Croft (alternate)

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.

For the canonical counterpart, see: Croft.

Croft is a Colonial Warrior and technical specialist aboard Galactica.

Biography

Croft is described as having a "weatherbeaten" face with deep lines and crags that become particularly pronounced in harsh lighting. He is known for his arrogant demeanor and frequently uses what are described as "Croftian oaths" when working under pressure.

Croft is recognized as a solenite expert, knowledge gained during his previous mission with Apollo on the ice planet Tairac. He possesses extensive knowledge about battlestar systems and demolitions work, though he admits he has never faced a job as large as restoring Galactica's engines after a major solenite explosion.

Personality

Sheba notes that Croft "does arrogance better than those actors," to which he responds that he has "had a lot of practice." He has a reputation for being less than cheerful, with Ensign Giles commenting that he doesn't find Croft "the most cheerful sport" he's ever encountered. Despite his gruff exterior, Croft consistently volunteers for dangerous missions and shows dedication to protecting the fleet.

Events During the Cylon Attack

When a Cylon saboteur infiltrates Galactica and destroys the ship's engines with a solenite bomb, Croft takes charge of the repair effort. He identifies the explosive as solenite and recalls witnessing the confusion during the theater troupe's boarding, suggesting it could have been smuggled aboard during that time.

When Apollo prepares to return to the bridge during the ensuing battle, Croft insists on staying behind to attempt engine repairs, declaring it his "bailiwick." He tells Apollo that without the ship's maneuverability, launching more Vipers would be futile against the attacking Cylons.

Working with Sheba as his assistant, Croft performs what he describes as "jerrybuilding" - creating an intricate set of connections and bypasses in the damaged engine room. Despite the danger of a potential secondary explosion, he manages to restore limited power to Galactica's engines by connecting two critical wires and activating a lever. The process leaves him electrocuted and nearly kills him until Sheba pulls his hands away from the live wires.

His successful repair work allows Galactica to regain maneuverability, enabling the launch of additional Vipers and turning the tide of the battle against the Cylons.

Search for Boxey

After the crisis, Croft volunteers to join the search party when Boxey goes missing aboard Galactica. Despite having just returned from the harrowing engine room experience, he insists he is "not that tired" and joins Starbuck and Sheba in the search effort.