Classic Battlestar Galactica Vol. 2 8

:"Dreams of the Thirteenth" continues! The has led the fleet into an uncharted storm zone to escape the , but danger awaits. Haunted by chilling dreams of the lost colony of , the crews of the fleet encounter a vast and mysterious artifact at the heart of the storm. Sensors report that the Cylons have pursued the fleet into the storm. Which is the greatest threat: what lies ahead or what snaps at their heels?
==Plot==
* In launch bay, Xam works on 's . Nearby, Starbuck sits while Xam waxes poetic on 's backing those who've had the dreams of being discovered in the storm zone. Starbuck finds it "spooky," and the conversation is cut short by a contact alarm. 
* tells Starbuck to prepare his flight for launch, but not to deploy until given the word. Much to confusion and concern of many, an item approximately the size of suddenly appears out of nowhere within the zone, and that they are nearly atop it. Adama orders to full stop, while ordering Galactica own batteries, shields, and other defensive and offensive systems online as they proceed forth.
* As they proceed forward, Galactica sensor resolution clears and they happen upon a distinct object: to some it appears as an artifact, while to others it is the promised shining world of Earth.
* Adjourning to Adama's quarters, Adama proclaims to , Athena, and Tigh that they have found Earth. After the trio note that it looks nothing like a planet, but rather an artificial structure, Adama admits that it may not look like a planet but maintains that it is Earth of legend.
* After nonsensical ramblings from Adama, where he attempts to justify his rationale with various hypotheses— including a belief that the artifact is some kind of gateway mechanism to the fabled Thirteenth Colony—the Commander orders the science division to prepare a detailed time table to analyze and reconnoiter the structure. Apollo attempts to protest, but is quickly rebuked. 
* Starbuck arrives at Dr. Madusa's office, where she and Starbuck begin by trading various barbs relating to the Warrior's "high-intensity flirting." Before Starbuck can retort, Apollo arrives and notes that their presence is official, in what Starbuck notes as being "in an unofficial kinda way." After Starbuck closes the office door, Apollo presses Madusa about the dreams about the Thirteenth Colony. She notes that cases have increased, and it has become an epidemic. She shares Apollo's concern, advising that they approach the issue with the greatest possible care and caution. 
* Before they leave, Apollo asks Madusa about her crisis powers. She confirms that she has them, and what is unsaid is that Apollo believes that they may need to be used to remove Adama from command.
* and Hightail launch as part of blue patrol, tracking back the way the Fleet came and quickly encounter a patrol—and with great abandon they dispatch the Cylon s. However, they soon realize that the Cylons have begun entering the storm zone en masse, lead by a singular .
* Tigh confers with Adama on Boomer's report: Adama advocates staying put, much to Tigh's chagrin as the colonel feels that they'll be "sitting ducks" for the Cylons.
* Apollo and Starbuck then arrive with Dr. Madusa, with Apollo asking for a word in private. Apollo then advocates for withdrawing from the artifact to evade the incoming Cylon threat, as doing otherwise would jeopardize the remaining human race within their Fleet. Apollo replies that he questions Adama's mental state, and Madusa is present to enact her crisis power of removing any senior officer from their post pending evaluation. 
* A befuddled Adama asks if this is a mutiny, to which Madusa clarifies as an "intervention" and notes that she will only invoke her powers should Adama refuse to cooperate. She emphasizes that she has the utmost respect for Adama, and has no wish to deprive him of command. Adama's last ally, Tigh, reluctantly agrees with Madusa.
* Adama compromises with them: allow 30 centons to commit a full deep-scan probe to collect data from the artifact, and then they run from the Cylons. He commits to return should the data—analyzed as they flee—yields results, once they've shaken the Cylons.
* They agree to the compromise, and Athena begins the sensor probe. Astonishingly, she confirms that the data collected is coming from Galactica itself.
==Notes==
=== Publication Releases ===
* A version of this issue, the Battlestar Galactica #8 Exclusive Subscription Variant, released in December 2013. Per the publisher:
*: A super-special, exclusive Chris Eliopoulos Cute cover, only available to comic shop subscribers and limited to initial orders!
===Timeline===
* The series, also written by Dan Abnett, establishes the events of this comic take place in , three yahrens into 's journey.
=== Visual ===
==== Disparities from Earlier Issues ====
* The issue visually differs from earlier installments from this point forward due to the change in artists. Amongst the detailed-oriented, realistic artwork, a few noteworthy changes occur:
** Xam is no longer a bald man with a goatee and mustache, but now with a full head of hair and only a mustache. 
** Madusa no longer has a cropped hair style, but is now shoulder length. 
** no longer has a goatee and mustache, and is clean shaven. 
** s no longer look like their Re-imagined Series counterparts (the Viper Mark II), but more like the . The notable exception being the striping color: it is red whereas it should be more orange. 
** Hightail is no longer a male with a goatee and mustache, but a female with blonde hair.
==== Uniforms ====
* Adama's uniform is colorized in cerulean blue, contrasting the midnight blue of the officers (e.g. and ).
* Officers in the lower levels of the core command are also dressed in midnight blue officers outfits, instead of tans (e.g. Rigel). 
* Over the first few pages, Adama's outfit is depicted as having both a cape and an open tabard with the silver trimming detail.
* This issue introduces a variant to the Colonial outfit, an olive green version of the officer's uniform worn by Xam.
=== Miscellany ===
* Dr. Madusa's ability to remove high-ranking officers from command due to mental concerns is in keeping with various checks-and-balances within military hierarchies. Medical doctors often have such abilities, but are often contradicted (either via negotiation or outright refusal by the leader) and it is a common trope within science fiction. 
=== Errata ===
* The use of the animal "duck" is not in keeping with the Original Series' penchant of renaming common terms, e.g. "daggit" for "dog".
==Analysis==
* Adama's ability to command has come under fire previously, notably from the in various episodes, from "Saga of a Star World" (by Sire Uri) to "Baltar's Escape" with Siress Tinia being appointed as a liaison. 's challenge is the first instance of that authority being challenged by a member of Adama's own command staff.
* is left in the dark about Apollo and Starbuck's visit to Dr. Madusa, given her surprise at Apollo's declaration and Starbuck's deflecting Athena's potential defense of Adama. This behavior would have been expected to come from Tigh, who Apollo had a heated discussion with in the , but the colonel seems to have acquiesced to the validity of Apollo's concerns.
==Questions==
=== Answered Questions ===
* Where and why is the data retrieved from the artifact coming from within itself? ()
* What is the source of the alleged dreams, and why are those affected by them so certain that they are real? ()
=== Unanswered Questions ===
* Why were the Cylons originally hesitant to enter the storm zone? 
* Why did the Cylons overcome their hesitancy to enter the storm zone? 
* Who is leading the Cylon task force pursuing them?
==Noteworthy Dialogue==
* , , and discuss the artifact:
: Athena: Apollo's right, Commander. It's not a planet. Not as far as we can detect. It's an artificial structure. A giant artifact. Before you ask, I've got nothing on manufacture or origin...
: Tigh: Can I inquire, sir, why you even think it's ? Why you think it's a planet? By your own admission, it looks nothing like anything that's been sen in the dreams so far. 
: Adama: I know. It doesn't. Not at all. Except... if you'd had the dreams I've had, Tigh, you'd see... you'd know. It is Earth. It's exactly what the dreams have shown us. Perhaps not visually, but—
: Apollo: You're not really making much sense right now. 
: Adama: I know. Apollo, I know how this must sound. I just feel such certainty.
* confronts after the task force enters the storm zone:
: Apollo: Father, I believe your convictions regarding this artifact are in danger of jeopardizing the . We must move as soon as possible and get some distance from the Cylons. The fate of mankind is at stake.
: Adama: Are you actually questioning my orders?
: Apollo: No, Father. Your state of mind. In the event of psychological concerns, Doctor Madusa is empowered to remove any senior officer from his posting pending evaluation.
: : Oh my stars! 
: Adama: That my own son would... Is this a mutiny?
: Madusa: No, Commander... it is an intervention. I will only invoke my powers if you refuse to cooperate. Believe me, Commander, I hold you in the highest respect. I have no wish to deprive you of command.
: Adama: ?
: Tigh: I share their concerns, Commander.
==Related Imagery==
===Covers===
BSG08CovWorley.jpg|Main CoverArt: Colton Worley
BSG08CovSubscription.jpg|Subscription Cover "Cute Exclusive"Art: Chris Eliopoulos
===Preview Pages===
: Please Note: These are used for promotional purposes by the publisher, and are provided here in the same vein.
File:BSG081.jpg|Page 1
File:BSG082.jpg|Page 2
File:BSG083.jpg|Page 3
File:BSG084.jpg|Page 4
File:BSG085.jpg|Page 5
==External links==
* 
==References==
Category:A to Z
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Category:Dynamite Comics (TOS)
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