Tau Wing (Gimle System)

Tau Wing
Date	2654.135.1320
Fighter	Raptor
Wingmen	Jeannette Devereaux
Medal	Bronze Star
Objectives	Examine Kilrathi force at Nav 1. Retreat if overwhelmed.
Notes	Examine Kilrathi force at Nav 1. Retreat if overwhelmed.
Previous	Omicron Wing (Gimle System)
Next	Gamma Wing (Dakota System) (Win Series) Alpha Wing (Brimstone System) (Lose Series)

Mission Layout

• Nav 1
  • Wave 1
    • 6 Dralthi
  • Wave 2
    • 3 Dralthi lead by Dakhath

The Memoirs of Lieutenant Colonel Carl T. LaFong

Captain Devereaux and Lt. Mariko weren't pleased when the prototype Rapiers were assigned to other pilots, especially when they heard their next mission briefing. Halcyon ordered them to check out a large group of bogies at Nav 2, flying the heavy Raptor.

Hours later, I found Spirit sitting in the library, halfheartedly scrolling through the latest issue of the Global News. I could tell she was distracted, but walked over and sat down anyway.

"It is the first time I have ever turned the blue flames of my exhaust toward the enemy and run, Prankster," she lamented. "Even though I destroyed Dakhath, and completed the mission according to orders, I feel I have failed."

"We ran into nine Dralthi separated into two wings. We handled the first group with ease, but then I heard Dakhath boasting of his ability to destroy me. I know he stays with a single target until it explodes, and I could tell that Angel had her hands full with the four other Dralthi. I had to engage."

"Dakhath loves missiles and the first came toward me as I turned to put him in my crosshairs. I punched the afterburners and rolled right to avoid the explosive, and was out of position to avoid the first shots of his laser cannon. My rear shields were quite low. I was concentrating so much on Dakhath that I didn't notice the Dralthi on my tail until the cockpit shook with the impact of still more laser fire. My computer and communications systems were damaged."

"I just had to stay with Dakhath and hope the armor and my own gyrations as I chased him would keep me alive as the other Dralthi continued their assault." Spirit paused and brushed a wisp of hair away before proceeding with her story.

"I weakened Dakhath's rear shield with a Javelin HS and stayed on him with full guns. When he pulled away, I switched to mass driver and saw debris through the glass. The other Dralthi were hammering me, and my missile system was destroyed, but two more shots with the neutron and Dakhath started screaming. I couldn't tell if he ejected or not. His demise cost valuable time, and by the time I turned to help Angel, she was ordering me to form on her wing and run back to the Claw. I had to comply. We had simply taken too much damage."

"I just heard that an assault on a Kilrathi base in Brimstone was thwarted. It adds to my sorrow. I hope my failure didn't contribute to the loss of human lives there."

Preflight Conversations

Talk to SHOTGLASS

You hear what they're sayin' in Blue Devil Squadron?

Word is, one of their boys ran into Dakhath on patrol yesterday.

You know Dakhath, right? The Kilrathi ace that flies a Dralthi?

He's got 78 confirmed kills, counting fighters and capital ships.

They say his name means 'Deathstroke' in Kilrathi...

...'cause how he gets his jollies.

He likes to shoot pilots who've ejected as they wait for a pick up.

Talk to KNIGHT

So, Maverick. Now you've flown a Rapier. You like it?

You nod as you sip your drink.

Joseph Khumalo

I read that we're getting the first Rapier squadron on active duty.

Colonel's already named the squadron Black Lion...

I wonder who'll be assigned to it?

Talk to ICEMAN

Lot of talk going around about this Dakhath guy.

Well, don't sweat that fuzzball too much.

Joseph Khumalo

Casey ran into Dakhath a couple of years ago, near Planck's Star.

Michael Casey

Dakhath got his rep by shooting helpless men...

...but he's not so tough if you're still in your ship.

Watch him when you're on his tail.

He likes to burn out with his afterburners...

or he'll try to get behind you with a kickstop.

Mission Briefing

Mission Briefing. Gimle System, 13:20 hours, 2654.135.

Peter Halcyon

All right, boys and girls...

...we got several groups of bogies on the move.

Either the Kilrathi are pulling out of Gimle...

...or they're gearing up to push us out.

Either way, we got to find out what they're up to.

First up on the hit parade is what looks like a squadron of fighters.

Maverick and Angel will fly Tau Wing to check it out.

Computer, display Tau.

Nav 1 indicates their last confirmed position.

We believe the bogies are Dralthi...

...and we estimate their present location here.

If you think you can take them, go ahead and engage...

...but break off if the squadron turns out to be too big to handle.

Remember, Maverick, I need information worse than I need heroes.

Any questions, then, Tau Wing?

Jeannette Devereaux

I have heard that the Kilrathi ace Dakhath is in this sector...

Peter Halcyon

We believe he may be, so be careful.

Dakhath is very dangerous ... we need to know if he's here.

Christopher Blair

Yes, sir.

Peter Halcyon

Right, then. Let's move along.

The colonel runs through the rest of the assignments...dispatching four more wings to check out other bogies.

Peter Halcyon

All right, then. Squadron dismissed.

Mission Debriefing

Mission Debriefing. 16:20 hours, 2654.135.

Peter Halcyon

How'd it go out there, Maverick?

Christopher Blair

Well enough, sir. They were Dralthi ... two wings, nine in all.

Dakhath was leading the second wing.

Peter Halcyon

Did you take him out?

Christopher Blair

I believe so, sir. His ship blew up, at least.

Peter Halcyon

Excellent. Good work, Captain.

I've got your numbers from the mission report.

You killed 6 Kilrathi, Maverick...

and Angel got 3.

All right, then. Dismissed.

Hangar Deck. 17:00 hours, 2654.135.

Peter Halcyon

For meritorious conduct in confronting the Kilrathi enemy, in the Gimle system,

on or about 2654.135, the Terran Confederation is proud to present the Bronze Star to Captain Blair.

Your courage is exemplary of the Confederation’s finest defenders.

Good job, Maverick. Congratulations.

Christopher Blair

Thank you, sir.

Filled with pride, Maverick meets the applause of his fellows.

Win / Lose Series

Meanwhile…

Outside a Kilrathi Military Installation, Brimstone System.

As Terran starfighters gain control in space at Brimstone, a daring band of Human saboteurs strikes a major Kilrathi base.

With the destruction of this installation, the Kilrathi hold on the strategic Brimstone system is broken.

Win Series: Gamma Wing (Dakota System)

Lose Series

Next Mission: Alpha Wing (Brimstone System)