Xi Wing (Port Hedland System)

Xi Wing
Date	2654.140.0605
Fighter	Scimitar
Wingmen	Joseph Khumalo
Medal	Silver 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 Escort Drayman back to the Tiger's Claw
Notes	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	Eta Wing (Port Hedland System)
Next	Tau Wing (Port Hedland System)

Mission Layout

• Nav 1
  • 3 Dralthi
• Nav 2
  • Minefield
• Nav 3
  • 3 Gratha
  • 1 Fralthi-Class Cruiser
• Nav 4
  • Asteroid Field

The Memoirs of Lieutenant Colonel Carl T. LaFong

"Our second mission in the system was a routine four-point patrol, but it included a chance to be the first pilot to investigate a new Kilrathi capital ship," Spirit said. "Observers on McLaren had reported the find and called it a Fralthi. Halcyon reminded us that we didn't need to engage the ship, just look it over and report back with our recorder data."

"The Dralthi that attacked near Nav 1 never knew what hit them. I don't think they were expecting company. In fact, they were dismal fighters and it might have been a Kilrathi training flight. Standard maneuvers and mass drivers did the job."

"We flew through a minefield and a few bursts sent my shield protection plummeting. When we exited the field, I cruised around until regeneration was complete."

"We saw the Fralthi and three Gratha just before we arrived at the third Nav point. The Fralthi was enormous, 500 meters from stern to bow, but it didn't take us long to realize how ponderous this giant really was."

"The targets were below me, but I took our fighters down and below them in an attempt to keep the large ship between us and the fighter escort. It would provide a close observation of the Fralthi, and give us cover as we attacked the fighter wing. I waited until the last second, then signaled a break and attack."

"We obviously surprised them. I hit the first Gratha from the side, and saw debris fall before he knew what hit him. I looped around to bring the blaster to full, and finished the job with the mass driver cannon. Knight took out the other two Gratha."

"I knew the Colonel just wanted information, but I couldn't resist the unguarded capital ship. After a few probing strikes, we discovered the shields and armor were weakest in the rear. We used all our missiles, and some gunfire as well, to destroy the ship. I was stunned that its fighter escort was so small."

Mission Briefing

Mission Briefing. Port Hedland System, 06:05 hours, 2654.140. Five minutes into the briefing…

Peter Halcyon

...next, Xi Wing.

That'll be Maverick and Knight.

Christopher Blair

Yes, sir.

Peter Halcyon

Today's mission is a four-point patrol route.

Computer, display Xi.

You'll pass through each Nav Point, checking for enemy activity.

There's a field of what looks like asteroids around Nav 2...

...and another at Nav 4.

Now, remember, you ran into heavy fighters last time...

and you can expect more of the same this time out...

In fact, intelligence reports that enemy traffic is heavier than ever.

And our people on McLaren think they've spotted a new capital ship class.

We're calling it 'Fralthi.' If you see it, observe as closely as you can.

Any questions?

Christopher Blair

Sir, if we spot this 'Fralthi,' should we engage?

Peter Halcyon

There's no need for heroics, Maverick. Just come back to tell us about it.

Anything else?

All right, then. I'll expect a full report when you get back.

Dismissed.