Bojay (TOS-RH)

This article has a separate continuity. This article is in the Richard Hatch continuation separate continuity, which is related to the Original Series. Be sure that your contributions to this article reflect the characters and events specific to this continuity only.

For the canonical depiction of this character, see: Bojay.

Bojay is a veteran Colonial Warrior and ace Viper pilot who serves aboard Galactica. He is one of the most skilled pilots in the Fleet, described by Starbuck as "the only pilot who's ever outflown me, except for Apollo, and maybe Sheba on one of my bad days."

Apollo himself considers Bojay among "the best pilots this fleet ever has or will ever see," ranking him alongside Starbuck, Sheba, and Boomer. When selecting personnel for a critical diplomatic mission to the Chitain, Apollo chooses Starbuck specifically because he is "the best pilot I have," and Bojay's demonstrated abilities place him in this same elite category.

Background

Bojay originally served under Commander Cain before the Fall of the Colonies.

Lost and Presumed Dead

Bojay disappears during a reconnaissance mission with a pilot named Jinx. Apollo has not seen him since that mission and presumes him dead. In reality, Bojay survives but suffers a severe head injury that causes complete memory loss. He finds himself stranded on "some godforsaken planet" with no recollection of his identity or past.

Eventually, a patrol sent out by Commander Cain discovers Bojay on the planet. However, nobody recognizes him—not even Apollo when they are eventually reunited, because Bojay looks significantly different by that time. His appearance has changed enough that "being presumed dead was a very good disguise." He is a large, powerfully built man whose physical strength allows him to lift Apollo off the ground and spin him around in a bear hug.

Without his memory, Cain's people put Bojay to work in the mines on Poseidon. Remarkably, another accident—a cave-in that strikes his head—helps him regain his identity just as the Fleet prepares to leave the system.

Return to Service

When Bojay reunites with Apollo aboard Galactica, he works as a technician in the launch bay. His coveralls are "streaked with grime and grease" and ill-fitted to his large frame, giving him a shabby appearance. Despite this, Apollo recognizes "there was a glory to this man, all the same."

Bojay is frustrated by his assignment as a tech. He complains bitterly that "they don't think I can still fly," dismissing the assessment with a wave of his oil-smeared hand. He insists to Apollo: "But let me tell ya, Apollo, I can fly with the best of them." Standing close to the commander, he expresses disgust at the arrogant young recruits who "think they're Warriors, but they don't know what that word means. Not really."

Apollo reassures him: "I wouldn't worry about it, Bojay. The way things are going, you may well get your chance before long." This proves prophetic, as Bojay soon returns to active flying status.

Confrontation with Disrespectful Cadets

While repairing a Viper in the launch bay, Bojay endures mockery from Trays and his friends. The young pilots find it "enormously amusing" to watch an elder be subservient to them. Trays commands imperiously: "Hurry it up, old timer. I have to fly patrol, and I can't do it with you on my wing."

Apollo witnesses this disrespect and physically grabs Trays, warning him that "the old man could make you eat his vapor trail." Apollo delivers a stern lecture to the young pilots about respecting veterans like Bojay who have given everything for the Fleet. Bojay, embarrassed by the attention, tries to defuse the situation: "Commander, it's all right, I'm sure they didn't mean—" But Apollo cuts him off, making clear the young pilots "don't hold a candle" to veterans like Bojay.

Return to Combat

Starbuck vindicates Apollo's faith in Bojay spectacularly. When preparing for a critical battle, Starbuck publicly removes Trays from his Viper and orders Bojay: "Take off your overalls! You're taking Trays' Viper up!"

Bojay "couldn't believe his good fortune." After confirming Starbuck isn't joking, he "let fly a loud whoop and holler and began peeling out of his grimy uniform." Starbuck justifies the substitution to the furious Trays by declaring Bojay "a far superior pilot, the only pilot who's ever outflown me, except for Apollo, and maybe Sheba on one of my bad days."

During the subsequent battle, Bojay proves Starbuck's assessment correct. Flying Trays' Viper, he demonstrates his exceptional skill. When a Cylon Raider attacks the transport ship Cerebus, Bojay guides his Viper between the transport and the Raider and opens fire. The flaming wreckage of the Cylon ship goes "spinning down to the surface of Kobol, leaving a long, black tail of smoke in the air."

Everyone aboard the bridge of Daedalus lets out "a heartfelt cheer of joy and relief" as Bojay then blasts a cluster of Chitain Stingers pursuing his ship. One, two, three—the Stingers explode in "a glittering cloud of particles." Athena squints at the fast-moving Viper and asks: "Is that Trays' Viper? When did he get so good?" Apollo responds: "He didn't. That's Bojay. Starbuck benched Trays."

Personality

Bojay possesses a sharp wit and sarcastic sense of humor that makes him popular with his fellow pilots. He trades barbs easily with Boomer and Starbuck, engaging in the kind of good-natured ribbing that characterizes veteran Warriors.

Despite his advanced age, Bojay maintains confidence in both his piloting abilities and his appeal to women. When Starbuck jokes that women say Bojay only "appears to be alive," Bojay retorts: "Bite my thruster! You're jealous that women still find me irresistible, despite my advanced years."

He is fiercely loyal to his fellow Warriors and refuses to tolerate disrespect from younger pilots. During a patrol in the Ur cloud, when Trays mocks him as an "old man," Bojay fires back: "The cane I've been saving for when I tell you to bend over and stick it where the sun don't shine, Trays." His quick wit leaves Boomer struggling to contain his laughter.

Bojay demonstrates wisdom gained from experience. He counsels Starbuck about relationships with women, joking: "I didn't. I only appear to be alive." When Boomer asks if they're discussing "the sexual stamina of senior citizens," Bojay tells him to mind his own business.

He also shows remarkable perceptiveness about his friends' emotional states. During a patrol over Paradis, Bojay immediately recognizes that Starbuck is troubled about Athena despite Starbuck not mentioning her: "You could fool me. I figure that's all we've been talking about since launch! So you're having problems with Athena again?"

Service Record

Mission to the Ur Cloud

Bojay participates in critical missions during the Fleet's entrapment in the Ur cloud. He flies patrol with Boomer, searching for Troy, Dalton, and Trays when they become lost in the bizarre region of space-time where normal physics do not apply.

During the search, Bojay experiences the disorienting effects of the Ur cloud firsthand. His instruments malfunction, and communications with the younger pilots fail. He tries "everything he could. High-tech and low-tech" to reestablish contact, but ultimately he and Boomer must return to Galactica when their fuel reaches critical levels.

The experience weighs heavily on Bojay. When Boomer tries to reassure him that the younger pilots will find a way out, Bojay responds: "Unless that fracking idiot Trays does something." Even when they spot a mysterious silver crescent in the Ur cloud, Bojay's primary concern remains the safety of their fellow Warriors.

When Dalton, Troy, and Trays successfully return after discovering the wreckage of Pegasus and recovering Commander Cain's body, Bojay is present for the reunion. He jokes with the younger pilots: "We're not bad either," reminding them that he and Boomer also risked their lives in the search.

Warning Starbuck

After the recovery mission, Bojay rushes to meet Starbuck when he returns to the launch bay. He urgently warns: "Starbuck! Get your ass down here!" When Starbuck arrives, Bojay delivers both good news—Dalton has returned safely—and grave warnings about the deteriorating situation aboard Galactica: "We're in deep daggit crap."

Before Bojay can fully explain, Council Security forces storm the launch bay and arrest both him and Starbuck. One guard slams Bojay in the back when he tries to speak. They are thrown into a cell together, literally colliding as they stumble through the door. Starbuck finds himself imprisoned alongside Apollo, Athena, Tigh, and Gar'Tokk with several Borellian Nomen.

Service at Paradis

Bojay continues active service when the Fleet reaches Paradis. He becomes one of Starbuck's preferred wingmen, valued as being "every bit as reliable as a fact of physics." Starbuck even wonders why he can't find a woman as reliable as Bojay or Boomer.

He flies patrol with Boomer and Starbuck, engaging in their characteristic banter over the comm system. During one flight, he jokes with Starbuck about relationships with women, demonstrating that despite everything they have endured, the veteran Warriors maintain their sense of humor and camaraderie.

Bojay expresses philosophical views about command and isolation. When discussing Commander Athena's challenges, he observes that even those who depend on a commander experience a different kind of loneliness than being stranded in wilderness. The responsibility of leadership creates "a cocoon of decisions and regrets."

During atmospheric flight training over Paradis, Bojay participates in exercises teaching pilots the different skills required for flying in atmosphere versus space. The veteran pilots help cadets understand that atmospheric flight requires different instincts—everything happens faster, requiring banking, gliding, and compensation for wind gusts. These skills prove essential as the Fleet commits to a longer stay on the planet.

Relationships

Apollo

Bojay and Apollo share a history dating back yahrens before Bojay's disappearance. Their reunion is warm and emotional, with Bojay greeting Apollo as "you old war daggit" and the two engaging in friendly competition about their piloting skills. Apollo laughingly dismisses Bojay's claim of being able to outfly him: "Not on your best day." Bojay responds with mock hurt: "Now who's lost his memory?"

Apollo demonstrates faith in Bojay by advocating for his return to active duty, and Bojay validates that faith through his exceptional performance in combat. Apollo's public defense of Bojay against disrespectful cadets shows the depth of their mutual respect.

Boomer

Bojay and Boomer are "old friends" with deep mutual respect and understanding. They communicate with few words when necessary, able to read each other's intentions through gestures. During missions, they coordinate seamlessly, demonstrating the kind of wordless cooperation that comes from yahrens of flying together.

Their friendship includes constant good-natured ribbing. When Bojay and Starbuck discuss relationships over the comm, Boomer interjects sarcastically, asking if they're "discussing temporal displacement theories or the sexual stamina of senior citizens."

Starbuck considers both Bojay and Boomer to be "every bit as reliable as a fact of physics," the highest compliment a pilot can give.

Starbuck

Bojay's relationship with Starbuck is characterized by mutual respect and humor. Starbuck publicly declares Bojay superior to himself as a pilot—remarkable praise given Starbuck's legendary status. Bojay serves as Starbuck's confidant, listening to his romantic troubles and offering wry observations about relationships with women.

The two share a warrior's bond forged through combat and shared danger. When trapped in the Ur cloud, Bojay's primary concern—beyond survival—is the safety of Starbuck's daughter Dalton. After Dalton returns safely, Bojay is the first to inform Starbuck, understanding how critical this news is to his friend.

Bojay demonstrates remarkable insight into Starbuck's emotional state, immediately recognizing when his friend is troubled about Athena even before Starbuck mentions her name.