“War of the Gods, Part II” is episode sixteen of season one of the classic series of Battlestar Galactica.
In the previous episode, “War of the Gods”, Count Iblis said he would deliver their enemy. And Baltar arrived on a Cylon Raider, was brought before the Quorum of Twelve, found guilty of treason and sentenced to spend the rest of his life in the prison barge.
Baltar objects that they can’t do this; they need each other as there’s a greater power that will destroy them unless they unite. Iblis speaks to him, and Baltar says he recognises the voice. Iblis makes him kneel and Adama orders him removed.
Afterwards, Iblis says he promised two other things. One to lead them to earth; the other they still need to choose. Meanwhile, Iblis heads off to join the celebration. The Council of Twelve wants to vote him president but Adama wants to adjourn for the day.
Iblis heads to see Baltar in his cell. Baltar refuses to sit and says he cannot be forced again. And he remembers the voice, the voice of the Cylons’ Imperious Leader. Which leads to a discussion about how, if the Cylons recorded Iblis’ voice, Iblis would need to be over a yahrens old.
Athena wants Adama to come watch the Triad game, especially as Apollo deciding not to play has caused dissension in the fleet. Boxey finds Apollo; Boxey’s friends say that Apollo is afraid he’ll lose to Boomer and that will prove Iblis is smarter than Adama. Apollo says he isn’t playing because there are friends of his missing. He’s just happy for Boomer to win for once. Adama overheard and after Boxey leaves convinces Apollo to play because of Iblis.
Whilst waiting to go on, Boomer comments to Iblis and Sheba that he’d give anything to beat Apollo once. Iblis offers to help and asks how badly he wants to win.
Afterwards, Starbuck complains to Apollo that everyone seems happy they lost. Iblis greets them and invited them to join the party. Sheba offers to dance with Apollo and Starbuck says afterwards that he though Iblis was interested in her. Iblis doesn’t see why she should be limited to one man, or why he and Starbuck should be limited to one woman, an idea Starbuck likes. Apollo makes a comment to Sheba about her preferring Iblis which sparks an argument.
The strange ships are flying around Galactica again and Adama joins Tigh on the bridge. Many of the personnel are missing; it seems they partied a little too hard. Iblis granted permission. The Viper pilots aren’t responding to the alert.
Apollo turfs Boomer and Starbuck, who have overdone it, out of their bunks. Iblis comes in and Apollo launches himself at the count until his father tells him to back off. Iblis isn’t impressed and says he may relieve Adama of military command.
Iblis is definitely keeping secrets and likely isn’t as helpful as is being made out. Neither Adama nor Apollo trust him and plan to dig deeper into his origins. And there are still the strange ships and the large, city-like ship of light.