With a source of water located in the ice caps of a nearby moon, replenishing Galactica’s water supply will be a more daunting task than expected, requiring a crew of at least a thousand workers. Commander Adama proposes using men from the Colonial fleet’s prison ship as a labor force, but President Roslin balks at the thought of anything that could be construed as using slave labor. She sends Apollo to the prison ship Astral Queen to offer points toward amnesty for any prisoners willing to help, but only one man speaks out – Tom Zarek, a political prisoner with a controversial past. Some, such as Galactica bridge officer Dualla, consider him a terrorist, while others follow Zarek’s insistence that he is a prisoner of conscience. What everyone can agree on is that Zarek is a charismatic leader, and he already has control of the Astral Queen. A quick rebellion turns the visiting Galactica officers and what few prison wardens haven’t been swayed by Zarek into hostages. Zarek, insisting that President Roslin was not democratically elected and therefore has no constitutional claim to the office of President, demands that elections be held immediately. Roslin refuses to negotiate with Zarek, and Adama assigns a team of snipers led by Starbuck to retake the Astral Queen. But Apollo may be able to reach another solution, something that gives everyone – even Zarek – what they want to resolve the crisis.
written by Toni Graphia
directed by Allan Kroeker
music by Richard Gibbs
Guest Cast: Richard Hatch (Tom Zarek), Michael Hogan (Colonel Tigh), Aaron Douglas (CPO Tyrol), Tahmoh Penikett (Helo), Kandyse McClure (Dualla), Paul Campbell (Billy Keikeya), Alessandro Juliani (Lt. Gaeta), Connor Widdows (Boxey), Alonso Oyarzun (Socinus), Nicki Clyne (Cally), Pat Adrien Dorval (Wilkiens), Ron Selmour (Seaborne), Matthew Bennett (Aaron Doral), Brent Stait (Mason), Graham Young (Marine #1), Curtis Hicks (Marine #2), Colby Johansson (Flat Top)
Notes: Richard Hatch starred in the original Battlestar Galactica series as Apollo (and ironically shares most of his scenes in this episode with Jamie Bamber, the new Apollo). Brent Stait was one of the original cast members of Gene Roddenberry’s Andromeda, and played the role of Rev Bem for the first two seasons until allergic reactions to his character’s elaborate make-up forced him to leave the series.
Original UK Airdate: November 1, 2004
LogBook entry by Earl Green
Having triumphed against Number Two, Number Six is finally on his way – so he thinks – to meet Number One. But first, he has one more trial to undergo, though he can’t tell if he is the defendant…or the judge. The impetuous Number 48 is brought before him, held in contempt for his youthfully rebellious attitude. Number Two is miraculously brought back from the dead, though he seems unaware that his reign has ended. Number Six finally embarks on the final leg of his quest, but he is unprepared for the revelation that he may, in fact, already be Number One. written by Patrick McGoohan
written by Stephen Baxter
