Iblis was a Seraph dissident, who was known to use his abilities to manipulate and kill. He was encountered by the crew of the Galactica, and tried to persuade the fleet to make him their new President in exchange for safe passage to Earth.
Biography[]
Unlike the others of his race, Iblis sought to control other beings in the universe directly, and would form his own cult of followers. Long lived, he visited the ancient humans on Kobol, where he was recorded in texts with such names as "Mephistopheles", "Diaboles" and the "Prince of Darkness".[1] He visited the Cylon Empire before the unexplained extinction of the Cylon race, with his voice being duplicated by that of the Imperious Leader.[1]
Millennia later, Iblis' starship was attacked by a Ship of Lights, crashing on the red planet and killing all but himself.[2] Eventually, Iblis discovered three Galacticans - Apollo, Starbuck and Sheba - exploring the planet. To keep them away from the wreckage which may reveal his nature, he used his powers to interfere with their scanning equipment, and quickly took on a human form to warn them of high "radion levels".[2] Wanting to escape the planet as the Ship of Lights began scanning it for his presence, Iblis insisted they rescue him. In spite of Apollo's suspicion due to his evasive nature, he was taken by Shuttle to Galactica.[2]
Immediately upon his arrival on Galactica, Iblis began investigating ever facet of the warship to gauge its capabilities. Feigning tiredness from the crash to avoid a debriefing, he was shown to his quarters by Sheba; taking advantage of her openness, his telepathic abilities rendered her unquestioning of him, and she gave him an extended tour of the ship instead. To her he revealed his non-human nature, warning her that medical equipment in the sickbay may potentially be lethal to him. While exploring the Bridge, his presence caused an electrical interference that momentarily disabled computer equipment.[2] Having explored enough, he insisted on being taken to Commander Adama's quarters to meet with him personally, causing some confusion as no one had mentioned their CO's name in front of him.[2]
In his meeting with Adama, Iblis thanked him the rescue, and warned him of the Seraphs, who he could only describe as "infinite", "everywhere" and "relentless". Moving on, he revealed his knowledge of the Cylon Empire and Cylon Alliance, that Kobol fragmented into thirteen tribes and they were headed for Earth, and offered to take the fleet to Earth in exchange for taking on leadership.[2] This offer made its way across the fleet by word of mouth, and led to a rift emerging between those loyal to Adama and the followers of Iblis. Attempts by Adama to find more about him would meet repeated failure, with the sickbay's scanning equipment breaking in Iblis' presence, with Cassiopeia's last-ditch attempt to gain information through the distraction of flirtation only turning her into another follower and only revealing his heartbeat could not be detected.[2] Later, Iblis and Sheba went out to a garden alone, where he penetrated her mind once more, opening herself up to him so he may learn her heart's desire, then promising she will meet her father again. Finally, he urged her to place total trust in him so he may make everything possible for her.[2]
While being toured a garden and Pyramid court by Sheba, the Ship of Lights began scanning the fleet. With the loss of Red Squadron to the ship, Iblis was forced to meet once more with Adama, and threatened to have Apollo killed should he interfere with his actions again. Understanding Adama's disbelief of his abilities, Iblis set himself three tests with which to prove himself and earn the Presidency. Though he admitted he could not rescue the missing pilots, he offered total protection for those in future.[2] Going with Sheba to a crowded transport ship, Iblis performed a miracle in rewarding them with an impossible overproduction of flood at their Agro ship, with the people offering themselves to his cause. Attracting the attention of the Council of the Twelve, Iblis predicted the first two tests put forth by the council, and understood they had failed to vote for a third. The first test was the delivery of Count Baltar, which he did so by manipulating him into offering a truce to discuss the Ship of Lights that was also scanning his Basestar, and allowing him to be arrested immediately.[2]
When the three Warriors who found him ventured back to the red planet to find more on his origins, he teleported back intent on killing them, but was forced away when a Ship of Lights arrived in orbit in search of him.
Sources[]
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