Unveiling the Enigma: Unraveling the Secrets of the Acmarans in Battlestar Galactica

The Battlestar Galactica universe has been brought to life in the pages of comic books by various publishers. These publishers have taken on the challenge of expanding the story of the Colonial Fleet and their relentless foes, the Cylons, throughout different stages of the series. Marvel Comics was the first to adapt the ABC television series into a comic book, with a monthly run that lasted from March 1979 to January 1981. They produced a thrilling total of 23 issues.

In 1998, Realm Press took over and released a special single-issue called "Search for Sanctuary." They continued with standalone comic stories that explored various aspects of the Battlestar Galactica universe. Their efforts culminated in the introduction of the Battlestar Galactica Season 3 monthly comic series. Sadly, the series came to an early end after just three issues, marking the conclusion of Realm Press's involvement in the franchise.

One of the most noteworthy additions to the comic book series of Realm Press was the introduction of the Acmarans. This mysterious species assumed a central role in the narrative arcs titled "The Law of Volahd, Part 1" and "The Law of Volahd, Part 2." The inclusion of this novel species added an enticing layer of complexity to the expansive Battlestar Galactica universe.

Who Were the Acmarans?

The Acmarans possessed distinct physical characteristics such as deep blue skin and humanoid bodies. They considered Salis their sacred homeland, bestowing upon it the title of the "city of perfect peace." However, unbeknownst to many, Salis concealed a dark secret. It served as a site for sinister Cylon experiments on living organisms. Overseeing these operations with meticulous care was Volahd, a Cylon who disguised themselves as the Acmarans' divine entity.

In this alternative narrative, the Acmarans once enjoyed a spirited and freedom-loving society until Taron rose to power. Under the pretense of their so-called "true god," Volahd, this new leader promised peace and security. However, this promise came at a great cost, as many Acmarans mysteriously vanished. These missing individuals became victims of cruel Cylon experiments, transforming them into unrecognizable creatures in order to fulfill Volahd's promise of a "new life."

In the midst of this chaotic era, a force field, powered by cyranite, surrounded the city of Salis. This force field had a dual purpose: firstly, it protected the Acmarans from the dangers of the universe, ensuring no escape; secondly, it enforced complete isolation, cutting off all external communication. The concept of "perfect peace" was strictly enforced, and anyone labeled "evil" by Volahd faced swift and severe punishment, even death itself. Beneath the calm facade of Salis, an oppressive underbelly of control existed, with cries for freedom silenced by Volahd's fanatical religious fervor and the sinister experiments conducted by the Cylons.

What Happened in ‘The Law of Volahd?’

Following the catastrophic "Hand of God" events, which left the Fleet in a critical situation due to fuel depletion, a glimmer of hope appeared. Long-range scans revealed promising planetary systems abundant in mineral deposits and tylium. To explore this potential, Adama halted the Fleet's progress and dispatched a patrol team led by Apollo, accompanied by Starbuck, Lomis, and Colin.

As the patrol descended into the planet's atmosphere, they were filled with awe at its breathtaking beauty. However, to their surprise, they also detected signs of life that had previously gone unnoticed during the orbital scans. Aware of potential threats, Apollo instructed Colin to conduct sustained long-range scans, focusing in particular on elevated cyranite levels.

During Colin's journey upward, his spacecraft collided with an unexpected energy field. In a state of panic, Lomis, in an effort to evade an imminent attack, crashed into the same energy barrier. Apollo urged his team to maintain their positions, thoroughly examining the surroundings for any approaching threats. Boomer's report confirmed the destruction of both cadets' vessels at the same high altitude, escalating the tension among them.

The surviving members of the patrol chanced upon an alien metropolis, where they were warmly received by representatives led by Taron, who were fluent in their language and familiar with their customs. Taron extended a hospitable greeting and identified the local inhabitants as the Acmarans, the residents of the renowned city of Salis, emphasizing its reputation as a haven of "perfect peace."

Starbuck, doubtful of this declaration, mentioned the recent obliteration of their fighters. Taron pretended to be unaware, attributing their peaceful coexistence to the protection and guidance of their god, Volahd. Averna, a female Acmaran, clarified that only Taron had direct communication with Volahd, and Volahd had commanded that the Warriors be allowed to enter. Upon entering the center of the city, the crew discovered the source of the force field. When asked about their unhindered entry into the planet's atmosphere, Taron explained that it was facilitated by Volahd's divine will.

Highlighting their necessity for cyranite, Apollo and Starbuck sought Taron's help in acquiring the resource peacefully. Averna relayed their request to Taron, who seemingly agreed, claiming to have received a divine mandate from Volahd. However, he responded with a puzzling utterance of "Akmarod," resulting in the sudden and forceful restraint of the Warriors. With a foreboding authority, Taron brandished a staff pulsing with electrifying energy, signifying Volahd's decree and condemning them to death. The charged staff struck Starbuck, sending a surge of agonizing current through his body.

On the Galactica, a hidden Cylon code was detected through a growing signal strength. Tigh's report highlighted the sudden loss of communication and scans from all Fleet vessels. This indicated that the baseship was heading towards the planet where the patrol had landed, signaling a dangerous and imminent encounter.

Meanwhile, in Salis, Averna exposed the dark truth of Taron's enforcement of Volahd on her people. He promised them peace and safety in exchange for their personal freedoms. Averna recounted her escape from the cruel "new life" process, which involved mechanization and twisted experimentation. Her story provided a firsthand glimpse into the suffering inflicted on her people by their supposed guardian.

Starbuck and Boomer found themselves trapped in the inner sanctum of Volahd, discovering that he was actually an IL-series Cylon, demolishing their belief in his divine identity. Refusing to accept this truth, Volahd ordered their immediate extermination, resulting in a intense clash between the Warriors and their captors. Amidst the chaos, Taron's true mechanical nature was revealed, contradicting the illusion of a benevolent "gift."

Defying all odds, Starbuck aimed a charged staff weapon at Taron, further exposing the deceptive nature of the so-called "gift." Consumed by anger and hopelessness, Taron caused mayhem in the city by hurling a severed Centurion head into an energy column, causing the force field protecting Salis to rupture. Taking advantage of the ensuing chaos, Starbuck and Boomer seized the opportunity to escape from their captors. Apollo swiftly took control of a Viper spacecraft to confront the approaching Centurion division.

Averna joined the battle, uniting with others to successfully escape as the baseship crashed into Salis, breaking the oppressive force field and restoring communication with the Galactica. Outside the city, they discovered other survivors who had evaded Volahd's control. These brave Acmarans ignited a spark of hope for Averna's battered people. "The Law of Volahd" in the Battlestar Galactica comic series tells the tale of the Acmarans, highlighting the complexities of power, deception, and the fight for freedom. Through Averna's unwavering spirit and the heroic efforts of Apollo, Starbuck, and their comrades, the story celebrates the triumph of resilience against oppression.