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Firekkan Crusade: Firekka System – Part 4
Firekka 7
Shotglass: Did you hear the latest, Maverick? They caught Maniac on the flight deck wearin’ nothing but his pyjamas, an’ trying to sneak aboard a Raptor. The MPs took him back to Sick-Bay. He was kickin’ and screamin’ the whole way. That boy is crazy. But at least you won’t have to fly with him any more, Colonel.
Hunter: Hello, mate. Care to sit down and join us? I was just thinking about my older brother, Dennis. Major Dennis St John, of the Terran Confederation Marines. He was so proud to be commanding his first post, a Marine base on a little backwater colony somewhere. The Kilrathi showed up a week ago. When they left, there were no survivors. An’ did I tell you that I have a younger sister, mate? She’ll be eighteen in another two months. Eighteen, and the sheila’s already volunteered for the Navy.
Doomsday: Good day, Maverick. I am Lieutenant Etienne “Doomsday” Montclair.
Maverick: Doomsday, I have to ask–
Doomsday: Yes, I can see that you’re curious. What you see is the markings of a Maori warrior. Let me tell you, Maverick… I have considered our position here in the Firekka system. Even if we were to retreat immediately, I doubt we would survive. This is undoubtedly the worst tactical situation I’ve ever seen. Aboard the Austin, many people laugh about my grim predictions. Despite my certainty that we will eventually be defeated by the Kilrathi, we have survived to succeed thus far. But this time, I am certain there is no escape for us.
Maverick: We won’t give up easily, Doomsday. Maybe you’ll be surprised how this mission will end.
Doomsday: Perhaps, Maverick. Perhaps.
Mission Briefing, 06:00 hours, 2655.293. Near the Firekka System, Antares Sector.
Halcyon: All right, pilots. We’ve been keeping our distance from the Firekka system, waiting for the right moment to start our assault. That time is now. Today you’re going to escort in the Marine transports, and then we’ll launch the assault on the Kilrathi troops on Firekka. Because of the risk of a communications leak in this operation, the Marine convoys have not transmitted their exact position. But one Drayman has already docked with the Tiger’s Claw, so we have a good idea where those Marine transports will arrive. You’ll fly in Hornets, fast, manoeuvrable ships. Follow your Nav course and clear the jump points of any enemy ships. And don’t screw this one up, pilots. The entire mission depends upon the safe arrival of those Marines and the guns they’re bringing for the Firekka warriors. These are your wing assignments…
Maverick listens until the Colonel calls his name:
Halcyon: Psi Wing will be Maverick and Doomsday, with Maverick as wingleader.
The Colonel quickly assigns the other wingmen.
Halcyon: That’s all, pilots. Get out there and find those transports. Dismissed.
Mission Debriefing – 09:30 hours, 2655.293.
Halcyon: All right, Maverick. Report.
Maverick: Both transports mini-jumped out to the Firekka system, sir. No problems.
Halcyon: Excellent, Maverick! I knew you wouldn’t fail us. I see you took down 8, Colonel. And Doomsday bagged 7. Good work. Something else, Colonel. I sent Angel and Sorcerer to escort the TCS General Powell, one of the marine transports. That Drayman never arrived at the jump point. Did you see any sign of it on your patrol?
Maverick: No, sir, I did not.
Halcyon: Dismissed, pilots.
Firekka 8
Shotglass: Bar’s closed, Maverick! There’s some kind of emergency on the Bridge! Don’t know what it is, but I do know that one of the marine transports didn’t arrive on schedule. You’d better go to briefing right away, Colonel!
Mission Briefing, 10:00 hours, 2655.293. Near the Firekka system, Antares Sector.
Halcyon: Pilots, we have an emergency here. Some of you may have heard that the TCS General Powell never arrived at her rendezvous point. We thought we’d lost her… a Drayman with 150 marines and a crew of 25. But we received this emergency communication ten minutes ago:
“This is Major Kristi Marks of Company Zebra. The Kilrathi captured the Powell eight hours ago. We’ve broken out of the cargo hold and are attempting to retake the ship. We’ve sustained heavy casualties and need immediate assistance. These are our current co-ordinates: 160123, 153763, 898324, Terran Standard. Please send help ASAP. Repeat, please send–”
Halcyon: That message was cut off during transmission. And we’ve received no further communications. We think the cats will try to take the Powell out-system, and we’ve calculated several courses between the Powell’s last co-ordinates and the closest jump points. Each of you will follow your Nav course until you find the Powell. If she mini-jumps, go to your next Nav point and continue pursuit. When you find the Powell, escort her back to the Tiger’s Claw immediately. Whatever you do, do not attack the Drayman. We can’t risk losing that ship. But if there are any Kilrathi fighters escorting her… don’t let any of them escape, pilots. Wing assignments:
The Commander lists the other wing teams, then addresses Maverick:
Halcyon: Maverick, you and Doomsday are Theta Wing again. You’ll fly Dralthi again. Tactical believes we’ve cracked the Kilrathi recognition codes – so with luck, you’ll be able to get close to the Drayman before the cats realise you’re Terrans. Wait until you see the Kilrathi fire upon the Drayman before you blow your cover. That’s all, pilots. You’ll launch in four minutes. Dismissed.
Debriefing – 12:30 hours, 2655.293.
Halcyon: Report, Maverick.
Maverick: I think the Kilrathi didn’t realise that we would try to rescue the Drayman. Our Marines had apparently retaken the ship and the cats were trying to kill that transport with everything they had… But I brought the Powell back, sir.
Halcyon: From your flight recorder, I see you nailed 10 of those cats. Doomsday took down 9 Kilrathi. Major Marks asked me to relay her thanks for the rescue. She’s in Sick-Bay with the wounded marines. You might want to stop by there before Company Zebra leaves for Firekka. Maverick, I need to see you in my office later. You’re dismissed, pilots.
Colonel Halcyon’s Office. 12:50 hours, 2655.293.
Halcyon: Blair. Come in. I need to speak with you.
Maverick: Yes, sir?
Halcyon: We’re having to change some pilot assignments. Effective immediately, you’ll be reassigned. I need you in Star Slayer Squadron, flying a Raptor-class heavy fighter.
Maverick: I see, sir. I’ll do my best.
Halcyon: I’m glad to hear it, pilot. That’s all, Colonel. Dismissed.
Secret Missions 2: Crusade
