Kiera

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.

Siress Kiera is a representative to the Quorum of Twelve in 7360.

As with many in the Fleet, Kiera lost both her husband and daughter on the day of the final Cylon attack, making her part of a generation largely widowed by that single catastrophic event.

Biography

Early Service

Kiera participates in the deliberations during Ambassador Puck's sparring session with Lieutenant Colonel Athena following Lieutenant Commander Apollo's departure from the Fleet, voicing her concern about how Puck would react if the Quorum were to spurn his nomination.

Following the crisis where Lucifer's basestar is destroyed and the Fleet survives Iblis' machinations, Kiera is present at the ceremony where Apollo formally assumes full command of the Fleet.

Controversial Relationship with Baltar

Kiera develops a friendship with Baltar, the greatest traitor in human history, believing his claims that he was an unwilling pawn in the Cylon betrayal and merely a victim who became the Cylons' prisoner after they betrayed his trust. She is seen in public with him several times, allowing herself to be portrayed as the Great Traitor's friend and confidante. Despite her discomfort with being seen with Baltar, she believes someone should show him "the tiniest bit of human decency" given that he is a pariah among his own people.

This relationship causes considerable controversy within the Quorum. President Tigh is particularly incensed and requests a formal censure against Kiera. However, the Quorum only gives her a private reprimand and suggests strongly that she refrain from appearing in public with Baltar in the future. Privately, Tigh warns that if Kiera ignores their concerns, Baltar will be returned to Icarus and imprisoned for life.

Kiera objects to the tracebomb implant used to monitor Baltar, viewing it as a wholly inhuman form of punishment. She argues passionately in Baltar's defense, claiming he has answered every question posed to him and provided information about the Cylons that he would never have given if he were truly their ally. She accuses Tigh of being "blinded by his own pain" and calls him "the monster" for not allowing Baltar to enjoy a single meal in peace.

When confronted by President Tigh at a restaurant where she is dining with Baltar, Kiera refuses to explain herself or leave, insisting that Baltar is free to move about the fleet and that she will discuss the matter at the next Quorum meeting. Her defiant response and defense of Baltar fills Tigh with dread, as he realizes that if Baltar has convinced an intelligent woman and skilled diplomat like Kiera of his innocence, it would be simple for him to win over others.

Baltar cultivates this relationship carefully, visiting Kiera's quarters and preparing warm suppers for her, complete with ogliv wine and kirasolis candy—her favorite. He tells her she is "the one person who has believed in me from the beginning," though Baltar privately recognizes that Kiera did not always believe in him and uses her guilt over this to manipulate her. The relationship progresses to the point where Baltar holds her hand, kisses it gently, and speaks of "a new beginning."

Their relationship becomes even more intimate over time. President Tigh discovers them in Baltar's quarters locked in a passionate kiss, with Baltar's hands in her hair. When Tigh intrudes, Kiera reacts with outrage at the violation of privacy, though Tigh reminds her he is fully empowered to enter the living area of any prisoner and that Baltar remains exactly that—a prisoner. Tigh threatens to report the incident to the Council and request her immediate dismissal from the Quorum.

During another visit to Baltar's quarters, Kiera experiences a disturbing phenomenon. She enters to find the room in total darkness, far beyond normal shadows—a blackness so complete it seems to swallow all light and sound. She senses multiple presences and hears muffled voices. The darkness seems almost material, writhing and flowing like black water, accompanied by a cold wind and liquid chuckling sounds. When the darkness finally dissipates, she finds Baltar seated on his lounge, rising to greet her and informing her sorrowfully that the fleet is at war again.

Personality

Kiera is described as an attractive older woman and an intelligent diplomat of extraordinary experience and skill. Despite this intelligence, she proves susceptible to Baltar's manipulation, accepting his version of events regarding the Fall of the Colonies even though he orchestrated the false peace initiative that led to the destruction of the Twelve Colonies.

Her personal losses during the Fall—the death of her husband and daughter—may contribute to her willingness to see Baltar as a victim rather than a perpetrator. She displays a defiant streak when confronted by authority figures about her relationship with Baltar, refusing to be intimidated even by the President of the Quorum.

Notes

• Kiera's relationship with Baltar represents one of his most successful attempts to rehabilitate his image within the fleet, demonstrating his extraordinary ability to manipulate even intelligent and experienced individuals.
• Her defense of Baltar focuses on his cooperation with the Quorum and his provision of information about the Cylons, rather than denying his role in the betrayal of the Colonies.
• The strange darkness Kiera experiences in Baltar's quarters may be connected to Count Iblis or other supernatural forces that have influenced Baltar throughout his life.