I really think the scene with the baby was an attempt at compassion (from a Cylon mind.)
Consider:
6 Knew that a nuclear attack was about to happen. While that might guarantee the death of the child, it by no means guarantees that the death will be instant or painless. The baby could have been:
-savagely burned;
-shredded by flying debris;
-trapped under rubble to die of thirst or internal bleeding;
-killed by radiation.
Perhaps the Cylon considered it an act of mercy. I do not suggest that was actually merciful, only that the Cylon might have perceived it to be merciful.
Slashdot Mirror
I really think the scene with the baby was an attempt at compassion (from a Cylon mind.) Consider: 6 Knew that a nuclear attack was about to happen. While that might guarantee the death of the child, it by no means guarantees that the death will be instant or painless. The baby could have been: -savagely burned; -shredded by flying debris; -trapped under rubble to die of thirst or internal bleeding; -killed by radiation. Perhaps the Cylon considered it an act of mercy. I do not suggest that was actually merciful, only that the Cylon might have perceived it to be merciful.