Gamma Wing (Rostov System)

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Gamma Wing
WC1-Rostov1.png
Date 2654.284.1200
Fighter Raptor
Wingmen Michael Casey
Medal Bronze Star
Objectives Proceed to Nav Point 1

Proceed to Nav Point 2
Proceed to Nav Point 3
Proceed to Nav Point 4
Return to Tiger's Claw

Previous Epsilon Wing (Dakota System)
Sigma Wing (Port Hedland System)
Chi Wing (Kurasawa System)
Phi Wing (Hubble's Star System)
Next Xi Wing (Rostov System)



Mission Layout

  • Nav 1
    • Asteroid Field
  • Nav 2
  • Nav 3
  • Nav 4
    • Asteroid Field

Images

The Memoirs of Lieutenant Colonel Carl T. LaFong

The Rostov System was an interesting place for our next battle with the Kilrathi. Because it was inhabited by the Mopoks, a sentient species, Confederation law forbade colonization of any of the planets. The system, though, is rich in mineral resources, and when a scientific expedition indicated a Kilrathi presence here, we knew we had to protect it.

Flying Raptors, Iceman and I would recon four jump points, paying special attention to the second and third, where the Kilrathi appeared to be running supplies. We knew we would run into dense asteroid fields along the way.

We launched into the middle of all the minerals we'd heard about. Unfortunately, they took the form of asteroids and posed a very real threat. We wove through them at 250 KPS, went to autopilot, then hit more asteroids at Nav 1. It was going to be a long mission. I was relieved to see the end of the fields and we headed to Nav 2.

We were 45,380 kilometers from Nav 2 when Iceman noticed the bogies. Once we were close enough for autotargeting to identify them as two Dralthi, I ordered Iceman to attack my target and threw the throttles forward. Since there were only two enemy ships and were flying the well-protected Raptors, I just headed straight for them with my mass drivers blazing. When I hit 2500 meters, I switched guns to neutron power and let my blaster regenerate. With our combined guns, the first Dralthi disintegrated before we took any damage. The second Dralthi started to run. We let him.

Our arrival at Nav 2 was uneventful , except for Iceman's uncharacteristic talkativeness. "I know we only faced two Dralthi in that last dogfight, Major LaFong, but I wouldn't advise using a frontal assault very often if you want to stay alive. Especially at the beginning of a mission. I'm only 31 years old, but I've learned that a cautious approach is the best way to make sure I reach 32. I'll always follow your orders, Prankster, but I'd prefer it if you followed accepted strategy and tactics."

I knew what he meant. While hitting the Dralthi head-on was pretty safe, taking damage early in a mission can really cost you. It only takes a few direct hits to knock out a computer system. Thinking back, I'd been lax and we were fortunate to escape unscathed. We headed for Nav 3.

When the two Gratha attacked just before we reached Nav 3, I thought I would show Iceman that classic, cautious approach. I told him to attack my target, rolled right to present less of a target to the Gratha's guns, and then jerked the stick to the left. Then I punched the afterburners. We were heading right over the approaching wing. Keeping speed at max with the afterburners, I made a hard turn to the right and started to slide. Enemy ships have the most difficulty hitting a sliding target.

"Nice move," I heard Iceman whisper. "I'm with you."

When the crosshairs moved just ahead of the lead Gratha, I thumbed the fire button and sent a stream of neutrons toward the first ship. Two connected and I saw the Gratha break formation. I ordered Iceman to break and attack, looked to see which target he went after, then made my decision. I was on the damaged Gratha's tail and, after a few gyrations, heard the locked-target ping and launched a Javelin. The shields weren't weak enough for the heat-seeker to finish the job, but two shots at full guns were plenty. That's when the Dorkir jumped in and a three-Gratha escort wing showed up.

We finished off the Gratha using the roll and turn and sliding maneuvers favored by Terran pilots for their combination of offensive and defensive effectiveness. They put you in a position to attack, but keep you out of danger.

Removing a Dorkir is always the same. Hit from the rear, turn hit afterburners, turn back. Nothing to it, unless you decided to approach from a different angle. Then the Dorkir's turreted lasers can be devastating.

We hit a few more asteroids at Nav 4, but no more enemies appeared. We headed for the Tigers's Claw.

After the Colonel's debriefing I headed for the bar to catch up on the latest news. It was news I didn't want to hear. Maniac had destroyed a sport with a Pilum FF during an escort mission. Everyone was bad-mouthing the young pilot. I went to find him.

Next Section: Between Missions (Rostov System)

Preflight Conversations

Talk to SHOTGLASS

Here we are at Rostov System, Maverick. You ever hear much about it?
Her third planet's a jungle world, with a native race of primitive sentients.
That means the Confederation won't colonize officially, except for scientific missions.
Of course, that just leaves the planet open for unregulated settlement.
Grey towns is what they call these unauthorized colonies.
They're full of the usual spaceport scum-and-villainy crowd.
There's a little place on Rostov III I know, Rita's Cantina...
Great place to visit, but don't go in uniform!
If you go, tell Rita ol' Shotglass sent you...she'll look after you while you're there.

Talk to HUNTER

G'day Maverick. Grab a chair and have a cold one, mate.
Best way to ready yourself for a good scrap.
Michael Casey
That's your opinion, Hunter.
Ian St. John
That it is, mate. After all, someone's got to show our boys how to relax.
But don't let the Colonel catch you tippin' before a mission, though.

Talk to ICEMAN

Maverick.
Rostov System's full of asteroids...
...heavy mineral resources.
Since the Confederation's never officially settled it...
...'cause of the native sentients...
...we're us at a disadvantage defending against the Empire.
That just makes Rostov more attractive to the Kilrathi.
Minerals, jungle world, primitive race for slaves...
The hairballs want this one bad...I can feel it.

Mission Briefing

Mission Briefing. Rostov System, 06:00 hours, 2654.284.

Peter Halcyon
Settle down, people. We've got a job to do, so let's get to work.
As you know, Rostov System has been off limits for authorized colonization...
...because of the presence of the native sentient species, the Mopoks.
Yet the system contains a profusion of mineral-rich asteroids...
...attracting the attention of the Empire of Kilrah.
Unfortunately, the Kilrathi don't place the same importance on alien races that we do...
...so we're here to defend the system, its natives and its resources.
We've received reports from our scientific missions on the third planet...
...indicating the presence of Kilrathi warships in the system.
Our first job here is to recon the system, and locate all hostiles.
Maverick, you'll lead the first patrol wing.
Iceman will fly your wing.
Here's your mission plan.
You'll recon four potential jump points on this one.
We suspect the Kilrathi are running supplies near Nav 2 or 3...
...so be especially alert in those areas.
And keep your eyes open for asteroids...
...there are several rather dense asteroid fields in the area.
Any questions?
Christopher Blair
Colonel, if we spot supply ships near Nav 2 or 3, do we engage?
Peter Halcyon
Your call, Blair. But if you decide to go for it, make sure you make it count.
We can't allow the Kilrathi to establish a base in this system.
Squadron dismissed.

Mission Debriefing

Mission Debriefing. 09:00 hours, 2654.284.

Peter Halcyon
Glad to see you back aboard, Maverick.
Michael Casey
He looked good out there, Colonel.
Peter Halcyon
You both did, as I expected you would. Good job.
Let's review the mission report.
You destroyed 5 of the enemies, Maverick...
...and as expected, Iceman tagged 4.
The recorder also shows you downed a Kilrathi supply ship. Good work.
That is all. Dismissed.

Hangar Deck. 11:00 hours, 2654.284.

Peter Halcyon
For meritorious conduct in confronting the Kilrathi enemy, in the Rostov system,
on or about 2654.284, the Terran Confederation is proud to present the Bronze Star to Major 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.

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