Editing Interception of Cylon Tankers

{{Battle Data
| name= Interception of Cylon Tankers
| image= SOSW - Cylon Tanker Side.png
| description= Interception of Cylon Tankers
| conflict=[[Escape from the Cylons (TOS)|Escape from the Cylons]]
| date=
| place= [[Krillian Star System]]
| result=Tankers destroyed<br/>Cain relieved of duty
| combatant1=[[Silver Spar Squadron]] <br/> [[Blue Squadron (TOS)|Blue Squadron]]
| combatant2=[[Cylons (TOS)|Cylons]]
| co1=[[Cain (TOS)|Commander Cain]]
| co2=unknown
| strength1=Two [[Viper (TOS)|Viper]] Squadrons
| strength2=[[Cylon Raider (RDM)|Cylon Raiders]]
| shiploss1=none
| shiploss2=Many Raiders <br/> Two [[Cylon freighter (TOS)|Cylon Tankers]]
| casualties1=none
| casualties2=Many Centurions
| prev=[[Harassment Fires to Vipers by Vipers]]
| next=[[Battle of Gamoray]]
| series=TOS
}}

The '''Interception of Cylon Tankers''' is an engagement between {{TOS|Viper}}s and {{TOS|Cylon Raider}}s during a planned interception of two [[Cylon freighter (TOS)|Cylon Tankers]] before they arrive at [[Gamoray]]. This is the first of only two joint operations between ''{{TOS|Galactica}}''{{'|s}} and ''{{TOS|Pegasus}}''<nowiki>'</nowiki> Viper squadrons.

==Planning==

A meeting of Commanders [[Cain (TOS)|Cain]] and {{TOS|Adama}} convenes on ''Galactica'', during which a plan is proposed by Adama to intercept Cylon Tankers to provide desperately needed fuel for {{TOS|the Fleet}}. Cain agrees to the plan reluctantly, preferring to seize fuel by attacking the {{TOS|Cylons|Cylon}} [[Gamoray|base on Gamoray]] instead. 

Adama also orders the combination of ''Galactica''{{'|s}} {{TOS|Blue Squadron}} and ''Pegasus''<nowiki>'</nowiki> [[Silver Spar Squadron]] in order to boost morale and further integrate the two fighting forces. Cain initially objects on the basis of Silver Spar's greater experience in such hit-and-run attacks, but later concedes to Adama's order while boasting that his [[Warrior]]s would be glad to pass along their experience to ''Galactica''{{'|s}} Warriors. 

==Operation==

During pre-launch aboard ''Pegasus'', Lieutenant [[Sheba]] discovers that Commander Cain has joined the mission, effectively assuming command of the operation. This also surprises the pilots of ''Galactica''{{'|s}} Blue Squadron who were also uninformed about Cain's participation. 

Prior to detecting the tankers, Cain noted that he could "sense them" before they appear on [[scanner]]s. 

Cain orders the two squadrons to split up in two groups. When closing to the Cylon tankers directly Blue Squadron is intercepted by Cylon Raiders by surprise. Blue Squadron seems at the mercy of the Cylons until Silver Spar Squadron engages. The tide turns and only two raiders get the chance to try an escape. Cain orders Blue Squadron to pursue the fugitives while he goes off to take care of the tankers. 

Cain destroys the tankers against orders, deliberately hoping to force Adama's hand in attacking Gamoray. Following Apollo's return to the tankers' last location and noting that Cain had been attacking, Cain informs the disbelieving Apollo that he had been firing at a Cylon fighter, claiming it to have been "clear as the [[Nubian sun]]" {{OS|The Living Legend, Part I}}.

== Aftermath ==
The after-action report notes that the tankers were destroyed by "incidental fire," which had been supported by ''Pegasus'' pilots, including Sheba. However, Adama saw through this and Cain's destruction of the tankers briefly cost him command of ''Pegasus'' replacing him with Colonel {{TOS|Tigh}}. Refusing to attack Gamoray, Adama orders the distribution of ''Pegasus'' burgeoning reserves amongst the Fleet. 

With Adama's refusal to attack Gamoray, the sole survivors of the Colonies might well have ended near the [[Krillian Star System]] without any fuel in a hopeless battle with {{TOS|Baltar}}'s three {{TOS|basestar|base ships}}. Fortunately, Adama's caution and Cain's "tactical wizardry" [[Battle of Gamoray|save the day]].

== Notes ==
* ''Pegasus'' executed similar operations in the past in order to secure fuel and other war materiel to hassle the Cylons.

==Unanswered Questions==
* Why don't the Cylons scuttle their tankers during the engagement? Was an attempt made to do so?
* Why did the last two Raiders retreat instead of trying to destroy the tankers?

[[Category:A to Z]]
[[Category:Colonial]]
[[Category:Colonial Battles]]
[[Category:Colonial Battles (TOS)]]
[[Category:TOS]]