Battlestar Galactica (2003)

Edward James Olmos: Commander Adama

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Quotes 

• [his decommissioning speech] 

  Adama : The Cylon War is long over, yet we must not forget the reasons why so many sacrificed so much in the cause of freedom. The cost of wearing the uniform can be high, but...

  [very long pause] 

  Adama : sometimes it's too high. You know, when we fought the Cylons, we did it to save ourselves from extinction. But we never answered the question "Why?" Why are we as a people worth saving? We still commit murder because of greed and spite, jealousy, and we still visit all of our sins upon our children. We refuse to accept the responsibility for anything that we've done, like we did with the Cylons. We decided to play God, create life. And when that life turned against us, we comforted ourselves in the knowledge that it really wasn't our fault, not really. You cannot play God then wash your hands of the things that you've created. Sooner or later, the day comes when you can't hide from the things that you've done anymore.

• Adama : [watching Dualla and Keikeya flirting across the bridge]  They better start having babies.

  Tigh : Is that an order?

• Laura Roslin : There's no Earth. You made it all up. President Adar and I once talked about the legends surrounding Earth. He knew nothing about a secret location regarding Earth, and if the President knew nothing about it, what are the chances that you do?

  Adama : You're right. There's no Earth. It's all a legend.

  Laura Roslin : Then why?

  Adama : Because it's not enough to just live. You have to have something to live for. Let it be Earth.

  Laura Roslin : They'll never forgive you.

  Adama : Maybe. But in the meantime I've given all of us a fighting chance to survive. And isn't that what you said was the most important thing, the survival of the human race?

• Adama : [sensing despair at the funeral service after the battle at Ragnor]  Are they the lucky ones? That's what you're thinking, isn't it? We're a long way from home. We've jumped way beyond the Red Line into uncharted space. Limited supplies. Limited fuel. No allies. And now no hope! Maybe it would have been better for us to have died quickly back on the colonies with our families instead of dying out here slowly in the emptiness of dark space. Where shall we go? What shall we do? "Life here began out there". Those are the first words of the sacred scrolls. And they were told to us by the Lords of Kobol many countless centuries ago. And they made it perfectly clear that we are not alone in this universe. Elosha, there's a 13th colony of humankind, is there not?

  Priest Elosha : Yes. The scrolls tell us a 13th tribe left Kobol in the Early Days. They traveled far and made their home upon a planet called Earth, which circled a distant and unknown star.

  Adama : It's not unknown. I know where it is! Earth - the most guarded secret we have. The location was only known by the senior commanders of the fleet, and we dared not share it with the public. Not while there was a Cylon threat upon us. For now we have a refuge to go to. A refuge that the Cylons know nothing about! It won't be an easy journey. It will be long and arduous. But I promise you one thing. On the memory of those lying here before you, we shall find it. And Earth will become our new home. So say we all!

  Galactica Crew : So say we all!

  Adama : [louder]  So say we all!

  Galactica Crew : So say we all!

  Adama : [very much louder]  So say we all!

  Galactica Crew : [louder]  So say we all!

  Adama : [standing at attention with the crew]  So say we all.

  Priest Elosha : So say we all.

• [Talking to Starbuck over the radio] 

  Adama : Morning, Starbuck, what do you hear?

  Starbuck : Nothin' but the rain.

  Adama : Grab your gun and bring the cat in.

  Starbuck : Aye-aye, sir.

• Laura Roslin : I don't know why I have to keep telling you this, but the war is over.

  Adama : It hasn't begun yet.

• [on the Galactica's 1-MC after news of the attack came in] 

  Adama : This is the Commander. Moments ago, this ship received word of a Cylon attack against our homeworlds is under way. We do not know the size or the disposition or the strength of the enemy forces, but all indications point to a massive assault against Colonial defenses. Admiral Nagala has taken personal command of the Fleet aboard the battlestar Atlantia following the complete destruction of Picon Fleet Headquarters in the first wave of the attacks. "How? Why?" doesn't really matter now. What does matter is that as of this moment, we are at war. You've trained for this. You're ready for this. Stand to your duties, trust your fellow shipmates, and we'll all get through this. Further updates as we get them. Thank you.

• Adama : We're in a shooting war. We need something to shoot.

  Tigh : I'll start checking munitions depots.

• Adama : Saul, take personal command of the DC units.

  Tigh : [Looks incredulous]  Me?

  Lt. Felix Gaeta : [to Adama]  Sir, the stern thruster's still locked open. We need you.

  Adama : [Still to Tigh]  You're either the XO, or you're not.