Razor takes place during the first days of Adama's Pegasus command, during the period in the second half of season 2 between the episodes "The Captain's Hand" and "Lay Down Your Burdens". Flashbacks show Rear Admiral Cain's orders during and shortly after the Cylon attack, as well as events occurring on the final day of the first Cylon War, these being centred on the then-Lieutenant William Adama and Helena Cain, a youngster at the time.