| Ben Stark | |
| |
| Name | Ben Stark |
| Actor | Avan Jogia |
| Debut | "Pilot" |
| Origin | Caprica |
| Profession | Student STO Soldier |
| Status | Deceased |
| Family | Natalie Stark, mother |
Ben Stark is a Soldiers of the One suicide bomber who blows up the MAGLEV train in Caprica City. His girlfriend, Zoe Graystone, is one of the fatalities. ("Pilot")
Background
Ben lived with his mother in Caprica City, where he attended the Athena Academy with Zoe and Lacy Rand. His best friend was Keon Gatwick. ("Pilot") ("Reins of a Waterfall")
Religion
Displeased with the deities ruling over Caprica, whom he felt were an apathetic cabal, Ben became a disciple of the One True God. Introduced to the concept by Clarice Willow, he was subsequently recruited to the militant, monotheist terrorist organization, Soldiers of the One. Ben witnessed to his fellow classmates, recruiting Zoe and Lacy in turn. ("Pilot")
Lacy, Zoe and Ben make the Monotheist sign to reaffirm their resolve before leaving for Gemenon.
Ben takes it upon himself to initiate an act of terrorism on behalf of the STO. On the day that he, Zoe and Lacy are bound for Gemenon, they go to the Caprica City MAGLEV station. Growing more and more anxious as they approach the train platform, Lacy changes her mind at the last minute and decides to stay. Zoe is disappointed, but she and Ben push onwards. Aboard the train, a sweaty and apprehensive Ben apologizes to Zoe, saying that it is God's will. He detonates the bomb strapped to his chest, crying aloud that the One True God shall drive out the many. Over five-hundred people perish in the explosion. ("Pilot")
Keon tells Lacy that Athena Academy's STO membership dissolved without Ben. They were a small group - just Ben, Keon, Pann and Hippolyta. ("Reins of a Waterfall")
Warning Signs
On Aprilus 9 YR41, a year before Ben's suicide bombing of Train 23, he was picked up by the GDD for breaking curfew. In his possession were items that could be used to build a bomb. Ben claimed they were for building model rockets. Released with a warning, the incident report was misfiled after Agent Youngblood misspelled his name as 'Ben Starke. The issue is rediscovered by GDD Director Gara Singh, who replays the taped encounter for Agents Jordan Duram and Youngblood. Singh insists that they need to be better, as they had their chance at Stark and wasted it. After destroying the tape, Duram seizes the opportunity to obtain a warrant to search Zoe's possessions, known to be a close associate and mistakenly suspected of being the bomber. ("Reins of a Waterfall")
Due to the lack of evidence to the contrary, and Amanda Graystone's public confession, Zoe Graystone is widely acknowledged as the bomber of MAGLEV Train 23, rather than one of the victims. Ironically, since her death, Zoe's belongings and classmates have been heavily scrutinized while any real investigation into Ben has effectively ceased. ("Rebirth") ("Reins of a Waterfall") ("Gravedancing")
References
- See also MAGLEV bombing