Tigh (TOS-BN)

Surrender the Galactica!

Colonel Tigh serves as Commander Adama's executive officer and trusted aide aboard Galactica.

Character and Professional Relationship

Tigh maintains a close working relationship and personal friendship with Commander Adama, built on years of shared military service. Their professional bond extends back to their younger days when Tigh and Adama served together as fighter pilots, forming a partnership comparable to that of Apollo and Starbuck in their generation.

Adama trusts Tigh completely, often relying on his aide's methodical approach to handling both routine operations and crisis situations. Adama recognizes that Tigh will always deliver information systematically, noting "he's just waiting for us to land. Then he'll tell us. He always does this kind of thing methodically."

Post-Yevra Communications

When Adama returns from the Yevra mission, Tigh manages communications from the bridge, coordinating with the returning squadrons. However, Adama detects something unusual in his aide's voice that suggests concealed problems, noting both to Apollo and himself that Tigh's voice "sounded strange."

SuperViper Project Advocacy

Colonel Tigh serves as a strong advocate for technological advancement within the Fleet, particularly supporting research and development initiatives. During discussions about the experimental SuperViper project, Tigh champions the importance of technological progress, stating "It's the only way to improve our technology" when Adama expresses concerns about dangerous test flights.

His support for technological advancement extends to defending the Research and Development teams, suggesting that they "take some pride in their achievements, too" when Adama criticizes their naming conventions for new projects.

SuperViper Test Flight Operations

Tigh plays a crucial role in the SuperViper test flight operations, serving as the bridge coordinator for the experimental fighter's launch procedures. He works meticulously with Adama to oversee countdown procedures and monitor the craft's performance during its dangerous test flight.

When the SuperViper nearly crashes into Galactica during the test, Tigh witnesses the close call alongside Adama. The incident prompts Adama to share memories of their own dangerous flying experiences, including a "suicide move against that Cylon attack" above Tauran, where both officers received reprimands for their reckless tactics.

Encounter with Baltar

Tigh's confrontation with the disguised Baltar demonstrates both his observational skills and his physical courage. Despite Baltar's altered appearance, Tigh recognizes him while investigating suspicious activity near the shuttle bays, where he discovers Baltar attempting to dispose of Captain Ironhand's body. Tigh states "It's Baltar, isn't it? All dolled up and changed, but Baltar."

This recognition leads to a physical altercation where Baltar, enhanced by Cylon conditioning, manages to overpower and knock out the experienced officer. Tigh remains unconscious until awakened by the rumble of Baltar's sabotage bomb explosion.

Crisis Response During Spectre's Assault

During Spectre's assault on the fleet, Tigh demonstrates his dedication to duty despite personal injury. After being attacked and knocked unconscious by Baltar, Tigh returns to bridge duties with visible injuries, including blood on his fingers and head trauma.

Despite his injuries, Tigh immediately resumes his command responsibilities, participating in critical strategic discussions about the fleet's response to Spectre's surrender ultimatum. He firmly opposes capitulation, stating, "We can't surrender the fleet. The Cylons'd slaughter everyone."

When Apollo and Starbuck propose using the SuperViper as a desperate countermeasure, Tigh efficiently coordinates the deployment despite the craft's previous test failures. He personally escorts Starbuck to prepare for the dangerous mission, demonstrating his hands-on leadership style during crisis situations.

Combat Operations and Bridge Command

Tigh coordinates numerous bridge operations throughout the crisis, including monitoring Viper squadron launches and coordinating with repair crews. During the battle, he provides critical updates to Adama about squadron readiness and manages communication with engineering teams working to restore ship functionality.