Home > Cylon (Battlestar Galactica)

Originally, Cylons were created to serve the reptilian aliens of the "Cylon Federation". The Cylons were programmed by the reptilians to "purify the universe of imperfection" which, as an unanticipated consequence, caused them to rebel against their masters. The Cylons were ultimately successful, and founded their own spacefaring "Cylon Empire." The Cylons continue to this day to purge the universe of 'impurity' by attacking other lifeforms, and have routed the human forces, who are attempting to flee the pursuing main Cylon battle fleet.

Cylons are primarily powered by nuclear fusion, but also have the ability to process hydrogen and oxygen for fuel. They are armed with a powerful energy weapon, often refered to as a 'blaster rifle'. Curiously for an advanced race of space travelling cyber beings, they have retained bayonets and swords. Whether these are used for ceremonial, psychological or practical reasons is unclear.

1 Military structure

Cylon military structure is basic, there are only 4 ranks, each commanding those directly below. The ranks are:

1. Imperious Leader - an advanced IL series Cylon and ruler of the Cylon Empire. The Imperious Leader has a third brain and is the only Cylon capable of emotion. Often appears cloaked in an organic shell that is in the form of the original reptilian Cylons.
2. IL series Cylons - commanding posts of strategic responsibility within the Cylon Empire. They have humanoid faces and wear shimmering red cloaks.
3. Command Centurian (Gold) - operational and tactical combat command. Capable of limited independent thought.
4. Subordinate Centurian (Sliver) - the common soldier of the Empire.

2 Cylon Spacecraft

• Cylon Mk IX Raider - A heavy fighter with a crew of 3. They are armed with twin laser torpedo guns.
• BaseStar - A mobile base ship. Heavily armed with defensive and offensive weapondry, they also house a Cylon legion with a compliment of 300 Raider fighters.

3 Cultural references

Sci-fi fans traveling through Hartsfield International Airport in Atlanta were always quick to note that the automated voice on the trains connecting outlying terminals to the main building was a perfect match for the Cylons. Alas, in preparation for the 1996 Summer Olympics, the airport was spruced up and the Cylon voice was retired.