Too Close For Comfort? 



By Zandra, Political Analyst 



Siwan 14th, 7359 CS Yarhen (Caprica City Courier) -- Inter-Colonial 
Broadcasting's newest program has caused quite a stir among political circles as 
the Council of Twelve begins its annual session. 



While Warship Stellaria professes to be fiction, it provides a platform for 
commentary on current events within and without the Colonies.  The program has 
brazenly displayed military leaders as blundering idiots, fighter pilots as 
barely functional individuals outside of their cockpits, and support crews as 
oppressed laborers. Most surprising of all, the program has questioned the 
motives behind the Colonies' Thousand Yahren War with the Cylons. 



The reaction to Stellaria has ranged from admiration for addressing complicated 
issues related to the long-running conflict to outrage and calls that those 
involved should be prosecuted for treason. 



Regarding this commotion, Sire Melicertes, the creator and overseer of the 
program, has previously stated:  "In light of the events at the Cosmora 
Archipelago and the loss of the Battlestar Pegasus at Molecay, it is only 
fitting that the Colonies re-evaluate the military and political aims of the 
Colonies.  The value of examining these issues in a fictional framework is that 
it places no blame on any one person." 



One person charged with the responsibility and authority of considering such 
matters is Councilor Baltar of Sagitari.  Elected to the Council a bare two 
yarhens ago, he has made the investigation of the Colonies' military operations 
one of his highest priorities. 



Despite the hectic schedule of the Council of Twelve, Councilor Baltar 
graciously granted the Courier a few moments of his valuable time to provide his 
opinion on these matters. 



Caprican City Courier:  "Councilor, you have stated that you intend to 
investigate the Colonial military operations." 



Councilor Baltar:  "With major defeats in recent yahrens resulting in all but 
the total loss of the Fourth and Fifth Fleets, I would be remiss if I did not 
take all steps needed to determine the truth behind our failures.  Should this 
pattern continue, it would only be a matter of time before the Cylon forces are 
at our door.  Something I doubt anyone wants." 



CCC:  "No.  Have you discussed your intentions with Commander Adama?" 



Baltar:  "I have had preliminary discussions with my honoured colleague on the 
Council." 



CCC:  "Has the Commander expressed any resentment that you, a civilian, are 
questioning his authority?" 



Baltar:  "Not any more than any other Councilor has for his - or her - 
colleagues.  We are all jealous of each other. . . particularly when another's 
interests are at odds with one's own." 



CCC:  "So he has been reluctant to agree to your investigation?" 



Baltar:  "It is his right and duty to uphold the honour of those serving under 
him.  I would expect no less of him.  I have every expectation that Councilor 
Adama will be able to set aside any personal feelings to address the problem in 
an objective manner. Indeed, I expect that he should be able to elicit answers 
by virtue of his military position that I, a mere civilian, could not." 



CCC:  "In other words, it is in his interest to determine the causes of the 
recent military defeats." 



Baltar:  "Exactly, and I may render him assistance in this by providing an 
outside perspective, to note things that he may overlook by virtue of being too 
close to them." 



CCC:  "Regarding a different perspective, have you any opinion of your fellow 
Sagitaran's program?" 



Baltar:  "I assume you are referring to Warship Stellaria, Inter-Colonial 
Broadcasting's latest epic?" 



CCC:  "Yes.  It seems a fortuitous coincidence that this program should be 
airing now just as you have made it public that you intend to investigate the 
Colonial military." 



Baltar:  "I can assure you, I have no connections with it.  At most, it provides 
evidence that a significant portion of the populace is not happy with the state 
of Colonial affairs, both military and political. As I'm sure you've noted, not 
everyone shares in the praises of this program." 



CCC:  "Do you personally have any opinion regarding the program and its 
depiction of events?" 



Baltar:  "It conforms to the accepted standards of the Colonies' policies on 
broadcasting.  I can not fault those involved with expressing their views, 
although they choose to do so within the guise of fiction.  At the very least, 
it provides some amusement after dealing with the Council." 



CCC:  "I take it you are not impressed then?" 



Baltar:  "I would prefer to leave the opinions of Warship Stellaria to the 
Courier's entertainment section where it belongs."