Projection

Caprica Six projects

Projection is a Cylon ability that allows them to "project" an artificial environment around themselves, which they can choose to share with other Cylons.

Cylons use this ability as a way to detach themselves of reality, and experience the world around them as they wish to, rather than how it is, serving as a psychological comfort.

Projection can also be used as a means to navigate the confusing hallways of a basestar, and presumably other Cylon vessels as well, as hallways are uniform without discernible identification.

So far, only one instance of projection has been observed, when Caprica Six projects a lush green forest. However, promotional photography and deleted scenes show Number Three projecting cathedral environments.

The revelation of this ability to Gaius Baltar has made him suspect himself of being one of the final five Cylons, for it is undeniably similar to what he has been experiencing with the virtual replica of Number Six which exists in his head, as well as various environments he has shared with her (Torn).

Later, he apparently projects himself and virtual Six on a beach, where they engage in sexual intercourse in order to block or distract Baltar from the effects of torture inflicted by Number Three for his omission in reporting a dangerous beacon found near the Lion's Head Nebula (A Measure of Salvation).