Rostov System - Wedge009.net

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 colonise officially, except for scientific missions. Of course, that just leaves the planet open for unregulated settlement. Grey towns is what they call these unauthorised 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.

Hunter: G’day, Maverick. Grab a chair and have a cold one, mate. Best way to ready yourself for a good scrap.

Iceman: That’s your opinion, Hunter.

Hunter: 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.

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 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 badly… I can feel it.

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

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 authorised colonisation, 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?

Maverick: Colonel, if we spot supply ships near Nav 2 or 3, do we engage?

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. 09:00 hours, 2654.284.

Halcyon: Glad to see you back aboard, Maverick.

Iceman: He looked good out there, Colonel.

Halcyon: You both did, as I expected you would. Good job. Let’s review the mission report. You destroyed 9 of the enemies, Maverick, and suprisingly, no kills for Iceman. The recorder also shows you downed a Kilrathi supply ship. Good work. That is all. Dismissed.

Hangar Deck. 11:00 hours, 2654.284.

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.

Maverick: Thank you, sir.

Rostov 2

Shotglass: Hey, Maverick. You look like a man who could use a drink. I’ve invented a new drink named for this system. I call it the Rostov Hairball, for all those Kilrathi ships on the rocks out there in the asteroid fields. Stop by when you’re off duty and we’ll have one.

Knight: Hello, Maverick. Have a seat. I hear the Kilrathi are hungry for the minerals in those asteroids out there. My guess is that they’ll try to send in some heavier ships, so its probably a good idea to hang on to a couple of missiles, in case you meet something big in the later stages of a mission. That way, you’ll still have something with punch to throw at the big boys.

Maniac: Hey there, Maverick. How’s it goin’? I sure wish that I could see some more action. But the Commander won’t let me on the flight deck. He’s still upset about that ’sport that I accidentally scragged. Man, it wasn’t my fault, I can’t control a missile once it’s launched! No one can! How am I supposed to stop it from acquiring a Drayman as its target? Besides, a transport should know enough to stay out of a fighter’s way.

Mission Briefing. Rostov System, 12:00 hours, 2654.284.

Halcyon: Listen up, people. The Kilrathi are strengthening their position within this system. Tactical reports several new bogies jumping in around the system. We’ve just got a confirmed fix on a Ralari-class destroyer. Maverick, you and Iceman get this one. We can’t let them keep that kind of firepower at our backs. Your mission will be to engage the Ralari and destroy it. We don’t have a tactical report of its escort ships, but rest assured they’ll be there. We’re counting on you to succeed.

Iceman: We’ll take her down, sir.

Halcyon: Here’s your strike plan. If the Ralari moves as we expect, you should encounter her at Nav 1. You’ll have to fly through an asteroid field, but that should allow you a measure of surprise.

Colonel Halcyon assigns the rest of the squadron to investigate other bogies.

Halcyon: …which should provide a safe corridor for our reinforcement ships. Squadron dismissed.

Mission Debriefing. 15:00 hours, 2654.284.

Halcyon: Good work, Major. You too, Iceman. You both did your job well.

Iceman: No problem.

Maverick: The destroyer never stood a chance, sir. Even though they had us outnumbered and outgunned.

Halcyon: Let’s go over your mission log. Report shows 9 Kilrathi for you, Maverick, and 1 for Iceman. Again, good job on taking out the Ralari. That’s all. Dismissed.

Hangar Deck. 17:00 hours, 2654.285.

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 Silver Star to Major Blair. Your courage is exemplary of the Confederation’s finest defenders. Good job, Maverick. Congratulations.

Maverick: Thank you, sir.

Rostov 3

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.

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.

Spirit: Greetings, Maverick-san. Have you heard what happened to Lieutenant Marshall on his last mission?

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

Spirit: He was pursuing a Dralthi as it rushed towards 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. Rostov System, 06:00 hours, 2654.285.

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.

Maverick: Understood, sir.

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?

Maverick: No sir.

Halcyon: Good. Let’s get out there, then. Squadron dismissed.

Mission Debriefing. 16:00 hours, 2654.285.

Halcyon: Let’s have that report, Major Blair.

Maverick: 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.

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.

Maverick: Yes sir. I got 8 of the hairballs.

Halcyon: And you, Iceman. How many did you get?

Iceman: I killed 1, sir.

Halcyon: Very well. Maverick, report to my office in one hour. That’s all. Dismissed.

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

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

Maverick: Yes, sir?

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.

Maverick: Yes, sir. You won’t be sorry.

Halcyon: Good. I’m glad to hear it. That’s all, then, Major. Dismissed.

Hangar Deck. 17:00 hours, 2654.285.

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.

Maverick: Thank you, sir.

Filled with pride, Maverick meets the applause of his fellows.

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.

Win: Venice System

Vega Sector Campaign: Rostov System

Rostov 1

Rostov 2

Rostov 3