Tau Wing (Rostov System)

Tau Wing
Date	2654.285.0600
Fighter	Raptor
Wingmen	Michael Casey
Medal	Gold Star
Objectives	Destroy Large Bogey at Nav 2 Return to Tiger's Claw
Previous	Xi Wing (Rostov System)
Next	Epsilon Wing (Venice System) (Win Series) Beta Wing (Hell's Kitchen System) (Lose Series)

Mission Layout

• Nav 1
  • Empty
• Nav 2
  • 4 Krant led by Khajja nar Ja'targk
  • 1 Fralthi
• Between Nav 2 and Tiger's Claw
  • Asteroid Field
  • 4 Dralthi

The Memoirs of Lieutenant Colonel Carl T. LaFong

I knew exactly what Iceman and I would do when the Colonel told us to investigate a large bogie at Nav 2. We didn't know what type of ship it might be, but it was big. Halcyon said we could approach from Nav 1, avoiding an asteroid field, or head straight to Nav 2 and pick our way through the rocks. Easy decision, since I'd spoken to Iceman before the mission.

"I always take advantage of cover when there's any around," he had said. "There are plenty of pilots who disagree because they don't want to take a chance on hitting a mine or a big chunk of stone, but I think the element of surprise outweighs the risk. The Kilrathi don't patrol the edges of asteroid fields as frequently as they do the open avenues of attack. going through gives you an edge."

We headed for the asteroids between the Claw and Nav 2 on autopilot. I asked Iceman to maintain radio silence. When the four Dralthi appeared more than 48,000 kilometers from our destination, I wondered about our decision. Then I thought it might have been even worse if we'd tried to approach from the first nav point.

I saw the four Dralthi appear as one big red blip on the radar display, and told Iceman to form on my wing. He saw my afterburners fire and stayed with me as I headed right and tried to come in behind the Dralthi. It didn't work quite as planned, but a roll right, followed by a turn right and a quick burn, took us under their initial pass at us.

Once we'd blown by them, I punched backspace to hit the skids, turned back around to the right and kicked the throttles and afterburners to full. Now we were behind them and closing fast. I told Iceman to break and attack.

I let go with as many mass drivers as my power would stand, fired a Dart, and then held off until the blaster was on full again. Two of the Dralthi flipped and came back at us, but they were damaged by our first assault and went down when we switched to neutrons and hit them right in the nose. I was waiting for some fur to fly. Iceman and I took out two more just using mass drivers at longer ranges and neutrons when we could get close. The trick was to keep from wasting too much blaster power with the Gatling.

We slipped into the asteroids, reduced speed to 250 KPS, and concentrated on our task. I never even worried about losing my focus in the rocks, because I was intrigued by what might be waiting on the other side. Iceman and I never spoke.

We emerged from the field and went to autopilot, hoping we still had an advantage with the unknown bogie. I think we would have surprised the large ship, but a wing of Krant picked us up along the way. We attempted to run, but when I saw the gray blip appear on my radar, I knew they would stay with us to protect the larger ship. We turned and attacked.

Krant are difficult enemies. They're well shielded and armored, relatively quick, have good acceleration, and carry three heating-seeking missiles. Our Raptors are just a bit faster, but carry a much more sophisticated arsenal. That was their downfall.

After avoiding the first wave, I lined up on a Krant and hit him hard enough with the neutrons to put a hurting on his shields. This time, though, I urned away from the Krant, let him follow me, and targeted a new enemy. As soon as I found one, I dropped a Porcupine that destroyed the already damaged Krant behind me. Iceman called out that he'd dropped one too, and that's when I knew were on top of things. The remaining two Krant I stopped with afterburners slides, neutrons guns and Iceman's help attacking my target. We headed for the gray blip.

This was the second Fralthi I'd seen, but the first configured as a cruiser, instead of a light carrier. It meant she carried more lasers, but we wouldn't have to worry about fighters. I'll take on turreted lasers over a fighters weapons anytime.

Halcyon had asked only for a report, but the the temptation was too great. We were undamaged and carried most of our missiles. It was David-and-Goliath time. Iceman attacked from the sides while I took the rear. We must have made 10 passes each at the Fralthi before the right VDU showed some damage. I checked the radar, went to full guns, and decided I'd really get close before I cut loose. The Fralthi exploded just as I braced for a collision. They weren't going to believe this back at the Tiger's Claw.

Next Section: The Final Assault: Preparation for Victory

Preflight Conversations

Talk to SHOTGLASS

Have a seat, Maverick. This place is getting empty these days.

I hear you've been flying the Raptor. She's a good ship, fast but a bit clumsy.

It's an aggressive ship...if you're an aggressive pilot.

I'd bet you could stand off a Gratha or two with that kind of ship.

Oh well...you've probably got a better feel for the ship than me.

Pay no mind to this ol' has-been.

Talk to ANGEL

Bonsoir, mon ami.

I have heard that the Kilrathi are sending in their best pilots...

It is my goal to encounter with one of their aces and shoot him down.

But, I have not had the chance to engage one yet.

If you are so lucky, you will try to kill him at all costs, non?

That is the best way to ensure our victory.

Talk to SPIRIT

Greetings, Maverick-san.

Have you heard what happened to Lt. Marshall on his last mission?

Jeannette Devereaux

It is remarkable that the brilliant young lieutenant has not yet destroyed the Tiger's Claw!

Mariko Tanaka

He was pursuing a Dralthi as it rushed toward one of our transports.

He locked a heat-seeking missile on its exhaust and launched...

...but at the last minute, the Dralthi looped back towards him.

The missile lost its lock on the enemy,and acquired the transport as its target.

The transport's engines were severely damaged,and the ship was soon destroyed.

It is vital that one consider what is beyond his target before firing...

...as the lieutenant's unfortunate example demonstrates.

Mission Briefing

Mission Briefing. Rostov System, 0600 hours, 2654.285.

Peter Halcyon

Let's go, people. There's no time to waste.

About an hour ago, Tactical got a fix on a large bogie jumping into the system.

We don't know what she is, but she's big. Very big.

We need a visual on her, so Tactical can decide what to do about her.

Maverick, you and Iceman are going to go take a look.

Find out what you can,but make sure you get back with a report.

And watch your back...the Kilrathi wouldn't send her in alone.

Christopher Blair

Understood, sir.

Peter Halcyon

Good. Now let's go over the scenario...

We have a fix that puts her here, near Nav 2.

You can proceed through Nav 1, avoiding the asteroid field along the way...

...or you can pick your way straight through the rocks.

Tactical says neither route is significantly better, so it's your call.

Do you have any questions, Maverick?

Christopher Blair

No, sir.

Peter Halcyon

Good. Let's get out there, then.

Squadron dismissed.

Mission Debriefing

Mission debriefing. 16:00 hours, 2654.285.

Peter Halcyon

Let's have that report, Major Blair.

Christopher Blair

Yes sir. We were able to get a close look...she WAS a Fralthi-class cruiser.

Bout as big as the 'Claw, and easily faster.

Peter Halcyon

I don't know how you managed it Maverick...

...taking out that Fralthi will certainly shake up the Kilrathi command.

Let's go over your mission log...

Christopher Blair

Yes sir. I got 6 of the hairballs.

Peter Halcyon

And you, Iceman. How many did you get?

Michael Casey

I killed 3, sir.

Peter Halcyon

Very well. Maverick, report to my office in one hour.

That's all. Dismissed.

Colonel Halcyon’s Office. 16:50 hours, 2654.285.

Peter Halcyon

Blair. Come in. I need to speak with you.

Christopher Blair

Yes, sir?

Peter Halcyon

We’ll be leaving Rostov soon, and I need to make some personnel changes.

Effective immediately following the jump, you’ll be reassigned.

I want you in one of the new Rapier-class mediums, in Black Lion Squadron.

Christopher Blair

Yes, sir. You won’t be sorry.

Peter Halcyon

Good. I’m glad to hear it.

That’s all, then, Major. Dismissed.

Hangar Deck. 17:00 hours, 2654.285.

Peter Halcyon

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

on or about 2654.285, the Terran Confederation is proud to present the Gold 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.

Win/Lose Series

Meanwhile…

Primitive alien village, Rostov System.

As the Kilrathi fleet flees Rostov before the advancing Human warships, a handful of Kilrathi marines are stranded on Rostov’s jungle world, where they are captured by the native sentients, the Mopoks.

Next Mission: Epsilon Wing (Venice System)

Lose Series

Primitive alien village, Rostov System.

While the Kilrathi starships conquer the Human fleet at Rostov, Kilrathi marines round up the native sentients, the Mopoks, and execute the Human scientists and soldiers who defended them.

Next Mission: Beta Wing (Hell's Kitchen System)