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
Previous	Eta Wing (Port Hedland System)
Next	Sigma 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."

Preflight Conversations

Talk to SHOTGLASS

Maverick! How's it goin'?

Heard you had to take out some Gratha tryin' to bring that Drayman in.

Glad to see you made it back in one piece. Those babies are tough...

...but I hear the Jalthi's even tougher.

One of those six-shooters on your tail, you can kiss it goodbye.

But I'll bet if you get low an' behind a Jalthi, you'd toast it.

She's got no rear visibility, and big ol' bullseye exhausts.

Bad design, no matter how many guns she's got up front.

Just jam a missile up those rear pipes and -- BOOM No more kitty.

Talk to KNIGHT

Hey, Maverick. Have a seat.

I've heard some talk lately that burns me up.

Someone's saying I'm unsafe to fly with...and that I'm a cat-lover.

Well, I won't stand for that kind of slander. It's not true.

I may not be as high-flying as Hunter, but I get the job done...in one piece.

But hey, you're not the guy to complain to...after all, we've flown together now.

You know you can count on me. It's just a matter of trust.

Thanks for the shoulder, Maverick.

Talk to SPIRIT

Join me, Maverick. Knight is poor company and I feel the need to talk...

I have been studying the history and progress of the war...

...and I see that things are going fairly well for us.

To maintain our position, we must be ever diligent, ever alert...

We must fight as if there were no tomorrow, for in truth...

...that is the case.Every day, the Kilrathi bring up more troops.

They challenge us harder each time we fly.

The very future of humanity rests with us. A heavy burden...

...but one we must bear. For if we don't, who will?

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.

Mission Debriefing

Mission Debriefing. 15:00 hours, 2654.140.

Peter Halcyon

Welcome back, Maverick. What's the word on the debris at Navs 2 and 4?

Christopher Blair

Nav 4 was nothing -- just an asteroid field, easily bypassed.

Nav 2 was a Kilrathi mine field -- tricky flying getting through there.

Peter Halcyon

Okay, now let's cut to the chase -- any sign of the Fralthi?

Christopher Blair

Yes, sir, and she's something to see. A large, heavily armed cruiser.

And she has launch capabilities. She's like a smaller, faster Claw, sir.

Or, I guess I should say, she WAS something to see...

And she HAD launch capability ... We got her, sir We got her!

Peter Halcyon

Well, gentleman, I am impressed. That's one for the record books.

The brass will be very happy to hear this. Congratulations!

Save the rest for Tactical, Maverick. Anything to add, Khumalo?

Joseph Khumalo

Maverick's right, sir. The Fralthi is one tough ship...

...far more impressive than the Ralari. I'd add just one thing...

The Kilrathi were all over us as soon as we showed up...

Fighter cover was high, like they couldn't afford to lose the Fralthi.

I'm betting they only have a few of them, maybe just the one...

Peter Halcyon

Possible. Let the Intelligence boys figure that out. Full report by 0900.

A scan of your recorder shows...

You trashed 6 Kilrathi, Maverick...

and Knight took care of 2 himself.

Dismissed.

Hangar Deck. 17:00 hours, 2654.140.

Peter Halcyon

For meritorious conduct in confronting the Kilrathi enemy, in the Port Hedland system,

on or about 2654.140, the Terran Confederation is proud to present the Silver 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.