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**INCOMING TRANSMISSION FROM THE RAVEN HEADQUARTERS**

On this day of the 6th of February 2018, the Battlestar Raven would like to welcome its new Tactical Officer, Lt. Fred “Harfang” Landry. Lt. Landry was the sole survivor of Battlestar Excalibur of the Colonial Defense Forces, who used to patrol the skies of Canada. Battlestar Excalibur was destroyed in battle. Wanting to get back to serving the Colonial Fleet, he transferred aboard Battlestar Raven and became her new Tactical Officer.

So, please join me in welcoming the newest member of the Raven Command Staff, Lt. Fred “Harfang” Landry.

Lt. Landry, please report the Raven Executive Officer Major Steve “Kreios” Tweed for your newcomer’s briefing.

~Raven Actual

Oh BABY!  Quick! Somebody give me some cubits! Give me some cubits! Number Six, you have some STIFF competition! Oh goddesses of desire! I'll give you a lube job any where, any time! Wuhoo! Come on, seriously! Give me some cubits! Give me some cubits! 

https://www.maxim.com/gear/pole-dancing-robot-strippers-ces-2018-1

Yuval Harari is one of Israel's top experts on transhumanism, brain hacking, etc. Much of what he has talked of before is exactly like the skin job cylons or Blade Runner stuff.

**** Newest Info Will The Future Be Human? Touches on downloading brain data into replacement bodies.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=npfShBTNp3Q

Jump to 21 minutes to get to the topic. Otherwise the entire interview is enlightening to show what those who are developing this technology are up to, and disturbing. In some interviews he has discussed the REALITY of using chips to collect human thoughts, memories, and emotions and download them into a replacement body. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z1LVCEVYDw0

The End of the Biological Era And The Rise Of Machines

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IoowkkeagYw

Techno-religion of transhumanism.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FzitBZApt0Q

The End of the Biological Era And The Rise Of Machines

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IoowkkeagYw

**** Newest Info Will The Future Be Human? Touches on downloading brain data into replacement bodies.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=npfShBTNp3Q ;

Some More Stuff
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lsxhvvUfjek

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qc4v7AvqigU

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT:
FEBRUARY IS INTERCOLONIAL  DOPAMINE AWARENESS MONTH (DAM).

February is Dopamine Awareness Month. Valentine's Day is a special day set aside for Dopamine Awareness. Dopamine is the venom that is on the tips of Cupid's arrows.(Remember that Cupid has been determined to be a Cylon agent acting to bring about disruptions and chaos throughout the Colonies where ever possible. He is ont of their most effective Psy-Ops agents).  Dopamine is a chemical in the brain that causes one's heart to float in the clouds, a strange butterflies flying in the stomach sensation, and of course temporary mental retardation as the brain's cognitive faculties are impaired. It is also responsible for feelings of attraction and bonding, such as one may feel for a puppy or their new born child. Dopamine should be treated as any other common intoxicant. When one is initially attracted to someone else, their brain is flooded with Dopamine, they lose all common sense, and become addicted to said individual. This is also called EROS. It is self centered and usually sexual "love," but it does not last, because just like any other drug, the body develops a resistance to Dopamine, and "That Loving Feeling" goes away. It is at this point most relationships are at risk of ending abruptly, as the individual seeks more stimulation from other sources to satisfy the desire for a Dopamine fix. However, in some cases EROS is supplemented by PHILEO AKA PHILIA, a more mutual sort of "love. " This is more of a sharing, give and take sort of relationship. Dopamine is still injected into the brain, but in more reasonable doses, and cognitive functions are less effected, hence less temporary mental retardation. Such a relationship has a better chance of lasting longer, however, if one partner feels they are giving and not receiving, the relationship again faces abrupt termination. However, if EROS and PHILEO are also supplemented by AGAPE, there is the greatest chance for a successful life long relationship. AGAPE is "love" that has no limits. and does not depend on the response or reaction of the other partner. There typically is little or no Dopamine release into the brain with AGAPE, so all cognitive functions remain in tact. Each type of "love" serves its purpose. Eros causes initial attraction and procreation. However, Eros deters mental function, so after a few months the body becomes immune to it in order for Phileo to kick in. This is a bonding "love" that a mother has for her new born child, for example. It is the "love" that motivates both partners to prepare for the child's arrival. After a period of time, Agape kicks in to help the family to raise the child until adulthood. Agape has no limits. It is the sort of "love" that a loyal dog has for its human. Agape love is required in raising a family, because the child will go crazy at certain phases in its life and drive the parents nuts. All inferior types of "love" would result in the child's death, mutilation, or expulsion from the family unit. Agape motivates the parents to overcome the emotions and difficulties they face and continue on unto the end. Agape always seeks what is best for the one "loved," so it is also involved in tough love and letting go if that is in the best interest of the other. A Dopamine intoxicated mind is not capable of such selfless actions.
So, please keep all of this in mind, and if at all possible, seek out, destroy, maliciously murder, mangle, mutilate, and utterly annihilate Cupid. And JUST SAY NO TO DRUGS. JUST SAY NO TO DOPAMINE! JUST SAY NOPE TO DOPE! Thank you for your attention.

https://realtruelove.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/stock-illustration-18831077-brain-vs-heart1.jpg?w=640

http://www.msn.com/en-us/tv/news/tv-vet-donnelly-rhodes-of-battlestar-galactica-and-soap-dead-at-80/ar-BBI8CVf?li=BBnbfcL

© Provided by TVLine

FIRST CONTACT

Dradis operator - Multiple new Dradis contacts! I have one large bogie, escorted by eight smaller craft. Probably a heavy raider with 8 escort raiders.
Commander- Roger that. Launch all vipers.
XO passing on the command- Launch all vipers! Repeat, launch all vipers. Engage multiple bogies closing in on the fleet. Launch all vipers!
Moments later the the CAG- I have bogies on Dradis and we will have visual in a centon. I have visual contact. Bogies do not appear to be any of any known Cylon configuration. Appears to be one large craft that is towed by 8...ummm...organic life forms.
XO- Come again CAG. Have you been into my stash of Ambrosia?!
CAG-That's a negative. Bogie is one large craft being pulled by 8 creatures that appear to be mammalian in nature. No idea how they are surviving in outer space. The large craft has a very large humanoid aboard. Very fat. No space suit.
XO- It's a frakin' Cylon trick. Weapons free!
CAG- Roger that, weapons free!
President- Hold your fire! This may be our first contact with Earth.
Commander- Try to make contact. Broadcast on all known bands. Hostile greeting.
Crewman- Aye sir! Broadcasting hostile greeting in all known forms of communication. Sir. I seem to be getting a response.
Commander- Put it on speaker.
Crewman Aye sir. On speaker.
President- This is President Rosilin of the 12 Colonies...
Starbuck- I'm on his 6. One false move and blow his a-
Boomer- Starbuck, we should make sure they are not from Earth. This may be first contact.
Starbuck- Frak that!
President- Hold your fire Starbuck. Attention unidentified craft. We come in peace. Identify your self.
Unidentified craft- Ho! Ho! Ho!
Starbuck- What tha FRAK!?
Boomer- He just called us all hoes!
President- Unidentified craft. This is-
Unidentified craft- Like I said, you're all naughty hoes. You banged one of your students when you were a teacher, then you banged President Adair Adar, and now you're doing the Commander of the fleet! Starbuck? Boomer? They're as bad as Baltar...who is ALSO on my naughty list along with his Number 6. And Apollo! You're always stabbing your Dad in the back! What's with that?!
President- I WILL KILL YOU AAAAAAALL!!!!
XO- What should we do Commander?
Commander- Sometimes you have to roll a hard six.
Unidentified craft- Yeah, your XO's a lush and your Commander has a serious gambling habit. No wonder you lost the war! You were ALL very naughty!
Commander- Starbuck, what do you hear?
Starbuck- Frak! One of them just took a dump and got felgercarb all over my cockpit window! After I fry his ass, nothing but the rain.

TO BE CONTINUED...

Tonight the Raven Battlegroup was scheduled to host combat drills. Instead we encounter an unexpected visitor.  You can read the transcript below.

Col. Keith "Leonidas" Ranson

OK, All Batteries are manned and ready;MARDET teams in position; DRADIS is clear

Col. Keith "Leonidas" Ranson

Flight deck on standby

Me

Copy that! The Raven is on standby also

Me

Action stations: Action stations. Dradis contact! Deploy all fighters and raptors to investigate

Me

Draidis shows an unknown contact possibly a basestar with 9 smaller contacts escorting it

Col. Keith "Leonidas" Ranson

Gremlin raptors 363 and 366 on alert five for CSAR

Col. Keith "Leonidas" Ranson

Not picking up any Cylon IFF, so classify as bogey..

Me

Freya in Raptor 220M is ready for launch.

Col. Keith "Leonidas" Ranson

Launch when ready...trireme will track..

Me

Gremlins and Seekers will investigate the bogey and report back

Col. Keith "Leonidas" Ranson

 (363 away....

Me

Freya launching in 3..2..1.. 220M away

Me

Gremlins on me.

Col. Keith "Leonidas" Ranson

 (roger that)

Me

ECO keep that dradis sweep and let me know if anything changes

Col. Keith "Leonidas" Ranson

 (picking up nothing)

Me

This is strange the bogey is moving slowly.

Me

it doesn't move like the cylons

Col. Keith "Leonidas" Ranson

 (Must be overloaded with something....scans show no radiologicals)

Me

we are not in visual range yet

Me

no other contacts showing on Dradis

Col. Keith "Leonidas" Ranson

 (Dradis is clear except for bogey one)

Me

but I am picking up some strange sounds over the wireless

Me

do you hear that?

Col. Keith "Leonidas" Ranson

 (Woah!.....jingle bells?)

Me

coming into visual range now. I can see a red light

Me

ts not moving so it may still be a raider..

Me

some new cylon technology?

Col. Keith "Leonidas" Ranson

 (Well, we didn't get any intel as such....approach with caution...)

Me

copy that

Me

Gremlin 366 take the lead go in for a look

Me

ECO anything new on the Dradis?

Col. Keith "Leonidas" Ranson

 (Now picking up strange voice...sounds like an old man laughing...)

Me

Negative Freya

Me

this is Freya I am also in visual range. you wont believe this.

Me

It most certainly not the cylons

Col. Keith "Leonidas" Ranson

 (Unidentified craft....you are approaching the rave battle group...I detify at once..)

Me

"Ho Ho Ho Merry Christmas *bells jingling"

Col. Keith "Leonidas" Ranson

" HO HO HOOOOO...MERRY CHRISTMAS RAVEN BATTLE GROUP! THIS IS COMMANDER KRINGLE..MY CALL SIGN IS SANTA...REQUEST PERMISSION TO LAND ABOARD THE RAVEN.."

Me

I am taking photos for visual reference sir. it appears to be.. 9 strange animals tethered together pulling a sleigh

Me

Raven this is Freya what are my orders?

Col. Keith "Leonidas" Ranson

Commander Kringle..this is the gunstar trireme...state youyr intentions..

Col. Keith "Leonidas" Ranson

"HO HO HO! I WANT TO DELIVER PRESENTS TO ALL THE GOOD COLONIALS IN THE GROUP...YOU'VE ALL BEEN GOOD! I HAVE LOTS OF PRESENTS FOR YOU ALL...EVEN YOU COLONEL LEONIDAS! HO HO HO!"

Me

Sir what are my orders? Do we allow him to come aboard?

Col. Keith "Leonidas" Ranson

Trireme to freya..as far As I know...he's friendly...escort him to the raven,yet, have the MARDET standing by..just in case...

Me

Roger that Trieme

Col. Keith "Leonidas" Ranson

We still have not picked up any radiologicals..

Me

Commander Kringle permission granted I will escort you all the way

Me

please acknowledge

Col. Keith "Leonidas" Ranson

"HO HO HO,ROGER THAT! "

Me

Gremlins stay sharp

Col. Keith "Leonidas" Ranson

 (We're on him...wow...never thought I'd be this close to santa...)

Me

we are approaching the battlegroup now

Col. Keith "Leonidas" Ranson

"SPEED ID ONE ZERO SIX...I HAVE THE BALL>>>"

Me

copy that

Me

Santa has landed onboard the Raven

Col. Keith "Leonidas" Ranson

"SKIDS DOWN,SECURE MAGLOCK"

Me

This is Freya entering the landing pattern I have the ball

Col. Keith "Leonidas" Ranson

 (skids dowd..maglock secured)

Me

Trieme you better get over here. you will want to see this for yourself sir

Me

Skids down, maglock secure 220m back on board

Col. Keith "Leonidas" Ranson

On the way....Prep raptor 362 for immediate launch

Col. Keith "Leonidas" Ranson

 (it's ready sir)

Me

MARDET is on standby

Col. Keith "Leonidas" Ranson

XO, you hve the ship

Col. Keith "Leonidas" Ranson

 (Got it sir)

Col. Keith "Leonidas" Ranson

 (Raptor 362 launces and heads towrds raven)

Col. Keith "Leonidas" Ranson

This is trireme raptor 362,requesting hand on port landing deck

Col. Keith "Leonidas" Ranson

 (call the ball)

Col. Keith "Leonidas" Ranson

speed one zer one..I have the ball

Me

MARDET stand down.

Col. Keith "Leonidas" Ranson

 ( Raptor lands..Leonidas disembarks)

Me

I never thought I would actually see this. I thought he was just a myth

Me

it is santa claus and his sleigh.

Col. Keith "Leonidas" Ranson

Well, what does this jolly old man have?

Me

Santa Hands Leonidas a package

Col. Keith "Leonidas" Ranson

"HO HO HO! MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL THE RAVENS AND THE TRIREMERS! YOU'VE ALL BEEN GOOD BOYS AND GIRLS..SCRAPPING THOSE NASAT TOASTERS! HERE LEONIDAS,A CASE OF VINTAGE AMBRIOSIA!"

Col. Keith "Leonidas" Ranson

Wow, havent seen stuff that old in years..must bee good..thanks santa!

Col. Keith "Leonidas" Ranson

"AND FOR YOU FREYA..SOMETHING YOU'VE BEEN WAN TING.."

Me

Tauron Toothpaste?

Col. Keith "Leonidas" Ranson

Ho HO HO! The BEST STUFF IN THE COLONIES!

Me

*Santa hands out his presents to the rest of the colonials*

Col. Keith "Leonidas" Ranson

"AND, IVE GOT STUFF FOR DRAGONLADY,REAMER, ANAEAS,ICEWORM,MIK MO,HOTWIRE,BUNNY,FACEMAN,AND ALL THE GOOD GIRLS AND BOYS IN THE BATTLEGROUP! KEEP SCRAPPING THOSE CYLONS!"

Me

Thank you Santa

Col. Keith "Leonidas" Ranson

 (Deck crew starts singing 'Silent night')

Me

*Santa boards his sleigh*

Col. Keith "Leonidas" Ranson

HO HO HO,I'VE GOT OTHE GIFTS TO DELIVER TO THE COLONIES! MERRY CHRISTMAS! HO HO HO!"

Col. Keith "Leonidas" Ranson

 (Santa guides sleigh into launch tube)

Me

"MERRY CHRISTMAS TO THE RAVEN BATTLEGROUP. AND TO ALL A GOOD NIGHT"

Col. Keith "Leonidas" Ranson

Wow, do the people of earth celebrate like this...I heard they do

Me

 (Santa's sleigh takes off)

Me

Dradis shows Santa's sleigh. for a moment then it is gone

Col. Keith "Leonidas" Ranson

Well, time to hit the lounge..they've got something called egg nog,I hear..

Me

Copy that sir. I still cant believe what we just saw

Me

I better get this report written up

Me

Merry Christmas!

Col. Keith "Leonidas" Ranson

Well, in this universe...nothing's set in stone..

Col. Keith "Leonidas" Ranson

Merry christmas!

Col. Keith "Leonidas" Ranson  (Leonidas returns to trireme)

I hope everyone is having a wonderful holiday season. I want to apologize for my absence over the last couple of months. I have had a lot on my plate and I have not been able to be as active as I would like. I would like to have one last event before the year ends so in order celebrate the holiday season:

By the order of the CAG: All squadrons are requested to report for combat drills on Wednesday 12/20/17 at 6:00pm Central Time (US). We will be completing Combat launches and landings and will be assessed on our skills.

This is not just a request for the Airwing Only, we need to ensure the entire ship and Battlegroup is ready in case of an attack. All those who can attend (Marines, Gun Crews, etc) are invited to attend.

We all can use a little holiday cheer and companionship. I hear there may even be some ambrosia for celebration afterwards.

This Drill will be held in the Main Chat room on the BFC webpage. I hope to see everyone then for some good fun and celebration.

LT. Freya

Raven Ops

Okay, this may be a crappy topic for discussion, but I'll put it forth anyway. From The Original Series: Yes, they killed him off immediately in the theatrical version, but in the series he hounded, harried, and harassed the ragtag fugitive fleet constantly, accept when he was doing hard time in the Colonial Brig. Immediately after the attack on the Colonies, he was given three basestars and sent to finish off the human race. Okay, we know that Cylon Centurions as well as the IL units require no food or drink as sustenance, so there is no need for...facilities to deal with their waste byproducts. It would be easy enough for them to put a life time's supply of rations aboard a huge base star, so that's no problem for Baltar. Where he relieved him self, on the other hand might be a bit of a messier problem. There was no time to build restrooms, toilets, etc. for him. Okay, he was a guy, so he could whip it out and hose down the walls where ever he wished, and his shipmates probably would not care. How about felgercarb thogh? Did he do it dagget style where ever? Was that huge throne chair really a supersized toilet? How about toilet paper? Did he just use the cape of his IL unit? If so, that might explain its crappy attitude, but we simply do not know. There are those who believe that this would truly be a problem of stellar astronomical proportions over the years. Your opinions welcome. By your command.

Buzzsaw out.

Congratulations to all the new Ensign Pilots (salutes). It is tradition for newly commissioned officers attaining flight status to pay a cubit to the enlisted person rendering a first salute to them. Payments will be received in Joe's Bar, preferably before you get shot up by the Toasters. Also congratulations those attaining "Top Gun" status. And a special OORAH to the Pointy Nosed Viper Jocks and Rabid Raptor Drivers of the Raven Battle Group, you rock.  - Paul "Iceworm" Oakley, MASTER GUNNERY SERGEANT, NCOIC, Battlestar Raven Marine Detachment.

Colonials,

          I am back from being away handling all kinds of real life drama here and there.  B.S. out the wazu b/c just about everyone thinks they are Battlestar Galactica know it alls until proven wrong.  I am sure many of you know how that goes without saying.  Finally a bulk of my my time and finances has gone into helping as many folks that i know in Texas gulf coast Corpus Christi area.   Flying back and forth from New York City to Oklahoma and then back again.   Just total madness.  Obviously we can't control the weather and how many people forget they should actually look out for one another and help.

        I know many are still rebuilding, struggling and making due with what they have until they are back on track.  My mother has taken lots of my time which i don't mind.  However, the bulk of her family is in Puerto Rico and her family members had their houses flooded, but they are all alive and well getting back into action one day at a time.  I had to get my mother to Puerto Rico in order for her to deal with that and send my brother along with her to make sure she makes it back home after sometime there.

       As i stated before i am here didn't die yet knock on wood.   I have already started catching up on emails and submitted exams as well as  several "Re-submission" for Top Gun Status.   I well get those out as quickly as i can and back on point as i like to be.   Any one wishing to drop me a line can either via email CAG_VF84@yahoo.com or here in my inbox.  Thanks for taking time in reading this and i really appreciate it.  God Bless and be safe.

PS:  Please continue to support all of those folks needing assistance in Texas, Florida, Puerto Rico and every where else Mother Nature has unleashed her fury at.   SO SAY WE ALL! ~Salutes~

 In two weeks,Geeks from all walks of life will converge at the Crown Expo Center for Fayetteville's 3rd annual Comic-con!

This year, the big headliner will be the demigod himself,Mr. Lou Ferrigno,who first gained notoriety with his mano a mano battle against Arnold Schwartzenegger in the documentary 'Pumping Iron';He would go on to play the title hero in the '80s version of 'Hercules':

Oh yeah,He would also be famous for playing our favorite mean and green marvel hero,The Incredible Hulk;Yeah,the one nobody would like when he's angry.

Also appearing is Jack O'haloran,best known as Non,one of Gen. Zod's henchmen in 'Superman II';Described as A "Mindless abhoration who's only means of expression are wanton violence and destruction";I'm sure in real life,He's not  that description at all.

And...FLASH....AAAAAAA! Savior of the universe (aka Sam Jones) is returning! Last year,we didn't see any of ming's minions around,so, I guess he wants to make sure they don't come back!

In addition,We will have A couple of power rangers in the house;We have the voice behind the original gremlins,And lots of artists from all points in the comic book industry;Legendary marvel man Larry Hama was supposed to appear,but unfortunately had to cancel when the con was pushed back one week.

GUNSTAR TRIREME,the first gunstar chapter of the BFC,and first escort to the raven battle group,will be repping with A table of displays,Including a small tribute to Mr. Richard Hatch,who was announced as A guest one month before his passing;Our way of spreading his message: Keep The Faith.

And,there will be vendors,selling everything geek;We will have a DJ,entertaining the crowd; Gaming,cosplay,speed dating,tattoos,panel discussions,photo ops and much more!

So, if you happen to be in the sandhills that weekend,We welcome you to find out:

'IF IT'S GEEK,WE GOT IT!'

Thoughts and prayers for the victims of the recent quakes and their loved ones. 

Thoughts and prayers for those whose lives will be effected by Hurricane Irma and possibly Jose. Some of the islands have already been devastated.

Thoughts and prayers for those effected by Hurricane Harvey and their loved ones. It's still far from over, and it will be a good while yet before we know the extent of destruction from the storm and its aftermath.

 Covert intel obtained by the colonial ministry of defense has discovered that the cylons have established A station/listening post about 5km behind their side of the red line:

It is reported that this station is equipped with an advanced tracking system,capable of looking up to 30 km into colonial space;This will make it ideal to track colonial fleet movements approaching the red line;basically,an advanced early warning system;Any colonial fleet capitol ships approaching,even by FTL, can be tracked and identified before crossing the line;A huge advantage for them,since they are weary of us consistently knocking over their cookie jars.

However, the system has one flaw: anything smaller than A columbia class battlestar(i.e. Galactica) cannot be tracked;This can be exploited.

PLAN OF BATTLE 

The Battlestar Raven will stop at A point 10km short of the red line,and maintain A patrol posture; The Gunstar Trireme will skirt around  peremiter sectors,about 15 km, to A point behind the station;The gremlin raptors will launch decoy drones behind the trireme,giving off the signature of A mercury class battlestar;This will draw the attention of the basestar guarding the station,which will move to intercept;At the same time,raven blackbirds one and two will be in the vicinity,to monitor the movement;Once the base star has moved to intercept the trireme,Blackbird one will signal the raven air wing ,standing by at the red line,that the cylons have taken the bait;After that, blackbird two will fire A missile at the station's communications array,cutting them off from further help.

When the base star reaches the position of the trireme,The trireme will immediately engage with nukes;At the same time, the raven air wing will knock out the station's remaining defenses,their missile launchers,and raider squadrons. After they enemy defenses have been neutralized,the seekers will ferry the raven MARDET to the station to seize the tracking equipment;Once the marines have secured the equipment, they will exfil,leaving behind A 5kt demolition nuke;When the air wing has cleared the station,they will detonate the nuke;After which,the trireme will immediately execute the jump back to our side of the red line,rejoining the raven.

The  operation will be  in  BFC  forum chat,sunday night aug,27,at 8PM EST(5PM PST) or 2000 hrs. Any changes and/or updates will be posted.

'Leonidas',Commanding,GSR-0201

Friends,

I want to take the opportunity to urge all of you who can make it to attend the Salt Lake Comic Con Sep 21st-23rd.

This Con will be attended by our very own Jack Stauffer (Bojay) and Herb Jefferson Jr (Boomer).

Jack is planning a tribute to Richard while there...and I think that will be an experience for all those in attendance.

And for you guys who have never met Jack...well, that is an experience I can tell you! Fun guy, you'll love him!

And of course, Herb will be there too to round out the "warriors" club...good guy to remember the original masterwork with.

Back to Jack though (for all those who don't know it, several actors and writers from BSG original and re-imagined are members here), Jack among them...Hey, yo Jack!

(Drop the man a message and say hi!)..

Anyway, I urge those who can make it, take a look and get out there to Salt Lake City...maybe Bojay will organize a Steak House night (no, I'm not committing you to that Jack!)...but what fun to be sitting together shmoozing over Japanese food and drinks...and good company.

PS: i forgot to mention that the legendary Dick Van Dyke is headlining this show!

So Say We All!

Keep the Faith!

Shawn O'Donnell

President

Battlestar Galactica Fan Club

The battlestar thermopylae was one of A hand full of nova class battlestars in service with the colonial fleet just before the second cylon invasion;The Nova class was an upgrade from the mercury class;It survived the cylon onslaught probably because it's commander chose not to activate the new CNP program,which the cylons exploited throughout the fleet.

The thermopylae joined with other  surviving colonial fleet elements,and maintained subspace silence in case the cylons were  listening in on normal communications;They did however intercept  transmissions ;First, from the galactica,who was leading A fleet of civilian ships to A safe haven outside the system;Then,from the raven battle group,who was set to engage A large cylon group,led by cylon model zero, at the Omari nebula.

The thermopylaye,along with other surviving colonial fleet groups,went to the assistance of of the raven battle group,and was part of the colonial fleet's victory at the omari nebula.

THE MODEL KIT

This resin model kit of the nova class battlestar was supplied by Jack Burgin jr.,of the facebook group Colonial Fleet Shipyards:

The kit is about 22 inches long assembled,and consists of heavy resin parts; It is hollow cast,in case one wants to install lighting;Even though super glue,better known as 'CY',is generally recommended,For the major subassembly attachments,The best choice is to use standard gorilla glue(the foaming kind) for strength;Of course,read the directions.

Sometimes,resin parts  do warp,so, in this case,A good supply of carpentry C clamps is advisable.

The only mod I made to the kit was to it's stern section,around the FTL drive,which looked A little 'naked' to me;I actually had a spare pegasus kit in my stash,So, I armored up the rear superstructure to make it look closer to the more recognized version of A nova;Basically,you can call it A nova variant.

As for painting: After priming and an initial wash,I applied A first coat of model master AMC grey;Then,thinning out canada voodoo grey,and turning down the pressure on my airbrush,I went after the individual panel lines;A final dark wash and dullcote finished the ship.

The stand started as A wood plaque from A.C. moore;The columns were grecian columns from amazon,normally used to decorate fancy cakes,and attached to A specially cut piece of PVC pipe,to support the ship; The logos,made by my trireme XO,'bunny' nonemaker,were printed out,laminated,and applied to the base;These pictures were taken at A model club meeting  the previous evening by club president mike kloppenburg.

CONCLUSION

This kit was enjoyable to say the least;Now,as far As I know,It is still for sale at the group page,along with other BSG related kits,including the classic eastern alliance destroyers,cylon guardian basestars,cylon tankers,and assorted classes of colonial fleet ships.

At this time,I also have on order an ARES CLASS WARSTAR;This is simular to the monster titan class,except with the addition of two extra flight pods! According to info,It's at least  another size larger that the nova I just built;Very much anticipating the arrival of that beast!

If you are interested in adding one of these rare jewels,contact jack through the FB group 'colonial fleet shipyards';However,as far as I know, he also sells them on Ebay;Everything he produces is consistently in scale with the moebius galactica and pegasus kits;So, this could be an opportunity for one to build up A fleet of his/her own!

The caveat is this: After you order,It may take up to A year or beyond for it to ship;It's obvious that resin models,especially large ones, can't be produced overnight,especially when the caster has other commitments;However,If you have A sizable well of patience,the results will be indeed worth it!