Lingk

This article has a separate continuity. This article is in the Berkley Novelizations 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.

Lingk is a Borellian Noman serving aboard the supply ship Broadside within the Fleet. He serves under Mega, the leader of the Borellian survivors, and becomes suspicious of the disguised Lucifer, whom he ultimately discovers to be an impostor.

Background

Lingk is one of the few surviving Borellian Nomen in the Fleet. According to Lingk, "there are so few of us Borellians in the fleet" that their leader Mega "was certain we had contacted them all." This small community maintains connections with each other to preserve their cultural identity within the larger Fleet population.

Like other Borellian Nomen, Lingk possesses the characteristic thick eyebrows and imposing physical presence typical of his people. He also demonstrates the cultural traits associated with Borellian nobility, including knowledge of their complex social hierarchy and voice modification practices.

Encounter with "Trogla"

While aboard Broadside, Lingk encounters someone claiming to be a fellow Borellian Noman named "Trogla." Their first meeting occurs when Lucifer, disguised as Trogla, is wandering through the crew quarters during the night. Lingk immediately displays suspicion, stating "I don't believe we have met before. I thought I knew everyone from Borellia in this fleet."

When "Trogla" gives his name, Lingk reacts with an "odd, choking sound" and expresses ironic admiration, noting "I admire your courage in carrying a name that refers to the most common variety of ground-mole on Borellia." This reveals both his knowledge of Borellian fauna and the cultural significance of names within their society.

During their conversation, Lingk demonstrates his understanding of Borellian social structure by identifying "Trogla" as "a representative of the Drayliks" based on his voice, and explains the cultural practice of surgical voice modification among the noble classes to "separate nobility from the masses."

Discovery of the Deception

Lingk's suspicions about "Trogla" grow when he observes the supposed Noman participating in theatrical performances with Dwybolt's troupe. This violates fundamental Borellian cultural principles, as Lingk explains: "Borellian Nomen are not able to deceive others on a stage. Playing roles the way you do is unknown in our culture."

Using skills he describes as typical of his people - "We Borellian Nomen are often good operatives. I've eavesdropped often" - Lingk conducts surveillance on "Trogla" and his companion "Korriman" (Baltar). Through this espionage, he overhears their discussions about a "mission" involving plans to "kill Adama" and mentions of "sabotage."

The final proof of deception comes from a fundamental aspect of Borellian nature. As Lingk explains to the impostor: "All these times I eavesdropped on you, you never sensed my presence. A Noman can always sense another Noman's presence. I don't know what you are but you are not a Noman."

Confrontation and Death

Armed with this evidence, Lingk confronts "Trogla" backstage after a performance, emerging from the shadows behind curtain ropes. He presents his findings systematically, stating "I don't know what you are, deceiver" and demanding to know whether the impostor will carry out the assassination plot.

When Lingk takes hold of "Trogla's" tunic collar and ponders whether to "turn you in" or "join you," Lucifer attacks, going for Lingk's throat. The genuine Borellian fights back, attempting to crush his opponent, but discovers he is "trying to crush metal" and realizes "whatever this creature was, it did not rely on breathing for existence."

The battle is described as "a strange, silent battle fought in shadows" between "two large beings" who "struggled slowly against each other, like two primeval monsters fighting for control of the swamp." Despite his strength and determination, Lingk is gradually overpowered. Lucifer slams him against the stage's back wall and crushes his windpipe, breaking ribs in the process.

Lingk dies with "a strange bubbling sound in his throat" after losing consciousness. Lucifer disposes of his body by placing it in a waste chute and ejecting it into space, ensuring no evidence remains of the murder.

Legacy

Lingk's death represents Lucifer's first kill and marks a significant turning point in the Cylon's programming. After the murder, Lucifer reflects that "the indifference he now felt about his killing of Lingk would make him a prime assassin. The murder of Adama would be easy."