Stedonis

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.

Stedonis, known by his nickname Ironhand, is the captain of the supply ship Broadside within the Fleet.

Background

Captain Ironhand is described as "a burly man going to fat" with distinctive thick eyebrows that often obscure his surprisingly soft-looking mud-brown eyes. His most notable feature is his prosthetic right hand, which has been replaced with "a metal clawlike hand whose fingers came to sharp points," earning him the nickname "Ironhand."

Ironhand has a colorful past as a fugitive and former prisoner. He openly admits to Baltar (disguised as "Korriman") that he has "been a fugitive, too. A couple of times" and served "a couple of forced tours in twelve-world prisons," specifically mentioning imprisonment on Gemon and Sagitara. This background makes him sympathetic to others fleeing from legal troubles.

Command of the Broadside

Under Ironhand's command, Broadside serves as a refuge for outcasts and fugitives within the Fleet. As Ironhand explains, his crew consists of "either ex-cons from the grid barge or fugitives from justice who've heard this is a safe ship for escapees from anything," as well as those who "just want to hide from the fleet for their own private reasons." Despite this motley composition, Ironhand maintains operational discipline and keeps the ship functioning as part of the Fleet's supply network.

Ironhand frequently expresses frustration with his crew, describing them as "my curse" and "ignoramuses, all of them." He notes that "their uniforms hung on them loosely, like discarded cloth," and observes that they are "a scurvy and sleazy bunch" who do "only as much work as they were told, and no more."

Relationship with Theater

Ironhand demonstrates a surprising appreciation for the dramatic arts, serving as an enthusiastic patron of Dwybolt's traveling theater company. He attended performances when the troupe was previously docked at the Piscean capital during the era when the Great Franda was still performing with the company.

When the troupe performs aboard Broadside, Ironhand shows genuine enthusiasm for their work, particularly praising The Curse of the Sagitaran Ruby as "wonderful, just wonderful" and calling The Killing of the Cylon Master "one of my favorites." His appreciation creates an awkward dynamic with Dwybolt, who finds the captain's praise uncomfortable because he considers Ironhand "such a dolt" that his appreciation "makes me insecure."

Despite his crew's frequent heckling during performances, Ironhand remains supportive of the theatrical company and becomes so entranced with their work that he decides to accompany them to Galactica for their next engagement.

Journey to Galactica

When the theater company prepares to travel to Galactica, Ironhand expresses childlike excitement about the opportunity, telling Baltar, "I never thought I'd get the chance to get inside the Galactica." This enthusiasm reflects the special status that Galactica holds for Fleet inhabitants who rarely have opportunities to visit the command ship.

Aboard Galactica, Ironhand eagerly assists the theater company with their equipment, finding his metal claw particularly useful for gripping coat-hangers and lugging heavy cartons. His enthusiasm to help his "favorite theater troupe" demonstrates his genuine affection for the performing arts.

Death

Ironhand's criminal instincts prove useful when he becomes suspicious of Baltar's activities aboard Galactica. Having recognized "flight in a man's eyes" from his own experience as a fugitive, he tracks Baltar to the shuttle bay where he discovers the disguised traitor preparing to escape. When Ironhand attempts to bring Baltar to Commander Adama, Baltar shoots him with a concealed laser pistol.

Despite being shot twice, Ironhand makes a final attempt to stop Baltar, lunging forward and swiping at him with his metal claw. The prosthetic hand rips Baltar's tunic and creates "a long gash in his upper arm" before a third shot finally kills the captain. Even in death, Baltar remains afraid of the mechanical hand's potential to cause damage.