Athena (TOS-BN)

• In the novelization of "Saga of a Star World," Athena is a blonde while Cassiopeia is a brunette.

• In the casino, when Cassiopeia storms away from Starbuck, Athena angrily hands him the room key and leaves as well. Later, Athena regrets not having stayed with Starbuck. She believes she could have made him forget about Cassiopeia.

• In one of the subsequent books, it is said that Athena realizes that her brother Apollo is her father's favorite, and she is okay with it. She also accepts her role on the bridge partly because it's enough of a burden for her father to have to deal with Apollo's life being constantly in danger.

• In The Nightmare Machine, Adama lets her join a Viper squadron to help fight off the Cylons.

In Surrender the Galactica!, Athena has evolved into a multifaceted officer serving on Galactica. She has come a long way from the uncertain young woman who had been embarrassed by her responsibilities as a bridge officer, now commanding respect and acquiring a fine record as a fighter pilot.

Teaching and Academic Responsibilities

Athena serves as a teacher for children aboard Galactica, conducting classes every fifth duty-period. Her classroom activities include hosting guest lectures, such as when Cassiopeia presents a talk on basic hygiene. She also lectures on tactics at Cadet Academy, writes manuals, and maintains her own studies while continuing her bridge duties.

During her teaching, Athena demonstrates care for her students, particularly Boxey, whose absence from class due to his disappearance deeply concerns her. She becomes visibly emotional when discussing his situation, with her eyes misting over when expressing hope that he remains safe.

Bridge Officer and Fighter Pilot

Athena serves as a bridge officer under her father, Commander Adama, and has established herself as a capable fighter pilot. She participates in search and rescue operations, including the mission to locate the missing Apollo and Boxey in the lower tunnels of Galactica.

When alerts are called, Athena demonstrates her commitment to duty, understanding the conflict between personal and official obligations. She helps guide her fellow warriors to their duty stations during emergency situations.

Relationships and Personal Life

Athena maintains a complicated history with Starbuck, describing herself as "one of the throwaway pages from his little black book." When questioned about this by Hera, Athena displays a pragmatic attitude about Starbuck's womanizing ways, advising that it's "best to ignore it, ignore him" while acknowledging that "he's a good guy, really."

When Hera and Cassiopeia plan a theatrical revenge against Starbuck, Athena declines to participate, stating it's "not my style" and explaining that as the commander's daughter, "some dignity was required of her." She wonders if this makes her pompous but ultimately chooses to support her friends rather than join their scheme.

Athena also shows a close relationship with Boxey, who affectionately calls her "Auntie Athena," though she prefers "Aunt Athena" as the former makes her feel old. Their conversations reveal her ongoing single status, with Boxey noting that she hasn't "had a date since Muffy was a pup," and their discussion touches on her past relationship with Starbuck.

Physical Description

Athena is described as having black hair, soft blue eyes, and pale complexion. Her appearance is enhanced by the unreal bright light of the bridge. She is notably shorter than Hera, feeling "like a shrimp" next to the tall Vailean woman.