Quorum of Twelve — Political council with representatives from each of the Twelve Colonies

resurrection chamber — Liquid-filled chamber designed for the rebirth of slain human-form Cylons. Rebirth is often traumatic, so other Cylons are present to ease returning Cylons back into the world.

resurrection ship — Vessel employed by Cylons to resurrect Cylons who die far from their homeworld. The exact range of the Cylons' "upload" ability is not known, but Cylons operating more than several light-years from the homeworld require these ships as an essential support mechanism.

RFN — "right frakking now"

sacred scrolls — Set of writings that form the basis of the polytheistic Colonial religion. They contain a history of humanity and recount life on Kobol before the great exodus and the legend of Earth. The Scroll of Pythia is believed by some to foretell humanity's current exodus from the Twelve Colonies.

sit-rep — "situation report"

skin-job — Slang term used by humans for the human-looking variety of Cylon

stims — Stimulants, often used to function for long periods of time without sleep. In the episode "33," Viper pilots resorted to taking stims when they were forced to fend off Cylon attacks every 33 minutes for five consecutive days without rest.

tylium — Mineral that can be refined into a vital fuel and power source for space vessels. In the episode "The Hand of God," Apollo leads a Viper squadron against a Cylon-controlled tylium refinery.