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Laura Roslin: Difference between revisions

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{{Character Data
{{Character Data
|photo= Laura Roslin.jpg
|photo= Laura Roslin.jpg
|age=
|age=
|colony= [[The Twelve Colonies (RDM)#Caprica|Caprica]]  
|colony= [[The Twelve Colonies of Kobol#Caprica|Caprica]]  
|birthname= Laura Roslin
|birthname= Laura Roslin
|callsign=
|seen= Miniseries
|seen= Miniseries
|death= Cancer, while flying over Tanzania in 4 ACH (c. 148,000 BCE) ([[Daybreak, Part II]])
|death= Cancer, while flying over Tanzania in 4 ACH (c. 148,000 BCE) {{TRS|Daybreak, Part II}}
|parents= [[Roslin's mother|mother]] †, father †
|parents= [[Roslin's mother|mother]] †, father †
|siblings= Cheryl Roslin †<br/>Sandra Roslin †
|siblings= [[Cheryl Roslin]] †<br/>[[Sandra Roslin]] †
|children=
|children=
|marital status=Unmarried;<br>Temporarilly cohabitated with [[William Adama]] aboard ''Galactica''
|marital status=Unmarried;<br>Briefly cohabits with [[William Adama]]
|role=President of the [[The Twelve Colonies (RDM)|Twelve Colonies of Kobol]];<br>formerly Secretary of Education<br>formerly schoolteacher
|role=President of the [[The Twelve Colonies of Kobol|Twelve Colonies of Kobol]];<br>formerly Secretary of Education<br>formerly schoolteacher
|rank=
|actor= [[Mary McDonnell]]
|actor= [[Mary McDonnell]]
|archives=y
}}
}}
'''Laura Roslin''' serves as the [[Government of the Twelve Colonies|Secretary of Education]] at the time of the [[Fall of the Twelve Colonies|Cylon attack]], later becoming the President of the Twelve Colonies despite never being elected to office. She is also believed by some to be a religious figure central to the fulfillment of the [[Pythia|Pythian prophecy]].
'''[[Laura]] [[Roslin]]''' serves as the [[Government of the Twelve Colonies|Secretary of Education]] at the time of the [[Fall of the Twelve Colonies|Cylon attack]] and later serves twice as President of the Twelve Colonies despite never being elected to office. She is also believed by some in the [[The Fleet (RDM)|Fleet]] to be a religious figure essential to the fulfillment of the [[Pythia|Pythian prophecy]].
<br/><br/>


== Biography  ==
== Biography  ==
===Background===
===Background===
Some time before the [[Fall of the Twelve Colonies]], Roslin is forced to take care of her dying [[Roslin's mother|mother]], who is going through [[diloxin]] treatments for cancer ([[Act of Contrition]]). At some point, Roslin's father and sisters are killed in a car accident at the fault of a drunk driver ([[Daybreak, Part I]]). Like her mother, Roslin is a schoolteacher, though she enters politics under the mayoral administration of [[Richard Adar]] ([[Miniseries]]). When Adar decides to run for [[Government of the Twelve Colonies|president]], Roslin reluctantly agrees to join his campaign, and is later appointed as Secretary of Education.
Some time before the [[Fall of the Twelve Colonies]], Roslin is forced to take care of her dying [[Roslin's mother|mother]], who is going through [[doloxan]] treatments for cancer {{TRS|Act of Contrition}}. At some point, Roslin's father and sisters are killed in a car accident at the fault of a drunk driver {{TRS|Daybreak, Part I}}. Like her mother, Roslin is a schoolteacher, though she enters politics under the mayoral administration of [[Richard Adar]] {{TRS|Miniseries}}. When Adar decides to run for [[Government of the Twelve Colonies|president]], Roslin reluctantly agrees to join his campaign, and is later appointed as Secretary of Education {{TRS|Daybreak, Part II}}.


Though Roslin never marries<ref name="marital">According to the February issue of ''Sci Fi Magazine'', actress Mary McDonnell indicates that, according to the [[series bible]], Roslin has dated, but has never married. (Scans available on [http://www.livejournal.com/users/reedfem/158883.html Ramblings of a dorkish nature])</ref>, she engages in a sexual affair with the married Adar ([[Epiphanies]]).<ref>According to a December 2005 [http://www.galacticastation.com/Archives/2005/dec05.html interview] with Mary McDonnell in TV Guide, President Adar, a married man, was having an affair with Roslin in the twilight of his term.</ref> The day of the [[Cylon (RDM)|Cylon]] attack, Roslin learns that she has terminal breast cancer. Returning to work, Roslin informs Adar that she had successfully resolved an ongoing teacher's strike, but Adar vehemently disagrees with her method, and asks for her resignation. She asks him to defer the matter until she returns from the decommissioning ceremonies of the battlestar ''[[Galactica (RDM)|Galactica]]'' ([[Epiphanies]]).  
Though Roslin never marries<ref name="marital">According to the February issue of ''Sci Fi Magazine'', actress Mary McDonnell indicates that, according to the [[series bible]], Roslin has dated, but has never married. (Scans available on [http://www.livejournal.com/users/reedfem/158883.html Ramblings of a dorkish nature])</ref>, she engages in a sexual affair with the married Adar {{TRS|Epiphanies}}.<ref>According to a December 2005 [http://www.galacticastation.com/Archives/2005/dec05.html interview] with Mary McDonnell in TV Guide, President Adar, a married man, was having an affair with Roslin in the twilight of his term.</ref> The day of the [[Cylon (RDM)|Cylon]] attack, Roslin learns that she has terminal breast cancer. Returning to work, Roslin informs Adar that she has successfully resolved an ongoing teacher's strike, but Adar vehemently disagrees with her method, and asks for her resignation. She asks him to defer the matter until she returns from ''[[Galactica (TRS)|Galactica]]'s'' decommissioning ceremony {{TRS|Epiphanies}}.  


===Fall of the Colonies===
===Fall of the Colonies===
Roslin travels to ''[[Galactica]]'' aboard the government-chartered civilian transport, [[Colonial Heavy 798]], accompanied by a government aide, [[Billy Keikeya]]. Onboard Galactica, Secretary Roslin meets with [[William Adama|Commander Adama]], who denies her request to add a student computer network in the battlestar. Roslin lets the matter go to rest and departs the ship following the decommissioning ceremonies.  
Roslin travels to ''{{RDM|Galactica}}'' aboard the government-chartered civilian transport, [[Colonial Heavy 798|''Colonial Heavy 798'']], accompanied by a government aide, [[Billy Keikeya]]. On board ''Galactica'', Secretary Roslin meets with [[William Adama|Commander Adama]], who denies her request to add a student computer network in the battlestar. Roslin lets the matter go and departs the ship following the decommissioning ceremonies.  


[[Image:Roslin_swearing_in.jpg|250px|right|thumb|Roslin being sworn in]]
[[Image:Roslin_swearing_in.jpg|250px|right|thumb|Roslin being sworn in]]
On route back to [[Caprica (RDM)|Caprica]], Roslin learns from the [[Colonial One captain|captain]] that the Cylons are attacking the Twelve Colonies. Roslin quickly takes on the mantle of leadership, rallying the passengers to make space for potential refugees. She finally establishes contact with a [[Jack|government official]] on Caprica, who does not know the the whereabouts or condition of President Adar. As the transport begins to rescue survivors from a stranded passenger vessel, the [[Case Orange]] automated beacon is picked up on the wireless, and Roslin instructs the pilot to respond to the message with her government identification. Soon, a response returns from the automated message: Roslin, the forty-third official in line of succession, is the highest-ranking government official left alive and thus has succeeded Adar as president. Physically shaking, Roslin holds back tears and her voice cracks as the priestess [[Elosha]] administers the oath of office.
On route back to {{RDM|Caprica}}, Roslin learns from the [[Colonial One captain|captain]] that the Cylons are attacking the Twelve Colonies. Roslin quickly takes on the mantle of leadership, rallying the passengers to make space for potential refugees. She finally establishes contact with a [[Jack|government official]] on Caprica, who does not know the whereabouts or condition of President Adar. As the transport begins to rescue survivors from a stranded passenger vessel, the [[Case Orange]] automated beacon is picked up on the wireless, and Roslin instructs the pilot to respond to the message with her government identification. Soon, a response returns from the automated message: Roslin, the forty-third official in line of succession, is the highest-ranking government official left alive and thus has succeeded Adar as president. Physically shaking, Roslin holds back tears and her voice cracks as the priestess [[Elosha]] administers the oath of office.


In her first act as president, Roslin orders the ''Galactica'' to assist her in rescue operations. In turn, Adama refuses to recognize her authority and orders the vessel to rendezvous with ''Galactica'' at [[Ragnar Anchorage]]. The two are interrupted by a pair of [[Raider (RDM)|Cylon Raider]]s, which launch nuclear missiles at the small fleet Roslin has assembled. She refuses to leave the vessels behind and is only saved by quick thinking on the part of [[Lee Adama]]. Soon after, a ''Galactica'' [[Raptor]] carrying [[Gaius Baltar|Dr. Gaius Baltar]] locates Roslin's ship, the newly rechristened ''[[Colonial One]]''. Roslin appoints Baltar as her chief science advisor and uses the Raptor to locate any surviving ships around Caprica. Over the next few hours, Roslin's small group of ships transforms into a massive [[The Fleet (RDM)|fleet]] harboring over 50,000 survivors.
In her first act as president, Roslin orders ''Galactica'' to assist her in rescue operations. In turn, Adama refuses to recognize her authority and orders the vessel to rendezvous with ''Galactica'' at the [[Ragnar Anchorage]]. The two are interrupted by a pair of [[Raider (RDM)|Cylon Raider]]s, which launch nuclear missiles at the small fleet Roslin has assembled. She refuses to leave the vessels behind and is only saved by quick thinking on the part of [[Lee Adama]]. Soon after, a ''Galactica'' [[Raptor]] carrying [[Gaius Baltar|Dr. Gaius Baltar]] locates Roslin's ship, the newly rechristened ''[[Colonial One]]''. Roslin appoints Baltar as her chief science advisor and uses the Raptor to locate any surviving ships around Caprica. Over the next few hours, Roslin's small group of ships transforms into a massive [[The Fleet (RDM)|fleet]] harboring over 50,000 survivors.


While attempting to transfer passengers off all non-[[FTL]] capable ships, the Fleet is discovered by another pair of Raiders. Facing a difficult decision, Roslin orders all FTL-capable ships to jump to [[Ragnar Anchorage]], abandoning the thousands of people still aboard the sub-light ships. At [[Ragnar]], Roslin meets again with Adama and urges him to abandon the Twelve Colonies in favor of guiding the surviving civilians to a new home. Though Adama initially rejects this idea, he later acquiesces and the Fleet, protected by ''Galactica'', leaves Colonial space.
While attempting to transfer passengers off of all non-[[FTL]] capable ships, the Fleet is discovered by another pair of Raiders. Forced to make a difficult decision, Roslin orders all FTL-capable ships to jump to [[Ragnar]], abandoning the thousands of people still aboard the sub-light ships. At Ragnar, Roslin meets again with Adama and urges him to abandon the Twelve Colonies in favor of guiding the surviving civilians to a new home. Though Adama initially rejects this idea, he later acquiesces and the Fleet, protected by ''Galactica'', leaves Colonial space.


In an attempt to give the survivors a reason to survive, Adama claims that he knows the location of [[Earth (RDM)|Earth]], the home of the [[Thirteenth Tribe]]. Roslin privately calls Adama out on his lie. Adama admits the deception, and in return for Roslin keeping his secret and allowing him to retain control of the [[Colonial Fleet (RDM)|military]], he acknowledges Roslin's authority over the civilian fleet as president.
In an attempt to give the survivors a reason to survive, Adama claims that he knows the location of [[Earth (RDM)|Earth]], the home of the [[Thirteenth Tribe]]. Roslin privately calls Adama out on his lie. Adama admits the deception, and in return for Roslin keeping his secret and allowing him to retain control of the [[Colonial Fleet (TRS)|military]], he acknowledges Roslin's authority over the civilian fleet as president {{TRS|Miniseries}}.


===The First Month===
===The First Month===
Roslin begins building the foundations of a civilian government by collecting a census on the remaining population while Cylon attacks force the Fleet to jump every 33 minutes. Working tirelessly throughout these attacks without any sleep, Roslin is forced to make another tough call and authorizes ''Galactica'' to destroy the ''[[Olympic Carrier]]'', a ship suspected of being tracked by the Cylons. Ultimately, the destruction of the ship ends the attack, yet Roslin continues to question whether she had made the right choice considering the 1300 lives lost on the ship ([[33]]).
Roslin begins building the foundations of a civilian government by collecting a census on the remaining population while Cylon attacks force the Fleet to jump every 33 minutes. Working tirelessly throughout these attacks without any sleep, Roslin is forced to make another tough call and authorizes ''Galactica'' to destroy the ''[[Olympic Carrier]]'', a ship suspected of being tracked by the Cylons. Ultimately, the destruction of the ship ends the attacks, yet Roslin continues to question whether she had made the right choice considering the 1300 lives lost on the ship {{TRS|33}}.


Though Roslin and Adama continue to have a weary relationship, Adama integrates her into the decision process. Roslin and Adama agree to keep the knowledge that [[Humanoid Cylon|Cylons now appear human]] a secret ([[Water]]). She later authorizes the conditional pardoning of prisoners aboard the ''[[Astral Queen]]'', though is less than pleased when Lee ends a subsequent prison riot by giving the prisoners control of their ship and assuring that the scheduled presidential elections would take place in nine months ([[Bastille Day]]).
Though Roslin and Adama continue to have a wary relationship, Adama integrates her into the decision process. Roslin and Adama agree to keep the knowledge that [[Humanoid Cylon|Cylons now appear human]] a secret {{TRS|Water}}. She later authorizes the conditional pardoning of prisoners aboard the ''[[Astral Queen]]''. However, [[Tom Zarek]], a former terrorist with a political agenda, successfully frees the prisoners, takes control of the ship and broadcasts calls for Roslin to step down from office and hold immediate elections. Roslin refuses to negotiate and presses Adama for an armed response, though she is less than pleased when Lee ends the situation by giving the prisoners control of their ship and promising that the scheduled presidential elections would take place in nine months {{TRS|Bastille Day}}.


Having appointed Lee as her military liaison, she admits the truth of her cancer to him. She later seeks treatment from ''Galactica'''s doctor, [[Sherman Cottle]], though she opts to use an alternative, psychoactive drug, [[chamalla]], rather than endure the same [[diloxin]] treatments she had watched her mother suffer through ([[Act of Contrition]]).
Having appointed Lee as her military liaison, she admits the truth of her cancer to him. She later seeks treatment from ''Galactica'''s doctor, [[Sherman Cottle]], though she opts to use an alternative, psychoactive drug, [[chamalla]], rather than endure the same doloxan treatments that she had watched her mother suffer through {{TRS|Act of Contrition}}.


Following a suicide bombing aboard Galactica by a [[Number Five]] Cylon, Roslin holds a press conference revealing the truth about humanoid Cylons and releasing pictures of Aaron Doral and Leoben Conoy. The news is greeted with a stunned reaction throughout the Fleet ([[Litmus]]). A resulting independent investigation aboard ''[[Galactica]]'' is launched by Adama, though Roslin cautions against this course of action.
Following a suicide bombing aboard Galactica by copy of [[Aaron Doral]], Roslin holds a press conference revealing the truth about humanoid Cylons and releasing pictures of Aaron Doral and Leoben Conoy. The news is greeted with a stunned reaction throughout the Fleet. A resulting independent investigation aboard ''{{RDM|Galactica}}'' is launched by Adama, though Roslin cautions against this course of action. {{TRS|Litmus}}.


As a result of her press conference regarding the Cylons, a copy of [[Leoben Conoy]] is captured aboard the ''[[Gemenon Traveler]]''. Despite Adama's desire to kill him immediately, Roslin insists he be interrogated. When Conoy claims that he has planted a nuclear bomb within the Fleet, Roslin travels to the ''Gemenon Traveler'' and stops the torture being inflicted on him. Agreeing to release him if he tells her where the bomb is, Conoy informs her that there is no bomb and that Adama is a Cylon. She subsequently orders him to be thrown out of an airlock, a method of execution repeated multiple times over the course of Roslin's administration ([[Flesh and Bone]]). While Roslin remains suspicious of Adama as a result of Conoy's claim, his accusation is refuted by Baltar's invention of a [[Cylon detector]] ([[Tigh Me Up, Tigh Me Down]]).
As a result of her press conference regarding the Cylons, a copy of [[Leoben Conoy]] is captured aboard the ''[[Gemenon Traveler]]''. Despite Adama's desire to kill him immediately, Roslin insists he be interrogated. When Conoy claims that he has planted a nuclear bomb within the Fleet, Roslin travels to the ''Gemenon Traveler'' and stops the torture being inflicted on him. Agreeing to release him if he tells her where the bomb is, Conoy informs her that there is no bomb and that Adama is a Cylon. She subsequently orders him to be thrown out of an airlock, a method of execution repeated multiple times over the course of Roslin's administration {{TRS|Flesh and Bone}}. While Roslin becomes suspicious of Adama as a result of Conoy's claim, her fears are allayed by Baltar's invention of a [[Cylon detector]] {{TRS|Tigh Me Up, Tigh Me Down}}.


Soon after, Roslin reconstitutes the [[Quorum of Twelve (RDM)|Quorum of Twelve]] aboard ''[[Cloud Nine]]''. However, the election of [[Tom Zarek]], leader of the jailbreak aboard the ''Astral Queen'' and political terrorist, as the [[Sagittaron]] delegate disrupts her agenda when Zarek insists on the election of a vice president. The delegate from [[Virgon (RDM)|Virgon]] nominates Zarek, while Roslin chooses [[Wallace Gray]] as her preferred candidate. However, Gray fails to win enough support in the Quorum to defeat Zarek and is replaced at the last minute by Baltar, the Caprican delegate. The resulting vote is a tie, which allows Roslin to cast the tie-breaking vote in favor of Baltar ([[Colonial Day]]).
Soon after, Roslin reconstitutes the [[Quorum of Twelve (RDM)|Quorum of Twelve]] aboard ''[[Cloud 9]]''. However, the election of Zarek as the [[Sagittaron]] delegate disrupts her agenda when Zarek insists on the election of a vice president. The [[Marshall Bagott|delegate]] from [[Virgon (RDM)|Virgon]] nominates Zarek, while Roslin chooses [[Wallace Gray]] as her preferred candidate. However, Gray fails to win enough support in the Quorum to defeat Zarek and is replaced at the last minute by Baltar, the Caprican delegate. The resulting vote is a tie, which allows Roslin to cast the tie-breaking vote in favor of Baltar {{TRS|Colonial Day}}.


===Kobol===
===Kobol===
Shortly before the capture of Leoben Conoy, Roslin has a set of visions that are uncannily prescient to future events. During a press conference soon after, she hallucinates a dozen snakes crawling over her podium. Disturbed by these events, she consults Elosha and admits she has been using chamalla. On hearing about the snakes, Elosha reveals that it matches a prophecy in an ancient text written by [[Pythia]] 3,600 years ago concerning the exodus of humankind, which foretells that a dying leader will guide the remnants of humanity to the promised land ([[The Hand of God]]).  
Shortly before the capture of Leoben Conoy, Roslin has a set of visions that are uncannily prescient to future events. During a press conference soon after, she hallucinates a dozen snakes crawling over her podium. Disturbed by these events, she consults Elosha and admits that she has been using chamalla. On hearing about the snakes, Elosha reveals that it matches a prophecy in an ancient text written by [[Pythia]] 3,600 years ago concerning the exodus of humankind, which foretells that a dying leader will guide the remnants of humanity to the promised land {{TRS|The Hand of God (RDM)}}.  


Cottle informs Roslin that her cancer has spread to her lymphatic system, giving her perhaps six months to live ([[Kobol's Last Gleaming, Part I]]). Soon after, a recon mission from ''Galactica'' discovers a habitable world with ruins across the surface. Reviewing the photos of the ruins, Roslin has another vision that Elosha confirms to be the [[City of the Gods]] on [[Kobol]]. Roslin has two further visions of the [[Arrow of Apollo]] and the [[Tomb of Athena]] and accepts the scriptures as fact. Though Adama is considering permanent settlement on the planet, Roslin tries to convince him they should use a captured Cylon Raider to return to Caprica and retrieve the Arrow of Apollo, which would open the Tomb of Athena and point the way to Earth. Uncomfortable with Roslin's new found religiousness, Adama asserts his authority over the military to deny her the use of the raider ([[Kobol's Last Gleaming, Part I]]).
Cottle informs Roslin that her cancer has spread to her lymphatic system, giving her perhaps six months to live ([[TRS]]: "[[Kobol's Last Gleaming, Part I]]"). Soon after, a recon mission from ''Galactica'' discovers a habitable world with ruins across the surface. Reviewing the photos of the ruins, Roslin has another vision that Elosha confirms to be the [[City of the Gods]] on {{RDM|Kobol}}. Roslin has two further visions of the [[Arrow of Apollo]] and the [[Tomb of Athena]] and accepts the scriptures as fact. Though Adama considers permanent settlement on the planet, Roslin tries to convince him they should use a captured Cylon Raider to return to Caprica and retrieve the Arrow of Apollo, which would open the Tomb of Athena and point the way to Earth. Uncomfortable with Roslin's newfound religiousness, Adama asserts his authority over the military to deny her the use of the Raider ([[TRS]]: "[[Kobol's Last Gleaming, Part I]]").
   
   
Resolved, Roslin convinces [[Kara Thrace]] to steal the raider and return to Caprica by admitting that Adama does not know where Earth is. Upon learning of her deception, Adama asks Roslin for her resignation; her refusal results in him sending a Marine boarding party to ''Colonial One'' to arrest her. Though Lee Adama ultimately sides with the president during the armed standoff, Roslin agrees to surrender to prevent bloodshed. Adama is shot soon after by a Cylon agent, and [[Saul Tigh|Colonel Tigh]] assumes command of ''Galactica'' and refuses Roslin's request to be released ([[Scattered]]).
Resolved, Roslin convinces [[Kara Thrace]] to steal the Raider and return to Caprica by admitting that Adama does not know where Earth is. Upon learning of her deception, Adama asks Roslin for her resignation; her refusal results in him sending a Marine boarding party to ''Colonial One'' to arrest her. Though Lee Adama ultimately sides with the President during the armed standoff, Roslin agrees to surrender to prevent bloodshed. Adama is shot soon after by a Cylon agent, and [[Saul Tigh]] assumes command of ''Galactica'' and refuses Roslin's request to be released ([[TRS]]: "[[Kobol's Last Gleaming, Part II]]"; "[[Scattered]]").


From her cell, Roslin rallies support from the Quorum of Twelve by convincing them of her role in the [[Sacred Scrolls]]; in response, Tigh dissolves the Quorum and declares martial law ([[Fragged]]). With the help of several sympathetic crew members of ''Galactica'', Roslin escapes with Lee and hides within the Fleet with the help of Zarek ([[Resistance]]). Declaring herself publicly to be the "dying leader" foretold by Pythia, Roslin asks the Fleet to follow her back to Kobol ([[The Farm]]). Nearly a third of the Fleet heeds her request and jumps back to Kobol, where they rendezvous with Starbuck and the recovered Arrow. A search party led by Roslin heads to the surface and Elosha is soon killed by a landmine, which deeply shakes Roslin ([[Home, Part I]]).
From her cell, Roslin rallies support from the Quorum of Twelve by convincing them of her role in the [[Sacred Scrolls]]; in response, Tigh dissolves the Quorum and declares martial law {{TRS|Fragged}}. With the help of several sympathetic crew members of ''Galactica'', Roslin escapes with Lee and hides within the Fleet with the help of Zarek {{TRS|Resistance}}. Declaring herself publicly to be the "dying leader" foretold by Pythia, Roslin asks the Fleet to follow her back to Kobol {{TRS|The Farm}}. Nearly a third of the Fleet heeds her request and jumps back to Kobol, where they rendezvous with Starbuck and the recovered Arrow. A search party led by Roslin heads to the surface and Elosha is soon killed by a landmine, which deeply shakes Roslin {{TRS|Home, Part I}}.


A recon team led by Adama intercepts Roslin's group, and Adama and Roslin resolve their differences, with Adama agreeing to help her find the Tomb. After locating it, the group places the Arrow in the bow of a statue of Sagittarius, which activates a projection showing the way to Earth. Upon returning to the Fleet, Adama reinstates Roslin as president ([[Home, Part II]]).
A recon team led by Adama intercepts Roslin's group, and Adama and Roslin resolve their differences, with Adama agreeing to help her find the Tomb. After locating it, the group places the Arrow in the bow of a statue of Sagittarius, which activates a projection showing the way to Earth. Upon returning to the Fleet, Adama reinstates Roslin as president {{TRS|Home, Part II}}.


===Failing Health===
===Failing Health===
Adama and Roslin begin to respect each more and their leadership in managing fleet business becomes more cooperative, asking each other for advice and correcting each other as needed, starting with a potentially disruptive tabloid expose of the ''[[Gideon]]'' shootings ([[Final Cut]]). However, Roslin's health continues to deteriorate, and Cottle advises her that she has weeks left to live. Roslin begins to put her affairs in order, signaled by her returning a book given to her by Adama ([[Flight of the Phoenix]]).
Adama and Roslin begin to respect each more and their leadership in managing fleet business becomes more cooperative, asking each other for advice and correcting each other as needed, starting with a potentially disruptive tabloid expose of the ''[[Gideon]]'' shootings {{TRS|Final Cut}}. However, Roslin's health continues to deteriorate, and Cottle advises her that she has weeks left to live. Roslin begins to put her affairs in order, signaled by her returning a book given to her by Adama {{TRS|Flight of the Phoenix}}.


[[Image:Roslinadama.jpg|thumb|Roslin and Adama share a kiss.]]
[[Image:Roslinadama.jpg|thumb|Roslin and Adama share a kiss.]]
The discovery of the Battlestar ''[[Pegasus]]'' gives Roslin a brief moment of relief. However, [[Helena Cain|Admiral Cain's]] disregard for the status quo in place within the Fleet becomes apparent when Cain refuses to take Roslin's calls ([[Pegasus (episode)|Pegasus]]). After a near-disastrous [[Standoff Between Galactica and Pegasus|military confrontation]] between Adama and Cain, Roslin conspires with Adama to assassinate Cain for the safety of the Fleet. While Adama ultimately refuses to go through with the plan, Cain is murdered by a Cylon agent and Roslin promotes Adama to admiral. The new admiral gives the president a kiss, establishing a more personal aspect to their friendship ([[Resurrection Ship, Part II]]).
The discovery of the Battlestar ''{{RDM|Pegasus}}'' gives Roslin a brief moment of relief. However, [[Helena Cain|Admiral Cain's]] disregard for the political status quo within the Fleet becomes apparent when Cain refuses to take Roslin's calls {{TRS|Pegasus (episode)}}. After a near-disastrous [[Standoff Between Galactica and Pegasus|armed standoff]] between Adama and Cain, Roslin conspires with Adama to assassinate Cain for the safety of the Fleet {{TRS|Resurrection Ship, Part I}}. While Adama ultimately refuses to go through with the plan, Cain is murdered by a Cylon agent and Roslin promotes Adama to admiral. The new admiral gives the President a kiss, establishing a more personal aspect to their friendship {{TRS|Resurrection Ship, Part II}}.


By this time, Roslin requires help to move around, and she soon is rushed to ''Galactica'''s sickbay as her health fails. Preparing for Baltar's accession to the presidency, she asks Billy to give Baltar a letter she had written him. In what she believes to be her final act as president, Roslin orders that the half-Cylon, half-human baby of [[Sharon Agathon]] be terminated. However, Baltar panics at the thought of becoming president and devises a last minute solution to cure Roslin using an injection of stem cells <ref>In the commentary track for "Epiphanies", Ron Moore states that a longer explanation of Roslin's cure was filmed that explained that the blood's stem cells cure Roslin. However, the scene was cut because he was afraid it would be too complicated and thought of as [[technobabble]]. The character's updated biography on the official Scifi.com site does confirm that stem cells from the hybrid were the actual cure. As such, Battlestar Wiki treats this data canonically as with information found in most deleted scenes.</ref> from the [[Hera Agathon|hybrid fetus]], which apparently eradicates her cancer ([[Epiphanies]]).  
By this time, Roslin requires help to move around, and she is soon rushed to ''Galactica'''s sickbay as her health fails. Preparing for Baltar's accession to the presidency, she instructs Billy to give Baltar a letter she has written him. In what she believes to be her final act as president, Roslin orders that the half-Cylon, half-human baby of {{callsign|Athena}} be terminated. However, Baltar panics at the thought of becoming president and devises a last minute solution to cure Roslin using an injection of stem cells<ref>In the commentary track for "Epiphanies," Ron Moore states that a longer explanation of Roslin's cure was filmed that explained that the blood's stem cells cure Roslin. However, the scene was cut because he was afraid it would be too complicated and thought of as [[technobabble]]. The character's updated biography on the official Scifi.com site does confirm that stem cells from the hybrid were the actual cure. As such, Battlestar Wiki treats this data canonically as with information found in most deleted scenes.</ref> from the [[Hera Agathon|hybrid fetus]], which completely eradicates her cancer {{TRS|Epiphanies}}.  


Before her treatment, however, Roslin remembers that hours prior to the attack on Caprica, she had witnessed Baltar interacting with a [[Number Six]] Cylon and deduces that he played a role in the destruction of the Colonies. Furthermore, Roslin's letter to Baltar had hurt his pride by calling out his self-centered nature. When Roslin attempts to offer Baltar an out by asking him to resign, Baltar refuses ([[Black Market]]).
Before her treatment, Roslin remembers that hours prior to the attack on Caprica, she had witnessed Baltar interacting with a [[Number Six]] Cylon and deduces that he played a role in the destruction of the Colonies. However, Roslin's letter to Baltar had hurt his pride by calling out his self-centered nature. When Roslin attempts to offer Baltar an out by asking him to resign, Baltar refuses to do so {{TRS|Black Market}}. This encounter would mark the beginning for Roslin of a deep personal loathing of Baltar.


===Election===
===Election===
Roslin returns to work and begins aiming towards her reelection. Though the sudden death of Billy comes as a shock to her ([[Sacrifice]]), she soon appoints his replacement, [[Tory Foster]], who assures her that her victory in the election is certain. However, the certainty of her reelection is thrown into doubt when the issue of abortion is raised in the Fleet. Though Roslin is pro-choice, she realizes that the survival of the human race depends on repopulation and bans abortion throughout the Fleet. Coming out against the ban, Baltar launches a presidential challenge against Roslin with the backing of Tom Zarek ([[The Captain's Hand]])..  
Roslin returns to work and begins aiming towards her reelection. Though the sudden death of Billy comes as a shock to her {{TRS|Sacrifice}}, she soon appoints his replacement, [[Tory Foster]], who assures her that her victory in the election is certain. However, the certainty of her reelection is thrown into doubt when the issue of abortion is raised in the Fleet. Though Roslin is pro-choice, she realizes that the survival of the human race depends on repopulation and bans abortion throughout the Fleet. Coming out against the ban, Baltar launches a presidential challenge against Roslin with the backing of Tom Zarek {{TRS|The Captain's Hand}}.


While dealing with Baltar's challenege, the issue of the Agathon's child, which will soon be born. Roslin decides that Sharon cannot be allowed to raise the child, yet she also feels that the child is important and should be kept safe. Thus, she conspires with Dr. Cottle and Foster to fake the child's death. She later gives the child up for adoption to [[Maya]], claiming that the baby belonged to a ''Pegasus'' officer ([[Downloaded]]).
While dealing with Baltar's challenge, the issue of the Agathons' child, which will soon be born, resurfaces. Roslin decides that Sharon cannot be allowed to raise the child, yet she also feels that the child is important and should be kept safe. Thus, she conspires with Dr. Cottle and Foster to fake the child's death. She later gives the child up for adoption to [[Maya]], claiming that the baby belonged to a ''Pegasus'' officer {{TRS|Downloaded}}.


As the first presidential debate between Roslin and Baltar approachs, polls show Roslin firmly in the lead; Baltar's poor showing in the debate does little to change this. Indeed, Roslin appears confident that Baltar will not be able to win the election. However, the discovery of a [[New Caprica|habitable planet]] changes the entire nature of the race. Roslin refuses to even consider settling on the planet, saying that the Fleet must find Earth and regardless, the planet will most likely not be able to sustain a long-term settlement. However, Baltar seizes on the public's support for colonization and pulls ahead in the polls ([[Lay Down Your Burdens, Part I]]).
As the first presidential debate between Roslin and Baltar approaches, polls show Roslin firmly in the lead; Baltar's poor showing in the debate does little to change this. Indeed, Roslin appears confident that Baltar will not be able to win the election. However, the discovery of a [[New Caprica|habitable planet]] changes the entire nature of the race. Roslin refuses to even consider settling on the planet, saying that the Fleet must find Earth and, regardless, the planet will most likely not be able to sustain a long-term settlement. However, Baltar seizes on the public's support for colonization and pulls ahead in the polls {{TRS|Lay Down Your Burdens, Part I}}.


Roslin refuses to risk the future of the human race to win an election by supporting settlement. However, she feels that a Baltar presidency will also jeopardize the safety of humanity and thus gives Foster the authority to rig the election. When early results from the election show Baltar in the lead, Foster has key election officials on ''Galactica'', including Colonel Tigh and [[Anastasia Dualla]], replace a ballot box with one stuffed with ballots for Roslin. Though the election is called for Roslin and Baltar concedes the race, [[Felix Gaeta]] discovers the plot and informs Adama. Roslin pleads with Adama to cover up the rigged election. While Adama admits he agrees with Roslin, he refuses to overturn the results of a democratic election. However, he does not publicly reveal the conspiracy, calling it an error in the ballot tabulation. Baltar succeeds Roslin as president, and Roslin settles on New Caprica with the rest of the civilian population ([[Lay Down Your Burdens, Part II]]).
Roslin refuses to risk the future of the human race to win an election by supporting settlement. However, she feels that a Baltar presidency will also jeopardize the survival of humanity and thus authorizes Foster to rig the election. When early results from the election show Baltar in the lead, Foster has key election officials on ''Galactica'', including Colonel Tigh and [[Anastasia Dualla]], replace a ballot box with one stuffed with ballots for Roslin. Though the election is called for Roslin and Baltar concedes the race, [[Felix Gaeta]] discovers the plot and informs Adama. Roslin pleads with Adama to cover up the rigged election. While Adama admits he agrees with Roslin, he refuses to overturn the results of a democratic election. However, he does not publicly reveal the conspiracy, calling it an error in the ballot tabulation. Baltar succeeds Roslin as president, and Roslin settles on New Caprica with the rest of the civilian population {{TRS|Lay Down Your Burdens, Part II}}.


=== New Caprica ===
=== New Caprica ===
[[Image:2BATgyC05.jpg|Roslin as a teacher on New Caprica.|thumb]]
[[Image:2BATgyC05.jpg|250px|Roslin as a teacher on New Caprica.|thumb]]
On New Caprica, Roslin returns to her old profession of schoolteacher, working with Maya and watching over the hybrid baby, [[Isis]]. During a groundbreaking ceremony for a project promoted by Baltar's government, she meets with Admiral Adama. The two friends comfortably chat while [[New Caprican leaf|smoking]] and drinking, and later gaze at the stars together. During the intimate outing, Roslin tells Adama of a cabin she is planning to build next to a lake, insisting that though the Cylons could return, they should use what time they have to enjoy life ([[Unfinished Business]]). Her fears prove to be true; on the 380th day after settlement, the Cylons discover and occupy the colony.
On New Caprica, Roslin returns to her old profession of schoolteacher, working with Maya and watching over the hybrid baby, [[Isis]]. During a groundbreaking ceremony for a project promoted by Baltar's government, she meets with Admiral Adama. The two friends comfortably chat while [[New Caprican leaf|smoking]] and drinking, and later gaze at the stars together. During the intimate outing, Roslin tells Adama of a cabin she is planning to build next to a lake, insisting that though the Cylons could return, they should use what time they have to enjoy life {{TRS|Unfinished Business}}. Her fears are proven justified; on the 380th day after settlement, the Cylons [[Fall of New Caprica|discover and occupy]] the colony {{TRS|Lay Down Your Burdens, Part II}}.
 
Roslin becomes heavily involved with the [[New Caprica Resistance|resistance movement]] led by Colonel Tigh, who subordinates himself and his militia to the ''de facto'' civilian government-in-waiting she forms with Vice President Zarek; while Zarek has the constitutionally superior claim to the presidency, Roslin has the loyalty of Tigh's military; moreover, Zarek is jailed in the Cylon detention facility for four months, while Roslin retains the public guise of a politically-uninvolved school-teacher. Disgusted with the willingness of some humans to join the Cylon-controlled [[New Caprica Police]], she and Foster work on discovering the identities of those people and handing their names over to the Resistance {{TRS|Occupation}}. Following a suicide bombing at the graduation for the police force, Roslin is detained by the Cylons as are all high-profile civilians. Baltar visits her in her cell and offers to help her should she publicly denounce the bombings. Roslin argues that the Resistance is justified in their acts, yet she concedes that she does not support the suicide bombings. Despite refusing to cooperate with Baltar, she is released from prison {{TRS|Precipice}}.
 
Roslin later attempts to force Tigh to stop the suicide bombings, and a heated argument ensues in which Roslin uncharacteristically slaps Tigh. When another suicide bomber cripples the power infrastructure and kills numerous Cylons and humans, police forces storm through the city and arrest numerous people, including Roslin. The prisoners are put on trucks, where Roslin finds former vice president Zarek, who has spent the last four months in detention {{TRS|Precipice}}.
 
The Cylons take Roslin and the prisoners to be executed at the [[Pergamus Flats]]. Before they can do so, a raid by the Resistance kill the Cylons and free the prisoners. Roslin learns from [[Galen Tyrol]] that ''Galactica'' is planning a daring raid to evacuate the colonists. With the Resistance, Roslin goes over the evacuation strategy that they had put in place, and ensures that Maya and Isis will be safely escorted to an evacuating ship {{TRS|Exodus, Part I}}.
 
During the [[Battle of New Caprica]], Zarek and Roslin escape together but she states that she will evacuate aboard her ship, ''Colonial One''.  Zarek notes the important symbolism, tacitly acknowledging her inevitable return to office. He gives a sidearm to [[James Lyman|Jammer]], directing him to protect Roslin. Once the Fleet is safely reassembled, Roslin, Foster, and civil servants begin clearing the trappings of the Baltar/Cylon administration from ''Colonial One'' while assembling a census and calculating their losses. Foster confirms that Maya and Isis did not evacuate, and offers her apologies to Roslin. Though shaken, Roslin forgives Tory and takes a somewhat fatalistic view of the loss of Isis {{TRS|Exodus, Part II}}.
 
With Baltar missing following the evacuation, Zarek, as the legal vice president, assumes the presidency. However, Adama makes it clear that he will not accept this, and Zarek agrees to transfer the presidency to Roslin in exchange for a place in the new government. Touched by his courage on New Caprica and recalling their ability to work together in the resistance, Roslin agrees to make him her new vice president. The discovery of a [[The Circle|secret tribunal]] set up by Zarek to try and execute Cylon collaborators leads Roslin to issue a blanket pardon for all crimes committed on New Caprica - excluding those committed by the fugitive Gaius Baltar - and to organize a Truth and Reconciliation Committee to document the experiences of the survivors {{TRS|Collaborators}}.
 
===Second Roslin Administration===
Roslin's second term in office is no less hectic than her first. Despite the misgivings of Adama, Roslin authorizes him to exterminate the Cylon race through the use of [[Lymphocytic encephalitis|biological warfare]] and is visibly irritated when he refuses to investigate the sabotage of the plan {{TRS|A Measure of Salvation}}. She later talks him out of resigning his commission when the knowledge of previous secret mission he had conducted surfaces {{TRS|Hero}}. Following a food crisis, Roslin works with Adama to guide the Fleet to a [[Algae planet|planet covered in algae]] {{TRS|The Passage}}.
 
Though she believes that the newly-discovered [[Temple of Five]] on the algae planet is another road sign on the path to Earth, the arrival of the Cylons prevents any significant examination of the Temple. At this time, knowledge of Roslin's deception regarding the hybrid child surfaces when Adama learns that the child being held by the Cylons. Adama is noticeably disturbed by Roslin's actions, but this does not affect their relationship in the long term {{TRS|The Eye of Jupiter}}.
 
Baltar's capture on the algae planet places new stresses on Roslin. She attempts to interrogate him and again accuses him of involvement in the Cylon attack on the Colonies, a charge he denies. Though Adama suggests that they make Baltar disappear, Roslin decides to give Baltar a trial {{TRS|Taking a Break from All Your Worries}}. The decision draws a strong rebuke from Zarek, who believes that this will give Baltar a chance to cause unrest in the Fleet {{TRS|The Woman King}}. When publications of a [[My Triumphs, My Mistakes|manifesto]] secretly written by Baltar from his cell begin to circulate in the Fleet, Roslin confronts Baltar and orders him strip-searched for his writings. However, he turns over the pages before being completely stripped of his clothing {{TRS|Dirty Hands}}.
 
While preparing for Baltar's trial, Roslin deals with a labor strike emerging in the Fleet. Though she initially takes a hard stance against the unrest, she eventually agrees to work with Chief Tyrol and the laborers to increase time off and ensure that children are not forced to enter any particular occupation in the Fleet {{TRS|Dirty Hands}}.
 
For Baltar's trial, Roslin personally appoints [[Didi Cassidy]] and [[Alan Hughes]] as prosecutor and defender, respectively, and appoints [[Romo Lampkin]] as Hughes' replacement following his assassination. Roslin puts pressure on Cassidy to indict Baltar for his collusion in the attack on the Colonies; this interference draws a strong rebuke from Cassidy, who notes that outside of Roslin's vision, there is no evidence of Baltar's involvement in the attack. Nevertheless, Roslin remains committed to the trial, attending the proceedings and eventually testifying for the prosecution. Though she seems to incriminate Baltar in colluding with the Cylons during the New Caprican occupation, her testimony is called into question by Lampkin's co-counsel, Lee Adama {{TRS|Crossroads, Part I}}.
 
Lee had previously noted that Roslin had begun drinking tea at times she previously had not, and he had discreetly smelled the tea. He confronts Roslin on the fact that she has begun using chamalla again, masking the bitter taste by mixing it with her tea. Despite pleading for him not to reveal this, she relents, admitting that she has been using chamalla again because her cancer has returned. Ultimately, Baltar is acquitted to her strong displeasure. While the fact that Adama, a judge at the trial, had voted for acquittal does not severely affect their relationship despite her displeasure, Lee's role in Baltar's acquittal leads to a noticeable rift in his friendship with Roslin {{TRS|Crossroads, Part II}}.
 
===Treatments and Visions===
Roslin decides to undergo [[doloxan|doloxan treatments]] as a way of at least slowing the progress of her cancer. During her first treatment, Roslin has a [[Opera House Prophecy|vision]] of herself in the [[Opera House|Kobol Opera House]], where she is looking for Hera. Seeing Sharon Agathon on the opposite side of the entrance, the two women race to catch Hera when two figures, Baltar and [[Caprica-Six]], pick up Hera and walk into the auditorium, with the doors closing behind them. Screaming as she awakens, Roslin finds that Six, Sharon and Hera all shared the same dream simultaneously {{TRS|Crossroads, Part II}}.
 
The Fleet's arrival at the [[Ionian Nebula]] also has a noticeable and unexplained effect on Roslin. Immediately after jumping to the Nebula, Roslin becomes dazed and stunned, which coincides with the entire Fleet inexplicably losing power. These events also coincide with the activation of the [[Final Five]] and the mysterious return of Kara Thrace, who had seemingly died two months previous {{TRS|Crossroads, Part II}}.
 
Roslin is immediately skeptical of Thrace's claims of finding Earth and not remembering how she had arrived at the Fleet, expressing her concerns that Thrace is a Cylon agent to Adama. When Roslin orders the Fleet to continue heading away from the Nebula, rather than follow Thrace's guidance to Earth, Thrace confronts Roslin at gunpoint {{TRS|He That Believeth in Me}}. Attempting to convince Roslin that she is not a Cylon, Thrace hands her the gun and tells her to shoot if she truly believes Thrace is a Cylon; Roslin does so but misses, later attributing it to the doloxan treatments affecting her aim {{TRS|Six of One}}.  


Roslin becomes heavily involved with the [[New Caprica Resistance|resistance movement]] led by Colonel Tigh. Disgusted with the willingness of some humans to join the Cylon-controlled [[New Caprica Police]], she and Foster work on discovering the identities of those people and handing them over to the resistance ([[Occupation]]). Following a suicide bombing at the graduation for the police force, Roslin is detained by the Cylons as are all high-profile civilians. Baltar visits her in her cell and offers to help her should she publicly denounce the bombings. Roslin argues that the Resistance is justified in their acts, yet she yields that she does not support the suicide bombings. Despite refusing to cooperate with Baltar, she is released from prison ([[Precipice]]).  
The doloxan treatments begin to take a greater toll on Roslin's health, forcing her to wear a wig as her hair falls out. Despite this, she continues to work as president, signing an executive order that curtails public gatherings, ostensibly as a way of protecting [[Cult of Baltar|Baltar's cult]] from being attacked but in actuality an attempt to limit Baltar's growing influence. However, the Quorum, led by the newly-appointed Caprican delegate, Lee Adama, overturns this measure as an undue attack on civil liberties. While Roslin is upset by this, she acknowledges that Lee is simply trying to do what he believes is right {{TRS|Escape Velocity}}.


Roslin later attempts to force Tigh to stop the suicide bomings, and a heated argument ensues in which Roslin uncharacteristically slaps Tigh. When another suicide bomber cripples the power infrastructure and kills numerous Cylons and humans, police forces storm through the city and arrest numerous people, including Roslin. The prisoners are put on trucks, where Roslin finds former vice president Zarek, who has spent the last four months in detention ([[Precipice]]).  
Roslin's doloxan treatments continue, with her only solace being that Adama reads to her during her treatments. While in sickbay, she meets [[Emily Kowalski]], a end-stage cancer patient, and the two bond. While discussing their mortality and faith, Roslin concedes that her experiences during her mother's illness and death gave her a profound fear of dying. Soon after, Roslin has a dream of her and Emily standing on a boat crossing over to the [[Fields of Elysium|afterlife]]. When Emily leaves to embrace her family, Roslin sees her mother and family waiting for her. However, she acknowledges that she is not ready to cross over; she wakes up to find that Emily has died {{TRS|Faith}}.


The Cylons take Roslin and the prisoners to be executed at the [[Pergamus Flats]]. Before they can do so, a raid by the Resistance kill the Cylons and free the prisoners. Roslin learns from [[Galen Tyrol]] that ''Galactica'' is planning a daring raid to evacuate the colonists. With the Resistance, Roslin goes over the evacuation strategy that they had put in place, and ensures that Maya and Isis will be safely escorted to an evacuating ship ([[Exodus, Part I]]).
The discovery of the [[Rebel basestar|Rebel Cylon basestar]] presents Roslin with yet another difficult decision; the Cylons are willing to help the Colonials destroy the [[Resurrection Hub]], thus rendering all Cylons mortal, in exchange for the identities of the [[Final Five]], which will give them the location of Earth. Roslin agrees to the deal, lobbying the Quorum for its approval, yet secretly conspires with Adama and Tigh to ensure that the Final Five will not be handed over to the basestar without first informing the Colonials of Earth's location {{TRS|Guess What's Coming To Dinner}}.


During the [[Battle of New Caprica]], Zarek and Roslin escape together but she states that she will evacuate aboard ''her'' ship, ''Colonial One''.  Zarek notes the important symbolism and gives a sidearm to [[James Lyman|Jammer]], directing him to protect Roslin ([[Exodus, Part II]]). Once the Fleet is safely reassembled, Roslin, Foster, and civil servants begin clearing the trappings of the Baltar/Cylon administration from ''Colonial One'' while assembling a census and calculating their losses. Foster confirms that Maya and Isis did not evacuate, and offers her apologies to Roslin. Though shaken, Roslin and a somewhat fatalistic view of the loss of Isis ([[Exodus, Part II]]).
Thrace informs Roslin that the Cylon [[Hybrid]] had told her that "The dying leader shall know the truth of the Opera House," and Roslin insists that both her and Baltar travel to the basestar to question the Hybrid. When the Hybrid is brought back online, it immediately jumps the basestar away from the Fleet with the intention of traveling to the Resurrection Hub per the original plan of attack. Whenever the basestar jumps, however, Roslin enters a vision of an empty ''Galactica'' with [[Elosha]] showing Roslin her own death in ''Galactica'''s sickbay, surrounded by Adama, Lee and Starbuck {{TRS|The Hub}}.


With Baltar missing following the evacuation, Zarek, as the legal vice president, assumes the presidency. However, Adama makes it clear that he will not accept this, and Zarek agrees to transfer the presidency to Roslin in exchange for a place in the new government. Touched by his courage on New Caprica, Roslin agrees to make him her new vice president. The discovery of a [[The Circle|secret tribunal]] set up by Zarek to try and execute Cylon collaborators leads Roslin to issue a blanket pardon for all crimes committed on New Caprica and organize a Truth and Reconciliation Committee to document the experiences of the survivors ([[Collaborators]]).
On the basestar, Roslin unsuccessfully attempts to communicate with the Hybrid, only gleaming the message to "protect the [[Hera Agathon|child]]." During the [[Battle of the Resurrection Hub]], Roslin attempts to administer first aid to a severely injured Baltar, injecting him with [[morpha]]. As a result of the drugs, Baltar admits to Roslin that he unintentionally gave the Cylons the access codes to the [[Colonial Defense Mainframe]], resulting in the attack on the Colonies. Roslin immediately stops administering aid and sits idly by while Baltar bleeds. However, another vision of Elosha convinces her that she cannot lose her humanity. Realizing this, Roslin helps stabilize Baltar and never pursues his role in the attack further. When Adama finds the missing basestar and reunites with Roslin, she tells him that she loves him {{TRS|The Hub}}.


=== Roslin's Second Administration ===
Returning to the Fleet, Roslin is held captive as a hostage by the Cylons, led by a resurrected [[Number Three]] copy, in exchange for the Final Five. Before telling Adama goodbye, she whispers to him that he should destroy the basestar before agreeing to hand over the Final Five to the Cylons. During this crisis, Roslin is confronted by her aide, Tory Foster, who reveals that she is one of the Final Five and will not use her influence to avert bloodshed. However, actions taken by the remaining Final Five Cylons, Kara Thrace and acting President Lee Adama prevent the crisis from turning violent and reveal the location of Earth. Agreeing that Cylons and humans will go to Earth together, the Fleet finally arrives at the fabled destination, with Roslin and Adama embracing in celebration. Their jubilation is short-lived, as it is soon discovered that Earth is a uninhabitable nuclear wasteland {{TRS|Revelations}}.
*Roslin's relationship with Adama and the Agathons is strained when Adama discovers that Roslin hid the Cylon baby, [[Hera Agathon]], without his knowledge ([[The Eye of Jupiter]]).
*Baltar's capture from his time with the Cylons leads Roslin to first interrogate him, then put him to trial, which places new stresses on the President.
*During Baltar's trial, Lee Adama confronts Roslin on his suspicion that she is taking [[chamalla]] again. Although Roslin silently pleads with him to not go that route, Adama persists and forces her to publicly reveal that her cancer has returned. Disappointed in him, she recalls a time when they were friends and she called him "Captain Apollo."
*She has a vision in the [[Opera House]] on [[Kobol (RDM)|Kobol]] where she and an image of [[Sharon Agathon]] pursue [[Hera Agathon]], but Hera is picked up by a [[Number Six]]. A later vision reveals that Sharon Agathon shares her vision. After conferring with each other, they both visit [[Caprica-Six]], who disbelievingly confirms that she, too, experienced the vision. When the [[The Fleet (RDM)|Fleet]] arrives at the [[Ionian nebula]], Roslin nearly faints, possibly having another vision ([[Crossroads, Part II]]).
*After [[Kara Thrace]]'s mysterious return, Roslin deeply distrusts Thrace, although she claims to know the way the Earth and feels an instinctive need to go there. When Roslin and Adama don't comply with Thrace pleadings, Thrace confronts the president at gunpoint ([[He That Believeth In Me]]). Thrace hands Roslin her pistol and tells her to shoot if she believes that Thrace is a Cylon. Roslin pulls the trigger, but misses, and Thrace is subdued by Marines ([[Six of One]]).
*Roslin still holds a grudge against Baltar and tries to curtail Baltar's freedoms when his new-founded [[Cult of Baltar|cult]] has violent confrontations with followers of other beliefs. Ostensibly trying to protect his followers and keep peace in the Fleet, she passes an emergency measure to severely restrict their right of assembly. Although she pleads to the Quorum to think of what Baltar did on New Caprica and what he might do with followers blindly devoted to him, the Quorum vetoes her ([[Escape Velocity]]).
*Roslin is currently on [[diloxin]] therapy, which has caused her to lose her hair and forces her to wear a wig. Throughout her treatment, William Adama comforts her at her bedside and offers her the use of his quarters when she wants ([[Faith]]).
* When a rebel Cylon faction proposes an alliance with the Colonials, Roslin goes along with it to get a chance to destroy the Cylon [[Resurrection Hub]], but doesn't want to uphold her side of bargain until they find Earth. Shortly after, she visits the [[Hybrid]] on the rebel basestar, but when it is awakened it unexpectedly jumps the ship away ([[Guess What's Coming to Dinner?]]).
*Every time the basestar jumps, she has a vision of herself in an empty corridor on ''Galactica'' where she is joined by the spirit of her old friend [[Elosha]], who takes her to sickbay to show her her own death. Elosha explains that Roslin has cut herself off from the ability to love people and shows her how Admiral Adama loves her. On the basestar, a badly injured Baltar confesses to her his part in the attack on the Colonies and she decides to leave him to bleed to death, but Elosha convinces her to help him.  
*She orders Karl Agathon to take [[Number Three]] to her once she is retrieved. After the battle, the Three jokingly tells her that she is one of the Final Five, but refuses to tell anyone the truth until she is sure that she is safe. Roslin also attempts to get answers from the Hybrid but the Hybrid appears to never say anything helpful, except to inform them of the fact that that Three has already been unboxed, and the reason she jumped away from the Fleet. After the ship returns to the rendezvous coordinates, she greets Admiral Adama who waited for her in a Raptor and finally admits that she loves him ([[The Hub]]).


=== Revelations of the Final Five ===
===Earth===
The discoveries on Earth shake Roslin to her very core. Unable to break the news to the citizens waiting to hear from their president, Roslin retreats to her quarters aboard ''Galactica'', burning her copy of the Pythian Prophecy in a sharp rebuke of her previous beliefs. She largely abdicates her role as president, with Lee Adama once again assuming most of her responsibilities {{TRS|Revelations}}.


*In the basestar control room, Roslin, William Adama, D'Anna Biers and Leoben discuss the plans to return the Final Five. Biers reveals that there are only four in the Fleet and refuses to provide answers when Roslin questions her about the fifth's location. Roslin knows that the Colonials need them, for they know the way to Earth. Frustrated, Biers citing the failure of co-operation on New Caprica, announces that she will hold the Colonials on the ship hostage until the Final Four are returned to them. When a standoff between the Colonials and the Centurions breaks out, Roslin tells Adama and the pilots to stand down. Biers tells Adama to accompany her to Galactica on a Raptor but Adama refuses until Roslin insists on him going. Before he leaves, Roslin embraces Adama and whispers in his ear that if the Cylons get the four, they get Earth, and he can't allow that to happen, even if he has to destroy the basestar with them aboard.  Adama leaves and Roslin returns to Baltar ([[Revelations]]). 
As she is still the legal president, Roslin is pressured by Adama to decide whether the Fleet should enter into a permanent alliance with the Rebel Cylons, gaining Cylon technology in exchange for giving the Cylons a seat on the Quorum. However, Roslin becomes increasingly erratic in her behavior, discontinuing her doloxan treatments, throwing away her medications and jogging through the corridors of ''Galactica''. When confronted by Adama over her behavior, she informs him that she no longer has much interest in serving others, wishing only to "live a little" before she dies. As a result, she enters into a romantic, sexual and co-habitable relationship with Adama while effectively ceding her presidential authority to Lee {{TRS|A Disquiet Follows My Soul}}.
*Roslin rebandages Gaius Baltar's wounds, who is alive thanks to Roslin's change of heart. Roslin reveals that she told Adama to destroy the basestar if the Cylons get the final four. Foster walks in with a Six and hands Roslin her medication.  Roslin thanks Foster and asks how she was able to do so.  Foster's response is that she came with Biers to be with her people. It is then that Roslin realizes she was one of the Final Five. When asked if she had any idea, Roslin says no, and Foster tells her it might be worth pondering about other things she has been wrong about, then turns and leaves. Roslin interrupts her departure to ask her to convince Biers to release the hostages. Foster coldly replies that she's done taking orders from her.  
*As things heat up, Roslin and Baltar hear the hostages and Centurions outside the room, as a Number Two walks in and tells them that Biers is about to start executing more hostages. When Roslin requests that she be taken to Biers, Baltar insists that he be taken instead for he was with her in the Temple of Five. In her visions Roslin remebers seeing him in the Opera House and she agrees with him.
*After the location of Earth is discovered and the Final Five are granted amnesty with Biers agreeing to release the hostages, Lee is discussing the location of Earth with his discouraged father. Roslin walks in and sitting next to him says she wants to see him pick up the first fistful of earth. He walks away saying that he'll be back. Lee Adama talks to Roslin about stepping down, and she praises him on resolving the crisis. Roslin says that the Fleet will need that kind of leadership in the years to come ([[Revelations]]).
*In the CIC Adama, asks Roslin to give the final order to take them to Earth. An excited, happy and teary eyed Roslin smiles and gives Adama the order to jump to Earth. With that the fleet spools up and jumps.
*On surface of Earth in the debris of a once great city, Roslin stands with Adama as he lifts up a handful of soil. A crew member next to them scans the soil with a Geiger counter. The soil is irradiated. Laura Roslin stands next to Adama, visably devastated. ([[Revelations]]).


=== Earth and a search for a new home ===
However, Roslin is soon temporarily forced back into her role as president during a full-scale [[Gaeta's Mutiny|mutiny]] aboard ''Galactica'' led by Felix Gaeta and Tom Zarek. Using Baltar's shortwave [[wireless]] to address the Fleet, she calls for the citizens to remain loyal to Adama and herself and reject the actions of Zarek and Gaeta. With the help of Galen Tyrol and Adama, Roslin flees ''Galactica'' with Baltar, after sharing a farewell kiss with Adama, and rendezvous with the Cylon Basestar {{TRS|The Oath}}.


*Both the humans and [[Cylons]] wander the surface of [[Earth]], all indications point to a major nuclear disaster across the planet. Laura Roslin crouches down in the sand and picks up a short plant, what seems to be the only visible life found in the destruction. Teams around the planet have reported no responses to hails and that the entire planet looks much like the beach they are on now. Roslin quips, "It's perfect. We traded one nuked civilization for another." ([[Sometimes a Great Notion]]).
When the Cylons decide to leave the Fleet due to the mutiny, Roslin passionately persuades them to remain with the Fleet and support Adama. Later, she calls for the Fleet to shut down their FTL drives as Gaeta and Zarek prepare to leave the basestar behind; ten ships comply with the order. Growing bolder, she gives ''Galactica'' five minutes to surrender and return command to Adama, only to be falsely told by Zarek that Adama had been executed. Brimming with rage, Roslin declares that she will destroy ''Galactica'' unless they surrender immediately, but Adama is able to stop the potential battle by regaining control of the ship. Roslin is so relieved she breaks down in tears along with an Eight. Once the ship has been secured, an exhausted Roslin shares an emotional reunion with Adama, rejoining him in their quarters aboard ''Galactica'' {{TRS|Blood on the Scales}}.
*As the door to Adama and Roslin's [[Raptor]] opens, assembled around them is a huge crowd on the hangar deck anxious for answers. But Roslin can only shake her head in disbelief and her profound disappointment. Her dreams for humanity dashed, she turns and manages to weakly mutter to [[Adama]], "Get me out of here." The crowd rushes Roslin and Adama, while Lee and the Marines try to hold back the surging crowds, Lee screaming over the crowds protests, shouts out that answers will be revealed in due time ([[Sometimes a Great Notion]]).
 
*With their tests complete, both the teams of humans and Cylons meet aboard Galactica in Baltar's lab to discuss the findings of the [[Centurion]] helmet and humans remains buried on the surface. [[Caprica-Six]] confirms that other Centurion helmets were found as well as 250 skeletons from four sites around the planet. A Number Eight confirms that, while the Centurion design is similar, they have never seen this design before, and that it is not one of theirs. A shocked Roslin realizes that the Thirteenth Tribe created their own Cylons much like they had on the [[Twelve Colonies of Kobol]]. [[Lee Adama]] completes her thoughts; that like the Colonies these Cylons also rebelled against their masters. Baltar adds that they tested the skeletons as well, and the astonishing conclusion is that the every one of the skeletons themselves are also a form of humanoid Cylons. Caprica-Six confirms that their tests show the same conclusion. The Thirteenth Tribe were Cylons. Roslin leaves the meeting visibly shaken, but Lee Adama stops her to ask what she will tell the Quorum. Weak and dishearten, Roslin has nothing to say at all ([[Sometimes a Great Notion]]).
Following the execution of Zarek for his crimes, Roslin officially designates Lee as her successor and gives him authorization to replace the Quorum, massacred during the mutiny, with a [[Quorum of Ships' Captains|new legislative body]] more closely tailored to the political realities of the Fleet {{TRS|No Exit}}. With her health declining, she steps back from her duties, though she does personally sign an order transferring the newly captured [[Sharon Valerii]] over to the Rebel Cylons {{TRS|Someone to Watch Over Me}}.
*In Adama's quarters, Laura Roslin sits on the floor emotionally upset. She is setting fire to one of the pages of the Pythian Prophecy in the scared scrolls. Turning each successive page to light and burn the next, one by one. Adama arrives to ask Roslin to help figure out a way to shore up the Fleet's quickly sagging morale. She is passive and unresponsive, and Adama wishing to get closer to a obviously shaken Roslin kneels down beside her and continues. He tells her that she has missed her doloxan treatment, but Roslin's response is that she didn't feel like it and will not reschedule. Asking if she is willing to just lay down and quit, She laments to Adama that he took her advice and now there are so many men and women who have died for what appears to be a fruitless series of visions ([[Sometimes a Great Notion]]).
 
*Roslin pretty much abandons her Presidency and decides to live as a normal person, also giving up her diloxin treatments.  She also starts a relationship with Willam Adama, kissing him in a corridor, sleeping with him and later kissing him again and reacting badly to his supposed demise.
When Hera is kidnapped by Valerii, Roslin seems to have another prescient moment, whispering the child's name before collapsing {{TRS|Someone to Watch Over Me}}. In sickbay, the dying Roslin continues to repeat Hera's name while she dreams. As ''Galactica'' continues to structurally fail around them, Roslin recounts to Adama her previous plans to build a cabin, lamenting the fact that she will not be able to fulfill her wish. Saying that ''Galactica'' has been the only true home she has ever had, she is able to convince a reluctant Adama to abandon the failing ''Galactica'' {{TRS|Islanded in a Stream of Stars}}.
*When Tom Zarek and Felix Gaeta start their coup, she is in the Admiral's quaters and decides to hed to Baltar's commune to make a wireless transmission about the mutiny to rally support to her and Adama. She makes a short broadcast before being jammed, then heads with Baltar to the Secondary Storage Airlock in order to get off the ship to saftey.  There she kisses Adama goodbye, knowing he's going to stay behind to cover their escape and attempt to retake the ship, then leaves in a Cylon Raptor for the baseship.  Narcho and Hotdog are ordered to shoot her down, but when she identifies herself before being jammed again, Hotdog hesitates and it allows her to escape to the baseship safely. There she keeps attempting to send another wireless message to the fleet over the Raptor's radio, but is blocked by ''Galactica's'' jamming.  While the other Cylons discuss options, Roslin, with the help of a Number Two, succesfully penetrates ''Galactica's'' jamming and tells about the mutiny and orders the fleet to shut off their FTL drives before ''Galactica'' finally manages to jam her again.  Ten ships obey, but the Cylons decide to jump away.  Roslin gives a speech to them and convinces them to stay and help put down the mutiny.  Roslin, taking command, contacts ''Galactica'' and orders the mutiny to end and Gaeta and Zarek to surrender.  Zarek tells her that Tigh died trying to escape and Adama was tried, convicted and executed and calls for her surrender, but he strengthens her resolve and she promises to come after him with everything she has at her disposal and has the baseship's weapons turned on ''Galactica''. After ''Galactica'' fails to jump away (Galen Tyrol disabled the FTL drive) it initaly looks like it will turn into a shooting war between the two ships, but Gaeta orders a weapons hold.  Before anything further can happen, Adama regains control of ''Galactica'' and calls a relieved Roslin to tell her and the Cylons to stand down.  Roslin returns to ''Galactica'' and tearfully embraces Adama.
 
*When Hera Agathon is kidnapped by Boomer, Roslin somehow senses it and collapses.
===The Truth of the Opera House===
*After her collapse, Roslin is taken to sickbay and remains in bed there.  She discusses with Adama abandoning ''Galactica'' and convinces him to do so.
While continuing to deteriorate in sickbay, Roslin overhears Cottle and [[Layne Ishay]] discussing Adama's newfound plan to attack the [[The Colony|Cylon Colony]] in an attempt to recapture Hera. Drawing on her remaining strength and visibly weakened, Roslin walks through the [[hangar deck]] to declare her intention to join Adama's raid saying that he isn't going without her. Despite her weakened state, Adama accepts her joining and indicates that he might've suspected she was going to the whole time.  {{TRS|Daybreak, Part I}}.
*Roslin is still in her sickbay bed when Cottle and Ishay discuss the rescue mission for Hera, not realizing she's awake.  Once she's left alone, Roslin gets up and gets dressed and makes her way to the hanger where everyone is gathering.  There she volunteers for the rescue mission asking Adama if he planned on going without her. Adama accepts Roslin's joining of the mission and she joins the volunteers for the mission.
 
*Roslin, in sickbay, is given injections by Cottle that will keep her going for two days, but is warned that doing this will sap what life she has left and she'll die soon after. Roslin thanks Cottle for everything has done for her and gets choked up and Cottle appears to be touched as well by her thanks but she tells him to smoke a cigarette and grumble to preserves his reputation as a hard-ass which he does.
Cottle gives Roslin a drug cocktail that allows her to function normally for a period of 48 hours; she acknowledges that she knows the drugs will considerably shorten what little time she has left. During the [[Battle of the Colony]], Roslin assists Ishay in sickbay, attempting to sort out patients by those who can be saved and those who will certainly die. Overwhelmed, Roslin enters the corridor only to begin having another prescient moment. Walking through ''Galactica'' as the Cylons board the ship, while at the same time seeing flashes of her previous Opera House vision, Roslin locates Hera and hides both of them from the approaching Cylon forces.
*Roslin takes up a role in sickbay helping Ishay with patients.  When Adama orders a check-in of all stations, Roslin checks-in for sickbay.  During the battle she helps take care of the injured patients and decide who is fatally wounded and who can be saved. It overwhelms her and she leaves to take a break. While outside the sickbay, she senses Hera's return and rushes off to find her. Roslin finds Hera and pulls her out of the way of a group of Cylons, but Hera runs off afterwards.  In a fullfilment of the [[Opera House Prophecy]] with the Opera House being substituted for ''Galactica'', Roslin chases Hera through the corriders of the ship despite having trouble walking due to her weakened condition and meets up with Sharon Agathon and watches as she and Sharon are shut out by Baltar and Caprica Six who find Hera but don't realize that Roslin and Sharon are there.  Later, during the truce, she is in in CIC leaning heavily on Adama as the Five transfer resurrection over to The Colony in exchange for Hera and an end to the war. She witnesses Tyrol break the download and kill Tory and takes cover as Simon, Cavil and Doral open fire only for Simon and Doral to be killed by Starbuck and Apollo and Cavil to kill himself. She stays next to Adama during the jump and asks Starbuck where she took them after its revealed that ''Galactica'' is now crippled.
 
*On New Earth Roslin, visibly getting weaker, views the wildlife and asks Adama what the planet will be called. Adama decides to take her up in a Raptor to get a closer look at the wildlife and she enjoys the sight. Roslin utters her final words, "So much...life," and quietly passes away. Adama buries her next to the cabin he planned to build for them.
When Roslin sees that the coast is clear, she finds that Hera has disappeared again. Looking for her, she sees Sharon Agathon in much the same manner that she does in the vision. With both of them running towards Hera, Baltar and Six find her, enter a nearby hatch and close the door. Thus, Roslin realizes the truth of the Opera House: the Opera House is ''Galactica'', with the Final Five raised on the catwalk, and the events in the vision foreshadow her actions during the final moments of the war.
 
Following the subsequent discovery of [[New Earth]], Roslin does not take part in the decisions to settle the planet and abandon all Colonial technology. She spends her remaining time with Adama, observing the African wildlife as her health rapidly deteriorates, to the point where she has severe difficulty breathing. Adama decides to take Roslin in a [[Raptor]] to get a closer view of the animals, and she waves her final goodbyes to Kara and Lee. In flight, Roslin utters her final words, "So much... life," and quietly passes away. Adama tearfully places his wedding band on her finger. He buries her next to the cabin he had planned to build for both of them.  Adama is shown to visit her grave often, perhaps every day, and speaks to her about what is going on in his life {{TRS|Daybreak, Part II}}.


==Notes==
==Notes==
*The character of Laura Roslin is unique to the [[Re-imagined Series]]. She has no counterpart to the [[Original Series]], where its version of President [[Adar (TOS)|Adar]] is killed and a presidential replacement is never made. Roslin assumes more of the political-spiritual leadership of the [[Adama (TOS)|Original Series' Commander Adama]], whereas [[William Adama]] is representative of the Original Series' character's military commander aspect.


*The character of Laura Roslin is unique to the ''Battlestar Galactica'' saga. She has no counterpart to the [[Original Series]], where its version of President [[Adar (TOS)|Adar]] is killed and a presidential replacement is never made. Roslin assumes more of the political-spiritual leadership of the [[Adama (TOS)|Original Series' Commander Adama]], whereas [[William Adama]] is representative of the Original Series' character's military commander aspect.
*Roslin appears in almost all episodes of the series, with the only exceptions being "[[The Road Less Traveled]]" and "[[Sine Qua Non]]," both in [[Season 4]]. She also does not appear in the TV movie "[[The Plan]]," nor does she appear in the webisode series "[[Battlestar Galactica: The Resistance|The Resistance]]" or "[[The Face of the Enemy]]". This ranks her as the second-most frequent character in the series behind [[William Adama]].
 
*Roslin's apparent cure in "[[Epiphanies]]" contradicts the "dying leader" clause of the [[Pythia|Pythian Prophecy]], despite the fulfillment of her role in the [[Tomb of Athena]] story arc. However, in "[[Crossroads, Part I]]", she reveals that her cancer has returned.


*Actress Mary McDonnell is perhaps best known for her role in the epic film, ''Dances with Wolves'', with Kevin Costner. Another famous role of hers was the U.S. First Lady in ''[[w:Independence Day (film)|Independence Day]]'', a film which (in a less serious tone than ''Battlestar'') depicts cocky human fighter pilots battling an genocidal enemy from outer space.  In that film she dies of her injuries from a helicopter crash before an end to the conflict is reached.
*Actress Mary McDonnell is perhaps best known for her role in the epic film, ''Dances with Wolves'', with Kevin Costner. Another famous role of hers was the U.S. First Lady in ''[[w:Independence Day (film)|Independence Day]]'', a film which (in a less serious tone than ''Battlestar'') depicts cocky human fighter pilots battling an genocidal enemy from outer space.  In that film she dies of her injuries from a helicopter crash before an end to the conflict is reached.


*While it may be a coincidence, the name Laura Roslin is an amalgam of the forenames of the incumbent U.S. First Ladies at the time the Ronald D. Moore series and the Original Series each premiered: [[w:Laura Bush|Laura Bush]] and [[w:Rosalynn Carter|Rosalynn Carter]], respectively.
*While it may be a coincidence, the name Laura Roslin is an amalgam of the forenames of the incumbent U.S. First Ladies at the time the Re-imagined Series and the Original Series each premiered: [[w:Laura Bush|Laura Bush]] and [[w:Rosalynn Carter|Rosalynn Carter]], respectively.


*In [[SDS|the Singer/DeSanto continuation]] of the [[Battlestar Galactica (TOS)|the Original Series]], a female president named [[Mara]] would visit ''Galactica'' in much the same way that Laura Roslin did as part of that ''Galactica'''s decommissioning ceremony.  
*In [[SDS|the Singer/DeSanto continuation]] of the [[Battlestar Galactica (TOS)|the Original Series]], a female president named [[Mara]] would visit ''Galactica'' in much the same way that Laura Roslin did as part of that ''Galactica'''s decommissioning ceremony.  
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==References==
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Latest revision as of 06:28, 14 July 2024

Laura Roslin
Laura Roslin

Name

{{{name}}}
Age
Colony Caprica
Birth place {{{birthplace}}}
Birth Name Laura Roslin
Birth Date {{{birthdate}}}
Callsign {{{callsign}}}
Nickname {{{nickname}}}
Introduced Miniseries
Death Cancer, while flying over Tanzania in 4 ACH (c. 148,000 BCE) (TRS: "Daybreak, Part II")
Parents mother †, father †
Siblings Cheryl Roslin †
Sandra Roslin †
Children
Marital Status Unmarried;
Briefly cohabits with William Adama
Family Tree View
Role President of the Twelve Colonies of Kobol;
formerly Secretary of Education
formerly schoolteacher
Rank {{{rank}}}
Serial Number {{{serial}}}
Portrayed by Mary McDonnell
Laura Roslin is a Cylon
Laura Roslin is a Final Five Cylon
Laura Roslin is a Human/Cylon Hybrid
Laura Roslin is an Original Series Cylon
Related Media
Photo Gallery @ BW Media
Additional Information
[[Image:|200px|Laura Roslin]]

Laura Roslin serves as the Secretary of Education at the time of the Cylon attack and later serves twice as President of the Twelve Colonies despite never being elected to office. She is also believed by some in the Fleet to be a religious figure essential to the fulfillment of the Pythian prophecy.

Biography

Background

Some time before the Fall of the Twelve Colonies, Roslin is forced to take care of her dying mother, who is going through doloxan treatments for cancer (TRS: "Act of Contrition"). At some point, Roslin's father and sisters are killed in a car accident at the fault of a drunk driver (TRS: "Daybreak, Part I"). Like her mother, Roslin is a schoolteacher, though she enters politics under the mayoral administration of Richard Adar (TRS: "Miniseries"). When Adar decides to run for president, Roslin reluctantly agrees to join his campaign, and is later appointed as Secretary of Education (TRS: "Daybreak, Part II").

Though Roslin never marries[1], she engages in a sexual affair with the married Adar (TRS: "Epiphanies").[2] The day of the Cylon attack, Roslin learns that she has terminal breast cancer. Returning to work, Roslin informs Adar that she has successfully resolved an ongoing teacher's strike, but Adar vehemently disagrees with her method, and asks for her resignation. She asks him to defer the matter until she returns from Galactica's decommissioning ceremony (TRS: "Epiphanies").

Fall of the Colonies

Roslin travels to Galactica aboard the government-chartered civilian transport, Colonial Heavy 798, accompanied by a government aide, Billy Keikeya. On board Galactica, Secretary Roslin meets with Commander Adama, who denies her request to add a student computer network in the battlestar. Roslin lets the matter go and departs the ship following the decommissioning ceremonies.

Roslin being sworn in

On route back to Caprica, Roslin learns from the captain that the Cylons are attacking the Twelve Colonies. Roslin quickly takes on the mantle of leadership, rallying the passengers to make space for potential refugees. She finally establishes contact with a government official on Caprica, who does not know the whereabouts or condition of President Adar. As the transport begins to rescue survivors from a stranded passenger vessel, the Case Orange automated beacon is picked up on the wireless, and Roslin instructs the pilot to respond to the message with her government identification. Soon, a response returns from the automated message: Roslin, the forty-third official in line of succession, is the highest-ranking government official left alive and thus has succeeded Adar as president. Physically shaking, Roslin holds back tears and her voice cracks as the priestess Elosha administers the oath of office.

In her first act as president, Roslin orders Galactica to assist her in rescue operations. In turn, Adama refuses to recognize her authority and orders the vessel to rendezvous with Galactica at the Ragnar Anchorage. The two are interrupted by a pair of Cylon Raiders, which launch nuclear missiles at the small fleet Roslin has assembled. She refuses to leave the vessels behind and is only saved by quick thinking on the part of Lee Adama. Soon after, a Galactica Raptor carrying Dr. Gaius Baltar locates Roslin's ship, the newly rechristened Colonial One. Roslin appoints Baltar as her chief science advisor and uses the Raptor to locate any surviving ships around Caprica. Over the next few hours, Roslin's small group of ships transforms into a massive fleet harboring over 50,000 survivors.

While attempting to transfer passengers off of all non-FTL capable ships, the Fleet is discovered by another pair of Raiders. Forced to make a difficult decision, Roslin orders all FTL-capable ships to jump to Ragnar, abandoning the thousands of people still aboard the sub-light ships. At Ragnar, Roslin meets again with Adama and urges him to abandon the Twelve Colonies in favor of guiding the surviving civilians to a new home. Though Adama initially rejects this idea, he later acquiesces and the Fleet, protected by Galactica, leaves Colonial space.

In an attempt to give the survivors a reason to survive, Adama claims that he knows the location of Earth, the home of the Thirteenth Tribe. Roslin privately calls Adama out on his lie. Adama admits the deception, and in return for Roslin keeping his secret and allowing him to retain control of the military, he acknowledges Roslin's authority over the civilian fleet as president (TRS: "Miniseries").

The First Month

Roslin begins building the foundations of a civilian government by collecting a census on the remaining population while Cylon attacks force the Fleet to jump every 33 minutes. Working tirelessly throughout these attacks without any sleep, Roslin is forced to make another tough call and authorizes Galactica to destroy the Olympic Carrier, a ship suspected of being tracked by the Cylons. Ultimately, the destruction of the ship ends the attacks, yet Roslin continues to question whether she had made the right choice considering the 1300 lives lost on the ship (TRS: "33").

Though Roslin and Adama continue to have a wary relationship, Adama integrates her into the decision process. Roslin and Adama agree to keep the knowledge that Cylons now appear human a secret (TRS: "Water"). She later authorizes the conditional pardoning of prisoners aboard the Astral Queen. However, Tom Zarek, a former terrorist with a political agenda, successfully frees the prisoners, takes control of the ship and broadcasts calls for Roslin to step down from office and hold immediate elections. Roslin refuses to negotiate and presses Adama for an armed response, though she is less than pleased when Lee ends the situation by giving the prisoners control of their ship and promising that the scheduled presidential elections would take place in nine months (TRS: "Bastille Day").

Having appointed Lee as her military liaison, she admits the truth of her cancer to him. She later seeks treatment from Galactica's doctor, Sherman Cottle, though she opts to use an alternative, psychoactive drug, chamalla, rather than endure the same doloxan treatments that she had watched her mother suffer through (TRS: "Act of Contrition").

Following a suicide bombing aboard Galactica by copy of Aaron Doral, Roslin holds a press conference revealing the truth about humanoid Cylons and releasing pictures of Aaron Doral and Leoben Conoy. The news is greeted with a stunned reaction throughout the Fleet. A resulting independent investigation aboard Galactica is launched by Adama, though Roslin cautions against this course of action. (TRS: "Litmus").

As a result of her press conference regarding the Cylons, a copy of Leoben Conoy is captured aboard the Gemenon Traveler. Despite Adama's desire to kill him immediately, Roslin insists he be interrogated. When Conoy claims that he has planted a nuclear bomb within the Fleet, Roslin travels to the Gemenon Traveler and stops the torture being inflicted on him. Agreeing to release him if he tells her where the bomb is, Conoy informs her that there is no bomb and that Adama is a Cylon. She subsequently orders him to be thrown out of an airlock, a method of execution repeated multiple times over the course of Roslin's administration (TRS: "Flesh and Bone"). While Roslin becomes suspicious of Adama as a result of Conoy's claim, her fears are allayed by Baltar's invention of a Cylon detector (TRS: "Tigh Me Up, Tigh Me Down").

Soon after, Roslin reconstitutes the Quorum of Twelve aboard Cloud 9. However, the election of Zarek as the Sagittaron delegate disrupts her agenda when Zarek insists on the election of a vice president. The delegate from Virgon nominates Zarek, while Roslin chooses Wallace Gray as her preferred candidate. However, Gray fails to win enough support in the Quorum to defeat Zarek and is replaced at the last minute by Baltar, the Caprican delegate. The resulting vote is a tie, which allows Roslin to cast the tie-breaking vote in favor of Baltar (TRS: "Colonial Day").

Kobol

Shortly before the capture of Leoben Conoy, Roslin has a set of visions that are uncannily prescient to future events. During a press conference soon after, she hallucinates a dozen snakes crawling over her podium. Disturbed by these events, she consults Elosha and admits that she has been using chamalla. On hearing about the snakes, Elosha reveals that it matches a prophecy in an ancient text written by Pythia 3,600 years ago concerning the exodus of humankind, which foretells that a dying leader will guide the remnants of humanity to the promised land (TRS: "The Hand of God").

Cottle informs Roslin that her cancer has spread to her lymphatic system, giving her perhaps six months to live (TRS: "Kobol's Last Gleaming, Part I"). Soon after, a recon mission from Galactica discovers a habitable world with ruins across the surface. Reviewing the photos of the ruins, Roslin has another vision that Elosha confirms to be the City of the Gods on Kobol. Roslin has two further visions of the Arrow of Apollo and the Tomb of Athena and accepts the scriptures as fact. Though Adama considers permanent settlement on the planet, Roslin tries to convince him they should use a captured Cylon Raider to return to Caprica and retrieve the Arrow of Apollo, which would open the Tomb of Athena and point the way to Earth. Uncomfortable with Roslin's newfound religiousness, Adama asserts his authority over the military to deny her the use of the Raider (TRS: "Kobol's Last Gleaming, Part I").

Resolved, Roslin convinces Kara Thrace to steal the Raider and return to Caprica by admitting that Adama does not know where Earth is. Upon learning of her deception, Adama asks Roslin for her resignation; her refusal results in him sending a Marine boarding party to Colonial One to arrest her. Though Lee Adama ultimately sides with the President during the armed standoff, Roslin agrees to surrender to prevent bloodshed. Adama is shot soon after by a Cylon agent, and Saul Tigh assumes command of Galactica and refuses Roslin's request to be released (TRS: "Kobol's Last Gleaming, Part II"; "Scattered").

From her cell, Roslin rallies support from the Quorum of Twelve by convincing them of her role in the Sacred Scrolls; in response, Tigh dissolves the Quorum and declares martial law (TRS: "Fragged"). With the help of several sympathetic crew members of Galactica, Roslin escapes with Lee and hides within the Fleet with the help of Zarek (TRS: "Resistance"). Declaring herself publicly to be the "dying leader" foretold by Pythia, Roslin asks the Fleet to follow her back to Kobol (TRS: "The Farm"). Nearly a third of the Fleet heeds her request and jumps back to Kobol, where they rendezvous with Starbuck and the recovered Arrow. A search party led by Roslin heads to the surface and Elosha is soon killed by a landmine, which deeply shakes Roslin (TRS: "Home, Part I").

A recon team led by Adama intercepts Roslin's group, and Adama and Roslin resolve their differences, with Adama agreeing to help her find the Tomb. After locating it, the group places the Arrow in the bow of a statue of Sagittarius, which activates a projection showing the way to Earth. Upon returning to the Fleet, Adama reinstates Roslin as president (TRS: "Home, Part II").

Failing Health

Adama and Roslin begin to respect each more and their leadership in managing fleet business becomes more cooperative, asking each other for advice and correcting each other as needed, starting with a potentially disruptive tabloid expose of the Gideon shootings (TRS: "Final Cut"). However, Roslin's health continues to deteriorate, and Cottle advises her that she has weeks left to live. Roslin begins to put her affairs in order, signaled by her returning a book given to her by Adama (TRS: "Flight of the Phoenix").

Roslin and Adama share a kiss.

The discovery of the Battlestar Pegasus gives Roslin a brief moment of relief. However, Admiral Cain's disregard for the political status quo within the Fleet becomes apparent when Cain refuses to take Roslin's calls (TRS: "Pegasus"). After a near-disastrous armed standoff between Adama and Cain, Roslin conspires with Adama to assassinate Cain for the safety of the Fleet (TRS: "Resurrection Ship, Part I"). While Adama ultimately refuses to go through with the plan, Cain is murdered by a Cylon agent and Roslin promotes Adama to admiral. The new admiral gives the President a kiss, establishing a more personal aspect to their friendship (TRS: "Resurrection Ship, Part II").

By this time, Roslin requires help to move around, and she is soon rushed to Galactica's sickbay as her health fails. Preparing for Baltar's accession to the presidency, she instructs Billy to give Baltar a letter she has written him. In what she believes to be her final act as president, Roslin orders that the half-Cylon, half-human baby of Sharon "Athena" Agathon be terminated. However, Baltar panics at the thought of becoming president and devises a last minute solution to cure Roslin using an injection of stem cells[3] from the hybrid fetus, which completely eradicates her cancer (TRS: "Epiphanies").

Before her treatment, Roslin remembers that hours prior to the attack on Caprica, she had witnessed Baltar interacting with a Number Six Cylon and deduces that he played a role in the destruction of the Colonies. However, Roslin's letter to Baltar had hurt his pride by calling out his self-centered nature. When Roslin attempts to offer Baltar an out by asking him to resign, Baltar refuses to do so (TRS: "Black Market"). This encounter would mark the beginning for Roslin of a deep personal loathing of Baltar.

Election

Roslin returns to work and begins aiming towards her reelection. Though the sudden death of Billy comes as a shock to her (TRS: "Sacrifice"), she soon appoints his replacement, Tory Foster, who assures her that her victory in the election is certain. However, the certainty of her reelection is thrown into doubt when the issue of abortion is raised in the Fleet. Though Roslin is pro-choice, she realizes that the survival of the human race depends on repopulation and bans abortion throughout the Fleet. Coming out against the ban, Baltar launches a presidential challenge against Roslin with the backing of Tom Zarek (TRS: "The Captain's Hand").

While dealing with Baltar's challenge, the issue of the Agathons' child, which will soon be born, resurfaces. Roslin decides that Sharon cannot be allowed to raise the child, yet she also feels that the child is important and should be kept safe. Thus, she conspires with Dr. Cottle and Foster to fake the child's death. She later gives the child up for adoption to Maya, claiming that the baby belonged to a Pegasus officer (TRS: "Downloaded").

As the first presidential debate between Roslin and Baltar approaches, polls show Roslin firmly in the lead; Baltar's poor showing in the debate does little to change this. Indeed, Roslin appears confident that Baltar will not be able to win the election. However, the discovery of a habitable planet changes the entire nature of the race. Roslin refuses to even consider settling on the planet, saying that the Fleet must find Earth and, regardless, the planet will most likely not be able to sustain a long-term settlement. However, Baltar seizes on the public's support for colonization and pulls ahead in the polls (TRS: "Lay Down Your Burdens, Part I").

Roslin refuses to risk the future of the human race to win an election by supporting settlement. However, she feels that a Baltar presidency will also jeopardize the survival of humanity and thus authorizes Foster to rig the election. When early results from the election show Baltar in the lead, Foster has key election officials on Galactica, including Colonel Tigh and Anastasia Dualla, replace a ballot box with one stuffed with ballots for Roslin. Though the election is called for Roslin and Baltar concedes the race, Felix Gaeta discovers the plot and informs Adama. Roslin pleads with Adama to cover up the rigged election. While Adama admits he agrees with Roslin, he refuses to overturn the results of a democratic election. However, he does not publicly reveal the conspiracy, calling it an error in the ballot tabulation. Baltar succeeds Roslin as president, and Roslin settles on New Caprica with the rest of the civilian population (TRS: "Lay Down Your Burdens, Part II").

New Caprica

Roslin as a teacher on New Caprica.

On New Caprica, Roslin returns to her old profession of schoolteacher, working with Maya and watching over the hybrid baby, Isis. During a groundbreaking ceremony for a project promoted by Baltar's government, she meets with Admiral Adama. The two friends comfortably chat while smoking and drinking, and later gaze at the stars together. During the intimate outing, Roslin tells Adama of a cabin she is planning to build next to a lake, insisting that though the Cylons could return, they should use what time they have to enjoy life (TRS: "Unfinished Business"). Her fears are proven justified; on the 380th day after settlement, the Cylons discover and occupy the colony (TRS: "Lay Down Your Burdens, Part II").

Roslin becomes heavily involved with the resistance movement led by Colonel Tigh, who subordinates himself and his militia to the de facto civilian government-in-waiting she forms with Vice President Zarek; while Zarek has the constitutionally superior claim to the presidency, Roslin has the loyalty of Tigh's military; moreover, Zarek is jailed in the Cylon detention facility for four months, while Roslin retains the public guise of a politically-uninvolved school-teacher. Disgusted with the willingness of some humans to join the Cylon-controlled New Caprica Police, she and Foster work on discovering the identities of those people and handing their names over to the Resistance (TRS: "Occupation"). Following a suicide bombing at the graduation for the police force, Roslin is detained by the Cylons as are all high-profile civilians. Baltar visits her in her cell and offers to help her should she publicly denounce the bombings. Roslin argues that the Resistance is justified in their acts, yet she concedes that she does not support the suicide bombings. Despite refusing to cooperate with Baltar, she is released from prison (TRS: "Precipice").

Roslin later attempts to force Tigh to stop the suicide bombings, and a heated argument ensues in which Roslin uncharacteristically slaps Tigh. When another suicide bomber cripples the power infrastructure and kills numerous Cylons and humans, police forces storm through the city and arrest numerous people, including Roslin. The prisoners are put on trucks, where Roslin finds former vice president Zarek, who has spent the last four months in detention (TRS: "Precipice").

The Cylons take Roslin and the prisoners to be executed at the Pergamus Flats. Before they can do so, a raid by the Resistance kill the Cylons and free the prisoners. Roslin learns from Galen Tyrol that Galactica is planning a daring raid to evacuate the colonists. With the Resistance, Roslin goes over the evacuation strategy that they had put in place, and ensures that Maya and Isis will be safely escorted to an evacuating ship (TRS: "Exodus, Part I").

During the Battle of New Caprica, Zarek and Roslin escape together but she states that she will evacuate aboard her ship, Colonial One. Zarek notes the important symbolism, tacitly acknowledging her inevitable return to office. He gives a sidearm to Jammer, directing him to protect Roslin. Once the Fleet is safely reassembled, Roslin, Foster, and civil servants begin clearing the trappings of the Baltar/Cylon administration from Colonial One while assembling a census and calculating their losses. Foster confirms that Maya and Isis did not evacuate, and offers her apologies to Roslin. Though shaken, Roslin forgives Tory and takes a somewhat fatalistic view of the loss of Isis (TRS: "Exodus, Part II").

With Baltar missing following the evacuation, Zarek, as the legal vice president, assumes the presidency. However, Adama makes it clear that he will not accept this, and Zarek agrees to transfer the presidency to Roslin in exchange for a place in the new government. Touched by his courage on New Caprica and recalling their ability to work together in the resistance, Roslin agrees to make him her new vice president. The discovery of a secret tribunal set up by Zarek to try and execute Cylon collaborators leads Roslin to issue a blanket pardon for all crimes committed on New Caprica - excluding those committed by the fugitive Gaius Baltar - and to organize a Truth and Reconciliation Committee to document the experiences of the survivors (TRS: "Collaborators").

Second Roslin Administration

Roslin's second term in office is no less hectic than her first. Despite the misgivings of Adama, Roslin authorizes him to exterminate the Cylon race through the use of biological warfare and is visibly irritated when he refuses to investigate the sabotage of the plan (TRS: "A Measure of Salvation"). She later talks him out of resigning his commission when the knowledge of previous secret mission he had conducted surfaces (TRS: "Hero"). Following a food crisis, Roslin works with Adama to guide the Fleet to a planet covered in algae (TRS: "The Passage").

Though she believes that the newly-discovered Temple of Five on the algae planet is another road sign on the path to Earth, the arrival of the Cylons prevents any significant examination of the Temple. At this time, knowledge of Roslin's deception regarding the hybrid child surfaces when Adama learns that the child being held by the Cylons. Adama is noticeably disturbed by Roslin's actions, but this does not affect their relationship in the long term (TRS: "The Eye of Jupiter").

Baltar's capture on the algae planet places new stresses on Roslin. She attempts to interrogate him and again accuses him of involvement in the Cylon attack on the Colonies, a charge he denies. Though Adama suggests that they make Baltar disappear, Roslin decides to give Baltar a trial (TRS: "Taking a Break from All Your Worries"). The decision draws a strong rebuke from Zarek, who believes that this will give Baltar a chance to cause unrest in the Fleet (TRS: "The Woman King"). When publications of a manifesto secretly written by Baltar from his cell begin to circulate in the Fleet, Roslin confronts Baltar and orders him strip-searched for his writings. However, he turns over the pages before being completely stripped of his clothing (TRS: "Dirty Hands").

While preparing for Baltar's trial, Roslin deals with a labor strike emerging in the Fleet. Though she initially takes a hard stance against the unrest, she eventually agrees to work with Chief Tyrol and the laborers to increase time off and ensure that children are not forced to enter any particular occupation in the Fleet (TRS: "Dirty Hands").

For Baltar's trial, Roslin personally appoints Didi Cassidy and Alan Hughes as prosecutor and defender, respectively, and appoints Romo Lampkin as Hughes' replacement following his assassination. Roslin puts pressure on Cassidy to indict Baltar for his collusion in the attack on the Colonies; this interference draws a strong rebuke from Cassidy, who notes that outside of Roslin's vision, there is no evidence of Baltar's involvement in the attack. Nevertheless, Roslin remains committed to the trial, attending the proceedings and eventually testifying for the prosecution. Though she seems to incriminate Baltar in colluding with the Cylons during the New Caprican occupation, her testimony is called into question by Lampkin's co-counsel, Lee Adama (TRS: "Crossroads, Part I").

Lee had previously noted that Roslin had begun drinking tea at times she previously had not, and he had discreetly smelled the tea. He confronts Roslin on the fact that she has begun using chamalla again, masking the bitter taste by mixing it with her tea. Despite pleading for him not to reveal this, she relents, admitting that she has been using chamalla again because her cancer has returned. Ultimately, Baltar is acquitted to her strong displeasure. While the fact that Adama, a judge at the trial, had voted for acquittal does not severely affect their relationship despite her displeasure, Lee's role in Baltar's acquittal leads to a noticeable rift in his friendship with Roslin (TRS: "Crossroads, Part II").

Treatments and Visions

Roslin decides to undergo doloxan treatments as a way of at least slowing the progress of her cancer. During her first treatment, Roslin has a vision of herself in the Kobol Opera House, where she is looking for Hera. Seeing Sharon Agathon on the opposite side of the entrance, the two women race to catch Hera when two figures, Baltar and Caprica-Six, pick up Hera and walk into the auditorium, with the doors closing behind them. Screaming as she awakens, Roslin finds that Six, Sharon and Hera all shared the same dream simultaneously (TRS: "Crossroads, Part II").

The Fleet's arrival at the Ionian Nebula also has a noticeable and unexplained effect on Roslin. Immediately after jumping to the Nebula, Roslin becomes dazed and stunned, which coincides with the entire Fleet inexplicably losing power. These events also coincide with the activation of the Final Five and the mysterious return of Kara Thrace, who had seemingly died two months previous (TRS: "Crossroads, Part II").

Roslin is immediately skeptical of Thrace's claims of finding Earth and not remembering how she had arrived at the Fleet, expressing her concerns that Thrace is a Cylon agent to Adama. When Roslin orders the Fleet to continue heading away from the Nebula, rather than follow Thrace's guidance to Earth, Thrace confronts Roslin at gunpoint (TRS: "He That Believeth in Me"). Attempting to convince Roslin that she is not a Cylon, Thrace hands her the gun and tells her to shoot if she truly believes Thrace is a Cylon; Roslin does so but misses, later attributing it to the doloxan treatments affecting her aim (TRS: "Six of One").

The doloxan treatments begin to take a greater toll on Roslin's health, forcing her to wear a wig as her hair falls out. Despite this, she continues to work as president, signing an executive order that curtails public gatherings, ostensibly as a way of protecting Baltar's cult from being attacked but in actuality an attempt to limit Baltar's growing influence. However, the Quorum, led by the newly-appointed Caprican delegate, Lee Adama, overturns this measure as an undue attack on civil liberties. While Roslin is upset by this, she acknowledges that Lee is simply trying to do what he believes is right (TRS: "Escape Velocity").

Roslin's doloxan treatments continue, with her only solace being that Adama reads to her during her treatments. While in sickbay, she meets Emily Kowalski, a end-stage cancer patient, and the two bond. While discussing their mortality and faith, Roslin concedes that her experiences during her mother's illness and death gave her a profound fear of dying. Soon after, Roslin has a dream of her and Emily standing on a boat crossing over to the afterlife. When Emily leaves to embrace her family, Roslin sees her mother and family waiting for her. However, she acknowledges that she is not ready to cross over; she wakes up to find that Emily has died (TRS: "Faith").

The discovery of the Rebel Cylon basestar presents Roslin with yet another difficult decision; the Cylons are willing to help the Colonials destroy the Resurrection Hub, thus rendering all Cylons mortal, in exchange for the identities of the Final Five, which will give them the location of Earth. Roslin agrees to the deal, lobbying the Quorum for its approval, yet secretly conspires with Adama and Tigh to ensure that the Final Five will not be handed over to the basestar without first informing the Colonials of Earth's location (TRS: "Guess What's Coming To Dinner").

Thrace informs Roslin that the Cylon Hybrid had told her that "The dying leader shall know the truth of the Opera House," and Roslin insists that both her and Baltar travel to the basestar to question the Hybrid. When the Hybrid is brought back online, it immediately jumps the basestar away from the Fleet with the intention of traveling to the Resurrection Hub per the original plan of attack. Whenever the basestar jumps, however, Roslin enters a vision of an empty Galactica with Elosha showing Roslin her own death in Galactica's sickbay, surrounded by Adama, Lee and Starbuck (TRS: "The Hub").

On the basestar, Roslin unsuccessfully attempts to communicate with the Hybrid, only gleaming the message to "protect the child." During the Battle of the Resurrection Hub, Roslin attempts to administer first aid to a severely injured Baltar, injecting him with morpha. As a result of the drugs, Baltar admits to Roslin that he unintentionally gave the Cylons the access codes to the Colonial Defense Mainframe, resulting in the attack on the Colonies. Roslin immediately stops administering aid and sits idly by while Baltar bleeds. However, another vision of Elosha convinces her that she cannot lose her humanity. Realizing this, Roslin helps stabilize Baltar and never pursues his role in the attack further. When Adama finds the missing basestar and reunites with Roslin, she tells him that she loves him (TRS: "The Hub").

Returning to the Fleet, Roslin is held captive as a hostage by the Cylons, led by a resurrected Number Three copy, in exchange for the Final Five. Before telling Adama goodbye, she whispers to him that he should destroy the basestar before agreeing to hand over the Final Five to the Cylons. During this crisis, Roslin is confronted by her aide, Tory Foster, who reveals that she is one of the Final Five and will not use her influence to avert bloodshed. However, actions taken by the remaining Final Five Cylons, Kara Thrace and acting President Lee Adama prevent the crisis from turning violent and reveal the location of Earth. Agreeing that Cylons and humans will go to Earth together, the Fleet finally arrives at the fabled destination, with Roslin and Adama embracing in celebration. Their jubilation is short-lived, as it is soon discovered that Earth is a uninhabitable nuclear wasteland (TRS: "Revelations").

Earth

The discoveries on Earth shake Roslin to her very core. Unable to break the news to the citizens waiting to hear from their president, Roslin retreats to her quarters aboard Galactica, burning her copy of the Pythian Prophecy in a sharp rebuke of her previous beliefs. She largely abdicates her role as president, with Lee Adama once again assuming most of her responsibilities (TRS: "Revelations").

As she is still the legal president, Roslin is pressured by Adama to decide whether the Fleet should enter into a permanent alliance with the Rebel Cylons, gaining Cylon technology in exchange for giving the Cylons a seat on the Quorum. However, Roslin becomes increasingly erratic in her behavior, discontinuing her doloxan treatments, throwing away her medications and jogging through the corridors of Galactica. When confronted by Adama over her behavior, she informs him that she no longer has much interest in serving others, wishing only to "live a little" before she dies. As a result, she enters into a romantic, sexual and co-habitable relationship with Adama while effectively ceding her presidential authority to Lee (TRS: "A Disquiet Follows My Soul").

However, Roslin is soon temporarily forced back into her role as president during a full-scale mutiny aboard Galactica led by Felix Gaeta and Tom Zarek. Using Baltar's shortwave wireless to address the Fleet, she calls for the citizens to remain loyal to Adama and herself and reject the actions of Zarek and Gaeta. With the help of Galen Tyrol and Adama, Roslin flees Galactica with Baltar, after sharing a farewell kiss with Adama, and rendezvous with the Cylon Basestar (TRS: "The Oath").

When the Cylons decide to leave the Fleet due to the mutiny, Roslin passionately persuades them to remain with the Fleet and support Adama. Later, she calls for the Fleet to shut down their FTL drives as Gaeta and Zarek prepare to leave the basestar behind; ten ships comply with the order. Growing bolder, she gives Galactica five minutes to surrender and return command to Adama, only to be falsely told by Zarek that Adama had been executed. Brimming with rage, Roslin declares that she will destroy Galactica unless they surrender immediately, but Adama is able to stop the potential battle by regaining control of the ship. Roslin is so relieved she breaks down in tears along with an Eight. Once the ship has been secured, an exhausted Roslin shares an emotional reunion with Adama, rejoining him in their quarters aboard Galactica (TRS: "Blood on the Scales").

Following the execution of Zarek for his crimes, Roslin officially designates Lee as her successor and gives him authorization to replace the Quorum, massacred during the mutiny, with a new legislative body more closely tailored to the political realities of the Fleet (TRS: "No Exit"). With her health declining, she steps back from her duties, though she does personally sign an order transferring the newly captured Sharon Valerii over to the Rebel Cylons (TRS: "Someone to Watch Over Me").

When Hera is kidnapped by Valerii, Roslin seems to have another prescient moment, whispering the child's name before collapsing (TRS: "Someone to Watch Over Me"). In sickbay, the dying Roslin continues to repeat Hera's name while she dreams. As Galactica continues to structurally fail around them, Roslin recounts to Adama her previous plans to build a cabin, lamenting the fact that she will not be able to fulfill her wish. Saying that Galactica has been the only true home she has ever had, she is able to convince a reluctant Adama to abandon the failing Galactica (TRS: "Islanded in a Stream of Stars").

The Truth of the Opera House

While continuing to deteriorate in sickbay, Roslin overhears Cottle and Layne Ishay discussing Adama's newfound plan to attack the Cylon Colony in an attempt to recapture Hera. Drawing on her remaining strength and visibly weakened, Roslin walks through the hangar deck to declare her intention to join Adama's raid saying that he isn't going without her. Despite her weakened state, Adama accepts her joining and indicates that he might've suspected she was going to the whole time. (TRS: "Daybreak, Part I").

Cottle gives Roslin a drug cocktail that allows her to function normally for a period of 48 hours; she acknowledges that she knows the drugs will considerably shorten what little time she has left. During the Battle of the Colony, Roslin assists Ishay in sickbay, attempting to sort out patients by those who can be saved and those who will certainly die. Overwhelmed, Roslin enters the corridor only to begin having another prescient moment. Walking through Galactica as the Cylons board the ship, while at the same time seeing flashes of her previous Opera House vision, Roslin locates Hera and hides both of them from the approaching Cylon forces.

When Roslin sees that the coast is clear, she finds that Hera has disappeared again. Looking for her, she sees Sharon Agathon in much the same manner that she does in the vision. With both of them running towards Hera, Baltar and Six find her, enter a nearby hatch and close the door. Thus, Roslin realizes the truth of the Opera House: the Opera House is Galactica, with the Final Five raised on the catwalk, and the events in the vision foreshadow her actions during the final moments of the war.

Following the subsequent discovery of New Earth, Roslin does not take part in the decisions to settle the planet and abandon all Colonial technology. She spends her remaining time with Adama, observing the African wildlife as her health rapidly deteriorates, to the point where she has severe difficulty breathing. Adama decides to take Roslin in a Raptor to get a closer view of the animals, and she waves her final goodbyes to Kara and Lee. In flight, Roslin utters her final words, "So much... life," and quietly passes away. Adama tearfully places his wedding band on her finger. He buries her next to the cabin he had planned to build for both of them. Adama is shown to visit her grave often, perhaps every day, and speaks to her about what is going on in his life (TRS: "Daybreak, Part II").

Notes

  • Actress Mary McDonnell is perhaps best known for her role in the epic film, Dances with Wolves, with Kevin Costner. Another famous role of hers was the U.S. First Lady in Independence Day, a film which (in a less serious tone than Battlestar) depicts cocky human fighter pilots battling an genocidal enemy from outer space. In that film she dies of her injuries from a helicopter crash before an end to the conflict is reached.
  • While it may be a coincidence, the name Laura Roslin is an amalgam of the forenames of the incumbent U.S. First Ladies at the time the Re-imagined Series and the Original Series each premiered: Laura Bush and Rosalynn Carter, respectively.
  • The glasses that the character wears are also McDonnell's real glasses.[4]

References

  1. ↑ According to the February issue of Sci Fi Magazine, actress Mary McDonnell indicates that, according to the series bible, Roslin has dated, but has never married. (Scans available on Ramblings of a dorkish nature)
  2. ↑ According to a December 2005 interview with Mary McDonnell in TV Guide, President Adar, a married man, was having an affair with Roslin in the twilight of his term.
  3. ↑ In the commentary track for "Epiphanies," Ron Moore states that a longer explanation of Roslin's cure was filmed that explained that the blood's stem cells cure Roslin. However, the scene was cut because he was afraid it would be too complicated and thought of as technobabble. The character's updated biography on the official Scifi.com site does confirm that stem cells from the hybrid were the actual cure. As such, Battlestar Wiki treats this data canonically as with information found in most deleted scenes.
  4. ↑ Mary McDonnell Q & A, Part 1 (backup available on Archive.org) . (VID) (2006-10-13). Retrieved on 2006-10-14.


Preceded by:
Richard Adar 		President of the Twelve Colonies of Kobol Succeeded by:
Gaius Baltar
Preceded by:
Tom Zarek 		Vice President of the Twelve Colonies of Kobol Succeeded by:
Tom Zarek
Preceded by:
Tom Zarek 		President of the Twelve Colonies of Kobol Succeeded by:
Romo Lampkin
and Lee Adama (Acting President)
Characters in the Re-imagined Series


Main: William Adama | Laura Roslin | Kara "Starbuck" Thrace | Lee "Apollo" Adama
Gaius Baltar | Number Six | Number Eight

Supporting: Saul Tigh | Galen Tyrol | Karl "Helo" Agathon | Felix Gaeta | Anastasia Dualla | Cally Tyrol
Samuel Anders | Tory Foster | Ellen Tigh | Billy Keikeya

Recurring: Hera Agathon | Jean Barolay | Helena Cain | Brendan "Hot Dog" Costanza | Sherman Cottle
Margaret "Racetrack" Edmondson | Elosha | Anthony Figurski | Jack Fisk | Louis Hoshi | Louanne "Kat" Katraine
Aaron Kelly | Romo Lampkin | James "Jammer" Lyman | Hamish "Skulls" McCall | Number One | Number Two
Number Three | Number Four | Number Five | Alex "Crashdown" Quartararo | Paulla Schaffer | Diana Seelix | Tom Zarek

List of Deceased Characters


Characters that died during the Re-imagined Series


Civilians: Richard Adar | Jean Barolay | Jacob Cantrell | Elosha | Billy Keikeya | Laura Roslin | Tom Zarek

Military: Jurgen Belzen | Helena Cain | Tucker "Duck" Clellan | Anastasia Dualla | Margaret "Racetrack" Edmondson
Jack Fisk | Felix Gaeta | Barry Garner | Louanne "Kat" Katraine | Peter Laird | James "Jammer" Lyman | Erin Mathias
Hamish "Skulls" McCall | Alex "Crashdown" Quartararo | Kendra Shaw | Socinus | Kara "Starbuck" Thrace | Cally Tyrol

Cylons: Samuel Anders | D'Anna Biers | John Cavil | Daniel | Aaron Doral | Natalie Faust
First Hybrid | Tory Foster | Gina Inviere | Simon O'Neill | Sharon "Boomer" Valerii

See Also: Survivor Count | List of Deceased Pilots

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