter equivalent woould be the F-18 C/D(I'm not considering the larger E/F variant) which is has an overall length of 17,07, an width of 8.38 m wings folded and a height of 4,66m. The F-18 C/D is almost twice as long as wide and as tall as a Viper. A Nimtz class carrier carries 50 F-18 (both the C/D variant and the larger E/F variant which has replaced the F-14 in all but 2 naval squadrons). A Galactica type should be able to carrie at least 90 Vipers and 35 oher suport aircraft larger then the Raptor (the 35 suport aircraft carried buy the Nimitz are all larger then the Raptor) in a single flight pod.--[[User:DArhengel|DArhengel]] 12:37, 16 March 2006 (CST)
:I went back to the DVDs and it appears that they only store Vipers along one side of the hanger, with most of the other wall being launch tubes. In the mini, there is a nice shot down the hanger after Apollo lands. A Mk VII is parked in a niche and going by that, it looks like the hanger is ~20 meters wide (useable space, not including supports, etc). The hanger appears to be very long but narrow which would make the best use of the space considering the size of the craft and the need for launch tubes and elevators (I believe the elevators are between the banks of launch tubes). I'll go figure out the length and update the example I showed above. Thanks for the stimulating conversation, by the way, it's a fun topic for me. --[[User:Talos|Talos]] 14:09, 16 March 2006 (CST)

== Medical Capabilites of a Battlestar ==

Peter,

Your assertion of "unfound speculation" concerning my contribution is uninformed and unfounded. I am a military medical planner and a published author. My assertion of the potential medical capabilities and requirements of an intergalactic warship (modeled on a US aircraft carrier), while hypothetical, is informed. Keep in mind these are requirements that the ship would have originally been built (not the "as is" state). At this point in the story line, clearly Major Cottle is the only doctor on Galactica, however we have never seen the Pegasus medical bay or any of its medical personnel. With established industrial facilities on Pegasus (Viper production established in “Scar”), the Pegasus would have evn greater Occupational Health / Preventive Medicine than Galactica. And if you do a walk down of the ancillary services (pharmacy (camala extract), orthopedic and x-ray (Kara’s knee injury), optometry (ADM Adama’s glasses), etc, you will see they exist even if they are not portrayed. Additionally, it was an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) bed, complete with ventilator, which William Adama was in during his multiple surgeries (establishing an Operation Room (OR)).

Capital ships are designed to go into battle, which means they will take damage and casualties. Often it is the ability to regenerate / repair / refit in the quickest amount of time that determines the outcome of battles. General Nathan Bedford Forrest of the Confederate States of America is famous for the quote, “He who gets there the fastest with the mostest wins.” RDM makes reference to his experience onboard a Navy ship in podcasts, including “The Captain’s Hand”. Thus, there is an established framework present.

I provide you two active hyperlinks that back up my contribution. While dated, they are still relevant.

http://www.mfp.usmc.mil/TeamApp/G4/Topics/20040916154046/Med%20Cont%20Factbook.pdf

www.iiimef.usmc.mil/medical/ FMF/FMFE/FMFEref/fs_man/CHAPTER%2014.html

--[[User:Killerman|Killerman]] 20:26, 12 April 2006 (CDT)

:I have no doubt that you are well qualified to speak about the medical capabilities of an aircraft carrier. I dispute their relevance to BSG, however. while they might provide a good baseline for guesswork, I don't think that simple guesswork belongs on this site. We don't extrapolate armament details based on the capabilities of modern naval vessels, for example. If you wanted, I wouldn't object to something along the lines of "we may conjecture that the medical facilities of a colonial battlestar are roughly comparable to those of a modern aircraft carrier" with one of the links you provided above; but I will not agree to listing out detailed specifications based on no in-continuity data. --[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 20:37, 12 April 2006 (CDT)

::''At last I went to the artisans. I was conscious that I knew nothing at all, as I may say, and I was sure that they knew many fine things; and here I was not mistaken, for they did know many things of which I was ignorant, and in this they certainly were wiser than I was. But I observed that even the good artisans fell into error;--because they were good workmen they thought that they also knew all sorts of high matters, and this defect in them overshadowed their wisdom;''
:::''The Apology of Socrates'', Plato

::Sir, none of us doubt that you know what you are talking about when you list the medical capabilities of a modern aicraft carrier. But this does not grant you increased insight into the inner logic of the tv series: First, we have no idea how many medical staff are onboard, and comparing it to an aircraft carrier is just speculation. Second, we have no idea how many crewmen a Mercury class battlestar normally has, as has been asked in the "Questions" segment of the "[[Pegasus (episode)|Pegasus]]" episode guide article: Pegasus has 1,750 crewmen when it encounters Galactica, but A) It was going into drydock, and some of the crew may have left to the port, B) 700 crewmen died in the initial attack C) Cain impressed civillians she encounteed into service and most importantly C) Cain was fighting a hit and run war against the Cylons for months, which wore down her crew numbers through attrition. But I digress. Yes, we should object to a statement like "we may conjecture that medical facilities of a colonial battlestar are roughly comparable to those of a modern aircraft carrier". --[[User:The Merovingian|The Merovingian]] ([[Special:Contributions/The Merovingian|C]] - [[Special:Editcount/The Merovingian|E]]) 21:41, 12 April 2006 (CDT)

:::I guess you can object to that too, if you want. I was trying to compromise. --[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 21:48, 12 April 2006 (CDT)
::::I'm sorry Peter but this is a really good example of the speculation I don't think we should be inserting into this kind of article. There is nothing to be gained from such a compromise. I would if there were, and would like to, but I can't change facts. --[[User:The Merovingian|The Merovingian]] ([[Special:Contributions/The Merovingian|C]] - [[Special:Editcount/The Merovingian|E]]) 21:51, 12 April 2006 (CDT)

Peter,

As I am preparing to deploy for a year, please forgive me as I have packed all my BSG video. I grant you that the personnel numbers for a fully manned battlestar are informed speculation based upon a comparison to a modern aircraft carrier. I use these numbers as RDM has referenced a battlestar to a modern carrier, his experience in the Navy (podcast for The Captain’s Hand), Galactica type battlestar – article – dimensions’ jpg comparing a Battlestar to a CVN Image:Bsg-2-cvn.jpg on this very page. My professional training drives me to fill in unknowns with assumptions. That is what the personnel piece was intended and is consistent with other speculation within the Wiki, so long as it is said to be speculation (i.e. the actual working of an FTL drive). But sticking to the medical capabilities known from “in country (your term)” knowledge (i.e. seen on screen or in dialogue), we know much about Galactica. First, Galactica has a sickbay (Act of Contrition, Litmus). Exact bed count is not known, but is greater than seven (Act of Contrition). Based upon the burn victims (Act of Contrition) and treatment of William Adama (Scattered, Valley of Darkness, Fragged), we have seen Intensive Care Unit (ICU) beds, complete with ventilators, electrocardiograms (ECG), pulse / respiration / pulseox (shows percent of oxygen saturation dissolved in blood) monitors. We also have seen at least on operation room (OR) (Fragged), and subsequently confirm its existence with Kara Thrace’s knee surgery (Litmus) and Lee Adama’s chest surgery (Sacrifice). Concerning the radiology suite, we saw a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI – incidentally, a very advanced piece of equipment) when Baltar had Dr. Cottle examine his head looking for an implanted chip (sorry, don’t remember the episode). We also saw conventional (chest) x-rays of Commander William Adama, during his surgery (Fragged, Scattered). We heard about Sharon’s ultrasound, as part of pre-natal health on Hera, where Dr. Cottle found an abnormality. And while not part of radiology, Hera, is placed in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) incubator, when is born prematurely. Next, we know it has a pharmacy. The President asked Dr. Cottle for Camala, the Viper pilots were taking “stims” (33, Final Cut) and Kara is taking pain killers for her knee surgery (Litmus) and latter asks Lee for antibiotics for Anders (Lay Down Your Burdens – Part II). Additionally, with the surgeries and burn victims, there are other pharmacological needs and a pharmacy is where these things dwell. Other areas that we have seen or know about are a morgue, where Galactica-Boomer was stored; a laboratory (to do support simple blood type and matching to support surgery), optometry with a fabrication lab (William Adama wears glasses and as stated in other areas of this site, battlestars are designed for sustained operations). We are also can infer that Galactica has some preventive medicine / occupational health capability because in “Water”, there was a discussion about water recycling (leading to potable water). It is Preventive Medicine that does this task.

I would like to add that RDM and SciFi do a heck of a job weaving into the background all these things. As an experienced health services officer with over 22 years in the health care field, there is a tremendous amount of detail that happens in the background. If I was a casual observer, I might miss or not care about some of these things. As someone headed into harms way, I assure you that our fighting forces moral is impacted combat health support. I absolutely belive we need to address the medical capabilities of a battle star. The propose the best way is start with what it would look like at full strenght / desired capability. Clearly, Season 3 will start with two grossly undermanned battlestars, with very limited offensive combat capability.--[[User:Killerman|Killerman]] 22:10, 16 April 2006 (CDT)

User:Killerman

2006-04-13T01:54:10Z

Killerman:

===Biography===

My name is Dennis Kilian and I am an Active Duty Medical Service Corps Officer, serving in the Pentagon (but about to go to Kuwait).

===Contact===

You can contact me at kiliandb@yahoo.com.

Galactica type battlestar

2006-04-13T01:40:13Z

Killerman: /* '''Medical Support''' */

{{shortcut|BS}}

:''This article discusses the original battlestar class (of which ''[[Galactica (RDM)|Galactica]]'' is a member) of the [[Battlestar Galactica (RDM)|re-imagined series]]. For information on the battlestars of the Original Series, see [[Battlestar (TOS)]]. For information on the newer ''Mercury'' class battlestars, see [[Mercury class battlestar]].''

[[Image:Bsg-bsg-1.jpg|thumb|250px|Original Colonial Battlestar (credit: Zoic)]]

==Overview==
[[Image:Destroyed Battlestar Mini.JPG|thumb|right|A destroyed ''Galactica'' type battlestar ([[Miniseries]]).]]
The '''''Galactica'' type battlestar''' is a capital Colonial warship that combines the functions of aircraft carrier and battleship. The first twelve battlestars were laid down in the early days of the [[Cylon War]], each representing one of the [[Twelve Colonies]] ([[Miniseries]]). This article concerns that original, and unnamed, class.

Following the end of the war, the original battlestars remained in service, and many newer battlestars were built. At the time of the [[Fall of the Twelve Colonies]], the newer [[Mercury-class Battlestar|''Mercury''-class]] represented the top of the line.

The original battlestars were space-going leviathans of some 4,640ft (1,547m) in length, housing 80 [[Viper (RDM)|Viper]] space superiority fighters arranged in 4 squadrons of 20 apiece, and several nuclear warheads. A fully-armed battlestar is capable of a wide range of offensive actions, while her defensive armaments ensure she is fully capable of both protecting herself from attack, and of engaging an enemy at close quarters.

==Layout==
The design common to ''Galactica'' and her sister ships can be broken down into two main sections: the main hull, and the twin flight pods.

=== Main Hull ===

This comprises the bulk of a battlestar, and can, itself, be divided into three sections:

The "alligator head" contains the primary living space for the crew, recreational facilities, mess halls, shipboard operations centres (such as the [[CIC]] and [[Situation Room]]){{ref|nosource}}; water storage tanks ([[Water]]).

The midships area contains the pod retraction mechanisms, crossways linking the hanger pods for the transfer of equipment and personnel, as well as all the necessary hoists for such transfers ([[Miniseries]]). Main munitions stores and distribution mechanisms to "local" munitions stores for main and secondary batteries; fabrication facilities; etc {{ref_label|nosource|1|a}}.

The stern section contains sublight engines, [[FTL]] drive coils, etc. Note that 4 of the sublight engines are mounted externally in engine pods, with 2 more mounted between the pods, in the stern of the battlestar's main hull.

=== Flight Pods ===
The flight pods are mounted on either side of the hull and contain a battlestar's offensive [[Viper (RDM)|Viper]] force. During normal operations, they are extended away from the main hull. During FTL jumps, the pods are retracted against the hull. Each pod comprises two main decks for flight operations: the upper landing bay, which extends the full length of the pod; and the lower launch bays, which provide some 40 launch tubes per pod.

The landing bay serves as a recovery area for incoming Vipers and [[Raptor]]s. Approaches are made from the stern. The preferred approach is a slow run into the landing bay, prior to making a vertical landing on a defined landing area. However, in emergencies, [[Combat Landing|combat landings]] can be made, in which a Viper or Raptor approaches at speed and makes a running landing on its undercarriage.

The forward end of the landing bay also serves as a launch area for Raptors and shuttles. The landing bay is large enough to accept a variety of other Colonial vessels, at least as large as "heavy" passenger ships such as ''[[Colonial Heavy 798]]''. Docking collars are located throughout the upper sections of the landing bay in order to provide a pressurized connection between a docked vessel and the battlestar. The Flight Pods also have docking ports to dock with larger ships or stations.

The [[Hangar Deck|hangar deck]] within the flight pod are used as general dispersal areas for Vipers. The hangar deck is used for maintenance & repair of Vipers / Raptors, refueling, re-arming and launch operations. A hangar deck runs the length of the flight pod, but can be divided and sealed off into five sections for damage control purposes. Each hangar deck section has eight launch tubes, two launch control stations, and an elevator that leads to the landing bay above. Viper flight operations are overseen by a [[Landing Signal Officer]], with each launch supervisor being directly responsible for all launch operations for a group of four launch tubes{{ref_label|nosource|1|b}}.

==Specifications==

===Dimensions===
Hull:
* Length: 4,640ft (1.414m)
* Beam: 1,820ft (555m) (flight pod to flight pod - extended)
* Draft: 580ft (177m) (source: [http://www.scifi.com/battlestar/ships/ships/ SciFi.com])

Flight Pods:
* Length (approx): 2,019ft (615m)
* Beam (approx): 360ft (110m)
* Draft (approx): 211ft (64m) {{ref|pods}}

[[Image:bsg-2-cvn.jpg|right|thumb|Battlestar / CVN comparison (credit: Zoic / VF)]]
''An appreciation of the size of an original battlestar can be gleaned from the following: A battlestar is over 4 times longer than a [[Wikipedia:USS Nimitz|''Nimitz'']]-class US Navy nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. The flight pod of an original battlestar is almost twice the length of a ''Nimitz'' class carrier, is some 150ft (46m) wider and is approximately as tall as a ''Nimitz'' class carrier measured from the waterline to the top of the carrier's communications and [[Wikipedia:ELINT|ELINT]] tower. The beam of an original battlestar's "alligator head" is as broad as a ''Nimitz''-class carrier's flight deck is long. Each of the nacelles of an original battlestar's outer four sublight engines is large enough to house a ''Nimitz''-class carrier.''

===Propulsion===
[[Image:Sublight.jpg|thumb|right|''Galactica'' with all six sublight engines engaged ([[33]])]]
* 2 x FTL engines and drive coils{{ref|ftl}}
* 6 x sublight engines
** 2 x Hull-mounted
** 4 x outrigger engine pods
* 40 x maneuvering engines (10 clusters of 4 apiece){{ref|zoic}}.

Despite their massive size, battlestars are extremely maneuverable and can dock with space stations such as the [[Ragnar Anchorage]] depot. Battlestars are not designed for atmospheric flight, although their hulls can manage a tenuous upper atmospheric storm like that surrounding the gas giant [[Ragnar]] ([[Miniseries]]). A battlestar's [[FTL]] systems are capable of very accurate Jumps, able to place them precisely in synchronous orbit above any point on a planet ([[Miniseries]]) and of placing them in the midst of an asteroid field ([[The Hand of God (RDM)|The Hand of God]]) or dense fleet of ships ([[Scattered]]), without risk of a devastating impact. However, they are grossly inferior to [[Cylon]] systems in range ([[Kobol's Last Gleaming, Part I]]).

===Endurance===
Battlestars are intended to operate for long periods without re-supplying. Their water purification capabilities alone are so efficient that, barring an emergency or unforeseen event, a battlestar can operate without re-tanking "for several years before replenishing" ([[Water]]). They also appear capable of undertaking large-scale repairs following battle damage ([[Miniseries]], [[Water]]), and may have small manufacturing/fabrication facilities on-board ([[Litmus]]). Vegetable stores and canned goods are kept in [[Wikipedia:Titanium|titanium]] lockers ([[Final Cut]]).

===Computer Systems===
The original battlestar vessels deliberately avoided the use of networked computer systems and wireless devices, as the [[Cylon]] enemy were adept at infiltrating and subverting such systems ([[Miniseries]]).

Although they do employ [[computers]] for such functions as [[FTL]] calculations, navigation, damage control and fire control ([[Scattered]]), these are not connected with each other. This design is intended to naturally quarantine individual systems in the event that one becomes compromised.

===Armament===
[[Image:Flakfield.jpg|thumb|right|Flak field from ''Galactica'''s large turrets ([[Scattered]])]]
[[Image:Bscap064.jpg|thumb|''Galactica'''s point defense turrets]]
*24 large gun turrets{{ref|flak}} (mounting 2 guns apiece)
These are mounted on the dorsal and ventral surfaces of the main hull and the ventral surface of the bow. The two guns on each turret can fire high-explosive (anti-Baseship) and flak (anti-Raiders) rounds in tandem at a rate of 2.23 seconds per round.

*Numerous{{ref|small}} smaller turrets (mounting 2 guns apiece)
These are smaller two-gun turrets mounted on the flight pods and other surfaces. Each barrel fires explosive rounds in bursts, with a rate of fire of 200 rounds per turret per second (estimate based on one tracer per four rounds).

*Multiple nuclear warheads{{ref|nukes}}.

*Four squadrons of 20 "[[Viper (RDM)|Viper]]" air/space superiority fighters{{ref|vipers}}. Even the latest Mk. VII Vipers remain compatible with this class's launch and recovery facilities.

*Numerous{{ref|raptors}} "[[Raptor]]" reconnaissance vehicles.

 

===Crew===
''Galactica's'' crew complement prior to her scheduled decommissioning was approximately 2,800{{ref|crew}}. This figure may be higher for a fully staffed and operational battlestar.

===Life Support===
Approximately twelve oxygen recirculation units are mounted throughout the ship, which replenish oxygen as well as remove ("scrub") carbon dioxide from the air. These devices work continuously ([[Final Cut]]).

==='''Medical Support'''===

Based upon comparisons between a battlestar and a US Navy Carrier{{ref|11}}, the senior medical officer (SMO) aboard a battlestar is usually a Major and would have a designation of flight surgeon. He usually has had several tours, one of which has been as an air wing flight surgeon. Typically, he has completed a residency in aerospace medicine and is board certified or board eligible in preventive medicine. This paradigm seems to hold true for Dr. (Major) Cottle. Medical support of the crew members aboard Galactica and Pegasus would be facilitated by a self-sufficient hospital, which approximately 60 beds, with each ship having the following attributes: Operating room (1), ICU beds (3) with associated support equipment, Pharmacy, Laboratory, X-ray capability, Orthopedic cast room, Physical exam rooms
Optometry / eye glass manufacturing, Occupational Health / Preventive medicine, and General Dentistry.

Full strength medical manning for each battlestar notionally includes:
Flight Surgeon (1), serving as the SMO, General Surgeon (1), Nurse Anesthetist (1), General Medical Officer (1) and Flight Surgeons (2), Physician's Assistant (1), Medical Administrator (1), Environmental Health Officer (1), Nurse (1), Dentist (1), Hospital Corpsmen (40-45), with a variety of medical specialties.

==Sources==
# {{note|nosource}}{{note_label|nosource|1|a}}{{note_label|nosource|1|b}} No source provided. Figures and comments which are unsourced are being considered for deletion, in compliance with the [[Battlestar Wiki:Citation Jihad|Citation Jihad]].
# {{note|pods}} Calculated based on elevations made available by Zoic.
# {{note|ftl}} '''Tigh:''' "Engineering/Combat. Please spin up FTL drives One and Two." ([[Miniseries]])
# {{note|zoic}} Originally sourced to [[Zoic]] without explanation.
# {{note|flak}} These have been referred to as railguns by some fan sources, but there is substantial evidence to the contrary. See [[Railgun]] for more.
# {{note|small}} Unsourced figures have ranged from 252 to 512. According to the BSG Magazine, the number is 504.
#{{note|nukes}} As of the episode "[[Bastille Day]]", ''[[Galactica (RDM)|Galactica]]'' was equipped with five nuclear warheads. This may be lower than the typical number, since ''Galactica'' was in the process of being decommissioned and had already had most of its ammunition removed. If this is the case, we must conclude that ''Galactica'' was unable to reload its supply of nuclear arms at [[Ragnar Anchorage]] (a sensible proposition, given the ease with which purported arms smuggler [[Leoben Conoy]] was able to gain access to the facility).
# {{note|vipers}}After the destruction of 20 Vipers during the Cylon Attack, ''Galactica'' was still able to muster a 40-Viper strong defensive screen by combining their remaining squadron of Mk. VII vipers with a full squadron of Mk. II vipers from a museum exhibit in the starboard flight pod. This suggests that ''Galactica'', with a single operational flight pod, was fielding two squadrons from it, and that when fully operational it could have fielded an additional two squadrons from the starboard pod as well.
# {{note|raptors}}At the time of the Cylon Attack, ''Galactica'' was apparently equipped with at least eight. See [[Galactica (RDM)#endnote_raptors|Galactica Raptor tally]] for a running count.
# {{note|crew}} See [[Galactica (RDM)#endnote_originalcrew|Galactica crew count]].
# {{note|medical support}} US Navy Medical Contingency Fact Book

[[Category:A to Z]] [[Category:Colonial Craft]][[Category:Colonial Military]] [[Category:RDM]] [[Category:Technology]] [[Category:Battlestars]]

Galactica type battlestar

2006-04-13T01:32:15Z

Killerman: /* Sources */

{{shortcut|BS}}

:''This article discusses the original battlestar class (of which ''[[Galactica (RDM)|Galactica]]'' is a member) of the [[Battlestar Galactica (RDM)|re-imagined series]]. For information on the battlestars of the Original Series, see [[Battlestar (TOS)]]. For information on the newer ''Mercury'' class battlestars, see [[Mercury class battlestar]].''

[[Image:Bsg-bsg-1.jpg|thumb|250px|Original Colonial Battlestar (credit: Zoic)]]

==Overview==
[[Image:Destroyed Battlestar Mini.JPG|thumb|right|A destroyed ''Galactica'' type battlestar ([[Miniseries]]).]]
The '''''Galactica'' type battlestar''' is a capital Colonial warship that combines the functions of aircraft carrier and battleship. The first twelve battlestars were laid down in the early days of the [[Cylon War]], each representing one of the [[Twelve Colonies]] ([[Miniseries]]). This article concerns that original, and unnamed, class.

Following the end of the war, the original battlestars remained in service, and many newer battlestars were built. At the time of the [[Fall of the Twelve Colonies]], the newer [[Mercury-class Battlestar|''Mercury''-class]] represented the top of the line.

The original battlestars were space-going leviathans of some 4,640ft (1,547m) in length, housing 80 [[Viper (RDM)|Viper]] space superiority fighters arranged in 4 squadrons of 20 apiece, and several nuclear warheads. A fully-armed battlestar is capable of a wide range of offensive actions, while her defensive armaments ensure she is fully capable of both protecting herself from attack, and of engaging an enemy at close quarters.

==Layout==
The design common to ''Galactica'' and her sister ships can be broken down into two main sections: the main hull, and the twin flight pods.

=== Main Hull ===

This comprises the bulk of a battlestar, and can, itself, be divided into three sections:

The "alligator head" contains the primary living space for the crew, recreational facilities, mess halls, shipboard operations centres (such as the [[CIC]] and [[Situation Room]]){{ref|nosource}}; water storage tanks ([[Water]]).

The midships area contains the pod retraction mechanisms, crossways linking the hanger pods for the transfer of equipment and personnel, as well as all the necessary hoists for such transfers ([[Miniseries]]). Main munitions stores and distribution mechanisms to "local" munitions stores for main and secondary batteries; fabrication facilities; etc {{ref_label|nosource|1|a}}.

The stern section contains sublight engines, [[FTL]] drive coils, etc. Note that 4 of the sublight engines are mounted externally in engine pods, with 2 more mounted between the pods, in the stern of the battlestar's main hull.

=== Flight Pods ===
The flight pods are mounted on either side of the hull and contain a battlestar's offensive [[Viper (RDM)|Viper]] force. During normal operations, they are extended away from the main hull. During FTL jumps, the pods are retracted against the hull. Each pod comprises two main decks for flight operations: the upper landing bay, which extends the full length of the pod; and the lower launch bays, which provide some 40 launch tubes per pod.

The landing bay serves as a recovery area for incoming Vipers and [[Raptor]]s. Approaches are made from the stern. The preferred approach is a slow run into the landing bay, prior to making a vertical landing on a defined landing area. However, in emergencies, [[Combat Landing|combat landings]] can be made, in which a Viper or Raptor approaches at speed and makes a running landing on its undercarriage.

The forward end of the landing bay also serves as a launch area for Raptors and shuttles. The landing bay is large enough to accept a variety of other Colonial vessels, at least as large as "heavy" passenger ships such as ''[[Colonial Heavy 798]]''. Docking collars are located throughout the upper sections of the landing bay in order to provide a pressurized connection between a docked vessel and the battlestar. The Flight Pods also have docking ports to dock with larger ships or stations.

The [[Hangar Deck|hangar deck]] within the flight pod are used as general dispersal areas for Vipers. The hangar deck is used for maintenance & repair of Vipers / Raptors, refueling, re-arming and launch operations. A hangar deck runs the length of the flight pod, but can be divided and sealed off into five sections for damage control purposes. Each hangar deck section has eight launch tubes, two launch control stations, and an elevator that leads to the landing bay above. Viper flight operations are overseen by a [[Landing Signal Officer]], with each launch supervisor being directly responsible for all launch operations for a group of four launch tubes{{ref_label|nosource|1|b}}.

==Specifications==

===Dimensions===
Hull:
* Length: 4,640ft (1.414m)
* Beam: 1,820ft (555m) (flight pod to flight pod - extended)
* Draft: 580ft (177m) (source: [http://www.scifi.com/battlestar/ships/ships/ SciFi.com])

Flight Pods:
* Length (approx): 2,019ft (615m)
* Beam (approx): 360ft (110m)
* Draft (approx): 211ft (64m) {{ref|pods}}

[[Image:bsg-2-cvn.jpg|right|thumb|Battlestar / CVN comparison (credit: Zoic / VF)]]
''An appreciation of the size of an original battlestar can be gleaned from the following: A battlestar is over 4 times longer than a [[Wikipedia:USS Nimitz|''Nimitz'']]-class US Navy nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. The flight pod of an original battlestar is almost twice the length of a ''Nimitz'' class carrier, is some 150ft (46m) wider and is approximately as tall as a ''Nimitz'' class carrier measured from the waterline to the top of the carrier's communications and [[Wikipedia:ELINT|ELINT]] tower. The beam of an original battlestar's "alligator head" is as broad as a ''Nimitz''-class carrier's flight deck is long. Each of the nacelles of an original battlestar's outer four sublight engines is large enough to house a ''Nimitz''-class carrier.''

===Propulsion===
[[Image:Sublight.jpg|thumb|right|''Galactica'' with all six sublight engines engaged ([[33]])]]
* 2 x FTL engines and drive coils{{ref|ftl}}
* 6 x sublight engines
** 2 x Hull-mounted
** 4 x outrigger engine pods
* 40 x maneuvering engines (10 clusters of 4 apiece){{ref|zoic}}.

Despite their massive size, battlestars are extremely maneuverable and can dock with space stations such as the [[Ragnar Anchorage]] depot. Battlestars are not designed for atmospheric flight, although their hulls can manage a tenuous upper atmospheric storm like that surrounding the gas giant [[Ragnar]] ([[Miniseries]]). A battlestar's [[FTL]] systems are capable of very accurate Jumps, able to place them precisely in synchronous orbit above any point on a planet ([[Miniseries]]) and of placing them in the midst of an asteroid field ([[The Hand of God (RDM)|The Hand of God]]) or dense fleet of ships ([[Scattered]]), without risk of a devastating impact. However, they are grossly inferior to [[Cylon]] systems in range ([[Kobol's Last Gleaming, Part I]]).

===Endurance===
Battlestars are intended to operate for long periods without re-supplying. Their water purification capabilities alone are so efficient that, barring an emergency or unforeseen event, a battlestar can operate without re-tanking "for several years before replenishing" ([[Water]]). They also appear capable of undertaking large-scale repairs following battle damage ([[Miniseries]], [[Water]]), and may have small manufacturing/fabrication facilities on-board ([[Litmus]]). Vegetable stores and canned goods are kept in [[Wikipedia:Titanium|titanium]] lockers ([[Final Cut]]).

===Computer Systems===
The original battlestar vessels deliberately avoided the use of networked computer systems and wireless devices, as the [[Cylon]] enemy were adept at infiltrating and subverting such systems ([[Miniseries]]).

Although they do employ [[computers]] for such functions as [[FTL]] calculations, navigation, damage control and fire control ([[Scattered]]), these are not connected with each other. This design is intended to naturally quarantine individual systems in the event that one becomes compromised.

===Armament===
[[Image:Flakfield.jpg|thumb|right|Flak field from ''Galactica'''s large turrets ([[Scattered]])]]
[[Image:Bscap064.jpg|thumb|''Galactica'''s point defense turrets]]
*24 large gun turrets{{ref|flak}} (mounting 2 guns apiece)
These are mounted on the dorsal and ventral surfaces of the main hull and the ventral surface of the bow. The two guns on each turret can fire high-explosive (anti-Baseship) and flak (anti-Raiders) rounds in tandem at a rate of 2.23 seconds per round.

*Numerous{{ref|small}} smaller turrets (mounting 2 guns apiece)
These are smaller two-gun turrets mounted on the flight pods and other surfaces. Each barrel fires explosive rounds in bursts, with a rate of fire of 200 rounds per turret per second (estimate based on one tracer per four rounds).

*Multiple nuclear warheads{{ref|nukes}}.

*Four squadrons of 20 "[[Viper (RDM)|Viper]]" air/space superiority fighters{{ref|vipers}}. Even the latest Mk. VII Vipers remain compatible with this class's launch and recovery facilities.

*Numerous{{ref|raptors}} "[[Raptor]]" reconnaissance vehicles.

 

===Crew===
''Galactica's'' crew complement prior to her scheduled decommissioning was approximately 2,800{{ref|crew}}. This figure may be higher for a fully staffed and operational battlestar.

===Life Support===
Approximately twelve oxygen recirculation units are mounted throughout the ship, which replenish oxygen as well as remove ("scrub") carbon dioxide from the air. These devices work continuously ([[Final Cut]]).

==='''Medical Support'''===

Based upon comparisons between a battlestar and a US Navy Carrier, the senior medical officer (SMO) aboard a battlestar is usually a Major and would have a designation of flight surgeon. He usually has had several tours, one of which has been as an air wing flight surgeon. Typically, he has completed a residency in aerospace medicine and is board certified or board eligible in preventive medicine. This paradigm seems to hold true for Dr. (Major) Cottle. Medical support of the crew members aboard Galactica and Pegasus would be facilitated by a self-sufficient hospital, which approximately 60 beds, with each ship having the following attributes: Operating room (1), ICU beds (3) with associated support equipment, Pharmacy, Laboratory, X-ray capability, Orthopedic cast room, Physical exam rooms
Optometry / eye glass manufacturing, Occupational Health / Preventive medicine, and General Dentistry.

Full strength medical manning for each battlestar notionally includes:
Flight Surgeon (1), serving as the SMO, General Surgeon (1), Nurse Anesthetist (1), General Medical Officer (1) and Flight Surgeons (2), Physician's Assistant (1), Medical Administrator (1), Environmental Health Officer (1), Nurse (1), Dentist (1), Hospital Corpsmen (40-45), with a variety of medical specialties.

==Sources==
# {{note|nosource}}{{note_label|nosource|1|a}}{{note_label|nosource|1|b}} No source provided. Figures and comments which are unsourced are being considered for deletion, in compliance with the [[Battlestar Wiki:Citation Jihad|Citation Jihad]].
# {{note|pods}} Calculated based on elevations made available by Zoic.
# {{note|ftl}} '''Tigh:''' "Engineering/Combat. Please spin up FTL drives One and Two." ([[Miniseries]])
# {{note|zoic}} Originally sourced to [[Zoic]] without explanation.
# {{note|flak}} These have been referred to as railguns by some fan sources, but there is substantial evidence to the contrary. See [[Railgun]] for more.
# {{note|small}} Unsourced figures have ranged from 252 to 512. According to the BSG Magazine, the number is 504.
#{{note|nukes}} As of the episode "[[Bastille Day]]", ''[[Galactica (RDM)|Galactica]]'' was equipped with five nuclear warheads. This may be lower than the typical number, since ''Galactica'' was in the process of being decommissioned and had already had most of its ammunition removed. If this is the case, we must conclude that ''Galactica'' was unable to reload its supply of nuclear arms at [[Ragnar Anchorage]] (a sensible proposition, given the ease with which purported arms smuggler [[Leoben Conoy]] was able to gain access to the facility).
# {{note|vipers}}After the destruction of 20 Vipers during the Cylon Attack, ''Galactica'' was still able to muster a 40-Viper strong defensive screen by combining their remaining squadron of Mk. VII vipers with a full squadron of Mk. II vipers from a museum exhibit in the starboard flight pod. This suggests that ''Galactica'', with a single operational flight pod, was fielding two squadrons from it, and that when fully operational it could have fielded an additional two squadrons from the starboard pod as well.
# {{note|raptors}}At the time of the Cylon Attack, ''Galactica'' was apparently equipped with at least eight. See [[Galactica (RDM)#endnote_raptors|Galactica Raptor tally]] for a running count.
# {{note|crew}} See [[Galactica (RDM)#endnote_originalcrew|Galactica crew count]].
# {{note|medical support}} US Navy Medical Contingency Fact Book

[[Category:A to Z]] [[Category:Colonial Craft]][[Category:Colonial Military]] [[Category:RDM]] [[Category:Technology]] [[Category:Battlestars]]

Galactica type battlestar

2006-04-13T01:28:31Z

Killerman: /* Life Support */

{{shortcut|BS}}

:''This article discusses the original battlestar class (of which ''[[Galactica (RDM)|Galactica]]'' is a member) of the [[Battlestar Galactica (RDM)|re-imagined series]]. For information on the battlestars of the Original Series, see [[Battlestar (TOS)]]. For information on the newer ''Mercury'' class battlestars, see [[Mercury class battlestar]].''

[[Image:Bsg-bsg-1.jpg|thumb|250px|Original Colonial Battlestar (credit: Zoic)]]

==Overview==
[[Image:Destroyed Battlestar Mini.JPG|thumb|right|A destroyed ''Galactica'' type battlestar ([[Miniseries]]).]]
The '''''Galactica'' type battlestar''' is a capital Colonial warship that combines the functions of aircraft carrier and battleship. The first twelve battlestars were laid down in the early days of the [[Cylon War]], each representing one of the [[Twelve Colonies]] ([[Miniseries]]). This article concerns that original, and unnamed, class.

Following the end of the war, the original battlestars remained in service, and many newer battlestars were built. At the time of the [[Fall of the Twelve Colonies]], the newer [[Mercury-class Battlestar|''Mercury''-class]] represented the top of the line.

The original battlestars were space-going leviathans of some 4,640ft (1,547m) in length, housing 80 [[Viper (RDM)|Viper]] space superiority fighters arranged in 4 squadrons of 20 apiece, and several nuclear warheads. A fully-armed battlestar is capable of a wide range of offensive actions, while her defensive armaments ensure she is fully capable of both protecting herself from attack, and of engaging an enemy at close quarters.

==Layout==
The design common to ''Galactica'' and her sister ships can be broken down into two main sections: the main hull, and the twin flight pods.

=== Main Hull ===

This comprises the bulk of a battlestar, and can, itself, be divided into three sections:

The "alligator head" contains the primary living space for the crew, recreational facilities, mess halls, shipboard operations centres (such as the [[CIC]] and [[Situation Room]]){{ref|nosource}}; water storage tanks ([[Water]]).

The midships area contains the pod retraction mechanisms, crossways linking the hanger pods for the transfer of equipment and personnel, as well as all the necessary hoists for such transfers ([[Miniseries]]). Main munitions stores and distribution mechanisms to "local" munitions stores for main and secondary batteries; fabrication facilities; etc {{ref_label|nosource|1|a}}.

The stern section contains sublight engines, [[FTL]] drive coils, etc. Note that 4 of the sublight engines are mounted externally in engine pods, with 2 more mounted between the pods, in the stern of the battlestar's main hull.

=== Flight Pods ===
The flight pods are mounted on either side of the hull and contain a battlestar's offensive [[Viper (RDM)|Viper]] force. During normal operations, they are extended away from the main hull. During FTL jumps, the pods are retracted against the hull. Each pod comprises two main decks for flight operations: the upper landing bay, which extends the full length of the pod; and the lower launch bays, which provide some 40 launch tubes per pod.

The landing bay serves as a recovery area for incoming Vipers and [[Raptor]]s. Approaches are made from the stern. The preferred approach is a slow run into the landing bay, prior to making a vertical landing on a defined landing area. However, in emergencies, [[Combat Landing|combat landings]] can be made, in which a Viper or Raptor approaches at speed and makes a running landing on its undercarriage.

The forward end of the landing bay also serves as a launch area for Raptors and shuttles. The landing bay is large enough to accept a variety of other Colonial vessels, at least as large as "heavy" passenger ships such as ''[[Colonial Heavy 798]]''. Docking collars are located throughout the upper sections of the landing bay in order to provide a pressurized connection between a docked vessel and the battlestar. The Flight Pods also have docking ports to dock with larger ships or stations.

The [[Hangar Deck|hangar deck]] within the flight pod are used as general dispersal areas for Vipers. The hangar deck is used for maintenance & repair of Vipers / Raptors, refueling, re-arming and launch operations. A hangar deck runs the length of the flight pod, but can be divided and sealed off into five sections for damage control purposes. Each hangar deck section has eight launch tubes, two launch control stations, and an elevator that leads to the landing bay above. Viper flight operations are overseen by a [[Landing Signal Officer]], with each launch supervisor being directly responsible for all launch operations for a group of four launch tubes{{ref_label|nosource|1|b}}.

==Specifications==

===Dimensions===
Hull:
* Length: 4,640ft (1.414m)
* Beam: 1,820ft (555m) (flight pod to flight pod - extended)
* Draft: 580ft (177m) (source: [http://www.scifi.com/battlestar/ships/ships/ SciFi.com])

Flight Pods:
* Length (approx): 2,019ft (615m)
* Beam (approx): 360ft (110m)
* Draft (approx): 211ft (64m) {{ref|pods}}

[[Image:bsg-2-cvn.jpg|right|thumb|Battlestar / CVN comparison (credit: Zoic / VF)]]
''An appreciation of the size of an original battlestar can be gleaned from the following: A battlestar is over 4 times longer than a [[Wikipedia:USS Nimitz|''Nimitz'']]-class US Navy nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. The flight pod of an original battlestar is almost twice the length of a ''Nimitz'' class carrier, is some 150ft (46m) wider and is approximately as tall as a ''Nimitz'' class carrier measured from the waterline to the top of the carrier's communications and [[Wikipedia:ELINT|ELINT]] tower. The beam of an original battlestar's "alligator head" is as broad as a ''Nimitz''-class carrier's flight deck is long. Each of the nacelles of an original battlestar's outer four sublight engines is large enough to house a ''Nimitz''-class carrier.''

===Propulsion===
[[Image:Sublight.jpg|thumb|right|''Galactica'' with all six sublight engines engaged ([[33]])]]
* 2 x FTL engines and drive coils{{ref|ftl}}
* 6 x sublight engines
** 2 x Hull-mounted
** 4 x outrigger engine pods
* 40 x maneuvering engines (10 clusters of 4 apiece){{ref|zoic}}.

Despite their massive size, battlestars are extremely maneuverable and can dock with space stations such as the [[Ragnar Anchorage]] depot. Battlestars are not designed for atmospheric flight, although their hulls can manage a tenuous upper atmospheric storm like that surrounding the gas giant [[Ragnar]] ([[Miniseries]]). A battlestar's [[FTL]] systems are capable of very accurate Jumps, able to place them precisely in synchronous orbit above any point on a planet ([[Miniseries]]) and of placing them in the midst of an asteroid field ([[The Hand of God (RDM)|The Hand of God]]) or dense fleet of ships ([[Scattered]]), without risk of a devastating impact. However, they are grossly inferior to [[Cylon]] systems in range ([[Kobol's Last Gleaming, Part I]]).

===Endurance===
Battlestars are intended to operate for long periods without re-supplying. Their water purification capabilities alone are so efficient that, barring an emergency or unforeseen event, a battlestar can operate without re-tanking "for several years before replenishing" ([[Water]]). They also appear capable of undertaking large-scale repairs following battle damage ([[Miniseries]], [[Water]]), and may have small manufacturing/fabrication facilities on-board ([[Litmus]]). Vegetable stores and canned goods are kept in [[Wikipedia:Titanium|titanium]] lockers ([[Final Cut]]).

===Computer Systems===
The original battlestar vessels deliberately avoided the use of networked computer systems and wireless devices, as the [[Cylon]] enemy were adept at infiltrating and subverting such systems ([[Miniseries]]).

Although they do employ [[computers]] for such functions as [[FTL]] calculations, navigation, damage control and fire control ([[Scattered]]), these are not connected with each other. This design is intended to naturally quarantine individual systems in the event that one becomes compromised.

===Armament===
[[Image:Flakfield.jpg|thumb|right|Flak field from ''Galactica'''s large turrets ([[Scattered]])]]
[[Image:Bscap064.jpg|thumb|''Galactica'''s point defense turrets]]
*24 large gun turrets{{ref|flak}} (mounting 2 guns apiece)
These are mounted on the dorsal and ventral surfaces of the main hull and the ventral surface of the bow. The two guns on each turret can fire high-explosive (anti-Baseship) and flak (anti-Raiders) rounds in tandem at a rate of 2.23 seconds per round.

*Numerous{{ref|small}} smaller turrets (mounting 2 guns apiece)
These are smaller two-gun turrets mounted on the flight pods and other surfaces. Each barrel fires explosive rounds in bursts, with a rate of fire of 200 rounds per turret per second (estimate based on one tracer per four rounds).

*Multiple nuclear warheads{{ref|nukes}}.

*Four squadrons of 20 "[[Viper (RDM)|Viper]]" air/space superiority fighters{{ref|vipers}}. Even the latest Mk. VII Vipers remain compatible with this class's launch and recovery facilities.

*Numerous{{ref|raptors}} "[[Raptor]]" reconnaissance vehicles.

 

===Crew===
''Galactica's'' crew complement prior to her scheduled decommissioning was approximately 2,800{{ref|crew}}. This figure may be higher for a fully staffed and operational battlestar.

===Life Support===
Approximately twelve oxygen recirculation units are mounted throughout the ship, which replenish oxygen as well as remove ("scrub") carbon dioxide from the air. These devices work continuously ([[Final Cut]]).

==='''Medical Support'''===

Based upon comparisons between a battlestar and a US Navy Carrier, the senior medical officer (SMO) aboard a battlestar is usually a Major and would have a designation of flight surgeon. He usually has had several tours, one of which has been as an air wing flight surgeon. Typically, he has completed a residency in aerospace medicine and is board certified or board eligible in preventive medicine. This paradigm seems to hold true for Dr. (Major) Cottle. Medical support of the crew members aboard Galactica and Pegasus would be facilitated by a self-sufficient hospital, which approximately 60 beds, with each ship having the following attributes: Operating room (1), ICU beds (3) with associated support equipment, Pharmacy, Laboratory, X-ray capability, Orthopedic cast room, Physical exam rooms
Optometry / eye glass manufacturing, Occupational Health / Preventive medicine, and General Dentistry.

Full strength medical manning for each battlestar notionally includes:
Flight Surgeon (1), serving as the SMO, General Surgeon (1), Nurse Anesthetist (1), General Medical Officer (1) and Flight Surgeons (2), Physician's Assistant (1), Medical Administrator (1), Environmental Health Officer (1), Nurse (1), Dentist (1), Hospital Corpsmen (40-45), with a variety of medical specialties.

==Sources==
# {{note|nosource}}{{note_label|nosource|1|a}}{{note_label|nosource|1|b}} No source provided. Figures and comments which are unsourced are being considered for deletion, in compliance with the [[Battlestar Wiki:Citation Jihad|Citation Jihad]].
# {{note|pods}} Calculated based on elevations made available by Zoic.
# {{note|ftl}} '''Tigh:''' "Engineering/Combat. Please spin up FTL drives One and Two." ([[Miniseries]])
# {{note|zoic}} Originally sourced to [[Zoic]] without explanation.
# {{note|flak}} These have been referred to as railguns by some fan sources, but there is substantial evidence to the contrary. See [[Railgun]] for more.
# {{note|small}} Unsourced figures have ranged from 252 to 512. According to the BSG Magazine, the number is 504.
#{{note|nukes}} As of the episode "[[Bastille Day]]", ''[[Galactica (RDM)|Galactica]]'' was equipped with five nuclear warheads. This may be lower than the typical number, since ''Galactica'' was in the process of being decommissioned and had already had most of its ammunition removed. If this is the case, we must conclude that ''Galactica'' was unable to reload its supply of nuclear arms at [[Ragnar Anchorage]] (a sensible proposition, given the ease with which purported arms smuggler [[Leoben Conoy]] was able to gain access to the facility).
# {{note|vipers}}After the destruction of 20 Vipers during the Cylon Attack, ''Galactica'' was still able to muster a 40-Viper strong defensive screen by combining their remaining squadron of Mk. VII vipers with a full squadron of Mk. II vipers from a museum exhibit in the starboard flight pod. This suggests that ''Galactica'', with a single operational flight pod, was fielding two squadrons from it, and that when fully operational it could have fielded an additional two squadrons from the starboard pod as well.
# {{note|raptors}}At the time of the Cylon Attack, ''Galactica'' was apparently equipped with at least eight. See [[Galactica (RDM)#endnote_raptors|Galactica Raptor tally]] for a running count.
# {{note|crew}} See [[Galactica (RDM)#endnote_originalcrew|Galactica crew count]].

[[Category:A to Z]] [[Category:Colonial Craft]][[Category:Colonial Military]] [[Category:RDM]] [[Category:Technology]] [[Category:Battlestars]]

User talk:April Arcus

2006-04-13T01:26:23Z

Killerman: Medical Capabilites of a Battlestar

==Zarek Rocks==

Thanks a lot for the advice. I'm still trying to figure out all of the intricacies of this wiki thing. Hopefully I don't look like too much of a newb, lol.

== Viper Ref. Numbers ==

are you going to do a list of the viper numbers since you have done one of the raptors and put them on offensive arment page?

:I'll be happy to, if you can tell me which episodes to look in. I can't remember hearing any Vipers being identified numerically in the series. --[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 19:19, 12 Aug 2005 (EDT)

:: Most of the Viper numbers are likely to come from the DRADIS closeups, if anything else. -- [[User:Joe.Beaudoin|Joe Beaudoin]] 12:25, 13 Aug 2005 (EDT)

::: you can find a lot of viper reference numbers in the mini series e.g. viper 450 etc

:::: To be perfectly honest, I'm not sure that keeping track of individual vipers is going to be a very interesting endeavor. The raptors are at least countable - there are probably no more than ten - so it makes some sense to keep track of them on an individual basis. As far as the vipers go, it would seem sufficient just to give a simple headcount (currently 35, assuming none were destroyed off-screen in "[[Scattered]]"). --[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 19:33, 17 Aug 2005 (EDT)

:::::I've started a few more articles on individual vipers, if the OP is still around/interested. --[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 17:40, 13 December 2005 (EST)
I formed a hypothesis and added an interesting pair of links on the [[Viper 2276]] talk page. I'm interested in what you think. --[[User:Talos|Talos]] 19:48, 25 February 2006 (EST)
:Replied over there. --[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 19:57, 25 February 2006 (EST)

== RTFF? ==

Hi Peter. Is RTFF an acronym for what I believe it is? If so, please refrain from using it in the edit summaries, if only out of civility. Thanks! :-)

:Rag-Tag Fugitive Fleet. What did you think the second "F" stood for? --[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 12:56, 13 Aug 2005 (EDT)

:: Interesting acronym. :-) I was being a bit paranoid there, given that's an acronym for [http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&ct=res&cd=1&url=http%3A//www.acronymfinder.com/af-query.asp%3Facronym%3DRTFF&ei=6bb-QuXIK4_04QHU2rg8 some other things as well]. -- [[User:Joe.Beaudoin|Joe Beaudoin]] 23:15, 13 Aug 2005 (EDT)

== Race and Ethnicity in the Twelve Colonies ==
In your work you state that Gaius Baltar may have an interest only in white women. If you remember, Gaius was caught in bed with an East Asian woman in the miniseries by Number Six. -QuintusCinna

:Good Catch, thank you. Six also intimated that he had some interest in Boomer. --[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 14:26, 28 August 2005 (EDT)

==12 Colonies of Kobol Standards==
I know, it sounds a little over eager. I took several zoom in snap shots of the 12 banners both in the mini-series and also in Colonial Day. These are definitely the icons and the colors. Icon was a name used and so far the planet relative to Libra has not been mentioned. This is the only colony I find debatable. Certain colonies may not go with certain standards such as Aquarius or Leonis. I made this with flash in between my summer graduate classes. If you would like to use it, I don't mind- just give me credit. [http://magellannarfe.com/bsgflags.jpg link]

:Wow, these are really excellent. I've been thinking about creating something like this myself, but I'm glad you've beaten me to the punch. What format are the originals in, some kind of vector package?

:I note that in the scene we're discussing, Wenutu and Sanne appear to be over different flags than usual. --[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 15:18, 28 August 2005 (EDT)

::QuintusCinna = Yes, these are vector based using Flash. I've been having fun building a flash battlestar galactica encyclopedia, but was glad to see you already had this even though my flash stuff was nearly finished. If you pay attention to the flags behind, they are all at random placements and that they are placed differently than that of the miniseries' memorial at the end. I played with the idea that the memorial's flags were in order of when they were nuked while the flags on Cloud Nine were placed in order of their signing the Articles of Colonization. It's purely guess though. Note that in Colonial Day, the Sagittaron flag is at the farthest right while Tom Zarek is somwhere in the middle. This clearly shows to me there is no relation between the flags' placements and the delegates sitting.

:::A few thoughts:
:::If you want these images to be used to their fullest, it would be best to output them as high-resolution anti-aliased PNGs. The wiki software can scale them down for use in individual pages, and we could place them along the right-hand side of the relevant articles.
:::Question 1: Is Libra's colony is really called "Icon"? Where did you see this? I can't remember if Libron or Libris or whatever has been mentioned out loud in the series yet. What's your take?
:::Question 2: I could swear that the symbol on the side of Galactica was also on one of the flags, which I assumed to be Caprica because of the historical association. Was I just making it up?
:::Question 3: In your opinion, do the icons on the colonial flags bear any resemblance to the constellations they replaced (according to [[Home, Part II]]? --[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 17:01, 28 August 2005 (EDT)

::::QuintusCinna:
::::PNG? I never thought of that. I have them uploaded in gif for the time being. This can always change.
::::Question 1: I have not seen any information telling me there is a colony called Libra as of yet though I have watched each show probably about 7 times (I'm addicted). I'm still waiting. The Tomb of Athena did mention Libra, though. I do know that in the mini-series, Commander Adama or Laura Roslin said something like: "And the following colonies have been destroyed... Picon, Arelon, Sagittaron, Icon..." This isn't an exact quote but the subtitles even showed the word "ICON" which caught me off guard. The statement left an emphatic relation that it was more likely 1 of the 12 colonies instead of a moon like Trevor.
::::Question 2: The symbol on the side of Galactica is the flag for the 12 colonies unless I haven't been paying attention. It's like the US flag for the USA. In the center of the memorial flags at the end of the mini-series shows a black standard with the Phoenix icon in the middle and Battlestar Galactica BSG 75. This suggests to me that this is their symbol.
::::Question 3: I looked at the copy I have twice for Home, Part II and my copy is just way too dark. I would need to see better pictures to help me out because I'm not sure. I assume there would be a connection, especially since I remember Roslin saying Leo's constellation represents the flag of that tribe (which we can assume to be Leonis). Your pictures turn out so clear. I need to figure out how I can do the same.

:::::Excellent work. I think they look great on the colony articles. --[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 20:38, 28 August 2005 (EDT)

::::::I don't know the shapes of all 12 Zodiac signs off the top of my head (and maybe we should get some pictures of them in order to display along with these flags for others who want to compare this kind of thing), but Picon (aka Pices) is a couple of fish, usually one over the other, head to tail. I could see that symbol being derived from it. Also, Gemenon would be Gemini, the twins, which are usually depicted by something kind of like this: L7. Additionally, Scorpion looks like the symbol might have a tail with a stinger... Tauron's symbol '''could''' be a bull. Anyway, I think this indicates that at whatever points the flags were revised, the constelation symbols were replaced by a kind of updating or stylization of the original symbol. --[[User:Day|Day]] 00:41, 30 August 2005 (EDT)

:You said that Commander Adama in the miniseries said this: "Preliminary reports indicate a thermonuclear device of the 50 megaton range was detonated over Caprica City 30 minutes ago. Nuclear detonations have been reported on the planets Aerelon, Picon, Sagittaron and Gemenon. No reports on casualties, but they will be high."
-That's actually incorrect according to the subtitles. According to the subtitles, the Commander said this: "Preliminary reports indicate a thermonuclear device of the 50 megaton range was detonated over Caprica City 30 minutes ago. Nuclear detonations have been reported on the planets Aerelon, ICON, Sagittaron and Gemenon. No reports on casualties, but they will be high." This is where Icon was shown to be listed. It could be a misspelling on their part, but I think you would find it fascinating. It is in the miniseries at 48:45. --[[User:QuintusCinna|QuintusCinna]] 1:29, 15 October 2005 (EDT)

::I haven't got the Miniseries DVD, but I'm certain that what I ''hear'' is "Picon". --[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 01:42, 16 October 2005 (EDT)

== Character Data ==

Did you (or someone, I guess) edit the Character Data template such that more fields will be rendered invisible when left blank? If so, neat! However, if it was you, could you add to the documentation on the template's discussion page? If it wasn't you, then sorry and maybe you can help me track down who did? --[[User:Day|Day]] 23:43, 8 September 2005 (EDT)

:That was Joe. --[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 00:35, 9 September 2005 (EDT)

==Test==

*321
*Test 123? Anything but that!

== Answer on Ellen Tigh Page ==

I've posted my thoughts on the use of naming on the Ellen Tigh page on the Standards and Conventions talk page as you requested. [[User:Spencerian|Spencerian]] 16:12, 14 September 2005 (EDT)

==Doing a Great Job==

I just wanted you to know you've been doing excellent work. I'll try to be careful on anything I change, and if I do, I will explain. [[User:QuintusCinna|QuintusCinna]]

Hah! [http://battlestarwiki.org/index.php?title=Battlestar_Wiki:Standards_and_Conventions&curid=3447&diff=14318&oldid=14256 Nice edit]. I especially liked the addition of signing work. --[[User:Day|Day]] 15:35, 23 September 2005 (EDT)

Once again, [http://battlestarwiki.org/index.php?title=Colonial_wireless_alphabet&curid=3775&diff=19779&oldid=19761 nice edit]. I had considered whether to do as you did or maintain alphabetical order and, in the end, just made an arbitrary choice. I neglected to weigh concision into the equation. I'm not known for being concise, though, so... At least I'm consistent. --[[User:Day|Day]] 12:50, 16 December 2005 (EST)

==New Messsage problem==
Hi, Peter. Do you still have that "new message" problem, with it not going away? It's still there for me, and I was wondering if you had any ideas for getting rid of it. Thanks. --[[User:Fang Aili|Fang Aili]] 14:26, 24 September 2005 (EDT)

==Pictures==
Hi, if you need any more pictures, let me know and I will try to find it. Btw, great job, keep up the good work. --[[User:Blacklight|Blacklight]]

:Thank you. That was a timely addition. --[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 21:36, 30 September 2005 (EDT)

== My condolences... ==

I've nominated you on the whatsit page. So... Go accept it or decline it. That is all. --[[User:Day|Day]] 01:08, 21 December 2005 (EST)

== Re: Welcome ==

Thank you greatly. --[[User:CalculatinAvatar|CalculatinAvatar]] 02:56, 28 December 2005 (EST)

== Congrats! ==

Hi Peter! Just wanted to let you know that you are officially promoted to administrator! If you have any questions, feel free to ask them! Thank you and, again, congratulations! So say we all. -- [[User:Joe.Beaudoin|Joe Beaudoin]] 21:20, 28 December 2005 (EST)

:So say we all. --[[User:Steelviper|Steelviper]] 21:37, 28 December 2005 (EST)

: So say we all! --[[User:Day|Day]] 22:15, 28 December 2005 (EST)

::Thanks, guys. Wow, look at all the pretty new tabs... --[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 22:33, 28 December 2005 (EST)

:Sic transit gloria mundi :) --[[User:Ricimer|Ricimer]] 00:40, 29 December 2005 (EST)

: So sez me too. Congratulations, Peter. --[[User:Spencerian|Spencerian]] 10:03, 29 December 2005 (EST)
::Congratulations. --[[User:Talos|Talos]] 11:21, 29 December 2005 (EST)

:Congrats Peter --Zareck Rocks 00:48, 30 December 2005 (EST)

== Policy Page ==

Hey Peter, I wanted to ask for your help and advice on fixing the [[Policies]] page. I have been accumulating as many BSG Wiki policies into Category:Battlestar Wiki policies. In order to make the page as complete as possible I wanted to leave no gray areas by defining the word Policy, and list punishments for infringements against the set procedures. Is there anyway you can help me with reverting [[Policies]] to [[Battlestar Wiki:Policy]] and develop a list of possible punishments as well as how you can attain those punishments, set guidelines like:
:After leaving spoiler information out of spoiler tabs after being warned you get such and such punishment.
I know such an infringement would be very minor but I just want to make the rules as black and white as possible. I would be happy to collaborate with you in the Battlestar Wiki:Policy talk page to develop a list of rules/punishments. Joe told me on his user talk page to ask you for assistance with this minor project because you would be highly capable of the task. Thanks and congrats again on your promotion.--Zareck Rocks 00:59, 30 December 2005 (EST)
:Hrm. I don't necessarily think a set of rules/punishments is a terribly good idea. In my opinion, it's good to have our policies and guidelines set down in writing so that we can point new users to them, and have a general idea of pre-existing group consensus when disputes arise. It's important to keep in mind that our policies all reflect this consensus, and are not static - if a new user disagrees with a policy and argues pursuasively against it, it can (and should) be changed.
:For minor violations, I don't really see the use in "punishing" someone, when their error can simply be corrected and the errant user pointed to the relevant policy.
:In especially bad situations, it might be sensible to keep a log of a user's policy violations, which could be referred to in the event of a ban or RFA. For example, it certainly does not endear a user to me when they repeatedly post controversial or incorrect assertions without a source, but I see no need to revoke someone's privileges on account of such a thing. --[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 02:14, 30 December 2005 (EST)

== Twelve Colonies Link on you User Page ==
You have a link to "The Twelve Colonies" on your user page. This leads to the disambig page. If you'd change it to "The Twelve Colonies (RDM)", there won't be any more links directly to the disambig page anymore. Thanks. --[[User:Steelviper|Steelviper]] 15:55, 19 January 2006 (EST)

:Fixed. Your zeal in this matter is admirable, albeit somewhat frightening. --[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 20:06, 19 January 2006 (EST)

::First the Twelve Colonies, and now the Cylons are next (followed shortly by the ''Pegasus''). Perhaps this is a result of all the time I've been spending over in the (TOS) regions (but was that the cause, or a warning sign...). Mostly I'd like to get caught up on all the special pages so that we can better identify when things need fixing. 600+ disambigs was overwhelming to wade through. --[[User:Steelviper|Steelviper]] 09:17, 20 January 2006 (EST)

== Roger on that - Minor Edits ==

Just something I am so werid from Wikipedia. --[[User:Shane|Shane]] 23:22, 20 January 2006 (EST)

==Crud==

Sorry, thanks for catching my bonehead misspelling of Roslin. I knew I picked the wrong day to quit drinking. [[User:Joemc72|Joemc72]] 00:13, 21 January 2006 (EST)

:No hard feelings. It's an increasingly common error that's been bothering me on a couple forums. --[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 00:17, 21 January 2006 (EST)

::Hey, I'm supposed to assume good faith, right? No hard feelings. If I screwed it up, I'm glad you called me on it. :)[[User:Joemc72|Joemc72]] 00:20, 21 January 2006 (EST)

== The/the Fleet ==

Re: [http://www.battlestarwiki.org/en/index.php?title=Timeline_%28RDM%29&curid=2044&diff=26042&oldid=26014 diff]. Cool. It just needed a "the" at all, whether the T is big or little. There are a bunch of links, though, with the big T... Just keep you eye out, I guess. I'm thinking that's a lower priority than seeking out all the <nowiki>[[Last, First]]</nowiki> character links, for instance. ;) --[[User:Day|Day]] 15:40, 22 January 2006 (EST)

== IPA style ==

Peter, 
First of all, I admire your eloquent and insightful contributions, and your cool head in heated discussions. Kudos on both. 
Just in case you're not regularly checking the [[Template_talk:IPA|talk page for the IPA template]], I thought I'd post my query here as well, since you seem to have knowledge of said template: 
[[Wikipedia:Wikipedia:Manual of Style (pronunciation)#IPA style|Wikipedia]] recomments placing a link before IPA text becuase the underscore makes reading the characters difficult. Is there a way to modify our template to comply? -- [[User:Mayosolo|Mayosolo]] 16:50, 23 January 2006 (EST)

:Replied at [[Template talk:IPA]]. --[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 21:06, 23 January 2006 (EST)

== Name change ==

Peter, is it possible for you to change my username? --[[User:BMS|BMS]] 20:00, 27 January 2006 (EST)

:No, only someone with Bureaucrat-level priveleges can do that. You'll need to ask Joe. --[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 21:59, 27 January 2006 (EST)

== Sources for Virgon ==

When Starbuck leaves the brig and comes to the CIC, Tigh comments about a big fight "shaping up" in Virgon's orbit. 30 battlestars have been destroyed already. When we next hear about the condition of the Fleet, it's after the nuke crisis is over and the Atlantia has beem destroyed. Afterwards, we don't hear anything about engagements between the Fleet and the Cylon invasion force. If there were no gaps (like between the nuclear flash and Starbuck examining the damage), the Virgon battle could have been over within an hour This seems to indicate that the Colonial Fleet at this point has been obliterated. --[[User:mq59|mq59]] 01:35, 28 January 2006 (EST)

:Thank you for reminding me of that. I suppose we don't have to make an explicit note of that dialog. In the future, please post clarifications such as this to the relevant article's talk page - it will be easier for future editors to locate there. --[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 02:04, 28 January 2006 (EST)

== Quality Articles Reminder ==
I just wanted to remind you of [[Battlestar_Wiki_talk:Community_Portal#Community Portal Content|this]] conversation. I'm curious to hear your thoughts. --[[User:Steelviper|Steelviper]] 00:56, 5 February 2006 (EST)

==Re:[[Continuity errors (RDM)]]==

Thank you for addressing your concerns. I have taken the use of [[fumarello]] to be valid based on the two previous pages:

*In the [[Miniseries#Starbuck & Tigh's Card Fight|miniseries]] article:
:''The touch of classic Starbuck elements, i.e. the gambling and [[fumarello]] smoking, is a nice homage to the original that fits in nicely.''

*In the [[Kara Thrace#The Arrow of Apollo|Kara Thrace]] article:
:''There she digs up a stash of [[fumarello]]s, dons an old military fatigue jacket she apparently wore around her home, and starts up a battery-powered music player.''

There are probably others that abound on the site as well. Lastly, the [[fumarello]] article iself states that the ep "[[Water]]" '''does''' use the term "fumarello", as well as explaining that it is made from the fumarella leaf.

If that is not the case, and cigars are really cigars in the "RDMiverse" (meaning that the "Water" reference is wrong), mea culpa. No offense is taken or intended; we're all here to make the best articles possible.--'''[[User:Mitsukai|み使い]]''' '''''[[User_talk:Mitsukai|Mitsukai]]''''' 14:50, 5 February 2006 (EST)

:Baltar does not explicitly refer to the cigar he gives Thrace as a "fumarello", he just calls the material it's made from "Fumarello leaf", and obviously on-screen evidence takes precedence over whatever RDM may call it on the commentary tracks. Since they have been explicitly referred to as cigars on a number of occasions, and never as "Fumarellos", I am going to revert your edit again. Please do not restore it unless you can provide an actual quote from an episode in favor of your position.

:Here is the dialogue from "Water":

::'''Gaius Baltar:''' Full colors, thank you. Thank you all for a most pleasant evening. A parting gift. Hand-rolled from some of the finest fumarello leaf on Caprica. It's also one of the last left in the universe.

:Note that he never actually names the object he's giving her. Meanwhile, we've heard them explicitly referred to as cigars and cigarettes on several occasions:

:"You Can't Go Home Again"
::'''Kara Thrace:''' No cigar for you.

:"Litmus"
::'''Gaius Baltar:''' I, um, I brought you a cigar. Recovery gift.

:"Final Cut"
::'''Felix Gaeta:''' Gaeta: I hate cigarettes.

:"Black Market"
::'''Jack Fisk:''' By the way, did you get the cigars I sent over?
::'''Lee Adama:''' Enjoy the cigars. Escort the vice President to his ship.
::'''Phelan:''' Everyone has needs. Some settle for cigars or liquor.

:"Scar"
::'''Louanne Katraine:''' Scar's gonna smoke you like a fine cigar, my man.

:So "cigar" wins 6-0, by my count. --[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 16:02, 5 February 2006 (EST)

:::Agreed. "Fumarello" appears to be the ''tobacco'' analog, but cigars are still "cigars" ''even'' in "Water". --[[User:Ricimer|Ricimer]] 16:27, 5 February 2006 (EST)

== Star of Kobol ==
You deserve a [[Star of Kobol]] for transcribing act II of Res ship part I. It was almost as if RDM was TRYING to make it hard to transcribe, shifting around like that. I had actually picked that one to try to transcribe, and that first paragraph got me to quit. We don't have barnstars around here, but I figured some kudos were due. --[[User:Steelviper|Steelviper]] 23:41, 14 February 2006 (EST)

::Whoop, accidentally overwrote your added dialogue for "The Captain's Hand". Was editing some things and kept an older version which must have overwrote your add-ons. D'oheth!!! --[[User:Bane Grievver|Bane Grievver]] 19:38, 19 February 2006 (EST)

== Copyright Question ==
I know that text from wikipedia is off limits due to incompatible licenses... but what about pics? There is a [[Wikipedia:Image:Bgpromo1.jpg|promo shot]] on there that would be great for the [[Season 1 (1978-79)]] article, and maybe even the character portal (in some sort of a collage with cast shots from the other shows). --[[User:Steelviper|Steelviper]] 11:58, 16 March 2006 (CST)

:Well, that picture certainly isn't copyright by anyone at wikipedia - they're using it under the principles of fair use, so there's no reason we couldn't do the same. --[[User:Peter Farago|Peter Farago]] 20:14, 16 March 2006 (CST)

Also, I've got a cut of the podcast template up with the additional copyright stuff, but it is suffering from an extra space. If you could figure out how to reword it so that a space after RDM was natural (instead of leaving a dangling period), it'd look a lot slicker. --[[User:Steelviper|Steelviper]] 11:58, 16 March 2006 (CST)

== Feedback? ==

Hey. I wanted your input on the whole [[Battlestar Wiki talk:Portals#Do we even like this.3F|Portals thing]]. --[[User:Day|Day]] ([[User talk:Day|talk]]) 23:25, 19 March 2006 (CST)

== Medical Capabilites of a Battlestar ==

Peter,

Your assertion of "unfound speculation" concerning my contribution is uninformed and unfounded. I am a military medical planner and a published author. My assertion of the potential medical capabilities and requirements of an intergalactic warship (modeled on a US aircraft carrier), while hypothetical, is informed. Keep in mind these are requirements that the ship would have originally been built (not the "as is" state). At this point in the story line, clearly Major Cottle is the only doctor on Galactica, however we have never seen the Pegasus medical bay or any of its medical personnel. With established industrial facilities on Pegasus (Viper production established in “Scar”), the Pegasus would have evn greater Occupational Health / Preventive Medicine than Galactica. And if you do a walk down of the ancillary services (pharmacy (camala extract), orthopedic and x-ray (Kara’s knee injury), optometry (ADM Adama’s glasses), etc, you will see they exist even if they are not portrayed. Additionally, it was an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) bed, complete with ventilator, which William Adama was in during his multiple surgeries (establishing an Operation Room (OR)).

Capital ships are designed to go into battle, which means they will take damage and casualties. Often it is the ability to regenerate / repair / refit in the quickest amount of time that determines the outcome of battles. General Nathan Bedford Forrest of the Confederate States of America is famous for the quote, “He who gets there the fastest with the mostest wins.” RDM makes reference to his experience onboard a Navy ship in podcasts, including “The Captain’s Hand”. Thus, there is an established framework present.

I provide you two active hyperlinks that back up my contribution. While dated, they are still relevant.

http://www.mfp.usmc.mil/TeamApp/G4/Topics/20040916154046/Med%20Cont%20Factbook.pdf

www.iiimef.usmc.mil/medical/ FMF/FMFE/FMFEref/fs_man/CHAPTER%2014.html

--[[User:Killerman|Killerman]] 20:26, 12 April 2006 (CDT)

Mercury class battlestar

2006-04-11T02:42:05Z

Killerman: /* Overview */

[[Image:BSPegasus.jpg|thumb|Wide shot of a Mercury class battlestar]]
[[Image:Pegasus01.jpg|thumb|''[[Pegasus (RDM)|Pegasus]]'' from fore and below, with the Fleet in the background]]
[[Image:Pegasus_Hi-Res_1a.jpg|thumb|[[Viper (RDM)|Mark VII Vipers]] landing in ''Pegasus''' port flight pod]]
[[Image:Pegasus_Hi-Res_3a.jpg|thumb|Mercury class battlestar]]
[[Image:Pegasus_Hi-Res_5a.jpg|thumb|Some of ''Pegasus''' [[Kinetic Energy Weapon|batteries]]]]
[[Image:Pegasus-Comparison.png|thumb|right|Comparison of [[Battlestar (TOS)|original series battlestar]] and ''Mercury'' class]]

The '''''Mercury'' class battlestar''' is an advanced warship introduced into the [[Colonial Fleet]] sometime after the First [[Cylon War]]. For the unnamed original class, to which ''[[Galactica (RDM)|Galactica]]'' belongs, see [[Original Battlestar (RDM)]].

==Overview==

Following the end of the [[Cylon War]], the original battlestars remained in service, and other battlestars were built. Their numbers steadily increased to a grand total of 120 ships in the Colonial Fleet. New models employed technologies, such as networked computers, which had been prohibited during the war ([[Miniseries]]). A ''Mercury'' class battlestar therefore sports several features not found aboard ''Galactica'' such as automated sliding doorways and basic computer recognition stations at vital areas. At the time of the [[Fall of the Twelve Colonies]], a ''Mercury'' class battlestar was a top-of-the-line craft.

The physical appearance of the ''Mercury'' class is different than that of the original battlestar. The "neck" section is smaller, and the ''Mercury'' class is equipped with eight sub-light engine pods, compared the older class's four. These are also more "boxy" in appearance than those of the original. The flight pods also appear to have two entrances each, above and below the mid-line. Combined with computer assisted landing, this gives the Mercury a higher rate of Viper recovery than the [[Galactica]]. Unlike ''Galactica'', ''Pegasus'' appears to have a full armor "skin", but in ''Galactica's'' case this may have been deliberately removed prior to its decommissioning.

The gun batteries on the Mercury class are arranged very differently from the Galactica's. Where as Galactica's large guns are clustered along her top side, with secondary batteries concentrated along the flight pods, the guns of the Mercury class are found all over the ship "[[The Captain's Hand]]". The greatest concentration of large turrets are found along the side of the ship, within the valley created by the upper and lower halves of the hull, including the flight pods. Four are mounted on the underside of the upper hull on the ship's bow, below which sits four non-turreted large guns; these form the main forward batteries. Two more turrets are mounted on the front and back of each flight pod. The Mercury's secondary guns are distributed all over the ship and do not clearly emerge from the hull like Galactica's.

Based on figures from the episode "[[Pegasus (episode)|Pegasus]]", the standard crew complement of a Mercury class battlestar is in excess of 2,500.

Also, in addition to having better armament and weapons than the [[Galactica]] the Mercury class battlestar is known to known to have the production means to build new Vipers from basic resources ([[Scar]]).

==='''Medical Support'''===
Based upon comparisons between a battlestar and a US Navy Carrier, the senior medical officer (SMO) aboard a battlestar is usually a Major and would have a designation of flight surgeon. He usually has had several tours, one of which has been as an air wing flight surgeon. Typically, he has completed a residency in aerospace medicine and is board certified or board eligible in preventive medicine. This paradigm seems to hold true for Dr. (Major) Cottle. Medical support of the crew members aboard Galactica and Pegasus would be facilitated by a self-sufficient hospital, which approximately 60 beds, with each ship having the following attributes: Operating room (1),ICU beds (3) with associated support equipment, Pharmacy, Laboratory, X-ray capability, Orthopedic cast room, Physical exam
rooms, Optometry / glass manufacturing, Occupational Helath / Preventive Medicine, and
General dentistry.

Full strength medical manning for each battlestar includes:
Flight Surgeon (1), serving as the SMO, General Surgeon (1), Nurse Anesthetist (1),
General Medical Officer (1), Jr. Flight Surgeons (2), Physician's Assistant (1),
Medical Administrator (1), Environmental Health Officer (1), Nurse (1) Hospital Corpsmen (40-45), with a variety of medical specialties.

== Known ''Mercury'' class Battlestars ==
*Battlestar ''[[Mercury]]'' (for which it is presumed the class is named)
*Battlestar ''[[Pegasus (RDM)|Pegasus]]''

== Notes ==
The shape of the ''Mercury'' class resembles the [[TOS|original series]] [[battlestar (TOS)|battlestar]] more than the re-imagined ''[[Galactica (RDM)|Galactica]]''. Its engine pods number eight, compared to the ''Galactica'''s six, and appear more directly integrated with its rear section, and its flight pods share the original angular shape.

The visual effects artist of the re-imagined ''[[Pegasus (RDM)|Pegasus]]'', Jose A. Perez, has commented that, "The new design was somewhat of a cross between the look of the [[TOS|old class]] [[battlestar (TOS)|battlestars]], and yet with elements of the [[Galactica (RDM)|new one]]. Aside from that, it has mostly hull plating (to absorb more damage) , as opposed to the ''[[Galactica (RDM)|Galactica]]'' which has more ribbing."
Mr. Perez also commented that, "The harder edges [ of the [[Pegasus (RDM)|''Pegasus'']] ] were intentional as well, to match the interior style of the sets more." {{source}}

[[Category:A to Z]] [[Category:Colonial Craft]] [[Category:Colonial Military]] [[Category:RDM]] [[Category:Technology]] [[Category:Battlestars|*]]

[[es:Battlestar clase Mercury]]

Galactica type battlestar

2006-04-11T02:32:21Z

Killerman: /* Life Support */

{{shortcut|BS}}

:''This article discusses the original battlestar class (of which ''[[Galactica (RDM)|Galactica]]'' is a member) of the [[Battlestar Galactica (RDM)|re-imagined series]]. For information on the battlestars of the Original Series, see [[Battlestar (TOS)]]. For information on the newer ''Mercury'' class battlestars, see [[Mercury class battlestar]].''

[[Image:Bsg-bsg-1.jpg|thumb|250px|Original Colonial Battlestar (credit: Zoic)]]

==Overview==
[[Image:Destroyed Battlestar Mini.JPG|thumb|right|A destroyed ''Galactica'' type battlestar ([[Miniseries]]).]]
The '''''Galactica'' type battlestar''' is a capital Colonial warship that combines the functions of aircraft carrier and battleship. The first twelve battlestars were laid down in the early days of the [[Cylon War]], each representing one of the [[Twelve Colonies]] ([[Miniseries]]). This article concerns that original, and unnamed, class.

Following the end of the war, the original battlestars remained in service, and many newer battlestars were built. At the time of the [[Fall of the Twelve Colonies]], the newer [[Mercury-class Battlestar|''Mercury''-class]] represented the top of the line.

The original battlestars were space-going leviathans of some 4,640ft (1,547m) in length, housing 80 [[Viper (RDM)|Viper]] space superiority fighters arranged in 4 squadrons of 20 apiece, and several nuclear warheads. A fully-armed battlestar is capable of a wide range of offensive actions, while her defensive armaments ensure she is fully capable of both protecting herself from attack, and of engaging an enemy at close quarters.

==Layout==
The design common to ''Galactica'' and her sister ships can be broken down into two main sections: the main hull, and the twin flight pods.

=== Main Hull ===

This comprises the bulk of a battlestar, and can, itself, be divided into three sections:

The "alligator head" contains the primary living space for the crew, recreational facilities, mess halls, shipboard operations centres (such as the [[CIC]] and [[Situation Room]]){{ref|nosource}}; water storage tanks ([[Water]]).

The midships area contains the pod retraction mechanisms, crossways linking the hanger pods for the transfer of equipment and personnel, as well as all the necessary hoists for such transfers ([[Miniseries]]). Main munitions stores and distribution mechanisms to "local" munitions stores for main and secondary batteries; fabrication facilities; etc {{ref_label|nosource|1|a}}.

The stern section contains sublight engines, [[FTL]] drive coils, etc. Note that 4 of the sublight engines are mounted externally in engine pods, with 2 more mounted between the pods, in the stern of the battlestar's main hull.

=== Flight Pods ===
The flight pods are mounted on either side of the hull and contain a battlestar's offensive [[Viper (RDM)|Viper]] force. During normal operations, they are extended away from the main hull. During FTL jumps, the pods are retracted against the hull. Each pod comprises two main decks for flight operations: the upper landing bay, which extends the full length of the pod; and the lower launch bays, which provide some 40 launch tubes per pod.

The landing bay serves as a recovery area for incoming Vipers and [[Raptor]]s. Approaches are made from the stern. The preferred approach is a slow run into the landing bay, prior to making a vertical landing on a defined landing area. However, in emergencies, [[Combat Landing|combat landings]] can be made, in which a Viper or Raptor approaches at speed and makes a running landing on its undercarriage.

The forward end of the landing bay also serves as a launch area for Raptors and shuttles. The landing bay is large enough to accept a variety of other Colonial vessels, at least as large as "heavy" passenger ships such as ''[[Colonial Heavy 798]]''. Docking collars are located throughout the upper sections of the landing bay in order to provide a pressurized connection between a docked vessel and the battlestar. The Flight Pods also have docking ports to dock with larger ships or stations.

The [[Hangar Deck|hangar deck]] within the flight pod are used as general dispersal areas for Vipers. The hangar deck is used for maintenance & repair of Vipers / Raptors, refueling, re-arming and launch operations. A hangar deck runs the length of the flight pod, but can be divided and sealed off into five sections for damage control purposes. Each hangar deck section has eight launch tubes, two launch control stations, and an elevator that leads to the landing bay above. Viper flight operations are overseen by a [[Landing Signal Officer]], with each launch supervisor being directly responsible for all launch operations for a group of four launch tubes{{ref_label|nosource|1|b}}.

==Specifications==

===Dimensions===
Hull:
* Length: 4,640ft (1.414m)
* Beam: 1,820ft (555m) (flight pod to flight pod - extended)
* Draft: 580ft (177m) (source: [http://www.scifi.com/battlestar/ships/ships/ SciFi.com])

Flight Pods:
* Length (approx): 2,019ft (615m)
* Beam (approx): 360ft (110m)
* Draft (approx): 211ft (64m) {{ref|pods}}

[[Image:bsg-2-cvn.jpg|right|thumb|Battlestar / CVN comparison (credit: Zoic / VF)]]
''An appreciation of the size of an original battlestar can be gleaned from the following: A battlestar is over 4 times longer than a [[Wikipedia:USS Nimitz|''Nimitz'']]-class US Navy nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. The flight pod of an original battlestar is almost twice the length of a ''Nimitz'' class carrier, is some 150ft (46m) wider and is approximately as tall as a ''Nimitz'' class carrier measured from the waterline to the top of the carrier's communications and [[Wikipedia:ELINT|ELINT]] tower. The beam of an original battlestar's "alligator head" is as broad as a ''Nimitz''-class carrier's flight deck is long. Each of the nacelles of an original battlestar's outer four sublight engines is large enough to house a ''Nimitz''-class carrier.''

===Propulsion===
[[Image:Sublight.jpg|thumb|right|''Galactica'' with all six sublight engines engaged ([[33]])]]
* 2 x FTL engines and drive coils{{ref|ftl}}
* 6 x sublight engines
** 2 x Hull-mounted
** 4 x outrigger engine pods
* 40 x maneuvering engines (10 clusters of 4 apiece){{ref|zoic}}.

Despite their massive size, battlestars are extremely maneuverable and can dock with space stations such as the [[Ragnar Anchorage]] depot. Battlestars are not designed for atmospheric flight, although their hulls can manage a tenuous upper atmospheric storm like that surrounding the gas giant [[Ragnar]] ([[Miniseries]]). A battlestar's [[FTL]] systems are capable of very accurate Jumps, able to place them precisely in synchronous orbit above any point on a planet ([[Miniseries]]) and of placing them in the midst of an asteroid field ([[The Hand of God (RDM)|The Hand of God]]) or dense fleet of ships ([[Scattered]]), without risk of a devastating impact. However, they are grossly inferior to [[Cylon]] systems in range ([[Kobol's Last Gleaming, Part I]]).

===Endurance===
Battlestars are intended to operate for long periods without re-supplying. Their water purification capabilities alone are so efficient that, barring an emergency or unforeseen event, a battlestar can operate without re-tanking "for several years before replenishing" ([[Water]]). They also appear capable of undertaking large-scale repairs following battle damage ([[Miniseries]], [[Water]]), and may have small manufacturing/fabrication facilities on-board ([[Litmus]]). Vegetable stores and canned goods are kept in [[Wikipedia:Titanium|titanium]] lockers ([[Final Cut]]).

===Computer Systems===
The original battlestar vessels deliberately avoided the use of networked computer systems and wireless devices, as the [[Cylon]] enemy were adept at infiltrating and subverting such systems ([[Miniseries]]).

Although they do employ [[computers]] for such functions as [[FTL]] calculations, navigation, damage control and fire control ([[Scattered]]), these are not connected with each other. This design is intended to naturally quarantine individual systems in the event that one becomes compromised.

===Armament===
[[Image:Flakfield.jpg|thumb|right|Flak field from ''Galactica'''s large turrets ([[Scattered]])]]
[[Image:Bscap064.jpg|thumb|''Galactica'''s point defense turrets]]
*24 large gun turrets{{ref|flak}} (mounting 2 guns apiece)
These are mounted on the dorsal and ventral surfaces of the main hull and the ventral surface of the bow. The two guns on each turret can fire high-explosive (anti-Baseship) and flak (anti-Raiders) rounds in tandem at a rate of 2.23 seconds per round.

*Numerous{{ref|small}} smaller turrets (mounting 2 guns apiece)
These are smaller two-gun turrets mounted on the flight pods and other surfaces. Each barrel fires explosive rounds in bursts, with a rate of fire of 200 rounds per turret per second (estimate based on one tracer per four rounds).

*Multiple nuclear warheads{{ref|nukes}}.

*Four squadrons of 20 "[[Viper (RDM)|Viper]]" air/space superiority fighters{{ref|vipers}}. Even the latest Mk. VII Vipers remain compatible with this class's launch and recovery facilities.

*Numerous{{ref|raptors}} "[[Raptor]]" reconnaissance vehicles.

 

===Crew===
''Galactica's'' crew complement prior to her scheduled decommissioning was approximately 2,800{{ref|crew}}. This figure may be higher for a fully staffed and operational battlestar.

===Life Support===
Approximately twelve oxygen recirculation units are mounted throughout the ship, which replenish oxygen as well as remove ("scrub") carbon dioxide from the air. These devices work continuously ([[Final Cut]]).

==='''Medical Support'''===

Based upon comparisons between a battlestar and a US Navy Carrier, the senior medical officer (SMO) aboard a battlestar is usually a Major and would have a designation of flight surgeon. He usually has had several tours, one of which has been as an air wing flight surgeon. Typically, he has completed a residency in aerospace medicine and is board certified or board eligible in preventive medicine. This paradigm seems to hold true for Dr. (Major) Cottle. Medical support of the crew members aboard Galactica and Pegasus would be facilitated by a self-sufficient hospital, which approximately 60 beds, with each ship having the following attributes:
Operating room (1)
ICU beds (3) with associated support equipment
Pharmacy
Laboratory
X-ray capability
Orthopedic cast room
Physical exam rooms
Optometry / eye glass manufacturing
Occupational Health / Preventive medicine
General dentistry

Full strength medical manning for each battlestar includes:
Flight Surgeon (1), serving as the SMO
General Surgeon (1)
Nurse Anesthetist (1)
General Medical Officer (1) and Flight Surgeons (2)
Physician's Assistant (1)
Medical Administrator (1)
Nurse (1)
Hospital Corpsmen (40-45), with a variety of medical specialties

==Sources==
# {{note|nosource}}{{note_label|nosource|1|a}}{{note_label|nosource|1|b}} No source provided. Figures and comments which are unsourced are being considered for deletion, in compliance with the [[Battlestar Wiki:Citation Jihad|Citation Jihad]].
# {{note|pods}} Calculated based on elevations made available by Zoic.
# {{note|ftl}} '''Tigh:''' "Engineering/Combat. Please spin up FTL drives One and Two." ([[Miniseries]])
# {{note|zoic}} Originally sourced to [[Zoic]] without explanation.
# {{note|flak}} These have been referred to as railguns by some fan sources, but there is substantial evidence to the contrary. See [[Railgun]] for more.
# {{note|small}} Unsourced figures have ranged from 252 to 512. According to the BSG Magazine, the number is 504.
#{{note|nukes}} As of the episode "[[Bastille Day]]", ''[[Galactica (RDM)|Galactica]]'' was equipped with five nuclear warheads. This may be lower than the typical number, since ''Galactica'' was in the process of being decommissioned and had already had most of its ammunition removed. If this is the case, we must conclude that ''Galactica'' was unable to reload its supply of nuclear arms at [[Ragnar Anchorage]] (a sensible proposition, given the ease with which purported arms smuggler [[Leoben Conoy]] was able to gain access to the facility).
# {{note|vipers}}After the destruction of 20 Vipers during the Cylon Attack, ''Galactica'' was still able to muster a 40-Viper strong defensive screen by combining their remaining squadron of Mk. VII vipers with a full squadron of Mk. II vipers from a museum exhibit in the starboard flight pod. This suggests that ''Galactica'', with a single operational flight pod, was fielding two squadrons from it, and that when fully operational it could have fielded an additional two squadrons from the starboard pod as well.
# {{note|raptors}}At the time of the Cylon Attack, ''Galactica'' was apparently equipped with at least eight. See [[Galactica (RDM)#endnote_raptors|Galactica Raptor tally]] for a running count.
# {{note|crew}} See [[Galactica (RDM)#endnote_originalcrew|Galactica crew count]].

[[Category:A to Z]] [[Category:Colonial Craft]][[Category:Colonial Military]] [[Category:RDM]] [[Category:Technology]] [[Category:Battlestars]]

Layne Ishay

2006-04-11T00:58:45Z

Killerman: /* Biography */

{{Character Data|
|photo= [[image:Scattered-Ishay.jpg|200px]]
|age= mid-30s
|colony= Unknown
|birthname= Layne Ishay
|callsign=
|death=
|parents=
|siblings=
|children=
|marital status=
|role=Paramedic, [[Battlestar]] ''[[Galactica]]''
|rank=
|cylon=
|actor=[http://us.imdb.com/name/nm0636244/ Kerry Norton]
|name=
}}
Paramedic '''Layne Ishay''' is a medic serving aboard battlestar ''[[Galactica]]''. One of the many resource shortfalls of ''Galactica's'' ongoing logistical nightmare is a shortage of medical personnel. Doctor [[Cottle]] is the only trained physician on board (perhaps in all of [[The Fleet (RDM)|The Fleet]]), supplemented by a handful of medics. As a result, Ishay has been required to step up to perform medical procedures she wouldn't normally be expected to perform.

==Biography==
Immediately after the attempted assassination of then [[William Adama|Commander William Adama]] by [[Sharon Valerii (Galactica copy)|Sharon "Boomer" Valerii]], and with the absence of Doctor Cottle aboard ''Galactica'' during her isolation from the rest of the fleet, Commander Adama's life was left in the hands of ''Galactica's'' paramedics.

After it was clear that no other aid was coming, and that the commander would be lost without immediate action, [[Saul Tigh|Colonel Tigh]] ordered Ishay to operate on Adama ([[Scattered]]). Despite never having performed an operation in her life, Ishay's emergency thoracic surgery stabilized Adama's condition until Doctor Cottle returned, who, with Ishay's assistance, stopped the commander's internal bleeding ([[Fragged]]).

Ishay later assisted Dr. Cottle in delivering [[Sharon Valerii (Caprica copy)|Caprica-Sharon]]'s Cylon-Human Hybrid baby, [[Hera]], by Caesarian section ([[Downloaded]]).

Ishay speaks with an accent similar to [[Gaius Baltar]]'s, which may be a [[Language in the Twelve Colonies|local characteristic of one of the Twelve Colonies]].

==Notes==
[http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0636244/ Kerry Norton] is also the wife of actor Jamie Bamber ([[Lee Adama]]). Her on-air "accent" is, of course, that of United Kingdom citizens. Her husband is also British, but disguises his accent when portraying Commander Lee Adama.

[[Category:A to Z|Ishay, Layne]]
[[Category:Characters|Ishay, Layne]]
[[Category:RDM|Ishay, Layne]]

Layne Ishay

2006-04-11T00:57:32Z

Killerman: /* Notes */

{{Character Data|
|photo= [[image:Scattered-Ishay.jpg|200px]]
|age= mid-30s
|colony= Unknown
|birthname= Layne Ishay
|callsign=
|death=
|parents=
|siblings=
|children=
|marital status=
|role=Paramedic, [[Battlestar]] ''[[Galactica]]''
|rank=
|cylon=
|actor=[http://us.imdb.com/name/nm0636244/ Kerry Norton]
|name=
}}
Paramedic '''Layne Ishay''' is a medic serving aboard battlestar ''[[Galactica]]''. One of the many resource shortfalls of ''Galactica's'' ongoing logistical nightmare is a shortage of medical personnel. Doctor [[Cottle]] is the only trained physician on board (perhaps in all of [[The Fleet (RDM)|The Fleet]]), supplemented by a handful of medics. As a result, Ishay has been required to step up to perform medical procedures she wouldn't normally be expected to perform.

==Biography==
Immediately after the attempted assassination of [[William Adama|Commander Adama]] by [[Sharon Valerii (Galactica copy)|Sharon "Boomer" Valerii]], and with the absence of Doctor Cottle aboard ''Galactica'' during her isolation from the rest of the fleet, Commander Adama's life was left in the hands of ''Galactica's'' paramedics.

After it was clear that no other aid was coming, and that the commander would be lost without immediate action, [[Saul Tigh|Colonel Tigh]] ordered Ishay to operate on Adama ([[Scattered]]). Despite never having performed an operation in her life, Ishay's emergency thoracic surgery stabilized Adama's condition until Doctor Cottle returned, who, with Ishay's assistance, stopped the commander's internal bleeding ([[Fragged]]).

Ishay later assisted Dr. Cottle in delivering [[Sharon Valerii (Caprica copy)|Caprica-Sharon]]'s Cylon-Human Hybrid baby, [[Hera]], by Caesarian section ([[Downloaded]]).

Ishay speaks with an accent similar to [[Gaius Baltar]]'s, which may be a [[Language in the Twelve Colonies|local characteristic of one of the Twelve Colonies]].

==Notes==
[http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0636244/ Kerry Norton] is also the wife of actor Jamie Bamber ([[Lee Adama]]). Her on-air "accent" is, of course, that of United Kingdom citizens. Her husband is also British, but disguises his accent when portraying Commander Lee Adama.

[[Category:A to Z|Ishay, Layne]]
[[Category:Characters|Ishay, Layne]]
[[Category:RDM|Ishay, Layne]]

The Captain's Hand

2006-02-23T02:26:46Z

Killerman: /* Questions */

{{Episode Data|
Image = [[Image:Adamas.jpg|300px]]
| Title= The Captain's Hand
| Series= [[Battlestar Galactica (RDM)|The Re-imagined Series]]
| Season= [[Season 2 (2005-06)|2]]
| Episode= 17
| Guests=[[Richard Hatch]] as [[Tom Zarek]]
| Writer=[[IMDB:nm0900599|Jeff Vlaming]]
| Story=
| Director=[[IMDB:nm0590790|Sergio Mimica-Gezzan]]
| Production=
| Rating=
| US Airdate= February 17 2006
| UK Airdate=
| DVD=
| Population= 49,584
| Prev= [[Sacrifice]]
| Next= [[Downloaded]]
}}

== Overview ==

''When two Raptors go missing after a training mission, new ''Pegasus'' commander [[Barry Garner]] challenges Admiral [[William Adama|Adama]]'s orders by sending his battlestar directly into the rescue zone--and a trap.''

== Summary ==
*Two [[Raptor|Raptors]] begin a training mission outside [[Pegasus (RDM)|''Pegasus'']], which is near a [[Wikipedia:Binary star system|binary star]], causing [[Dradis|DRADIS]] and communications interference. Shortly after, contact with the Raptors is lost.

*On ''[[Galactica]]'', [[Tyrol|Chief Tyrol]] and the deck crew are in the process of unloading containers, Chief Tyrol finds a pregnant teenager inside who asks for [[Cottle|Dr. Cottle]].

*[[Lee Adama]], now promoted to Major, arrives as acting [[Executive officer|XO]] on the [[Mercury class battlestar|battlestar]] ''[[Pegasus (RDM)|Pegasus]]'', where he runs into [[Kara Thrace]]. Both report to Commander Garner in ''Pegasus''' [[CIC]]. Garner argues with now-Captain Thrace over the disappearance of the Raptors.

*[[Barry Garner|Commander Garner]] and Major Adama talk in private about the discipline on ''[[Pegasus (RDM)|''Pegasus'']]''. Garner thinks that [[Kara Thrace|Starbuck]] is a huge part of the problem and that the virtues learned in his experience as an engineer would do the ship some good.

*On ''[[Colonial One]]'', [[Laura_Roslin|President Roslin]] is hounded by her new aide, [[Tory Foster]], about preparing for the coming election. Elsewhere, [[Tom Zarek]] discusses the idea of presidency. He concedes he's not able to garner support, but is willing to support someone more popular: [[Gaius Baltar|Dr. Baltar]].

*Back on ''Galactica'', Dr. [[Cottle]] & Admiral Adama discuss the fate of the young woman found in the container, [[Rya Kibby]]. Kibby mentions the fact that she doesn't want to keep the baby, but Admiral Adama (on request from the Gemenese delegate) is intent on sending her back to her family. Dr. Cottle suggests that she request asylum aboard ''Galactica''.

*News of Rya Kibby's asylum request raises a stir throughout the [[The Fleet (RDM)|Fleet]]. [[Laura Roslin|President Roslin]] discusses the issue with Admiral Adama, Tory Foster, and Delegate [[Sarah_Porter|Sarah Porter]] from [[The Twelve Colonies (RDM)#Gemonon|Gemenon]]. Delegate Porter states that abortion is a obscenity and demands that the girl be returned to her parents. Afterwards, President Roslin mentions she's not willing to even consider the idea of abortion, but Admiral Adama reminds her that their population must increase in order to survive.

*While reviewing the last transmissions from the Raptors, [[Kara Thrace|Starbuck]] discovers the reason for the missing Raptors may be that they responded to a distress call. She attempts to bring this up with Commander Garner, who flatly rejects the theory. Additional search parties learn of the distress call that lured the first Raptors away. Commander Garner decides to start preparing the Pegasus for a Jump.

*Over [[wireless]], [[Barry Garner|Commander Garner]], Major Adama, and [[William Adama|Admiral Adama]] discuss the missing Raptor situation. Commander Garner feels that ''Pegasus'' should [[FTL|Jump]] to bring home the missing crews and ships. While the Admiral and Major believe it may be a trip and orders a 5-Raptor recon mission to ascertain the training mission's fate.

*Garner orders a Jump despite Admiral Adama's orders. [[SAR]] Raptors at the rescue site find both Raptors, but the crews are dead. At that moment, three [[Basestar (RDM)|basestars]] ambush ''Pegasus'' with conventional and nuclear missile barrages seconds after their arrival.

*''Pegasus''' [[FTL]] drive is disabled. Garner attempts to determine the FTL failure's cause from CIC., but the Engineering crew are confused from the attack. Commander Garner heads down to Engineering to assess the damage, and transfers command of ''Pegasus'' to Major Adama. Adama orders ''Pegasus'' to target one of the Basestars with its forward batteries, severely damaging the basestar and buying them more time.

*Garner's successful repair of their FTL system allows ''Pegasus'' to escape. Commander Garner, however, dies in the process due to lack of oxygen.

*In [[William Adama|Admiral Adama's]] quarters, the Admiral and [[Lee Adama|Major Adama]] review the reports from the incident on ''Pegasus''. After discussing the late Pegasus commander, the Admiral offers his son the job of commanding ''Pegasus'', along with a promotion to Commander.

*[[Gaius Baltar]] proclaims his candidacy for President of the Colonies in the Presidential election in the midst of a press conference called by [[Laura Roslin|President Roslin]] regarding abortion in the Fleet.

== Questions ==
*Would Adama allow Dr. Cottle to be arrested? From the episode, he is of the opinion that he would do what is necessary.
**Given that Cottle is the only real doctor left in the fleet, Adama may be hesitant to take such an action.
***This idea is supported by Cottle's behavior toward officers: Adama is the only one to whom he shows even marginal respect.
**Are there no doctors on Pegasus? If Cain had a large civilian fleet to recruit from, it is likely that she would have drafted some doctors into service.
*Was Baltar's report real, or was it just invented to produce the opportunity to drive his wedge?
**With the constant Cylon attacks to the Fleet (barring the unexpected return of ''Pegasus'') the population is almost always declining, as noted by Admiral Adama.
*Who will replace Baltar as Roslin's Vice President?
**Can Roslin actually pick another Vice President, under Colonial law, if Baltar refuses to resign? One of the reporters at the end actually directly asked if Baltar would remain as Vice President. Perhaps Roslin cannot forcibly remove Baltar from his office just because he's running aginst her.
***If Colonial law works similarly to American political protocol, Baltar was elected in his own right. For example, George Bush cannot force Dick Cheney to resign, only Mr. Cheney himself can elect to resign. Interestingly, 204 years ago, US President John Adams faced a similar situation: His own Vice-President, Thomas Jefferson, plotted Adams' political downfall.
*How will Zarek position himself in the Baltar campaign?
**It is likely that Zarek hopes to become Vice President himself.
***Does Zarek plan to have Baltar killed, as per his plan in "[[Colonial Day]]"?
****Zarek actually seems willing to make a beneficial alliance with Baltar, which Roslin would never agree to.
****Baltar may be a political novice but he's no fool; he would spot that a mile away. In fact, Baltar specifically asks Zarek what he (Zarek) would want in return. Zarek gave a diplomatic answer rather than openly ask for the VP slot.
*Will Tigh accept the fact that Lee Adama now outranks him and has command of a ship? Or does Saul have no interest in command and already told Admiral Adama that before the posting was offered to Lee?
**As mentioned in "[[Scattered]]," Col. Tigh was never really interested in commanding a battlestar.
***Fleet protocols, as in the real-world US Navy and other naval services around the globe, would require Tigh, as the senior officer to take command, as he did when Adama was incapacitated.
****This is true for an intra-ship command structure, but if other qualified officers were available, Col. Tigh probably had the privilege to pass up the command of ''Pegasus,'' citing XO's prerogative (or something similar).
****Using US Navy protocal, when Bill Adama was promoted to Admiral by President Roslin to command the fleet, a new commander of Galactica would have been named. This allows ADM Adama the ability to focus on fleet objectives and goals while the respective battlestar commanders deal with the issues of each ship. ADM Adama may have named Tigh as the Galactica commander and like Lee Adama's promotion to Major, it is an event not seen.
*What will happen to Rya, now that she had been granted asylum on ''Galactica''?
*Why was Lee promoted straight from Major to Commander? Can a Colonel not be placed in command of a battlestar for long-term purposes?
**No. Colonel [[Jack Fisk]] was promoted to Commander of ''Pegasus'' before his death. It appears to be something of a rank nomenclature formality, as Garner was promoted up from being head of engineering. Compare to the [http://memory-alpha.org/en/wiki/Captain established terminology convention] on ''Star Trek'' for always referring to the commanding officer of a ship as "Captain", even if that officer does not hold that specific rank.
***The use of "captain" is done in real life as well. In the US Navy, a person in the command of a vessel is referred to as "Captain" even if his actual rank is Lieutenant Commander, Ensign or even if he/she is a Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO).
*Had Garner been serving as XO to ''Pegasus's'' previous commander, the late [[Jack Fisk]]?
*Does the fact that the Cylons had such a large force waiting to ambush ''Pegasus'' indicate that they have a new [[Resurrection Ship]] in place?
**Given that there were three basestars in wait, it is more likely that the Cylons opted on surprise and sheer numbers to succeed. Still, ''Pegasus'' caused one basestar to retreat, despite being outnumbered. It is likely that the ''lack'' of a Resurrection Ship resulted in the basestar's retreat.
**Before, the Cylons were confident in making a frontal assault on a battlestar with a single basestar, in "[[Scattered]]", etc. They are markedly ''less'' confident now.
*How does the double layer flight pod system on ''Pegasus'' operate? Just before the battlestar jumps away from the ambush, there is a short sequence of Vipers returning to the ship that shows them landing on two distinct levels of the flight pod, with Vipers landing on the lower level being upside down with respect to ''Pegasus''. Both the Colonials and Cylons obviously have some form of artifical gravity on their spacecraft, so this explains why such an arrangement is possible.
**For more on the use of artificial gravity, see the article, [[Science in the Re-imagined Series]].
*How could abortion be legal and established throughout the colonies despite being against the religious views of at least one planet? Was it introduced only recently?
**Abortion may have been illegal or tightly-curtailed on that one planet. How much power did the Colonial political structure give to individual planets or smaller geographic areas?
***On present day Earth, there are several countries which have legalized abortion, but which have fundamentalist internal regions/cultural subgroups which frown upon it. The Twelve Colonies were ruled by a federal system, not a loose confederation adhering to principles of States' Rights, etc.; the majority view in the federal government could probably enforce such laws on member worlds.
*What kind of equipment is available to fix small breaches such as the one in the "Pegasus" Engine room?
** [[Helo]] uses a hand-held pressure pad to seal a minor breach in the damaged Raptor during the [[Miniseries]] right after he recives his leg wound. Would such a device not help here?
***Maybe not all hull breaches are small enough to fix that way.
***There may not have been time to patch it, the ship was under heavy fire and could be destroyed at any moment; Restoring the FTL drive was the priority.
*Now that Lee Adama is commanding Pegasus, who does he have for an XO since it is apperant both battlestars are short field grade officers? Does he elevate Stinger, to XO or does he bring someone from Galactica?

== Analysis ==
*When Baltar announces his candidacy for the Presidency, Number Six applauds with a slow clap. This action runs in parallel to how then-Commander William Adama led the entire crew in a long, drawn-out slow clap in respect of President Roslin when she was re-instated to her office in "[[Home, Part II]]".
*Survivor count is decremented by six from "[[Sacrifice]]", but seven people died in that episode - terrorists [[Sesha Abinell]], [[Vinson]], [[Page]] and [[Chu]], two unnamed marines, and civilian [[Billy Keikeya]]. At least one birth must have taken place to offset the population count between the two episodes.
*Based on the ''[[Colonial One]]'' whiteboard seen toward the end of the episode, only five people died as a result of the ambush on ''Pegasus'': [[Richard Bayer|Richard "Buster" Bayer]], [[Lyla Ellway|Lyla "Shark" Ellway]], the unnamed crew of [[Raptor 314]], and Commander [[Barry Garner]].
**This casualty figure is conspicuously low, considering that ''Galactica'' lost 85 crewmen as the result of a hit by a single nuclear missile in the [[miniseries]], while ''Pegasus'' is hit with no less than three in this episode.
**On the other hand, it is at least consistent with the surprisingly low number of casualties incurred in the [[Battle of the Resurrection Ship]], and may indicate that the hull armor on ''Pegasus'' is significantly stronger than on ''Galactica'', which has many conspicuously bare structural ribs.
**There may be two further explanations for this (1) that the board hadn't been updated to reflect the damage on the ''Pegasus'', only the pilots lost. (2) A large number of the ''Galactica'' casualties were caused by the decision to vent the spreading fire rather than from the actual impact of the missile.
*In the course of this episode's timeline, [[Lee Adama]] rises from the rank of Captain (CAG of ''[[Galactica]]'') to Major (No details are given on that posting except Adama was assigned to [[Pegasus (RDM)|''Pegasus'']]), to Commander and CO of [[Pegasus (RDM)|''Pegasus'']] in the wake of Commander [[Barry Garner|Barry Garner's]] death saving his ship.
**Major Adama's duty was intended as a temporary stint as ''Pegasus'' acting XO, to familiarize himself with the duties of a senior officer. In the opening scene, he tells [[Anastasia Dualla]] that he expects to return to ''Galactica'' "in a couple of weeks".
*Garner's decision to mount a rescue operation in contravention of his commanding officer's orders is an explicit parallel to "[[Pegasus (episode)|Pegasus]]", down to the choice of words:
:'''Adama:''' "I'm getting my men."
:'''Garner:''' "I'm going to get our men."
*Kara Thrace's posting is finally clarified in this episode: she is now serving as CAG on ''[[Galactica]]''.
**She was transferred to ''Pegasus'' in "[[Pegasus (episode)|Pegasus]]" and then promoted to that ship's CAG over [[Cole Taylor|Cole "Stinger" Taylor]] in "[[Resurrection Ship, Part I]]". In "[[Epiphanies]]", it is made clear that Lee Adama regained his posting as ''Galactica's'' CAG. In "[[Epiphanies]]", Thrace is seen piloting one of ''Galactica's'' Mk. II Vipers with Kat; in "[[Scar]]" she is serving on Galactica, and appears to have assumed the majority of Adama's responsibilities as CAG, although she still takes orders from him.
**During this episode it's mentioned that she's only been on board ''Pegasus'' for four days before getting thrown in the brig, so clearly she isn't ''Pegasus's'' CAG any longer. Thus, despite the great esteem Cain held her in (she was the second speaker at Cain's funeral, after Jack Fisk), it seems clear that she was removed from her position on ''Pegasus'' sometime after Cain's death.

== Notes ==
*Timeline-wise, Baltar says that he made an initial projection of the fleet's population "over seven months ago". This would have been before the arrival of ''Pegasus'', since he said he factored in the arrival of her crew subsequently.
*Baltar states that he added the crew of the ''Pegasus'' into his calculations, with the result of the end of the human race within 18 years at current attrition rates.
*It has been "almost a month" since Apollo was shot in "[[Sacrifice]]".
*The recap at the beginning of this episode includes two scenes that did not actually appear in any previous episode, but were constructed by redubbing existing footage.
**The scene where Colonel Tigh and Admiral Adama discuss Garner's promotion is constructed from the scene in "Black Market" when Adama and Tigh are telling Apollo to go to ''Pegasus'' on the hangar deck. The scene has been cleverly redubbed, so that Adama is saying entirely new lines when the camera is pointed at ''Tigh'' (not at Adama's face), and then Tigh says new lines when the camera is pointed at ''Adama''.
**The same technique is used when Baltar is talking to Gina: when the camera is pointed at Baltar, we hear [[Gina]] saying "You must betray Roslin and run for President in the upcoming election", but this was never heard in the aired version of "[[Epiphanies]]".
*Capt. [[Cole Taylor|Cole "Stinger" Taylor]] is still onboard ''Pegasus'', mentioned by Capt. Thrace as being in the brig for insubordination.
*The adjectival form of "Gemenon" is "Gemenese".
*Under Gemenese law, minors are the "property" of their parents.
*[[Mercury class battlestar]]s do not need to retract their flight pods prior to a jump, unlike the [[Galactica type battlestar|Galactica type]].
*The coolant pressure gauges on ''Pegasus'' measure in PSI, presumably [[Wikipedia:Pound-force per square inch|Pound-force per square inch]]. This is consistant with the use of customary units on the Viper Mk. II's [[Altimeter]], seen in "[[Act of Contrition]]".
*This is the fourth episode of the season in which [[Grace Park]] has not appeared as [[Sharon Valerii]].
*Writer Jeff Vlaming references [[Wikipedia:William Shakespeare|Shakespeare]]'s "[[Wikipedia:The Merchant of Venice|The Merchant of Venice]]" when he has [[Laura Roslin]] tell [[Quorum of Twelve]] delegate [[Sarah Porter]], "you have your pound of flesh".
*Sharon warned Admiral Adama in the previous episode, "[[Sacrifice]]", that the Cylons might try to lay ambushes near some pulsar stars ahead of their position, due to DRADIS interference.
*Based on the promo images for the episodes, it appears that in a deleted scene, Rya tried to kill herself by overdosing on pills when she was told she couldn't have an abortion, and she had to be resuscitated.

== Noteworthy Dialogue ==

*''Following the Cylon ambush of '''Pegasus''' and the death of Commander Garner
:'''[[William Adama|Admiral Adama]]''': In your opinion, off the record, what was Garner's flaw?
:'''[[Lee Adama|Major Lee Adama]]''': He was used to working with machines. Command is about people.
:'''Admiral Adama''': Remember that, as you take command of "The Beast" ([[Pegasus (RDM)|''Pegasus'']]). Garner was my decision; His failures, my responsibility. Don't let me fail a second time. Congratulations, Commander.

*Responding to President Roslin's decision to criminalize abortion:
:'''[[Gaius Baltar|Vice-President Baltar]]''': It is true in the light of recent events, the President may have lost support in some quarters. I would ask the people to understand that if this is an extreme decision, we live in extreme times. The decision has been made with good faith. I, however, cannot with good conscience support it. I am so sorry, Madame President, but the Cylon have no understanding the meaning of the word "freedom". How could they? They're programmed...machines. Every time you take away one of our freedoms, every time we restrict or curtail one of our rights, we become one step closer to being like them. As the Vice-President, I am bound to follow the administration's lead; As President, I should have no such strictures. Given the current situation, I'm afraid that I have no alternative but to announce that I am, as of now, a candidate for the Presidency.

=== Guest Stars ===

*[[IMDB:nm0001334|John Heard]] as Commander [[Barry Garner]]
*[[Richard Hatch]] as [[Tom Zarek]]
*[http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+Aaron+Douglas Aaron Douglas] as Chief [[Galen Tyrol]]
*[http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+Nicki+Clyne Nicki Clyne] as Specialist [[Cally]]
*[http://us.imdb.com/name/nm0722413/ Donnelly Rhodes] as Dr. [[Cottle]]
*Rekha Sharma as [[Tory Foster]]
*Brad Dryborough as Lieutenant [[Hoshi]]
*Christian Tessier as [[Tucker Clellan|Tucker "Duck" Clellan]]
*Amber Rothwell as [[Rya Kibby]]
*Kavan Smith as Lt. [[Richard Bayer|Richard "Buster" Bayer]]
*[http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2015903/ Stephanie von Pfetten] as Cpt. [[Marcia Case|Marcia "Showboat" Case]]
*[http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+Patricia+Idlette Particia Idlette] as [[Sarah Porter]]
*Aaron Pearl as Ensign [[Abel Thornton]]
*Christina Schild as [[Playa Palacios]]
*Tammy Hui as ECO [[Lyla Ellway|Lyla "Shark" Ellway]]
*James Bell as Lt. [[Steve Fleer|Steve "Red Devil" Fleer]]
*Kurt Max Runte as Ensign Charles Bellamy
*Kimani Ray Smith as Pegasus Sergeant

{{Episode List}}

[[Category: A to Z]]
[[Category: RDM]]
[[Category:Episodes written by Jeff Vlaming]]
[[Category:Episodes directed by Sergio Mimica-Gezzan]]

The Captain's Hand

2006-02-23T02:17:59Z

Killerman: /* Questions */

{{Episode Data|
Image = [[Image:Adamas.jpg|300px]]
| Title= The Captain's Hand
| Series= [[Battlestar Galactica (RDM)|The Re-imagined Series]]
| Season= [[Season 2 (2005-06)|2]]
| Episode= 17
| Guests=[[Richard Hatch]] as [[Tom Zarek]]
| Writer=[[IMDB:nm0900599|Jeff Vlaming]]
| Story=
| Director=[[IMDB:nm0590790|Sergio Mimica-Gezzan]]
| Production=
| Rating=
| US Airdate= February 17 2006
| UK Airdate=
| DVD=
| Population= 49,584
| Prev= [[Sacrifice]]
| Next= [[Downloaded]]
}}

== Overview ==

''When two Raptors go missing after a training mission, new ''Pegasus'' commander [[Barry Garner]] challenges Admiral [[William Adama|Adama]]'s orders by sending his battlestar directly into the rescue zone--and a trap.''

== Summary ==
*Two [[Raptor|Raptors]] begin a training mission outside [[Pegasus (RDM)|''Pegasus'']], which is near a [[Wikipedia:Binary star system|binary star]], causing [[Dradis|DRADIS]] and communications interference. Shortly after, contact with the Raptors is lost.

*On ''[[Galactica]]'', [[Tyrol|Chief Tyrol]] and the deck crew are in the process of unloading containers, Chief Tyrol finds a pregnant teenager inside who asks for [[Cottle|Dr. Cottle]].

*[[Lee Adama]], now promoted to Major, arrives as acting [[Executive officer|XO]] on the [[Mercury class battlestar|battlestar]] ''[[Pegasus (RDM)|Pegasus]]'', where he runs into [[Kara Thrace]]. Both report to Commander Garner in ''Pegasus''' [[CIC]]. Garner argues with now-Captain Thrace over the disappearance of the Raptors.

*[[Barry Garner|Commander Garner]] and Major Adama talk in private about the discipline on ''[[Pegasus (RDM)|''Pegasus'']]''. Garner thinks that [[Kara Thrace|Starbuck]] is a huge part of the problem and that the virtues learned in his experience as an engineer would do the ship some good.

*On ''[[Colonial One]]'', [[Laura_Roslin|President Roslin]] is hounded by her new aide, [[Tory Foster]], about preparing for the coming election. Elsewhere, [[Tom Zarek]] discusses the idea of presidency. He concedes he's not able to garner support, but is willing to support someone more popular: [[Gaius Baltar|Dr. Baltar]].

*Back on ''Galactica'', Dr. [[Cottle]] & Admiral Adama discuss the fate of the young woman found in the container, [[Rya Kibby]]. Kibby mentions the fact that she doesn't want to keep the baby, but Admiral Adama (on request from the Gemenese delegate) is intent on sending her back to her family. Dr. Cottle suggests that she request asylum aboard ''Galactica''.

*News of Rya Kibby's asylum request raises a stir throughout the [[The Fleet (RDM)|Fleet]]. [[Laura Roslin|President Roslin]] discusses the issue with Admiral Adama, Tory Foster, and Delegate [[Sarah_Porter|Sarah Porter]] from [[The Twelve Colonies (RDM)#Gemonon|Gemenon]]. Delegate Porter states that abortion is a obscenity and demands that the girl be returned to her parents. Afterwards, President Roslin mentions she's not willing to even consider the idea of abortion, but Admiral Adama reminds her that their population must increase in order to survive.

*While reviewing the last transmissions from the Raptors, [[Kara Thrace|Starbuck]] discovers the reason for the missing Raptors may be that they responded to a distress call. She attempts to bring this up with Commander Garner, who flatly rejects the theory. Additional search parties learn of the distress call that lured the first Raptors away. Commander Garner decides to start preparing the Pegasus for a Jump.

*Over [[wireless]], [[Barry Garner|Commander Garner]], Major Adama, and [[William Adama|Admiral Adama]] discuss the missing Raptor situation. Commander Garner feels that ''Pegasus'' should [[FTL|Jump]] to bring home the missing crews and ships. While the Admiral and Major believe it may be a trip and orders a 5-Raptor recon mission to ascertain the training mission's fate.

*Garner orders a Jump despite Admiral Adama's orders. [[SAR]] Raptors at the rescue site find both Raptors, but the crews are dead. At that moment, three [[Basestar (RDM)|basestars]] ambush ''Pegasus'' with conventional and nuclear missile barrages seconds after their arrival.

*''Pegasus''' [[FTL]] drive is disabled. Garner attempts to determine the FTL failure's cause from CIC., but the Engineering crew are confused from the attack. Commander Garner heads down to Engineering to assess the damage, and transfers command of ''Pegasus'' to Major Adama. Adama orders ''Pegasus'' to target one of the Basestars with its forward batteries, severely damaging the basestar and buying them more time.

*Garner's successful repair of their FTL system allows ''Pegasus'' to escape. Commander Garner, however, dies in the process due to lack of oxygen.

*In [[William Adama|Admiral Adama's]] quarters, the Admiral and [[Lee Adama|Major Adama]] review the reports from the incident on ''Pegasus''. After discussing the late Pegasus commander, the Admiral offers his son the job of commanding ''Pegasus'', along with a promotion to Commander.

*[[Gaius Baltar]] proclaims his candidacy for President of the Colonies in the Presidential election in the midst of a press conference called by [[Laura Roslin|President Roslin]] regarding abortion in the Fleet.

== Questions ==
*Would Adama allow Dr. Cottle to be arrested? From the episode, he is of the opinion that he would do what is necessary.
**Given that Cottle is the only real doctor left in the fleet, Adama may be hesitant to take such an action.
***This idea is supported by Cottle's behavior toward officers: Adama is the only one to whom he shows even marginal respect.
**Are there no doctors on Pegasus? If Cain had a large civilian fleet to recruit from, it is likely that she would have drafted some doctors into service.
*Was Baltar's report real, or was it just invented to produce the opportunity to drive his wedge?
**With the constant Cylon attacks to the Fleet (barring the unexpected return of ''Pegasus'') the population is almost always declining, as noted by Admiral Adama.
*Who will replace Baltar as Roslin's Vice President?
**Can Roslin actually pick another Vice President, under Colonial law, if Baltar refuses to resign? One of the reporters at the end actually directly asked if Baltar would remain as Vice President. Perhaps Roslin cannot forcibly remove Baltar from his office just because he's running aginst her.
***If Colonial law works similarly to American political protocol, Baltar was elected in his own right. For example, George Bush cannot force Dick Cheney to resign, only Mr. Cheney himself can elect to resign. Interestingly, 204 years ago, US President John Adams faced a similar situation: His own Vice-President, Thomas Jefferson, plotted Adams' political downfall.
*How will Zarek position himself in the Baltar campaign?
**It is likely that Zarek hopes to become Vice President himself.
***Does Zarek plan to have Baltar killed, as per his plan in "[[Colonial Day]]"?
****Zarek actually seems willing to make a beneficial alliance with Baltar, which Roslin would never agree to.
****Baltar may be a political novice but he's no fool; he would spot that a mile away. In fact, Baltar specifically asks Zarek what he (Zarek) would want in return. Zarek gave a diplomatic answer rather than openly ask for the VP slot.
*Will Tigh accept the fact that Lee Adama now outranks him and has command of a ship? Or does Saul have no interest in command and already told Admiral Adama that before the posting was offered to Lee?
**As mentioned in "[[Scattered]]," Col. Tigh was never really interested in commanding a battlestar.
***Fleet protocols, as in the real-world US Navy and other naval services around the globe, would require Tigh, as the senior officer to take command, as he did when Adama was incapacitated.
****This is true for an intra-ship command structure, but if other qualified officers were available, Col. Tigh probably had the privilege to pass up the command of ''Pegasus,'' citing XO's prerogative (or something similar).
****Using US Navy protocal, when Bill Adama was promoted to Admiral by President Roslin to command the fleet, a new commander of Galactica would have been named. This allows ADM Adama the ability to focus on fleet objectives and goals while the respective battlestar commanders deal with the issues of each ship. ADM Adama may have named Tigh as the Galactica commander and like Lee Adama's promotion to Major, it is an event not seen.
*What will happen to Rya, now that she had been granted asylum on ''Galactica''?
*Why was Lee promoted straight from Major to Commander? Can a Colonel not be placed in command of a battlestar for long-term purposes?
**No. Colonel [[Jack Fisk]] was promoted to Commander of ''Pegasus'' before his death. It appears to be something of a rank nomenclature formality, as Garner was promoted up from being head of engineering. Compare to the [http://memory-alpha.org/en/wiki/Captain established terminology convention] on ''Star Trek'' for always referring to the commanding officer of a ship as "Captain", even if that officer does not hold that specific rank.
***The use of "captain" is done in real life as well. In the US Navy, a person in the command of a vessel is referred to as "Captain" even if his actual rank is Lieutenant Commander, Ensign or even if he/she is a Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO).
*Had Garner been serving as XO to ''Pegasus's'' previous commander, the late [[Jack Fisk]]?
*Does the fact that the Cylons had such a large force waiting to ambush ''Pegasus'' indicate that they have a new [[Resurrection Ship]] in place?
**Given that there were three basestars in wait, it is more likely that the Cylons opted on surprise and sheer numbers to succeed. Still, ''Pegasus'' caused one basestar to retreat, despite being outnumbered. It is likely that the ''lack'' of a Resurrection Ship resulted in the basestar's retreat.
**Before, the Cylons were confident in making a frontal assault on a battlestar with a single basestar, in "[[Scattered]]", etc. They are markedly ''less'' confident now.
*How does the double layer flight pod system on ''Pegasus'' operate? Just before the battlestar jumps away from the ambush, there is a short sequence of Vipers returning to the ship that shows them landing on two distinct levels of the flight pod, with Vipers landing on the lower level being upside down with respect to ''Pegasus''. Both the Colonials and Cylons obviously have some form of artifical gravity on their spacecraft, so this explains why such an arrangement is possible.
**For more on the use of artificial gravity, see the article, [[Science in the Re-imagined Series]].
*How could abortion be legal and established throughout the colonies despite being against the religious views of at least one planet? Was it introduced only recently?
**Abortion may have been illegal or tightly-curtailed on that one planet. How much power did the Colonial political structure give to individual planets or smaller geographic areas?
***On present day Earth, there are several countries which have legalized abortion, but which have fundamentalist internal regions/cultural subgroups which frown upon it. The Twelve Colonies were ruled by a federal system, not a loose confederation adhering to principles of States' Rights, etc.; the majority view in the federal government could probably enforce such laws on member worlds.
*What kind of equipment is available to fix small breaches such as the one in the "Pegasus" Engine room?
** [[Helo]] uses a hand-held pressure pad to seal a minor breach in the damaged Raptor during the [[Miniseries]] right after he recives his leg wound. Would such a device not help here?
***Maybe not all hull breaches are small enough to fix that way.
***There may not have been time to patch it, the ship was under heavy fire and could be destroyed at any moment; Restoring the FTL drive was the priority.

== Analysis ==
*When Baltar announces his candidacy for the Presidency, Number Six applauds with a slow clap. This action runs in parallel to how then-Commander William Adama led the entire crew in a long, drawn-out slow clap in respect of President Roslin when she was re-instated to her office in "[[Home, Part II]]".
*Survivor count is decremented by six from "[[Sacrifice]]", but seven people died in that episode - terrorists [[Sesha Abinell]], [[Vinson]], [[Page]] and [[Chu]], two unnamed marines, and civilian [[Billy Keikeya]]. At least one birth must have taken place to offset the population count between the two episodes.
*Based on the ''[[Colonial One]]'' whiteboard seen toward the end of the episode, only five people died as a result of the ambush on ''Pegasus'': [[Richard Bayer|Richard "Buster" Bayer]], [[Lyla Ellway|Lyla "Shark" Ellway]], the unnamed crew of [[Raptor 314]], and Commander [[Barry Garner]].
**This casualty figure is conspicuously low, considering that ''Galactica'' lost 85 crewmen as the result of a hit by a single nuclear missile in the [[miniseries]], while ''Pegasus'' is hit with no less than three in this episode.
**On the other hand, it is at least consistent with the surprisingly low number of casualties incurred in the [[Battle of the Resurrection Ship]], and may indicate that the hull armor on ''Pegasus'' is significantly stronger than on ''Galactica'', which has many conspicuously bare structural ribs.
**There may be two further explanations for this (1) that the board hadn't been updated to reflect the damage on the ''Pegasus'', only the pilots lost. (2) A large number of the ''Galactica'' casualties were caused by the decision to vent the spreading fire rather than from the actual impact of the missile.
*In the course of this episode's timeline, [[Lee Adama]] rises from the rank of Captain (CAG of ''[[Galactica]]'') to Major (No details are given on that posting except Adama was assigned to [[Pegasus (RDM)|''Pegasus'']]), to Commander and CO of [[Pegasus (RDM)|''Pegasus'']] in the wake of Commander [[Barry Garner|Barry Garner's]] death saving his ship.
**Major Adama's duty was intended as a temporary stint as ''Pegasus'' acting XO, to familiarize himself with the duties of a senior officer. In the opening scene, he tells [[Anastasia Dualla]] that he expects to return to ''Galactica'' "in a couple of weeks".
*Garner's decision to mount a rescue operation in contravention of his commanding officer's orders is an explicit parallel to "[[Pegasus (episode)|Pegasus]]", down to the choice of words:
:'''Adama:''' "I'm getting my men."
:'''Garner:''' "I'm going to get our men."
*Kara Thrace's posting is finally clarified in this episode: she is now serving as CAG on ''[[Galactica]]''.
**She was transferred to ''Pegasus'' in "[[Pegasus (episode)|Pegasus]]" and then promoted to that ship's CAG over [[Cole Taylor|Cole "Stinger" Taylor]] in "[[Resurrection Ship, Part I]]". In "[[Epiphanies]]", it is made clear that Lee Adama regained his posting as ''Galactica's'' CAG. In "[[Epiphanies]]", Thrace is seen piloting one of ''Galactica's'' Mk. II Vipers with Kat; in "[[Scar]]" she is serving on Galactica, and appears to have assumed the majority of Adama's responsibilities as CAG, although she still takes orders from him.
**During this episode it's mentioned that she's only been on board ''Pegasus'' for four days before getting thrown in the brig, so clearly she isn't ''Pegasus's'' CAG any longer. Thus, despite the great esteem Cain held her in (she was the second speaker at Cain's funeral, after Jack Fisk), it seems clear that she was removed from her position on ''Pegasus'' sometime after Cain's death.

== Notes ==
*Timeline-wise, Baltar says that he made an initial projection of the fleet's population "over seven months ago". This would have been before the arrival of ''Pegasus'', since he said he factored in the arrival of her crew subsequently.
*Baltar states that he added the crew of the ''Pegasus'' into his calculations, with the result of the end of the human race within 18 years at current attrition rates.
*It has been "almost a month" since Apollo was shot in "[[Sacrifice]]".
*The recap at the beginning of this episode includes two scenes that did not actually appear in any previous episode, but were constructed by redubbing existing footage.
**The scene where Colonel Tigh and Admiral Adama discuss Garner's promotion is constructed from the scene in "Black Market" when Adama and Tigh are telling Apollo to go to ''Pegasus'' on the hangar deck. The scene has been cleverly redubbed, so that Adama is saying entirely new lines when the camera is pointed at ''Tigh'' (not at Adama's face), and then Tigh says new lines when the camera is pointed at ''Adama''.
**The same technique is used when Baltar is talking to Gina: when the camera is pointed at Baltar, we hear [[Gina]] saying "You must betray Roslin and run for President in the upcoming election", but this was never heard in the aired version of "[[Epiphanies]]".
*Capt. [[Cole Taylor|Cole "Stinger" Taylor]] is still onboard ''Pegasus'', mentioned by Capt. Thrace as being in the brig for insubordination.
*The adjectival form of "Gemenon" is "Gemenese".
*Under Gemenese law, minors are the "property" of their parents.
*[[Mercury class battlestar]]s do not need to retract their flight pods prior to a jump, unlike the [[Galactica type battlestar|Galactica type]].
*The coolant pressure gauges on ''Pegasus'' measure in PSI, presumably [[Wikipedia:Pound-force per square inch|Pound-force per square inch]]. This is consistant with the use of customary units on the Viper Mk. II's [[Altimeter]], seen in "[[Act of Contrition]]".
*This is the fourth episode of the season in which [[Grace Park]] has not appeared as [[Sharon Valerii]].
*Writer Jeff Vlaming references [[Wikipedia:William Shakespeare|Shakespeare]]'s "[[Wikipedia:The Merchant of Venice|The Merchant of Venice]]" when he has [[Laura Roslin]] tell [[Quorum of Twelve]] delegate [[Sarah Porter]], "you have your pound of flesh".
*Sharon warned Admiral Adama in the previous episode, "[[Sacrifice]]", that the Cylons might try to lay ambushes near some pulsar stars ahead of their position, due to DRADIS interference.
*Based on the promo images for the episodes, it appears that in a deleted scene, Rya tried to kill herself by overdosing on pills when she was told she couldn't have an abortion, and she had to be resuscitated.

== Noteworthy Dialogue ==

*''Following the Cylon ambush of '''Pegasus''' and the death of Commander Garner
:'''[[William Adama|Admiral Adama]]''': In your opinion, off the record, what was Garner's flaw?
:'''[[Lee Adama|Major Lee Adama]]''': He was used to working with machines. Command is about people.
:'''Admiral Adama''': Remember that, as you take command of "The Beast" ([[Pegasus (RDM)|''Pegasus'']]). Garner was my decision; His failures, my responsibility. Don't let me fail a second time. Congratulations, Commander.

*Responding to President Roslin's decision to criminalize abortion:
:'''[[Gaius Baltar|Vice-President Baltar]]''': It is true in the light of recent events, the President may have lost support in some quarters. I would ask the people to understand that if this is an extreme decision, we live in extreme times. The decision has been made with good faith. I, however, cannot with good conscience support it. I am so sorry, Madame President, but the Cylon have no understanding the meaning of the word "freedom". How could they? They're programmed...machines. Every time you take away one of our freedoms, every time we restrict or curtail one of our rights, we become one step closer to being like them. As the Vice-President, I am bound to follow the administration's lead; As President, I should have no such strictures. Given the current situation, I'm afraid that I have no alternative but to announce that I am, as of now, a candidate for the Presidency.

=== Guest Stars ===

*[[IMDB:nm0001334|John Heard]] as Commander [[Barry Garner]]
*[[Richard Hatch]] as [[Tom Zarek]]
*[http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+Aaron+Douglas Aaron Douglas] as Chief [[Galen Tyrol]]
*[http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+Nicki+Clyne Nicki Clyne] as Specialist [[Cally]]
*[http://us.imdb.com/name/nm0722413/ Donnelly Rhodes] as Dr. [[Cottle]]
*Rekha Sharma as [[Tory Foster]]
*Brad Dryborough as Lieutenant [[Hoshi]]
*Christian Tessier as [[Tucker Clellan|Tucker "Duck" Clellan]]
*Amber Rothwell as [[Rya Kibby]]
*Kavan Smith as Lt. [[Richard Bayer|Richard "Buster" Bayer]]
*[http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2015903/ Stephanie von Pfetten] as Cpt. [[Marcia Case|Marcia "Showboat" Case]]
*[http://us.imdb.com/M/person-exact?+Patricia+Idlette Particia Idlette] as [[Sarah Porter]]
*Aaron Pearl as Ensign [[Abel Thornton]]
*Christina Schild as [[Playa Palacios]]
*Tammy Hui as ECO [[Lyla Ellway|Lyla "Shark" Ellway]]
*James Bell as Lt. [[Steve Fleer|Steve "Red Devil" Fleer]]
*Kurt Max Runte as Ensign Charles Bellamy
*Kimani Ray Smith as Pegasus Sergeant

{{Episode List}}

[[Category: A to Z]]
[[Category: RDM]]
[[Category:Episodes written by Jeff Vlaming]]
[[Category:Episodes directed by Sergio Mimica-Gezzan]]