When a Rebel deep space probe detected the containers the Alliance dispatched a lone R-22 Spearhead to investigate further. Either due to poor preparation or training, the Imperial forces sprung their trap on the R-22 rather than waiting for a full recovery operation. However, the R-22 pilot was able to destroy the waiting TIEs and scan the containers before the Merciless arrived. Shortly after the Merciless began launching fighters of its own, the R-22 fled into hyperspace. The Alliance later recreated the mission as a simulation for training new pilots.