Survivors: 47,958

Air Date: February 4, 2005

Starbuck is shot down by a Cylon Raider and abandons ship on a hostile planet. She seeks shelter in the downed raider and discovers that it is a living organism. She figures out how to fly it and makes her way back to Galactica. Meanwhile, Adama and Apollo have launched a dangerous rescue mission and are trying to find Starbuck. When Roslin finds out that they are risking the rest of the fleet, she takes them to task. As the fleet is about to leave, a lone raider appears. Lee tries to engage it but it outmaneuvers him until he is able to see its underbelly -- Starbuck has written her name on it. Adama and Starbuck reconcile. On Caprica, Helo and Boomer 2 are separated.

When Lt. Kara Thrace goes missing in action after encountering a Cylon patrol while on a training mission, Commander Adama feels responsible, especially in light of her recent admission that she blames herself for his son Zak's death.

Both Adama and Lee devote the full resources of the fleet to search for their missing fighter ace, causing some to wonder if it's worth risking the lives of 45,000 people to save one downed pilot. When President Roslin questions their motives and points out that Kara's oxygen was exhausted hours ago, they reluctantly call off the search.

But they haven't counted on Kara's resourcefulness and courage. Stranded on a red moon, her knee a twisted wreck, she struggles to relaunch a damaged Cylon fighter and return to Galactica.

Favorite Lines

• Starbuck (to the Cylon Raider as she is gutting it): Bite me, and I'll bite you back.

Lingering Questions