The transfer to Black Talon Squadron had left its ten new members with more questions than answers.  No sooner had transfer papers been approved then each pilot received transfer instructions.  Each pilot had less than an hour to pack, climb into a Z-95 Headhunter that was waiting for them at each of their unique posts and ordered to take off.

Flight co-ordinates were pre-programmed into each navicomputer and all the pilots had to do was pull the hyperspace lever and then sit back and wait to arrive.

Whilst many veteran pilots had mastered the ability to snooze in hyperspace, none of the new recruits had mastered this skill yet.  This coupled with the uncertainty of their new postings kept them in a constant state of readiness.

Reverting to normal space each Z-95 found itself in a region of space cluttered with asteroids, space debris and one Nebulon-B Frigate that identifed as the Indefagitable.  The name was unfamiliar to any of the pilots.

Each Z-95 had an escort of four Headhunters which accompanied them to the Southern Flight bay.  After shutting down, each new pilot was escorted to private quarters.

An unknown quantity of time passed, though it mercifully allowed for some sleep.  After a period of time each pilot was escorted to the simulator centre.  Each pilot was led into one of the simulators and secured in.

Then the wait. . .
This message was last updated by the GM at 01:32, Fri 23 Dec 2005.

A voice comes over the comms.

"Welcome to your simulator training Black Talons.  I am Squadron Commander Mark Sheppard, your CO.  My XO and intelligence officer Captain Zyra Jax will be giving you your briefing momentarily.

You have been chosen for your pilotting abilities and just as importantly your 'secondary' skills.  We will be starting a unique squadron which will serve not only as a starfighter squadron but will fulfill an intelligence and commando function as well.

For the purpose of these exercises you will be called Grey group.  I have numbered you based on your arrival in the sqaudron.  You will receive official designations when I have evaluated you all.  For now, look to your screens for designations."

Each person's HUD pops up with the following.

Grey 1 & 2 - Webb & Lars
Grey 3 & 4 - Nallis & Bedix
Grey 5 & 6 - Kismet & Kern
Grey 7 & 8 - Simestra & Hyquin
Grey 9 & 10 - Savin & Grimm

"Note that I have only assigned wingpairs.  It will be up to you to determine flight leaders and groups in-mission.  Good luck all."
This message was last edited by the player at 00:19, Thu 10 Nov 2005.

The commander's voice is replaced by that of a female.  The HUD's have also engaged showing the long drawn out lines indicating ship's in hyperspace.

"I am Captain Zyra Jax, intelligence officer.  Grey squadron is enroute to the Devar system, ETA 1 minute.  A Correlian corvette, the Deepstar is fleeing the Diva system with valuable supplies and munitions.  These supplies are needed to set up a Rebel Base in the Typhon sector.  She must be protected.  With her is a Galloway Medium Transport the Sarah transporting Alliance personnel.  Both are escorted by a squadron of Y-wings.  Your job will be to provide additional protection."

"Good luck.  Jax out."

The hyperspace timer quickly counts down to zero and Grey Squadron emerges. . .

Into a scene of utter chaos!!!  The darkness of space is lit up with the glow of laser fire.  Two kilometres ahead the Sarah lies helpless in space, her engines on fire.  Near her, the Deepstar is doing her best to lay down cover fire.  A quartet of TIE fighters effortlessly dodge the fire as the continue to concentrate on the Sarah

Approximately two kilometres behind this, four Y-wings are engaged by six TIE fighters.  The rugged Y-wings are being hammered by the far more nimble enemy craft.

Debris scattered throughout the area shows that the Y-wings have made a good accounting of themselves.  Over a dozen wrecked TIE's are noted for the eight Y-wings.  Clearly the group was jumped by two full squadrons.

In the distance, a good ten kilometres away lies a Nebulon-B frigate.  She reads as the Blood Angel, an Imperial craft.  She is launching more starfighters from her bay.  It looks like a half-squadron of TIE Bombers.  They will need a few minutes to close to torpedo range.


<ooc>
Welcome to the fun!  More detailed information on any of the ships would require a close range scan.  All your Z-95's are fully armed with their dual triple-blasters and 6 concussion missiles
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:17, Thu 10 Nov 2005.

This is no time for introductions. Someone needs to coordinate something quickly. Alright Squad. Five wing pairs, ten ties. I say each of pair goes for a tie fighter and takes them out quickly, then moves on to the next. A simple double team. Grey three and I will go after ties attacking the bombers. We need two more wing pair to come with us.  The rest of you should help stave off the attack on The Sarah. Ashlyn speaks into his headset as he power up his blasters. He then continues flying striaght for the space battle between the ties and bombers.

Edit: I was really confused. Thanks for clearing things up Neeva.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:39, Fri 11 Nov 2005.

'Grey 5 here:  me and 6 will take next nearest.  Lets grease these guys fast and go help the Ys...'

Devon powered up his weapons and checked his sheilds were at full charge, then started trying to get a target lock to fire a concussion missile at his chosen TIE.  A nice fast kill would be a good way for the Greys to enter the fight, he thought.

Privately, Devon fretted about how well he was going to perform.  Although he'd driven and piloted more vehicles than he could easily count over the years, this was the first time he'd gone hurtling into a dogfight in an armed fighter -even if it was only simulated.  He'd heard these simulators carried a medical package to monitor pilot peformance, and hoped his jitters wouldnt show.

Zenna pulled her Z-95 closely next to Grey 5. "Grey 6 here. Grey 5, I'm moving in close to your right wing. Here's the designation of the Tie, I've choosen. Lock your missile and we'll both fire a volley. Grey 5, out."

She flipped a few switches on her console. "Grey 5 to Sarah. This is Grey Squadron. We're here to kick out the party crashers. We're transmitting our designations so don't fire on us."

"Can you and Deepstar get into position to jump out of here? Grey 6, over."

As Zenna waited to hear a response from the Sarah, she aligned her shields to the front arc and powered up her blasters. Come on, come on. Lock on, lock on. Her finger twitched on the trigger that would launch the concussion missile.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:27, Thu 10 Nov 2005.

Xil's senses flaired as he dropped out of hyperspace.  The sight of the swirling melee brought a half smile to his face.  "4 this is 3.  I have your wing.  Let's go get them."
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:36, Thu 10 Nov 2005.

A voice, undoubtedly Mon Calamari echoes through the comm.

"Grey squadron?  Thank the Force you made it.  This is Lieutenant Surrey, comm officer on the Sarah.  We need your help desperately.  Our engines are damaged and our hyperdrive was taken offline when our shields failed.  We need at least twenty minutes to fix the hyperdrive."

An explosion is heard through the comm.  The Lieutenant sounds more panicked.

"Aft shields are down!  The Deepstar gunners aren't hitting a thing.  Our realspace engines are down to 15% effectiveness.  If they destroy them it doesn't matter if our hyperdrive is repaired or not.  We have over a thousand souls aboard.   Destroy our attackers now.  That's an order from the Captain."

"Sarah out."

Cyril smiled as soon as he saw the simulated furball. He'd been accustomed to getting out of dire situations, but this would be the first time he was actually going to get into them, and he relished the thought. His excitement hadn't made him forget about the new incoming squadron though. Good ol' predictable Imperial boys - sending out the bombers only after softening up the fighter escort was the oldest tactic in their book. He immediately formed a plan, powering up his cannons and raising shields to begin.

"Grey 8 to Grey 7. Making a quick pass on one of the enemy fighters now, followed by an intercept course to the bombers. Let's show 'em what 'situational awareness' really means!"
This message was last edited by the player at 14:01, Thu 10 Nov 2005.

Jamie experienced the familiar adrenaline rush upon exiting hyperspace and seeing the battle before them.  He would never understand how the programmers made these simulators so much like the real thing; he could almost believe he was actually getting the chance to blow Imperials to space dust.
"Grey 1, standing by.  I'm going in; cover me, Gray 2."
Jamie attempts to pursue one of the TIEs, humming to himself the theme song of his favorite fictional action hero.
dananana da da danana...
This message was last edited by the player at 22:10, Thu 10 Nov 2005.

I copy that grey three. Locking on with a concussion missile. Cover me. Ashlyn says as he punches the buttons on his targeting computer. The computer blips familiarly as it looks for the lock. Ashlyn waits anxiously, his finger on the missle release.

Christian's comm comes to life for the first time on the flight, and since meeting everyone, the first real thing he has said.  Surprisingly, for his age, his voice is confident and steady.

"Grey 9, this is grey 10.  Circle to the right flank of the fighter farthest to the right.  I'll fly in straight and send her to you.  Lets get this quick"

Neeva listened to all of the chatter over her comm.  She wasn't excited.  She wasn't eager.  She wasn't afraid.  She wasn't worried about her performance.

She was sitting in a simulator and she was feeling... "Errrbp"  Neeva's stomach grumbled.  She was definately feeling hungry.

"Hey Greys, missiles fired at Ties will probably end up in the Sarah."  Despite the transmission distortion, the Twi-lek's voice sounded distinctly casual.

OOC: I'll post her combat action when I get a few clarifications (to questions I posted on the OOC thread).

"Roger that 4.  Do you want me to fire missles or stay with lasers, over"

Stick with lasers 3 and keep those other ties off of me. Once I shoot the first missile, we'll engage the rest with lasers. We aren't in danger of hitting The Sarah. Whatever we do, we'd better kill those ties before the bombers show up. The Sarah is gonna need all the help we can give her if she's gonna fight them off and trying to fight multiple sets of enemies will only divide our attention.

Edit: Once again, I was confused.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:40, Fri 11 Nov 2005.

"Negative on the intercept, Grey 8.  If we take care of these Ties, we'll be back in hyperspace long before the bombers arrive."

"Perhaps, in time for lunch," the Twi-lek said, momentarily flipping off her comm.  Neeva found herself wondering if the Indefagitable had a cook who could do Twi-lek dishes.

Stretching her legs in the simulator, Neeva moved her "Z-95" to establish pursuit on one of the ties savaging the Sarah.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:45, Fri 11 Nov 2005.

Christian listens to the comms as he sets up the run.  "Roger that."  He looks at the oncoming battle with a detached feeling.  "Grey 9.  Lets get that tie fighter, then go and help those Y-wings.  Laser fire only.  I'll Push the enemy towards you..you show him what a laser shot in the cockpit feals like.  Lets bring it!"

Christian opens the throttle and speeds to circle around the nimble fighter.  "Come on, you son of a ewok..show me what you've got."
This message was last edited by the player at 04:11, Fri 11 Nov 2005.

"Not quite, Grey 7. The Sarah said it needs 20 to kick-start their H.D. - those bombers will get within torpedo range well before then, so we'll be here for a while. I say we quickly swat the T.Fs, scrap their T.Bs, then see if we can't at least scare that N.B.F enough to make it jump out of here first! What do you say, Grey Squadron?"

Without waiting for an answer to his enthusiastically offered plan, Cyril contacts the Y-Wings. "Y-Wing Leader, this is Grey 8. You've done a great job so far! How're you holding up? Don't worry, help's on the way! Saaaay, are any of you still packing a torp or four?"

With that, Cyril forms up on Grey 7's wing, targetting the same TIE she is, hoping to blast it to pieces in one pass.

Savin heard his designation come over the comset. Finally he would be getting some action... even if it was only on simulater. "Roger that Grey 10" Nirro kicked in his throttle and moved to engage the Tie Fighter already mentally planning out exactly how he was going to kick ass this time.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 18:47, Fri 11 Nov 2005.

"Roger 4, sticking with lasers.  Let's get them."

Xil kicks the throttle to stay with his wingman, and prepares for the oncoming carnage with his half smile still in place.

Ashlyn will shoot a concussion misile at one fo the ties attacking the Ywings as soon as he locks. Once his missile is fired, he will engage with lasers. Once his tie is destroyed, he will move on to another. If someone is in trouble, (ie: getting followed byu a tie they can't shake) he will disengage and try to help out unless someone else has already gone to cover.

Inside her simulator, the attractive twi-lek rolled her eyes.  Her voice still sounded casual, almost bored.  "Cut the chatter Grey 8 and stay with me--we're moving into pursuit.  You take the shot, I'll provide the assist: watch for him to break left on my mark: three, two, one, mark."  Neeva fired her blaster cannons just right of her target, painting lines of laser fire that angled in toward the tie.

"Aww, you're no fun, Grey 7," Cyril says as he sets his triple-blasters on fire-link, then presses the trigger on her mark.

Xil will remain on Bedix's wing.  He will bracket TIEs and try to force them into Grey 4's firing arc.  Of course, if one does come into my field of fire, I will take the shot!  :)

After Zenna fires her 1 missile, she'll follow on Grey 5 wing and cover her as they go kill the rest of the Ties around Sarah. Then she'll urge Grey 5 to focus on the Ties fighting the Y-Wings. We may need to split up at this point and have each of us assist one of the Y-Wings.

Should another Grey be in need of help. She will go and assist after she informs Grey 5, if no other ship is available to assist, then she'll return to Grey 5.

Once the Y-Wings are clear of trouble, Zenna will open a Comm to Sarah for a status update before she engages the Tie Bombers.

Nirro swoops down on the tie fighter with adrenaline pumping through his veins. He targets the enemy ship and gets ready to blast it into space dust "Come on grey ten send him my way!" he shouts.

If he gets a clear shot nirro opens up with his lasers if the tie is destroyed he swings around and blasts off to help the Y-Wings

OOC:  Sounds good to me... except Grey 5 is a he, not a she.  ;)

Devon will fire a single missile at his chosen TIE, then engage with lasers.  Once the four harrasing Sarah are dealt with, then he'll move to assist the Y-Wings against their opponents.  Whilst Zenna is on the comm with Sarah, Devon will be doing the same with Deepstar and will try to secure a close range scan of both vessels at the same time.

The Greys broke into wing pairs as they hurtled into the action.  Exilim and Ashlyn broke off and put all power into engines as they hurtled towards the Y-wings battling the TIE's.  The rest of the Greys zoomed in at the quartet of TIE's harassing the Sarah.

The assault was led by Devon & Zenna, locking on to TIE Alpha-1 and launching a concussion missile each.  The weapons streaked in hot and straight, but the TIE moved impossible fast, spinning out to the left and diving behind the Deepstar.  The missiles narrowly missed the corvette and continued to fly past trying to re-establish a lock.

The move was not followed as smoothly by his wingman.  His hesitation allowed Jamie & Tania who were coming in lasers blazing, to core the ship and turn it into a flaming fireball.  As they did a message appeared on the bottom of everyone's HUD.

TIE Fighter Alpha-2 has been destroyed.

Neeva & Cyril dived in at Alpha-3 as Nirro & Christian pursued his wingman.  Alpha-3 juked left and right, a testimont to the TIE Fighter's agility, nimbly avoiding the lasers.

His wingman was not so lucky.  As Nirro dived straight at the TIE, forcing him to roll to the left, Christian managed to wing him with a deflection shot.  The TIE continued on at the same speed but he seemed to be having more difficulty maneuvering.  Alpha-4 suddenly accelerated forward, flying away from the fight and towards the Blood Angel

As Exilim and Ashlyn approached the dogfight between the TIE's and Y-wings they noticed the Rebels were not in a good position.  Y-Wing Green 1 & 2 were been mercilessly attacked by four TIE's.  Green 3 & 4 were pursuing two other TIE's.  A glancing shot from Green 4 caught Beta 5's wing causing minor damage.

Cyril was heard by all calling Green 1 and his answer came back quickly.

"Grey 8 I'm a little busy right now and could use some help.  You've got to help the Sarah.  She's carrying a thousand troops, she's. . ."

A loud explosion crackles through the comm.  Exilim and Ashlyn watch in helpless horror as one of the TIE's penetrates Green 1's shields and sheers off his starboard engine nacelle.

"I'm hit, I'm hit."  Green 1 screams.  "Grey squadron you've got. . ."

His transmission ends with a scream and hiss of static as the TIE's mercilessly finish the job, leaving a pile of space debris behind.

Y-wing Green 1 has been destroyed flashes across everyone's screen.

The quartet of ties splits as one pair continue to effortlessly pursue Green 2.  The other pair split off heading straight at Grey 3 & 4.  Who had now closed to range.

Over the comm Lieutenant Surrey is heard to say.  "By the Force.  He was a good man."

"Grey Squadron.  We have TIE Bombers closing.  Range one hundred and fifty kilometres.  We estimate missile range in approximately two minutes.  The Blood Angel is also inbound.  She'll be here in aboutt ten minutes.

You have to stop them.  We can't get our hyperdrive operational for twenty minutes.  We can't outrun her.  Our engines will barely get us moving.  Stop them!"

---

OOC:  Let me apologise for breaking a promise.  Unfortunately my computer chose this morning to blow its power supply.  Therefore I have lost access to the battle map I had prepared until I get it repaired or draw it again.  I am currently using my laptop (which is sloooooooow) to write this.  I hope people can handle another round or two without a map.  I thought getting the post out was more important.

I have named the TIE's for ease.  The ones attacking the Sarah are Alpha wing, the ones engaging the Y's are Beta and the TIE Bombers are Gamma.

All Grey Squadron craft are undamaged with full shields.  All have 6 missiles except Devon & Zenna who have 5.

GREY SQUADORN
Grey 1&2 - Just destroyed Alpha-2
Grey 3&4 - Head to head with Beta 3&4
Grey 5&6 - Closing with Alpha-1
Grey 7&8 - Pursuing Alpha-3
Grey 9&10 - Pursuing Alpha-4

ALLIES
Deepstar - Shields 57%  Hull 100%
Sarah - Shields 0% Hull 67% Hyperdrive offline, Ion engines critical
Green 2 - Shields 85% Hull 100%
Green 3&4 - Shields 100% Hull 100%

ENEMIES
Alpha Flight has stopped firing on the Sarah as she focuses on the new threat.
Alpha-1 -  has dodged behing the Deepstar to avoid the missiles and is now returning to the fight.
Alpha-2 - destroyed
Alpha-3 - Being pursued by Neeva & Cyril (undamaged)
Alpha-4 - Damaged but uncertain how badly.  She's fleeing towards Blood Angel (though this could be just so onboard systems can repair).  She's being pursued by Nirro & Christian.

Beta 1&2 - Just destroyed Green 1 are pursuing his wingman.
Beta 3&4 - Going head to head with Exilim and Ashley
Beta 5&6 - Being pursued by Green 3&4 (Beta 5 is damaged)

Gamma 1-6 - closing
Blood Angel - closing

Hope this all made sense!!!

This message was last edited by the GM at 11:15, Sun 13 Nov 2005.

Jamie let out a loud whoop as he blasted one of the TIEs.
Dananana da da danana...
"Engaging TIE Alpha 1," said Jamie, with surprising calm, considering he had just blown up an enemy fighter.
Jamie turns his ship towards Alpha 1, then climbs "up" and away from the other fighters.  When Alpha 1 gets close enough, Jamie will attempt to engage pursuit from above and behind, and lay down laser fire.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:53, Sun 13 Nov 2005.

Zenna listened to the chatter over the comm as she sped just behind and to the side of her wingman. "Grey 1, break off. Grey 5 and 6 are still engaged with Tie Alpha 1." She wasn't sure which direction Grey 1 would be coming from but she didn't want the distraction of having a third fighter in their current formation.

"Grey 5, take the lead. Full power to lasers."

---

Zenna will pursue Tie Alpha 1 until it is destroyed, disabled, or fleeing. She'll fire at the Tie along with Grey 5 in a coordinated effort.

Then she'll check her instruments to check on the status of her concussion missile. If it's still active, she'll send a signal to self-destruct so it won't be able to lock on to a friendly. _{Not sure if this is possible.}

Then she'll open a comm to the Deepstar. "Deepstar this is Grey 6. What is your status? Move your ship between the Sarah and those Tie Bombers. We can't let them get a lock with those torps. Do you have electronic counter-measures?"

Zenna will continue to stay at Grey 5's wing and follow his lead and engage whichever target he chooses.

_{I think that's enough options}

After hearing Green 1's final transmission, Cyril tightens his grip on the stick. He knew it was a simulation, but still, a loss was a loss, and he'd never really gotten fully de-sensitized to the feeling. The fact that he missed his shot didn't help one bit.

"Bracketing the target, Grey 7. Suggest you do the same."

Cyril follows the TIE move for move, keeping it in his targeting reticle and waiting for Alpha-3 to make that one crucial mistake before firing his blasters.

---

Cyril will keep a coordinated pursuit of Alpha-3 with Neeva until it's destroyed, then let Neeva select the next target to pursue.

Christian watches as the TIE limps away.  "Grey 10 to Grey 9.  Let her go.  She's heading for the Blood Angel.  Lets focus on supporting our squadron.  Follow me, and lets back up the green squad."

Listening to the chatter, Christian speaks into the comm.  "Grey 10 to Grey 1.  Green wing looks like they need a hand..Lets not disapoint them.  Go in wide on our trajectory and cover us.  Grey 9, Stay on my Wing and we'll help Green 2.  "

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Grey 10 Will detach from Alpha 4 (As he is aproaching the Blood Angel.  BIG SHIP!

Suggested that GREY 1 Cover Grey 9 and myself.  GREY 9 and myself will attack the two on GREEN 2's tail.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:33, Sun 13 Nov 2005.

'He ducked behind Deepstar, he...'  Devon realized he was shouting and forced himself to lower his voice.  'Grey 6, you follow him round; I'll go the other way and try to meet him head on....'

He's blind to us whilst he's behind the corvette, Devon reassured himself as he guided his fighter to dive below the larger ship and then climb steeply up towards where he guessed the TIE should appear.  by sending one of us after him  and the other to intercept... even if he doubles back, he's going to have one of us behind him and the other head on...

Devon linked all his lasers to fire simultaneously, knowing that with how close they would be and the speeds involved, he would only get one shot.

---

If this little stunt works, then Alpha 1 is no longer a problem.  Devon will form on Grey six's' wing and follow her lead.  (he's had his fill of of being in the lead for one day ;) )
I'll post again if its needed.  :)
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:25, Mon 14 Nov 2005.

"Roger Grey 5." Zenna will go along with Grey 5's plan to split up.


Then she'll take the lead and follow up with the contingencies from the previous post.

Tania followed her wingman's maneuvers deftly, acting as a second set of shields and, more importantly, a second set of eyes while her wingman shot down an enemy fighter. When Green 1's transmission came in, Tania had to remind herself that this was all a high-tech game. No one was really dying out there, Rebel or Imperial. In her mind many Imperial pilots were just people doing their jobs in service of what they perceived to be the lawful government. Not that it ever stopped her from pulling the trigger when TIEs started shooting at her of course.

Tania listened to the com exchange. Four Z-95s was something of an overkill against a single TIE and as any pilot knew, numerical superiority was not always a good thing against craft with vastly superior manueveribility. However if they could get the TIEs off the Y-wings, Green squadron could recharge their shields and add their proton torpedos to the mix when the time came to face the bombers.

"Grey 1, recommend that we help Green squadron. We'll need their proton torps to scare off the Blood Angel."

Once he realized Alpha 1 was being pursued already, Jamie broke off and flew full throttle in pursuit of TIE escaping towards the Blood Angel.
"Negative - too many of us.  Grey 2, follow me."
Jamie links all the lasers to fire together, then attempts to take out the fleeing TIE.

Alright grey 3, let's get to work Ahslyn says as he pilots his ship against the ties. Let's split up and take one each. Kill one target before moving on to the next. Make sure to yell out if you're in trouble. I'll do the same.

Ahslyn links his blasters to fire together and attempts to get behind beta 3 to get a good shot. Hold on green squad. The rest of grey squad will be here once they finish cleaning up Sarah's mess. You'll have to manage until then.

"Roger Grey 4.  I'll take TIE beta-3 and you take beta-4"

Tania radioed back to her wingman, "Roger Grey 1, I'm your wing. I'll watch that we don't stray into proton torp range." She had hoped to allow the entirety of Green squadron, well the flight left of it, to disengage but with so many Greys headed their way they might as well mop up the fleeing TIE. Plus sooner or later they would have to face the Dupes and mass fire was the best way the TIE bombers had of killing the Sarah. Now how to approach them without being shot down by proton torps themselves... It would be nice to use the fleeing TIE as a shield but with its manueverability that was not a tactic a rookie really ought to be trying in a Z-95.

Watching the tie limp away Nirro sighed "Roger Grey 10. I just hate letting them get away" with that said Nirro disengages from the Tie and forms up on Grey 10's wing.

"Well time to hunt a different target. Stay cool Green 2. Help is on the way Yeehaw"
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 18:00, Mon 14 Nov 2005.

In her simulator, Neeva shook her head at what she saw and heard, but she kept it all in perspective, a knowing smile on her face.

"Roger, Grey 8.  But I'm not good at waiting." Neeva responded, sounding a little more interested.  "Next time he baits us I'm gonna fire.  You take the follow up shot when he slips."  Neeva focused her efforts.  She was just a little annoyed that the Sim-TIE had evaded Grey Eight's shot.  She knew the TIE was programmed well, and she didn't really expect to hit him: but if she could nail him, she would.

Jamie & Tania break off their pursuit of Alpha-1 as Devin & Zenna come hurtling towards the Deepstar.  As Zenna pursues the TIE, Devin flies above the corvette hoping to catch him on the other end.

Alpha-1 does not co-operate as it pops up short of the expected area causing Devin to shoot wide.  Alpha-1 fires a snap shot that narrowly misses Devon.  The TIE shoots past from aft starboard to port, Zenna still in pursuit.  The TIE seems to ignore its pursuer as it turns hard and slides in behind Devin.

Upon hearing Zenna's suggestion a man's voice comes on the comm.  "This is the captain of the Deepstar to whomever spoke before.  I suggest you stop offering us tactical advice and deal with those bombers quickly.  My gunners can't hit the blasted fighters, do you really think they'll hit the torps?  Or maybe you think my shields can stop a dozen proton torpedos better than the Sarah.  I'm not so confident.  Deepstar out."

Despite his words the corvette was moving to shield the Sarah as best it could.  Its gunners had stopped firing as the TIE's were now hopelessly intertwined with the Headhunters.

Meanwhile Jamie & Tania had turned to engage the fleeing Alpha-4.  The TIE rocketed forward as the pilot clearly put all his power to engines and shot ahead.  The Grey's kept up their fire but soon their opponent was a good ten kilometres distant and increasing.

Neeva & Cyril continued their frustrating chase of Alpha-3.  Their fist volley missed the nimble fighter but their next blast clipped the starboard wing, causing cosmetic damage but not slowing it down.  The computer's read mild to moderate damage.

Exilim & Ashlyn hurtled head first at their opposite numbers in Beta squadron.  Lasers flashed and then the group passed.  Ashlyn noticed with satisfaction he had clipped his opponent but his smile faded slightly as Exilim called, "I'm hit!  Shields are gone."  Indeed Grey 3 had been caught by the TIE and had overloaded the shields.  There was no hull damage save some mild carbon scoring.  Things turned darker however as the TIE's turned faster than the Headhunters and pulled onto their tails.

Nirro & Christian were busy hurtling towards Green 2, determined to help.  They noticed that the two TIE's which Green 3 & 4 were chasing had thrown off their attackers and were trying to get behind them.  What's more Beta 1 & 2 continued to hammer away at Green 2, stripping away they Y-wing's shields.

---

OOC Stuff
Okay, managed two rounds this time until things changed (for better and worse).  Hope the info below makes things a little easier.

Grey 1 & 2 are now 10 km from the Sarah (heading towards bombers and Blood angel) and Alpha 4 is a further 10km ahead (just reached max weapons range).

Grey 3 & 4 have Beta 3 & 4 pursuing them.

Grey 5 is being pursued by Alpha-1 who is being pursued by Grey 6.

Grey 7 & 8 are pursuing Alpha-3 who they scored a hit on.

Grey 9 & 10 are pursuing Beta 1 & 2 who are pursuing Green 2.

Beta 5 & 6 have shaken off their pursuers (Green 3 & 4) and are attempting to pursue them.

The Deepstar is maneuvering to provide protection for the Sarah though it means the corvette is now a prime target for the bombers when they close.


GREY SQUADORN
Grey 1  -  Undamaged
Grey 2  -  Undamaged
Grey 3  -  0/30SP  115/120HP
Grey 4  -  Undamaged
Grey 5  -  Undamaged (5 missiles remaining)
Grey 6  -  Undamaged (5 missiles remaining)
Grey 7  -  Undamaged
Grey 8  -  Undamaged
Grey 9  -  Undamaged
Grey 10 -  Undamaged

ALLIES
Deepstar - Shields 57%  Hull 100%
Sarah - Shields 0% Hull 67% Hyperdrive offline, Ion engines critical

Green 1 - Destroyed
Green 2 - Shields 0% Hull 92%
Green 3 - Undamaged
Green 4 - Undamaged

ENEMIES
Alpha-1 - Undamaged
Alpha-2 - Destroyed
Alpha-3 - Hull 70%
Alpha 4 - Hull 95% (10km from Grey 1 & 2)

Beta-1 - Undamaged
Beta-2 - Undamaged
Beta-3 - Undamaged
Beta-4 - 27% Hull damage
Beta-5 - Undamaged
Beta-6 - Undamaged

Gamma 1-6 - Undamaged (72km and closing @ 2160kph)
Blood Angel - Undamaged (174km and closing @ 1080kph)
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:08, Wed 16 Nov 2005.

Christian sets his instruments and flies in at spped.  "GREY 9, going for BETA 2.  Locking on and firing missile.

Cyril ignores the fact that his second shot had clipped the TIE - he knows that in fighter combat, nothing matters but a kill. He stays off the comm for now, letting his Z-95 and it's fire-linked blasters speak for him.

A minor blip on his sensors forces him to break his silence, but not his concentration. "Grey 8 to 5. Watch your six!"

---

Continuing pursuit of Alpha 3. Once it's destroyed, Cyril will attempt to form up with Grey 6 to pursue Alpha 1, if Alpha 1 is still around by that time. If not, he'll let Neeva select their next target.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:34, Tue 15 Nov 2005.

Grey 3, I've almost got this one. I need a little longer and I'll have him taken care of. Can you hold on long enough or do I need to break of and come help out? Grey 4 speaks anxiously as he continues to dogfight his tie. Regardless, there is no way that he could disengage now. 3 would have to wait at least a little longer.

OOC:
If Grey 3 says he needs help immediately, Ashlyn will attempt to shoot his tie once more this round and then in the rounds following, he'll attemot to disengage and go help.

Nirro checks his sensors and decides he has enough time to take a couple potshots at the ships he's attacking before the others can get on his tail.

"Grey 10 there is some Imperial Scum attempting to come up behind us what do you say we take out these two pieces of trash in front before we deal with them?"

Nirro locks on and fires a missile at beta one. If he hits and beta one is not destroyed he follows up with laser fire. Once beta one is destroyed he will help Grey 10 with Beta 2. All the while keeping an eye on the two fighters trying to tail him and his wing man. If he destroys his target and they arrive before Grey 10 has destroyed his he will drop off slightly to cover grey ten from them.

"I think I can hold him off for a little while longer 4."

OOC: Xil continues to juke and dodge, trying to keep out of the TIE's firing arc.  Following this, Xil will attempt a quick 135degree turn to port to try to get the jump on the pursuing TIE.

"Good shot, Grey 8: let's keep up the pressure."  Neeva still sounded a bit relaxed, but now a bit more focused.  In her simulator, she worked her controls in an effort to keep up with the Tie.

"Grey 1 and 2, we've got 9 unfriendlies with superior speed and maneuverability threatening our mission objective back here, return to the Squadron."

OOC: I'm heading out of town tomorrow.  I'll be gone for about a week with limited internet and no books.  So, I'll let Grey 8 choose the next target.

"Roger that, Grey 7. Stay with me."

---

Cyril and Neeva's priority targets are Alpha 3, Alpha 1 and the wing of Beta 3 and 4, pursuing them in that order.

'Yeah, I know!' shouted Devon as he wrenched the Z-95 through a hard turn and checked his sensors to work out exactly where his pursuer was.

All he needed to do was lead the TIE into the path of his wingmans guns... and stay alive at the same time, of course.

---

Evasive flight to try and avoid getting shot down.  Help Zenna line up her shot if possible.  Once the TIE is dealt with, Devon will act as Sixs wingman and follow her lead.
Hangover equals short posts, head hurts.  In pain, feeling ill.  Hate the entire world.  Hoping to feel better later.  :)

Jamie took one last shot at the fleeing TIE; ignoring Grey 7, he broke pursuit away from the TIE at a 30 degree angle.
"Grey 2, mirror my moves, let's try to get behind these bombers."

OOC: like this:

\    /
 \  /
  \/
This message was last updated by the player at 19:25, Wed 16 Nov 2005.

Zenna didn't respond back to Deepstar. Tie Alpha-1 had turned to tail Grey 5. Wonder if Alpha-1 is actually a human pilot or a computer controlled program. "Hold on Grey 5, I'll get him off your tail."

The Headhunter tried to pull in close to the Tie. Her lasers were fully charged and the computer was also trying to get a lock with the concussion missile. Zenna didn't hear the targetting computer beep as she focused on the target ahead. Damn it's good.

The Tie was close, but not close enough. "Grey 5, break right on my mark."

"3, 2, mark!"

Try to coordinate with Grey 5 to fire on Tie-1 with full lasers.

Afterwards, if we're successful. We'll focus on the Tie Bombers. We'll each lock on with one concussion missile at long range and fire at two different Tie Bombers. Then close in to finish off with missiles.

While Grey 7 was right that they had nine unfriendlies close to the Sarah the fact of the matter was that they had even more friendlies engaging them in a dogfight. If they could not check the advance of the TIE bombers before they got into torpedo range, a concentrated volley or two would easily take down any of the Alliance's capital ships. However it was debatable if sending two starfighters against so many bombers was a wise or even survivable idea. Well, the middle of a dogfight was not the time to have lenghty arguments with your wingman....

"Roger, Grey 1"

Snapping off a quick burst of lasers at the fleeing TIE, Tania then put all of her discretionary power to speed and then mirrored her wingman's maneuver.

Y-wing Green 2 continues to jink desperately to avoid the pair of TIE fighters pursuing him.  Lasers fly all around the pilot as he waits for help.  That help is not far in coming.  Locking on to one TIE each Nirro and Christian both loose a concussion missile each at their foes.

Christain's missile plows deep into Beta-2's cockpit whilst Nirro's explodes only 20m from Beta-1.  The former TIE explodes spectacularly whilst the latter is quickly finished off by combined laser fire from both ties.

TIE Fighter Beta-2 has been destroyed
TIE Fighter Beta-1 has been destroyed

The Y-wing flies towards it comrades who are still trying to evade Beta-5 & 6 who have slipped in behind them.  Laser fire burns against Green-4's shields but fails to penetrate.

Nearby Exilim & Ashlyn jink and twist, trying to get their opponents off their six.  A sharp turn from Grey-3 throws off Beta-3 and allows the unshielded Exilim some breathing room.  Nearby Beta-4 remained firmly on Ashlyn's tail though no lasers had struck the nimble Headhunter as of yet.

Neeva & Cyril continue to follow the extremely agile Alpha-3.  After serveral near-misses, the TIe pulls a sharp reverse turn that sends it flying away from the Greys.  The TIE & Z-95's begin maneuvering sharply, trying to get on each other's tail.

Devon continued to maneuver but Alpha-1 held firm.  A volley of laser fire hit the Z-95 hard and sent it hurtling  out of control momentarily as he struggled to regain control.

The uncontrolled maneuver probable saved Devon's life.  Thrown off, the TIE's second volley flew wide.  However its first shot had done enough damage.  The computer reported that the starboard blasters were non-operational.  Looking out the viewport, he saw that half his starboard wing was missing!

Concentrating hard, determined to save her wingman, Zenna was rewarded with an accurate salvo from her blasters.  They didn't cause the TIE to break off but it did buy her partner some breathing room.

Removed from the action, Jamie & Tania put all discretionary power to engines, hurtling towards Alpha-4 and the closing TIE Bombers.  The Greys would hit firing range in six seconds.

---

OOC Stuff
Apologies on continuing lack of map.  Replaced systems power supply only to have hard drive explode.  One is on order but don't expect it until early next week.

The TIE's are being whittled down but the Grey's have taken some damage.

Grey 1 & 2 are approaching the TIE's fast.  They are now 20 km from the TIE Bombers.  You can shoot at the Bombers (and they at you) in 2 rounds.

Grey 3 has evaded Beta-3's pursuit.

Grey 4 still has Beta-4 pursuing them.

Grey 5 still has Alpha-1 chasing him (and shooting bits of his craft).  Grey 6 is still shooting at Alpha-1 and has damaged them.

Grey 7 & 8 have had their pursuit of Alpha-3 broken.  They are both fighting for pursuit now.

Grey 9 & 10 have destroyed Beta 1 & 2

Beta 5 & 6 are pursuing Green 3 & 4.  Green 2 is moving to help them.

The Deepstar is now protecting the Sarah.  The bombers need over a minute to close to range.



GREY SQUADORN
Grey 1  -  Undamaged
Grey 2  -  Undamaged
Grey 3  -  0/30SP  115/120HP
Grey 4  -  Undamaged
Grey 5  -  0/30SP 48/120HP (Starboard blasters destroyed) (5 missiles remaining)
Grey 6  -  Undamaged (5 missiles remaining)
Grey 7  -  Undamaged
Grey 8  -  Undamaged
Grey 9  -  Undamaged (5 missiles remaining)
Grey 10 -  Undamaged (5 missiles remaining)

ALLIES
Deepstar - Shields 57%  Hull 100%
Sarah - Shields 0% Hull 67% (Hyperdrive offline, Ion engines critical)

Green 1 - Destroyed
Green 2 - Shields 0% Hull 92%
Green 3 - Undamaged
Green 4 - Shields 32% Hull 100%

ENEMIES
Alpha-1 - Hull 57%
Alpha-2 - Destroyed
Alpha-3 - Hull 70%
Alpha 4 - Hull 95% (12km from Grey 1 & 2)

Beta-1 - Destroyed
Beta-2 - Destroyed
Beta-3 - Undamaged
Beta-4 - Hull 73%
Beta-5 - Undamaged
Beta-6 - Undamaged

Gamma 1-6 - Undamaged (60km from Sarah and closing @ 2160kph)
Blood Angel - Undamaged (168km and closing @ 1080kph)

Cyril's eyes narrow as the TIE manages to shake them off, "... but not for long."

"Grey 8 to 7, link your..."

He cuts himself off as he sees Grey 5 in his periphery losing control, and parts of his starboard wing, from a direct hit by Alpha-1.

"Change of plans. Grey 7, break formation and keep Alpha-3 off my tail. Grey 5 and 6, hang on and keep your eyes peeled, I'm going to try something."

What Cyril's thinking of is dangerous, he knows, but right now, he's banking on the possibility that Alpha-1, good as it seemed to be, would still fall for this particular move, and force it off Grey 5's tail.

Breaking formation, he quickly turns his attention to Alpha-1, pushing the throttle to full ramming speed, and plots a collision course to the pesky enemy squadron leader's flank.

---

Unless Neeva posts, she will continue aggressively pursuing Alpha-3. If Alpha-3 is destroyed, she will re-form with Cyril.

Cyril will attempt to fool Alpha-1 into thinking he's going to being rammed. He will only try this trick once, and will follow it up by pursuing Alpha-1, forming wing with anyone still in pursuit of it.

Devon fought to regain control of his fighter, dazed from when his helmeted head had slammed against the inside of the cockpit canopy by the force of the TIEs laser blasts.

It's just a simulator he told himself. Its just a sim.  Your not really going to die...

Shaking his head to clear it, Devon diverted all the power from his laser cannons to shields, trying to bring them back up as fast as possible - he had a horrible feeling he was going to need them.

Hearing the chatter from his squadmates, Devon knew he wasnt alone; all he had to do was stay alive until they could help him.
Hoping his damaged fighter could handle the strain, he slammed it through a series of hard turns, changing direction at random in an attempt to throw off his persuer.

-------------------------
So basically, trying to bring his shields back online and flying as evasivly as possible....

Devon will obey instructions from squadmates trying to kill the TIE after him, then will form on Grey 6s wing once the TIE is dead.

Xil is relieved that he was able to shake his TIE persuer, at least for now.  "4, this is 3.  I have shaken my TIE for the moment and I am attempting to come in behind your TIE.  Hold on for a little longer."

______________________________________________________________________

Grey 3 is attempting to come in behind Beta-4 for a kill shot.

Zenna reset the parameters of her lasers. Unlinked lasers did less damage than linked lasers. But she was having a damn time just scoring a hit. She hoped that with a higher rate of fire. The Tie would either fall into the line of fire or move out of the..."Grey 5, I'm going to lay down a line of fire. Break left."

Basically unlink my lasers, I think they're actually blasters. But I forget :)
Lay down a long line of fire in hopes that Grey 5 will be able to break free. If I can score hits on the Tie great. But my first volley of fire will be to help Grey 5. Second round of fire will be with linked lasers, for the killing shot. Hopefully switching the lasers back and forth will confuse the Tie of what to expect.

When/If we destroy the Tie, Grey 5 and 6 will reform and head towards the Tie Bombers.

"Grey 2, pull up ninety degrees on my mark.  Take your time, don't lose control.  Now."
Jamie pulls up ninety degrees, and checks his sensors again to keep an eye on the rapidly approaching TIE bombers.
"Grey 2, angle deflector shields double aft."
Now's not the time to talk about my theoretical maneuvers...heh, that's what sims are for!

OOC:
Now going stright "up"...
This message was last edited by the player at 04:44, Sat 19 Nov 2005.

Devon jinks desperately, trying to keep Alpha-1 from finishing the job.  Keeping his ship in constant motion, he desperately tries to bring his shields online.  He succeeds as a small trickle of power diverts to his shields.

Zenna doggedly pursues her wingman's attacker.  She clips him with another barrage of laser fire.  Suddenly the TIE explodes as Cyril, shooting through on an oblique angle finished off the attacker with a fine deflection shot.  The joy is only temporarily lived as Alpha-3 pursues Cyril, hitting him with a barrage of laser fire that strips his shields away.  Neeva pursues but is unable to hit the nimble TIE.

TIE Fighter Alpha-1 has been destroyed flashes on the base of everyone's HUD.

Exilim, having thrown off his attacker, tries to slip in behind Beta-4 who is giving his wingman a hard time.  Indeed, as he approaches Beta-4 hits Ashlyn with a direct hit that knocks out all the Z-95's shield power and scars the hull.  Exilim fires at the TIE but it avoids his fire.  As he shoots he has to keep jinking, remembering that Beta-3 is now on his tail.

Following Green-2's lead, Greys 9 & 10 follow the Y-wing towards the other two members of Green Squadron who are being attacked by a pair of TIE's.  The Greys launch a pair of missiles at Beta 5 moments after Green-2 unloads a pair of proton torpedos at Beta-6.

The torpedos strike true and Beta-6 explodes spectacularly.  Beta-5 however pulls a sharp reverse turn and evades the missiles fired by the Greys.  Whilst they didn't score a hit, the maenuver had forced the TIE to break his pursuit of Green 3 & 4.  The Y-wings now formed up with Green-2 to form a flight of 3.

TIE Fighter Beta-6 has been destroyed

Jamie & Tania perform a slow ninety degree turn, as the TIE Bombers close.  Gamma 1-3 ignore the Z-95's as the continue on their course towards the Sarah and Deepstar, now escorted by Alpha-4 who had joined up with them.  Gamma 3-6 broke off towards the Greys, clearly intending to engage.

Over the comm can be heard.  "Sarah to Grey Lead.  We've made progress repairing the hyperdrive.  Still need about twenty minutes.  Keep them off us!"

A second voice crackles to life.  "This is the Deepstar.  Those TIE Bombers have accelerated!  We estimate torpedo range in sixty seconds.  Stop them!"

---

Only one round this time as posting has been a little slow from some people.  Things are looking up for the Greys.  Whilst several have been hit, nobody is out of the fight.  Meanwhile most of the TIE Fighters are now working individually rather than wingpairs.  The three Y-wings have merged into a flight and are doing their best to help.

Grey 1 & 2 now have Gamma 4 - 6 closing with them.  They are in weapons range this round.
Grey 3 is attacking Beta-4 and has Beta-3 1.5km behind him
Grey 4 is being pursued by Beta-4 (who just scored a hit)
Grey 5 & 6 are not engaged at present (3 km from Grey 7)
Grey 7 is 2km squares behind Alpha-3
Grey 8 has just destroyed Alpha-1 but Alpha-3 is 0.5km behind him.
Grey 9 & 10 - 5km behind Beta-5

Green 2-4 - Formed into wing.  Not in combat.


GREY SQUADORN
Grey 1  -  Undamaged
Grey 2  -  Undamaged
Grey 3  -  0/30SP  115/120HP
Grey 4  -  0/30SP  114/120HP
Grey 5  -  5/30SP 48/120HP (Starboard blasters destroyed) (5 missiles remaining)
Grey 6  -  Undamaged (5 missiles remaining)
Grey 7  -  Undamaged
Grey 8  -  0/30SP 104/120HP
Grey 9  -  Undamaged (4 missiles remaining)
Grey 10 -  Undamaged (4 missiles remaining)

ALLIES
Deepstar - Shields 57%  Hull 100%
Sarah - Shields 0% Hull 67% (Hyperdrive offline, Ion engines 10%)

Green 2 - Shields 0% Hull 92%
Green 3 - Undamaged
Green 4 - Shields 32% Hull 100%


ENEMIES
Alpha-3 - Hull 70%
Alpha 4 - Hull 95%

Beta-3 - Undamaged
Beta-4 - Hull 73%
Beta-5 - Undamaged

Gamma 1-3 - Undamaged (52km from Sarah and closing (60 secs to max torpedo range)
Gamma 4-6 - Undamaged
Blood Angel - Undamaged (165km and closing @ 1080kph)


DESTROYED
Alpha-1
Alpha-2
Beta-1
Beta-2
Beta-6

Green-1
This message was last edited by the GM at 09:01, Mon 21 Nov 2005.

As Alpha-1 bites the proverbial blaster bolt from his little trick, Cyril rolls to the right only to have his paint scratched, seeing a number of nuts and bolts, plus the occasional piece of armor plating, float across his canopy.

"Grey 7, stay in pursuit. Grey 5 and 6, a little help here."

Cyril changes his target to Alpha-3 and quickly notes their relative positions. He starts performing a systematic series of pitches, rolls and yaws he believes will keep his profile small to his pursuer, and may just shake the amazingly lucky TIE off.

"As I was saying... 'not for long', Alpha 3. Not for long," Cyril reminds himself, as he finally arms his cache of missiles.

---

Cyril opts to use total defense while attempting to escape pursuit. Once done, he will fire a missile at Alpha-3 if no one is in pursuit of it; otherwise, he will try to pursue Alpha-3 as well.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:29, Mon 21 Nov 2005.

Xil will continue on attacking Beta-4, but will fly defensively to avoid further damage from beta-3.

OOC:  I won't be much good to my wingmate if I am destroyed, and hopefully I will be enough of a nuisance to beta-4 so that Grey 4 can escape.  And you never know, I just might score a kill while I am at it.

Christian smiloes to himself at the results of the battle so far, but his smile fades.  Don't get too confident. he thinks to himself.

Activating the comm, he speaks.  Grey 10 to Grey 9.  Stay on Beta 5 and finish him, then we'll get the bombers.


Grey 10 to green wing.  What is your target

Grey 2, follow me at full throttle; fly completely defensive.
Jamie grinned as half the TIE bombers broke away from the Sarah and the Deepstar.  His maneuver hadn't worked as well as he had hoped, but it had wored.
He began to fly away from the battle at full throttle.
Dananana da da danana...

OOC:
now at top throttle and flying full defense
This message was last edited by the player at 15:43, Mon 21 Nov 2005.

OOC: Sorry i couldnt post over the weekend my home pc is out should be getting it back in a week or two in the meantime only can post mon-fri.

"Roger that Grey 10" Nirro tries to pick up pursuit of Beta 5. He fire links his lasers and opens up on the Tie as soon as he can get a fix.


If he destroys the Tie he will form up on Grey 10's wing as soon as he is done

Get him off of me 3. Ashlyn says. He attmepts a few manuevers in hopes of shaking the tie for himself.

If he manages to shake the tie, he will team up on it with Grey 3 and destroy it before moving on to another.

Zenna rolled her Z-95 as the Tie burst into flames. "Grey 5, how are things over there. Are you still in the fight or going in for repairs?" She pulled her ship alongside Grey 5 to do a visual inspection.


"I'm on it Grey 8." Zenna banked her craft and sped toward Tie Alpha-3. She linked all her lasers in preparation.

---

If/when Tie-3 is destroyed. Zenna will assist with the tie bombers

Grey 5 didnt answer immediately, busy struggling with his damaged fighter.

'I'm good, I'm still good...'   Devon looked hurridly from one display to another.  'Shields are coming back up, I've still got fire control and full manourverability.'

Devon exhaled slowly, a little of the tenson bleeding out of him.  'I'm still good.' he repeated, mainly to himself.  'You've got lead Six, I'm on your wing.'

As Grey 6 banked towards her next target, Devon matched the manouver and followed her; covering her tail.

---

Devon will cover Grey 6 and assist her as best he can.  He'll fire link his remaining two cannons and save his missiles for the TIE bombers.  Unless he has to fire, he'll keep pushing discretionary energy into bringing his shields back.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:48, Tue 22 Nov 2005.

Inside her simulator, Neeva roller her eyes in frustration: the stupid Tie was starting to annoy her.  She'd been chasing that annoying blip for over a minute and still hadn't so much as touched it with her blaster cannons.  She was beginning to realize that either she was not up to the task the other pilots so easily accomplished or her Tie was programmed to fly and respond much more efficiently than some of the others.

The Twi-lek girl new her Z-95 simpply could not turn on the speed like a set of twin ion engines could.  But she also knew she had little chance of hitting such a small and nible fighter from two kilometers out.  Neeva locked missiles and fired, hoping the fighter would have to deviate to avoid the missile, giving her a chance to cut corners and close back to a tight pursuit position.

Her stomach growled again.  Neeva remember she was hungry.  Thoughts of taking herself out of the combat crossed her mind.

Ashlyn jukes wildly trying to get Beta-4 off his back.  The TIE effortlessly matches his maneuvers and sends a pair of laser bolts directly into his target.  Ashlyn feels a massive jolt as his ship is slammed from behind.  As it hits all his computers shut down, leaving him flying blind.

Exilim followed on through the maneuvers, desperately trying to clear his wingman's tail.  Ignoring the ever-closing shots from Beta-3 on his own rear, the sniper called on his marksmanship now and was rewarded with a direct hit to Beta-4.  Whilst not enough to destroy the TIE, it was clearly quite badly damaged.  The quartet of ships continued their deadly dance.

Cyril was having similar problems as Alpha-3 continued to score hits against him.  His ship was holding together but structural integrity was beginning to weaken.

Behind the pair Neeva armed a concussion missile and let fly, hoping the projectile would distract the TIE.  However wether the opponent failed to notice the danger or due to Neeva's expert marksmanship, the missile plowed straight into the TIE, destroying it.  Devon and Zenaa fly past, waggling their wings to Neeva at her excellent shot.

TIE Fighter Alpha-3 has been destroyed.

Nirro and Christian charge at Beta-5 but the TIE accelerates away, leaving its opponents to far away.  The Grey's fire lasers but the TIE is quickly approaching maximum range.

The remains of Green Squadron fly in wedge formation behind Nirro and Christian.

"We're ready to follow your orders Greys.  What would you like us to do?"

Nearly fifty kilometres distant, Jamie and Tania notice with disappointment that the Bombers cease to follow them and throttle back towards the Sarah at high speed.

Telemetry, courtesy of the Deepstar shows all fighters the current position of their enemies.  The Bombers would be in range in under a minute whilst the Blood Angel was about eleven minutes distant.

---

Wow, a round of 3 successful critical hits!  Neeva and Exilim both scored the lovely rolls, unfortunately so did Beta-4 before

Grey 1 & 2.  The bombers have turned back towards the fight.  You will need a full round (no attacks) to close into weapons range with them.

Grey 3 is attacking Beta-4 and Beta-3 has closed to 1.0km
Grey 4 is being pursued by Beta-4
Grey 5 & 6 are not engaged at present
Grey 7 & 8 are not engaged at present
Grey 9 & 10 - 9.5km behind Beta-5

Green 2-4 - Formed into wing.  Awaiting orders.

Alpha 4 is escorting Gamma 1-3


GREY SQUADORN
Grey 1  -  Undamaged
Grey 2  -  Undamaged
Grey 3  -  0/30SP  115/120HP
Grey 4  -  0/30SP  42/120HP (computers destroyed)
Grey 5  -  5/30SP 48/120HP (Starboard blasters destroyed) (5 missiles remaining)
Grey 6  -  Undamaged (5 missiles remaining)
Grey 7  -  Undamaged (5 missiles remaining)
Grey 8  -  0/30SP 66/120HP
Grey 9  -  Undamaged (4 missiles remaining)
Grey 10 -  Undamaged (4 missiles remaining)

ALLIES
Deepstar - Shields 57%  Hull 100%
Sarah - Shields 0% Hull 67% (Hyperdrive offline, Ion engines 10%)

Green 2 - Shields 0% Hull 92%
Green 3 - Undamaged
Green 4 - Shields 32% Hull 100%


ENEMIES
Alpha 4 - Hull 95%

Beta-3 - Undamaged
Beta-4 - Hull 37%
Beta-5 - Undamaged

Gamma 1-3 - Undamaged (48km from Sarah and closing (54 secs at current speed to max torpedo range)
Gamma 4-6 - Undamaged (65km from Sarah)
Blood Angel - Undamaged (163.5km and closing)


DESTROYED
Alpha-1, 2 & 3
Beta-1, 2 & 6
Green-1

Christian activates the comm. "Green wing..the mission is under serious threat from those TIE bombers, we have to take them out, but not before finishing our problem here.  Your targets are to form up and stay close.  Take BETA 3.  Grey 9, TAke out BETA 4 as quickly as you can, I'll go for BETA 5."

"Once your target is destroyed, form up.  GREEN wing will engage the bombers with our help.  GREY 9..we'll keep their tails clear and provide cover fire."

Cyril would like to priase Grey 7 on her shot, but unfortunately, there wasn't any time for such pleasantries. As the telemetry data comes in from the Deepstar, he swiftly notes the overall status of Grey Squadron, and listens to Grey 10's assessment. Cyril disagrees with it.

Cyril thinks he's probably the least qualified to make demands on the others, but to him, Grey 10's suggestion wouldn't be making full use of the squadron - but then again, they hadn't really been acting like a squadron should in the first place. He immediately turns his badly scorched Headhunter towards the direction of Green Squadron as he opened up the comm channel.

In the tone of a seasoned officer, a tone he had long learned to emulate in order to survive deep behind enemy lines, Grey 8 starts giving orders:

"Grey 5, form on me; 6, help 9-10 take out Beta; 7, go with 1-2.

Greens, belay that last order - form on my wing and plot a torpedo run on the Blood Angel."

Cyril takes a quick breath, but immediately implores, "Don't fight me on this Greys, please."

---

Full-round action to give out these orders.

Negative!  The Blood Angel is not an imminent threat!  Take out the bombers!
Jamie realized he was speaking rather loudly over the comm, and stopped there.  He checked his sensors and realized with extreme disappointment that the bombers were no longer following him.  He turned back toward the bombers and tried to catch up with them.
Grey 2, they've lost interest.  Torp 'em, but don't use more than three.
When in range, Jamie will fire three missiles, each at a different bomber.

"Im on it Grey 10"
Nirro stops folling Beta-5 and ups his throttle and goes after Beta-4. As soon as he is in weapon range he will open fire with unlinked lasers.


Once it has been destroyed he will return to form up on 10's wing
This message was last edited by the player at 17:46, Sun 27 Nov 2005.

"Grey 4, keep doing what you are doing.  I almost have him.  I'll get you out of this then I want you to hightail it over to the Deepstar, so her guns can cover you while you make repairs to your shields."

Xil will continue to fire on the wounded TIE.  He is concentrating on the TIE and no longer flying defensively.

(I can take another hit, Grey 4 can't)
This message was last edited by the player at 18:39, Wed 23 Nov 2005.

Zenna keyed her comm at the same time as Grey 1, "Negative, Grey 8." She paused until Grey 1 cleared the comm channel. "All Greys not engaged, focus on the Tie Bombers. Green squadron, follow up after the Greys and pick up any bombers that break free. Grey 6 out."

Shaking her head Zenna switched to Devon's channel. "Grey 5 follow me in. Full power to blasters, we'll begin firing at long range and make them think twice about trying to lock on with their torps."

---

Target Gamma 1 at long range, then 2, then 3. I think blasters has a longer range than torps/missiles. If a Tie tries to take me out, will call for help but continue to fire on Bombers.

Devon listens to the barrage of orders coming over the comm channels; some conflicting, others merely at cross-purposes; leaving Devon wondering who to listen to.

They hadnt been given a clear command structure for the squadron before the mission started, and now Devon was starting to think that this oversight on the part of the mission planners was deliberate; to see how the Greys performed without any clear chain of command.

Maybe they expect us to sit here and squabble amongst ourselves. he thought to himself, then decided he would be happy to disappoint them.

'Roger that, Six.  Lets put the fear into the dupes, then the Greens are free to give the Angel a torpedo barrage.'

Privately, Devon was wondering whether three Y-Wings could pack enough of a punch to worry the frigate...

---

Follow Sixs' lead and engage the bombers.  Lock and fire one missile on Gamma 3 (given that Six is picking on Gamma 1), then switch to guns and help six chew up the Gammas.  If a TIE engages Six, defend her whilst she attacks the bombers.  If a TIE engages me, call for help and try to stay alive :)

Cyril sighs as both Grey 1 and Grey 6 countermand his orders, and ordering everyone against Gamma to boot, even in the face of possible loss of squadron personnel!

"You two have a serious case of tunnel vision," he silently comments, and in an act of protest, he continues heading for the Blood Angel. He sets his mind on on keeping the enemy frigate at bay, even if he has to do it all by himself.

---

Heading for the Blood Angel's rear arc, while keeping beyond-long range distance from any other hostiles.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:49, Thu 24 Nov 2005.

Tania flew as Grey 1's mirror image. It had been a while since she had practised any stunt flying. Actually Tania realised that she had never actually *did* any fancy manuevers like the ones she had just attempted in the simulator. This is why I'm a doctor and the rest of these people are pilots, I guess

Looping back to the bombers and switching over her weapons controls to missiles, Tania tried to bracket and fire three of her concussion missiles at three different TIE bombers as soon as they came in range. Then she noticed Grey 8's blip on her IFF screen go after the Blood Angel all by itself. Now there goes a man with a lot of guts. Not too much grey matter in the cranium but a lot of intestinal fortitude. If he keeps this up, we'll have plenty of time to get better acquainted. For the life of her, Tania could not figure out how a single Headhunter's armaments were going to worry a frigate like the Blood Angel. Sure it had big guns but ignoring the Dupes to go after it was inviting the Sarah and Deepstar to a banquet of proton torpedoes. Plus it was just that much *easier* to take out the Dupes first and then have the entire squadron mass fire on the Imperial capital ship....

OOC: Since I need a full round to close into weapons range with the Dupes, I'll target those who have not yet been damaged at the end of this round.

Neeva let loose an audible squeal of delight when her missile hit the Tie.  Silently, she berated herself for the unprofessional display of emotion.  It's just a sim, she reminded herself, a stupid sim.

Neeva rolled her eyes at all the chatter on the com: orders, more orders, countermanding of orders, the tactical situation was a mess.  One thing was certain: either Grey Squadron was very lucky or the Sim-Ties were programmed to operate at less than 100%.  If she was a betting woman, and she was, she'd have offered good money that the Greys would not have survived the dogfight with the Ties, let alone survived well enough to threaten the Bombers.  The freakish success of the Greys made the entire simulation lose believability in Neeva's eyes.

And yet, she now found her interest growing.  What if the Ties are programmed at 100%?  Neeva wondered how long the Greys might survive or if they might actually complete the mission objective.  That would certainly be something.

"Grey 7 moving to aid 1 and 2."

Neeva accelerated to ramming speed and began juking her controls in a defensive advance toward the Tie bombers.  As she flew, she switched her com to the Greys' private channel.  "Greys, the Deepstar should move out at top speed, get ready for hyperspace, not protect the Sarah.  Splitting the two will force the bombers and frigate to make a decision, which may buy us the time we need to save the Sarah.  Keeping the two together just makes our enemies' job easier."

Neeva wanted to say more; she wanted to say much more: but too many Greys were talking and not enough were listening, so why bother.  She was, after all, pretty hungry.

OOC: Fly (total defensive) at top speed toward the bombers.  Once she's out of range of the dogfight behind her, she switches her shields to double front.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:58, Fri 25 Nov 2005.

"Roger that Grey 3. Make it quick will you? Ashlyn says as his grip tightens on his joystick. He tries to muscle the ship into compliance since he can no longer count on the aid of his computer. He begins to sweat furiously as he dips and odged, hoping to stay out of fire from his enemy.

OOC: Ashlyn is doing anything he can think of to keep from getting hit. Full defensive flying... everything.

Jamie & Tania sharply turn and rush back towards the now-fleeing bombers.  Both Jamie and Tania lock and launch a torpedo at Gammas 4 and 5 respectively.  They continue to slowly gain on their targets as their missiles home in ahead of them.  The Bombers make no effort to dodge as they hurtle on towards the Alliance capital ships.

Grey 5 & 6 put all power to engines as they throttle towards the oncoming bombers.  Grey 7 moves to catch up with them as quickly as she can.  Meanwhile Cyril travels in a similar direction though his target is clearly not the Bombers but rather the Blood Talon approximately 120km distant and closing.

Green squadron go silent for several seconds after having numerous orders thrown at them.  Finally Green 2 answers.  "Roger Grey 10, engaging TIE fighter as ordered."  The trio of Y-wings lock onto Beta 3 and let loose a ferocious volley of laser fire which reduces the fighter to atoms.  The Y-wings then swing to follow the Greys alrady pursuing the bombers.

TIE Fighter Beta-3 has been destroyed

"Grey 3 your tail is clear." comes Christian's voice over the comm.

Not bothering with a reply, Exilim focuses on the task at hand and once again tried to find the calm, that allowed his pinpoint accuracy with a sniper rifle.  Finally bracketing the elusive TIE, he fired his lasers, scoring a direct hit on Beta-4, but his shot is just a second too late.  Laserfire from Beta-4 scores a fatal hit on Ashlyn's craft.

"Eject! Eject! shouts Exilim.

Moments before Grey 4 disintergrates, the cockpit blows and Ashlyn is seen to shoot away from his craft.

"Grey 4 is E/V, I repeat Grey 4 is E/V"

Z-95 Headhunter Grey 4 has been destroyed

Beta 5 which had been firing at Grey 4 from range suddenly turns as it is now outnumbered three to one.  Dodging fire, it turns to make its escape.

---

OOC:  Well one Grey is down.  Well he's E/V anyway.  Hopefully you pick him up before you go!  Only two fighters, a half-squad of bombers and a Nebulon-B frigate left!

Battle map can be viewed at:  http://servious.customer.netsp....au/stuff/bt_map.pdf


Grey 1 & 2 - Closing with Gamma 4-6.  Missiles are closing.
Grey 3, 9, 10 - Within 1-2kms of Beta 5 and Ashlyn
Grey 4 - E/V
Grey 5 & 6 (wing) - closing with bombers
Grey 7 - closing with bombers
Grey 8 - closing with frigate (which means he's still close to Grey 5-7)

Green 2-4 (wing) - closing with bombers

Alpha 4 is escorting Gamma 1-3
Gamma 1-3 (wing) closing
Gamma 4-6 (wing) closing
Blood Talon (closing)


GREY SQUADORN
Grey 1  -  Undamaged (5 missiles remaining)
Grey 2  -  Undamaged (5 missiles remaining)
Grey 3  -  0/30SP  115/120HP
Grey 4  -  Destroyed
Grey 5  -  5/30SP 48/120HP (Starboard blasters destroyed) (5 missiles remaining)
Grey 6  -  Undamaged (5 missiles remaining)
Grey 7  -  Undamaged (5 missiles remaining)
Grey 8  -  0/30SP 66/120HP
Grey 9  -  Undamaged (4 missiles remaining)
Grey 10 -  Undamaged (4 missiles remaining)


ALLIES
Deepstar - Shields 57%  Hull 100%
Sarah - Shields 0% Hull 67% (Hyperdrive offline, Ion engines 10%)

Green 2 - Shields 0% Hull 92%
Green 3 - Undamaged
Green 4 - Shields 32% Hull 100%


ENEMIES
Alpha 4 - Hull 95%
Beta-5 - Undamaged
Gamma 1-3 - Undamaged
Gamma 4-6 - Undamaged
Blood Angel - Undamaged


DESTROYED
Alpha-1, 2 & 3
Beta-1, 2, 3, 4 & 6
Green-1
Grey 4

Arrgh. Ashlyn grunts as his cockpit shakes with the final hit. He knew he was done before the screen went to the map. Dammit! First out. This isn't going to go over well. He sits back in his cockpit and closes his eyes for a few seconds.

When they open, he is returned to his normal, calm and collected state. He sits quitely and watches the battle map, studying the moves of his enemies as well as his allies. Studying his enemies would help him beat them next time and studying his fellow pilots would help him fly in coordination with them. That was my problem. He thinks, Too much Rogue Pilot crap. You'd better straighten that out immediately. It's that type of thing that'll get you killed.

Nirro flinches as Ashlyn's fighter is blasted to bits... Damn! He shakes his head sorry dude couldnt make it in time he says under his breath. He takes his hands from the joystick for a brief second to crack his knuckles. TIME FOR A LITTLE PAYBACK! Shouts Nirro as he attempts to lock on to Beta-5 and fires a torpedo. He will follow up with blasters of course
This message was last edited by the player at 14:58, Thu 01 Dec 2005.

"Sithspawn!  All right, if they want a fight, a fight is what they are going to get."

Now that his six is clear, Xil starts his attack run on Beta-5.  He attempts to get a missile lock and fires as soon as he has it.

Zenna linked her blasters, "Gammas 1-3 has a Tie escort. Grey 5, follow me in after I make my attack run on Gamma 1. If I were the gambling sort, that Tie will move to intercept. Do you think you can take out that Tie but it gets me?"

She looked over to the side to view the damage on her wingman's ship. It was extensive, one of the blasters was destroyed.


Zenna plans to fire at Gamma 1 with linked blasters. When/If the Tie locks on to her, she'll continue to focus on Gamma 1 hoping that Grey 5 will cover her and finish off the Tie. If Zenna gets hit more than Grey 5 hits the Tie, she'll begin to urge Devon to shoot better :) and call for help from Grey 7.

If she looses her shields, Zenna will try to evade the Tie and still try to get a shot at the Bomber if possible.

If she destroys Gamma 1, she'll switch to Gamma 2 even with the Tie on her tail as long as her shields are not gone.

EDITS BELOW:
If the Tie decides to lock on to Grey 5. Zenna will break off the attack and take out the Tie. Then return to the bombers.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:33, Fri 02 Dec 2005.

Christian smiles to himself as the wing continues.  "Green wing, focus your fire on the bombers.  Grey 3, Grey 9, form up on my wings, we are going on to take out the fighter left, then cover green squad."

Christain focus's on the task at hand.  " Grey 3, Grey 9, follow my lead, and keep your eyes open."
This message was last edited by the player at 10:26, Fri 02 Dec 2005.

Sighing, Cyril resigns himself to bringing his shields back on-line. He already knows he has little chance to fight off the frigate by himself, but at least the shields might allow him to annoy the Nebulon-B long enough for the Y-wings to finally arrive - that is, if by then they'll still have proton torpedoes to spare, or if there would still be a Grey 8 to assist.

Cyril continues on his way to the Blood Angel, while maintaining maximum distance from the enemy starfighters. He tries to filter out Grey Squadron's messages, leaving them to implement whatever 'plan' they had in mind. He's especially irritated with Greys 1, 6 and 10.

The first had broken off early to engage Gamma only to pull a stunt that allowed half the bombers to continue unimpeded. The second was asking her heavily-damaged wingman to take on a fully functioning TIE Fighter while she was in better shape to do so. The third was sending the bombers after an interceptor, though Cyril is thankful that the computer-controlled pilots were at least more than capable of handling themselves - perhaps even more capable than they were. After all, the debris they first saw meant Green Squadron had engaged two full TIE squadrons by themselves and lost relatively few men.

"Wait... TWO full squadrons?"

"Deep Star, this is Grey 8. Would anybody on-board happen to know how many squadrons a standard Nebulon-B frigate would be able to carry? Plus, would you kindly transmit the sensor readings from the time of the Blood Angel's arrival to the arrival of Grey Squadron?"

Jamie sighed as Grey 4 was shot down.
It's a good thing this is a sim...
"Grey 2, return shields to normal."
Jamie de-angles his shields, then returns focus to the bombers ahead of him.  He fires another missile at one of the unengaged TIEs.

Devon tried not to let any of the tension he was still feeling bleed over into his voice.  When Grey 4 had been destroyed, Devon had had to remind himself again that this was only a simulation - Grey 4s pilot wasnt really dead.  He was simply sitting in a simulator that was now disconnected from the others.  He wasnt really dead, its just a simulation.

'I'll give it my best, six... but I'm not exactly in top condition here..'

Letting Grey six draw slightly ahead of him; Devon slid his fighter sideways slightly so that he had a clear shot past his wingman, switching over to missiles, Devon prepared to fire at escorting TIE.

---

Devon will follow Grey six on her attack run until he can get a good lock on that TIE... then he'll fire twin concussion missiles at it.  Hopefully his following Six on her attack run will have faked the TIE out and it wont be expecting missiles :)

"Roger Grey One." Evening out her shields, Tania attempted a lock on another TIE bomber.

"Grey Eight, Two here. Standard Nebulon Bs carry two squadrons of TIEs. Be advised that most of their guns point forward and be careful of their tractor beams."

OOC: Tania will launch a missile at any TIE in range that is not already targeted by one. If no such opportunity exists then she will just fly as Grey One's wing and save her ammunition.

Cyril remained ready to receive any sensor data the Deep Star may send his way. However, he couldn't help but regain his smile when a reply to his first query came from an unexpected source: Grey 2. His happiness wasn't as completely recovered though - she had just confirmed that something was amiss.

"We've got a situation then, Grey 2. I count two and a half squadrons worth of TIEs in the area, scrap or otherwise. Oh, and by the way, thanks for your concern."

Neeva wasn't surprised at the reaction to her tactical suggestion.  Sitting in her simulator, the Twi'lek sighed.

"Hey Eight, be a good boy and stay with me." Neeva's teased casually.  We'll take care of these bombers then deal with the Frigate.  You alone aren't gonna slow her down."

Neeva flew straight for the the first wing of bombers.  As the bombers entered weapons range, she called her target, and locked and fired her second missile.

Passing within a kilomter of the bombers, Neeva swung her Z-95 into a tight turn in pursuit of the same wing.

Nirro shakes his head and does the math "If that info is correct then something is amiss there may be more than we thought or another capitol ship somewhere out here. Stay alert"

Slowly gaining on the TIE Bombers, Jamie and Tania fire another volley at Gamma 5, then at 6.  The first two pairs of missiles reached the bombers but failed to strike the agile craft.  The two continued their dogged pursuit.

Nirro and Christian fired at Beta 5 but failed to score a hit.  Exilim meanwhile showed his usual good firm by lodging a missile up the TIE's tailpipe, scoring another kill.  As a group the three then turned towards the fight with the bombers.

TIE Fighter Beta-5 has been destroyed

Gammas 1-3 closed quickly with Greys 5-7.  Devon fired unsuccessfully at the fighter whilst Zenna's lasers failed to strike a bomber.  Neeva's missile meanwhile successfully hulled Gamma 1.

TIE Bomber Gamma-1 has been destroyed

The enemies however were not silent in approach.  Alpha 4 hammered Devon mercilessly.  His Z-95 shook violentally and alarms began to sound as his engines showed significant damage.  He was still moving but at half the speed, which in a dogfight could be lethal.  Already, Alpha 4 was swinging around on Devon's tail to finish the job.

The bombers meanwhile launched a pair of torpedoes at Gamma 6 and another pair at Gamma 5.  The missiles overshot their marked but continued to home in on their targets.  Neeva and Zenna shot past the Bombers at lightning speed.

Seperated from the battle, Cyril ignored radio contact and continue to hurtle towards the Blood Talon.  Further back Green squadron continued to close with the bombers.

Over the comm, a new voice speaks.

"This is Captain Naro of the Deepstar to Grey Leader.  If you can deal with those bombers we are moving to pick up your pilot.  Can't leave you flyboys out here for the Empire.  Keep the Sarah safe.  The pickup should take a minute or two.  Naro out."

---

OOC:  Missiles everywhere!!!  I've updated the map and to understand my code for the missiles the letter tells you the type of missile, the number is the number of missiles and the brackets show who the weapons are aimed at.

ie.  M2(G4) - 2 x missiles locked on to Gamma 4
T3(G2) - Three torpedos locked on to Grey 3

NOw I realise I stuffed up by using G for grey and Gamma.  However at present all torpedoes are locked on to greys and all missiles on to Gammas.  Hopefully this makes enough sense.

The Deepstar has moved to rescue Ashlyn.

Grey 6 & 7 are pointing away from Gamma 2 & 3 (who are also facing away)
Alpha 4 is on Grey 5's tail (who's top speed is only 4 squares/round now)

Battle map can be viewed at:  http://servious.customer.netsp....au/stuff/bt_map.pdf


Grey 1 & 2 - Closing with Gamma 4-6.  Missiles are closing.
Grey 3, 9, 10 - closing
Grey 4 - E/V
Grey 5 - Alpha 4 is on your tail!
Grey 6&7 - Dogfighting with Gamma 2 & 3 (wing)
Grey 8 - closing with frigate

Green 2-4 (wing) - closing with bombers



GREY SQUADORN
Grey 1  -  Undamaged (3 missiles remaining)
Grey 2  -  Undamaged (3 missiles remaining)
Grey 3  -  0/30SP  115/120HP
Grey 4  -  Destroyed
Grey 5  -  0/30SP 11/120HP (Starboard blasters destroyed, Ion engines damaged) (5 missiles remaining)
Grey 6  -  Undamaged (5 missiles remaining)
Grey 7  -  Undamaged (4 missiles remaining)
Grey 8  -  6/30SP 66/120HP
Grey 9  -  Undamaged (3 missiles remaining)
Grey 10 -  Undamaged (4 missiles remaining)


ALLIES
Deepstar - Shields 57%  Hull 100%
Sarah - Shields 0% Hull 67% (Hyperdrive offline, Ion engines 10%)

Green 2 - Shields 0% Hull 92%
Green 3 - Undamaged
Green 4 - Shields 32% Hull 100%


ENEMIES
Alpha 4 - Hull 95%
Gamma 2&3 - Undamaged
Gamma 4-6 - Undamaged
Blood Angel - Undamaged


DESTROYED
Alpha 1, 2 & 3
Beta (all destroyed)
Gamma 1
Green 1
Grey 4
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:01, Mon 05 Dec 2005.

"Maybe not, but somebody has to try, now that the Deep Star's on the move. Sorry, Seven. For what it's worth, I'll be your wingman any day of the week; thanks for the assist earlier, and good shooting."

Cyril ends his transmission, hoping that the Deep Star manages to complete the rescue unscathed and still send the sensor data he asked for. In the meantime, he trusts his squadmates to do their best, continuing to raise his shields in order to do his.

"Damn" Nirro whispered silently to himself. If i cant hit anything they may kick me out of the squadron

"Thanks 9, for keeping his attention.  My missile did the job.  I am with you two for now."

Xil joins up with 9 and 10.  He will try to form a wing of three with them if possible.  He will continue with them on whatever target they proceed to.

Christian flies on towards the bombers.  GREY 9, GREY 3, Form up on my wings and open up to full speed.  Stay on my wings, and lets go.  Christian opens up the throttle and puts the ship at full speed.

"As ordered 10."

Xil falls in on Grey 10's starboard side.

Zenna banked her craft sharply to the left. She gauged how close the trops were closing in on her as she sped forward. It was a risky move and she knew it.

Her Z-95 angled directly at Tie Alpha-4 who was closing in fast on her wingman. "Devon...duck!" Zenna didn't have time to give more direction than that. It looked like her craft was on a collision course with Tie Alpha-4.

Zenna will fly directly at Tie Alpha-4 and enter the same space.

Nirro will form on Grey 9's wing and match his speed.
"Affirmative Grey 10" Nirro has started to feel a little anxious as he has fired at a couple ships and let off a couple missiles and has yet to score a single hit much less a kill.

"Grey Squadron, everyone save two or three missiles for that frigate."
Jamie lets out a sigh as his first missile misses its mark.
I need practice, I guess.
Jamie puts all discretionary power to engines and tries to close the gap between him and his prey.

Neeva managed to control her excitement this time: she made no sounds of victory as her missile blasted her second kill of the day.

Inside her simulator, the twi'lek furrowed her brow.  She doubted the SIM was functioning properly: the battle was far too onesided a victory for a bunch of Z-95s up against Ties.  And real live missiles just didn't hit ties at the rates that these did.

Neeva turned her attention back to the task at hand and turned as tight a corner as she dared, trying her best to close and establish pursuit with the remaining wingmates of the bomber she destroyed.

Neeva waited for quite a while after hearing the Deepstar transmit, several seconds at least: a scowl growing across her face.  So many hoojawanees, but not a one with manners.

Before it was too late, she spoke up.  "Roger that, Deepstar, and thanks for the pick up."

Neeva suddenly laughed out loud, catching herself, then relaxing when she checked to see that she'd switched off her com.  Stupid girl.  Neeva found her words ironic.  After all, the excitement of the battle had failed to catch her up in the heat of battle.  And now, her training as a diplomat had caused her to forget this was just a SIM: she had been caught up in the diplomatic scene and forgotten that there was no real need for etiquette with the SIM Captain Naro.

Switching her weapons control over to her blaster cannons, Tania tried to get a solid lock on the TIEs once they were in range. TIE bombers were supposed to be the most ungainly of the breed and it was telling that she found it hard to rack up blaster kills. This did not augur well.....

"Grey Eight, Two here. Some Nebulon Bs can be modified to hold more than their standard complement of two squadrons. It makes no sense for the Imperials to use hit and fade tactics with their captial ships and leave their TIEs stranded here. Could you do a short range scan to see if the Blood Angel isn't hiding any more surprises?"

OOC: Will try and fire on any TIE that comes into range. By default, make that Gamma 4 is they all move together.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:13, Wed 07 Dec 2005.

Repeating his mental mantra of Its only a sim, its only a sim...; Devon tried not to panic as Alpha 4 closed in for what would definitly be the kill shot.

THINKhe snapped at himself, use any advantage you can and tried to ignore the nasty little voice that was telling him that with his shields gone, one wing missing, engines shot up and the enemy closing in; he didnt HAVE any advantages.  He was too slow to get out the way... then it hit him - he was SLOWER than the TIE now; and unless it slowed to match him, the TIE would have a far larger turning circle.  Maybe he could survive the TIEs first attempt to finish him off.

Watching the TIE close in behind him, Devon timed his manouver carefully. Any second now... waiting till what he was certain was the last possible second, Devon slammed his wounded fighter into the tightest turn he could manage, hoping the TIEs greater speed would make it overshoot.

Jamie and Tania diverted all discretionary power to the engines as the TIE Bombers began pulling away.  At full speed the Z-95's soon pulled back into weapons range.  It looked like this would be important as not only had the missiles failed to score a hit yet but the trio of bombers was getting dangerously close to the Sarah.  Help was on the way however as Exilim and Nirro formed up with Christian and began closing on the bombers also.

Devon pulls every trick in the book trying to evade Alpha-4 but the TIE hangs in close.  In a desperate bid to shake his agressor, he throws the ship into reverse.  Unfortunately the trick does not work as the TIE sends a pair of bolts into Devon's engines destroying them and rendering his Z-95 unrepairable.

Z-95 Headhunter Grey 5 has been destroyed

Zenna cries out as her wingmate is destroyed.  Already she had been diving at Alpha-4 in an attempt to gain his attention.  The sudden breaking maneuver causes Zenna to miss her target.  This coupled with the distraction of her lost wingmate causes her to hesitate a second too long. The torpedos that had been trailing her explode in close proximity.

The blast strips away her shields and knocks out the port stabilisers.  The ship falls into an uncontrolled spin to starboard.  Zenna desperately fights to regain control of the craft and manages to do so. . .right in time to have Gammas 2 & 3 strike her craft with a volley of laserfire, causing lethal damage.

Z-95 Headhunter Grey 6 has been destroyed

Neeva continued to launch laser fire at Gamma 2 but failed to score a hit.  The pair of TIE's she was pursuing now seemed to focus their attentions on the rapidly closing Green squadron.  She also noticed that Alpha-4 had turned in her direction.

Cyril could only watch on helplessly as he continued to travel at full speed away from the battle.  The Blood Talon was not on his sensors yet but the feed he was receving from the Deepstar told him he was on course.  He watched as the corvette stopped close to Ashlyn and began bringing him on board.

Time to recover Grey-4  0:05min
Time to repair Sarah's Hyperdrive 19:00min appeared on the screens

---

OOC:  Ouch!  Bad couple of rounds for the Greys.  Lost two in two rounds!

Now Grey 1 & 2 are still chasing Gammas 4-6.  They are in weapons range this round.  Grey 3,9 & 10 are closing as well.

Grey 7 is chasing Gamma 2 & 3 who are now targeting the incoming Y-wings.  Alpha 4 is coming around on Neeva's tail.

Grey 8 is flying full speed towrds the blood talon.

Battle map can be viewed at:

http://servious.customer.netsp....au/stuff/bt_map.pdf


Grey 1 & 2 (wing) - Closing with Gamma 4-6 (in weapons range).  Missiles are closing.
Grey 3, 9, 10 (wing) - closing
Grey 4,5,6 - E/V
Grey 7 - Attacking Gamma 2 & 3
Grey 8 - closing with frigate (a little over 100km away!)

Green 2-4 (wing) - closing with bombers



GREY SQUADORN
Grey 1  -  Undamaged (3 missiles remaining)
Grey 2  -  Undamaged (3 missiles remaining)
Grey 3  -  0/30SP  115/120HP
Grey 4  -  Destroyed
Grey 5  -  Destroyed
Grey 6  -  Destroyed
Grey 7  -  Undamaged (4 missiles remaining)
Grey 8  -  16/30SP 66/120HP
Grey 9  -  Undamaged (3 missiles remaining)
Grey 10 -  Undamaged (4 missiles remaining)


ALLIES
Deepstar - Shields 67%  Hull 100%
Sarah - Shields 5% Hull 67% (Hyperdrive offline, Ion engines 10%)

Green 2 - Shields 2% Hull 92%
Green 3 - Undamaged
Green 4 - Shields 35% Hull 100%


ENEMIES
Alpha 4 - Hull 95%
Gamma 2&3 - Undamaged
Gamma 4-6 - Undamaged
Blood Angel - Undamaged


DESTROYED
Alpha 1, 2 & 3
Beta (all destroyed)
Gamma 1
Green 1
Grey 4, 5, 6
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:02, Tue 10 Jan 2006.

"Way ahead of you, Grey 2." Cyril replied.

As a couple of blips disappear on his sensors, marking them as the loss of both Grey 5 and 6, Cyril groaned. He knew this somehow proved the validity of his earlier plan, and although this was just a simulation, they couldn't afford making such mistakes for real. Hopefully both of them had learned their hard lessons.

Cyril knew that the tide of battle was slowly turning back against them,as their numerical advantage was being reduced. He momentarily considered doubling back to assist, but he knew he was at the point of no return, and that he was in no shape to enter a furball.

He continued to restore his shields, and continued on his course, hoping to become an ominous blip on the frigate's sensors.

Xil is going to continue in the wing, and fire when given the chance, be it lasers or missiles.

Jamie sighed as two more Greys were blown to space dust.
It's a good thing this is a sim...
"Switch to lasers, Grey 2," Jamie said to his wingman, then, to the rest of the surviving fighters, "Everyone hold a few missiles for the frigate."
Jamie switched to lasers and tried to land a good shot on one of the bombers.
C'mon...they're almost within range of the Sarah...
This message was last edited by the player at 22:22, Fri 09 Dec 2005.

Nirro didnt like the odds. He wasnt a gambling man... not really. Except when he wa awake that is. The numbers that had been so much in their favour seemed to have taken a turn for the worst.They still outnumber their foes but they were starting to drop and someone needed to do something. Trouble was, his luck wasnt in today and he was sure he wouldnt be going home with any kills.


"Don't think like that" he chided himself things are gonna be cool you just need to focus That being sais (to himself) Nirro settled into his seat his face a mask of determination.

come on guys! sim or not lets take these bad boys down

He continues to fly in formation but the moment any bombers come in range he will open fire.

Neeva wasn't surprised to see the turn of events.  The Greys didn't stand a chance in this scenario.  The Ties were faster, more maneuverable, and better armed.  The bombers were sturdy and plentiful enough to take out the Sarah before being stopped.  If anything, Neeva had been surprised that the Grey's had lasted so long.

Neeva had run the scenario through her mind in the first seconds of the combat.  The Sarah would be completely disabled, but the Imps would resist fully blasting the ship out of existance with all passengers on board.  Why make an example of the Sarah when there were no large population centers around?  Besides, who knows what the Imps might learn after torturing so many prisoners?

Grey Squadron and the Deepstar would be faced with a tough decision, the decision Neeva saw as the real test of the SIM: Do you leave the thousands aboard the Sarah behind or do you risk losing everything and stay behind in hopes of picking up a few life pods or actually destroying the bombers and the frigate.

The bombers, of course, would move on to the Deepstar, hoping to disable her before she made the jump to hyperspace.

Therein stood the real test of leadership as far as Neeva was concerned: who would be the first to accept the inevitable conclusion.

For Neeva, the answer was easy: Better to return with the Deepstar and the Squadron than to return with two or three Grays.

Green 2-3-4, you'll only get this one shot before they hit the Sarah.  Make it count.

Neeva held off actually telling them to fire missiles--though it's what she'd have done in their situation.  She switched her shields to double-back, laughing at herself for offering encouragement to a SIM program.  Her targetting computer beeped her with a lock and she fired her third missile at the bombers ahead of her.

Gray 1 was going to be unhappy if she spent all her missiles taking out bombers.  More likely, the Tie on her tail would blast her and her missiles would be wasted.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:11, Sat 10 Dec 2005.

Jamie and Tania let off a volley at the fleeing TIE Bombers but failed to score a hit.  The pair were then forced to shunt all power to acceleration just to keep up with the bombers which were racing full pelt towards the badly wounded Sarah.

Coming in on a tangent, a wing consisitng of Exilim, Nirro and Christian flew in and let loose a vicious volley of blaster fire.  Their efforts were rewarded as they clipped Gamma 5's port wing, sending it into a temporary spin.  Whilst not enough to destroy it, the distraction allowed the pair of missiles tracking the craft to lock on and explode less than five metres from its aft, resucing the craft to ashes.

TIE Bomber Gamma 5 has been destroyed

Over the comm, Lieutenant Surrey cries out.  "By the Force!  The bombers are in torpedo range.  Help us Grey Squadron.  Please!"

"This is Captain Narro.  We need another thirty seconds to recover your pilot.  You need to stop the bombers.  We're too far away."


Removed from the situation, but too busy to notice.  Neeva  locks on and looses a missile at the Gamma 2.  The missile shoots past the bomber and slowly begins circling back.  Switching to blasters she begins laying down fire.  A hit strikes the ion engines, moments before her missile returns, finishing the job.

TIE Bomber Gamma 2 has been destroyed

To port she can see space light up as the remainder of Green squadron looses laser fire at the remaining Bomber.  The TIE evades the fire as it continues to try to get on Neeva's tail.  Meanwhile Alpha 4, the sole remaining TIE fighter nimbly slides onto Green 3's tail and commences firing.  The Y-wing manages to avoid the fire, at least for now.

Over forty kilometres distant, a single Z-95 continues on its journey towards the Blood Talon, which continues to slowly close.

---

OOC:  Change of fortunes it seems.  But is it enough?

Grey 1 & 2 (wing) as well as Greys 3, 9 & 10 (wing) are closing with Gammas 4&6.  Jamie and Tania need one round to close, the other wing is in firing range.  The Bombers have slowed, obviously to launch their atack on the Sarah as they are now in firing range.

Neeva and Green Squadron are pursuing Gamma 3 who has lost his wingmen.  Alpha 4 is there however and is attacking Green 3.

Cyril is all alone, closing with the Blood Talon.


Battle map can be viewed at:

http://servious.customer.netsp....au/stuff/bt_map.pdf


Grey 1 & 2 (wing) - Closing with Gamma 4&6.
Grey 3, 9, 10 (wing) - In weapons range of Gamma 4 & 6
Grey 4,5,6 - E/V
Grey 7 - Attacking Gamma 3
Grey 8 - closing with frigate (approx 75km from Cyril!)

Green 2-4 (wing) - Attacking Gamma 3



GREY SQUADORN
Grey 1  -  Undamaged (3 missiles remaining)
Grey 2  -  Undamaged (3 missiles remaining)
Grey 3  -  0/30SP  115/120HP
Grey 4  -  Destroyed
Grey 5  -  Destroyed
Grey 6  -  Destroyed
Grey 7  -  Undamaged (3 missiles remaining)
Grey 8  -  16/30SP 66/120HP
Grey 9  -  Undamaged (3 missiles remaining)
Grey 10 -  Undamaged (4 missiles remaining)


ALLIES
Deepstar - Shields 67%  Hull 100%
Sarah - Shields 5% Hull 67% (Hyperdrive offline, Ion engines 10%)

Green 2 - Shields 2% Hull 92%
Green 3 - Undamaged
Green 4 - Shields 35% Hull 100%


ENEMIES
Alpha 4 - Hull 95%
Gamma 3 - Undamaged
Gamma 4&6 - Undamaged
Blood Angel - Undamaged


DESTROYED
Alpha 1, 2 & 3
Beta (all destroyed)
Gamma 1, 2, 5
Green 1
Grey 4, 5, 6
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:16, Tue 13 Dec 2005.

"Okay, Greys, we are giving better than we are getting.  Let's keep this up and take out those bombers."

Xil will remain in the wing and will engage the bombers as dictated by the wing.

Cyril notices the distance and starts veering off his direct course. He plots his course to circle the frigate, aiming to end up just beyond weapon range of the Nebulon B's nearest flank.

---

Continue raising shields back to full power.

Neeva sat in her SIM, surprised that the Tie Bomber pilot had been programmed to take into account personality variables such as fear or anger at having two wingmates shot down.  She'd always thought that bomber pilots were chosen for their lack of brains and their ability to follow orders and stay on their bombing run.

Looks like I rattled your cage, Mr. Tie Bomber Sim.

Neeva was not invested personally in the battle, she was more interested in the tactical situation than the personal.  She realized that as long as she kept the bomber busy, she was keeping the bombs away from the Sarah.  She wanted to use another missile and end it fast, but she figured she'd save her missiles in case the others somehow prevented what was now the almost certain end of the Sarah.

Neeva decided to stick to the basics: a dog fight about positioning would engage the tie bomber and continue to distract him from the fight.  Neeva moved in close intent upon matching the bomber's speed and maneuvers.

OK Mr. Tie Bomber Sim, let's see what you've got.

Neeva reached out with her instincts, her hand working the stick to stay with the bomber.

She waited for the weapon lock beep from her targetting computer.

Nirro didn't let that one piece of good luck stop him from keeping focus. Come on guys he said to the wing Lets take it to the freaks He the adjusted his course to bring him in for a direct attack run on the nearest bomber. He opens fire on the bomber as soon as he is able

Christian flies on in silence, focusing on the task at hand.  "GREY 9, GREY 3, Lets keep the rest of the squad safe.  Those ties may be faster, but we're smarter.  Christian opens up the throttle and flies at top speed, and once in range, fires a concussion missile at the first Bomber.

Nirro increases his speed to stay with Christian.

Jamie again tries to catch up with the TIEs.
Why do they get to be faster?!

I can't hit the broad side of a barn today! I hope this improves or I'll just be dead weight to the squadron. Tania was griping to herself which was something she rarely did. She was not one to take pride in kills or status but if this were a real engagement and not a simulation, plenty of people might die due to her incompetence.

"Grey One, Two here. Let's bracket the Dupe with laser fire once we get into range."

OOC: Once we are in range, Tania will open fire on the bomber with her lasers.

Two seperate wings of Z-95's close desperately on Gammas 4 & 6 as they get peilously close to the Sarah.  Christian's wing launch a trio of missiles and follow up with laserfire whilst Jamie & Tania use their lasers.  Finally Christian's wing connect with Gamma-4 causing it grevious but not fatal damage but not before the bombers both launch two proton torpedos each.

The Sarah is sitting immobile and defenseless as the projectiles slam into her tail.  Lieutenant Surrey begins shouting out.

"We've been hit!  We've been hit.  Engines destroyed!  Shield generators destroyed!  Computer systems destroyed!  Ion engines destroyed.  Hull breach on numerous decks.  We are dead in the water.  Save us Grey Squadron!  Save us!"

Galloway Medium Transport Sarah has been disabled

The TIE Bombers do not turn to finish the job however, instead they leave their helpless prey and turn towards the Deepstar.  Clearly the corvette is their new target.

Neeva meanwhile slides effortlessly on to the TIE Bomber's tail and looses blaster fire into its rear.  The weapons have little effect against the newer composite armour, only causing light damage.

However an impressive display of light from the starboard temporarily blinds the Twi'lek as Green wing show the awesome firepower of the Y-wing.  The three bombers fire as one and drill terrajoules of energy into the port wing.  The bomber comes apart spectacularly.

TIE Bomber Gamma-3 has been destroyed

The joy is shortlived as Green-4 calls out.  "I'm hit.  My shields are down.  Minimal hull damage."

Far in the distance Cyril can only watch with helpless fascination as he hurtles on towards his target.  At full speed he would be on top of the Blood Angel in forty seconds.

"This is Captain Narro of the Deepstar.  We have your pilot aboard.  Any ideas how we get out of this mess?"

---

OOC:  Damn bombers and their torpedos!

The Sarah is now completely buggered (ie. negative hull points).  She can't be repaired without a MAJOR layover in a shipyard.  She's dead in the water and completely helpless.

Grey 1 & 2 (wing) as well as Greys 3, 9 & 10 (wing) are closing with Gammas 4&6.  Gamma 4 is critically damaged but still flying.  They are now making an attack run on the Deepstar (who has just recovered Ashlyn)

Neeva and Green Squadron are pursuing Gamma 3 who has lost his wingmen.  Alpha 4 is there however and is attacking Green 3.

Cyril is all alone, closing with the Blood Talon.


Battle map can be viewed at:

http://servious.customer.netsp....au/stuff/bt_map.pdf


Grey 1 & 2 (wing) - attacking Gamma 4&6.
Grey 3, 9, 10 (wing) - attacking Gamma 4 & 6
Grey 4 - Recovered by the Deepstar
Grey 5 & 6 - E/V
Grey 7 - No orders
Grey 8 - closing with frigate (approx 45km from Cyril!)

Green 2-4 (wing) - No orders



GREY SQUADORN
Grey 1  -  Undamaged (3 missiles remaining)
Grey 2  -  Undamaged (3 missiles remaining)
Grey 3  -  0/30SP  115/120HP (5 missiles remaining)
Grey 4  -  Destroyed
Grey 5  -  Destroyed
Grey 6  -  Destroyed
Grey 7  -  Undamaged (3 missiles remaining)
Grey 8  -  22/30SP 66/120HP
Grey 9  -  Undamaged (2 missiles remaining)
Grey 10 -  Undamaged (3 missiles remaining)


ALLIES
Deepstar - Shields 67%  Hull 100%
Sarah - Shields Destroyed  Hull Failing

Green 2 - Shields 2% Hull 92%
Green 3 - Undamaged
Green 4 - Shields 0% Hull 75%


ENEMIES
Alpha 4 - Hull 95%
Gamma 4 - Hull 17%
Gamma 6 - Undamaged
Blood Angel - Undamaged


DESTROYED
Alpha 1, 2 & 3
Beta (all destroyed)
Gamma 1, 2, 3 & 5
Green 1
Grey 4, 5, 6

Cyril focuses his attention on the Blood Angel even as the Sarah floats helplessly in space. He momentarily ponders why the bombers turned their attention towards the Deepstar when they could have easily killed it off with another volley.

He shakes the thought off his mind for now, as he turns his sensors to a more focused setting, trying to find whatever information he can gather about the presumably non-standard frigate.

---

Scan the frigate if within scanner range. If not, continue raising shields.

Nirro continues to fly at the bombers and will open up with laser fire once they are in range.

Jamie flies full throttle towards the bombers, trying to get in range...

Xil continues to fly in his wing.  He will target and destroy any enemies his wing attacks.

Keeping wing with Jamie, Tania switched off her helmet mike for a moment to indulge in a barrage of unladylike curses. If this had been a real mission rather than a simulation, thousands of people might have been dead due to her inability to hit the broad side of a star destroyer. Caressing the triggering stud for her lasers with her thumb, Tania waited to get back into range of the bomber.

OOC: Will close in and fire on the bomber we're chasing with my lasers.

Under different circumstances, Neeva would might have been whooping it up now that she had taken out the entire wing of bombers--with a little help from the Y-wings.

But things were finally turning sour--it was the beginning of the end.  She let out an audible sigh over the com, "Deepstar, this is Grey Seven.  Accelerate to attack speed and set a course perpendicular to the bombers' approach vector, heading toward my current location rather than away from it.  They're gonna get to you, but better to be where the rest of us have a chance of nailing the bombers.  If you lose shields, jump to hyperspace."

Neeva decided that losing a Y-wing would be worse than losing another missile.  She lined up her shot, waited for the missile lock, and fired on Alpha.  This was no slow moving bomber, but her luck had been good so far, perhaps it would hold out.

Christian takes quick note of the suituation. "O.K boys, lets get the ties off their back."

HE focuses on the Tie bombers ahead.  "GREY 3, GREY 9, stick with me.  Set torpedoes and fire at GAMMA 6 on my command.  Lets take this son of a gameroan down"

Christian flies the center of the wing, and waits until he has a lock on GAMMA 6.  "OK boys, lets light up the sky."  He waits a moment.


"FIRE!"
This message was last edited by the player at 11:43, Tue 10 Jan 2006.

Nirro continues to shadow Christian. When he designates Gamma 6 as the next target Nirro tries to line up the tie for a shot. Once he has the tie in his crosshairs he will open up with his lasers hoping to catch the nimbler ship in some crossfire.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:34, Wed 11 Jan 2006.

OOC: Well, then...I'm gonna 'light up the sky' with laser fire...

Jamie and Tania close with Tie Bomber Gamma-6 and loose a volley of laserfire as Christian and Exilim loose a pair of missiles at the same target.  Whilst Jamie and Tanis score a hit, causing moderate damage, the missiles overshoot their mark.  Nirro, rather than fire a missile like the rest of his wing, opts to use blasters, but fails to score a hit on the Bombers.

Undeterred the pair of bombers both loose a pair of torpedos at the Deepstar.  Effortlessly avoiding the corvette's fire they continue to approach, likely readying another volley as the torpedos fly towards their mark.

Neeva works fires a missile at Alpha-4 but the TIE easily avoids the projectile.  As it does so it holds tight to Green 4's tail, drilling more laserfire into the craft.

"Rear shield Generator damaged" called Green-4.  "Will take time to repair."

In the distance Cyril continues his flight towards the Blood Angel.  His range to the target scrolled down quickly.  Now only 33km to target.  He knew by the time he reached 10km he would be in range of the frigate's weaponry.  Whilst the frigate would also be a target for Cyril, one Z-95 hardly seemed a severe threat.

---

OOC:  Well we're back and running.  I meant to have this post out days ago but lost the post after I wrote it up when i got a power surge.  Was so peeved I had to cool down a day or two.

Okay there are a pair of torpedos on course to strike the Deepstar.  The bombers are likely preparing to launch again.

Cyril you are closing with the Blood Angel at 12km a round.  You will be in weapons range at 10km.  You can scan the Blood Angel as a move action any time from now (you wont make a double move that round).  On the bright side your shields are now at full!

Battle map can be viewed at:

http://servious.customer.netsp....au/stuff/bt_map.pdf


Grey 1 & 2 (wing) - attacking Gamma 6.
Grey 3, 9, 10 (wing) - attacking Gamma 6
Grey 7 - Attacking Alpha-4
Grey 8 - closing with frigate (approx 33km from Cyril!)

Green 2-4 (wing) - Attempting to evade Alpha-4



GREY SQUADORN
Grey 1  -  Undamaged (3 missiles remaining)
Grey 2  -  Undamaged (3 missiles remaining)
Grey 3  -  0/30SP  115/120HP (4 missiles remaining)
Grey 4  -  Destroyed
Grey 5  -  Destroyed
Grey 6  -  Destroyed
Grey 7  -  Undamaged (2 missiles remaining)
Grey 8  -  30/30SP 66/120HP
Grey 9  -  Undamaged (2 missiles remaining)
Grey 10 -  Undamaged (2 missiles remaining)


ALLIES
Deepstar - Shields 67%  Hull 100%
Sarah - Shields Destroyed  Hull Failing

Green 2 - Shields 2% Hull 92%
Green 3 - Undamaged
Green 4 - Shields 0% Hull 30%


ENEMIES
Alpha 4 - Hull 95%
Gamma 4 - Hull 17%
Gamma 6 - hull 62&
Blood Angel - Undamaged


DESTROYED
Alpha 1, 2 & 3
Beta (all destroyed)
Gamma 1, 2, 3 & 5
Green 1
Grey 4, 5, 6
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:19, Wed 18 Jan 2006.

Xil curses aloud, seeing his missile overshoot it's target.  He takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly and methodically.  While carefully maneuvering to maintain his position in his wing, he lines up a blaster shot on the TIEs.


OOC:  Remains in the wing.  Will take blaster shots (gotta save missiles for the Blood angel.)

"Take your time," Cyril tells himself, as he throttles down to docking speed. "No sense getting this far only to buy the moisture farm."

As the starfighter slows to a crawl, Cyril engages all his available sensors, attempting to discern whatever information he can from the lone frigate. While he lets the computer take a closer peek at the starship and it's interiors, he makes special notice of the frigate's weapon loadout to look for the safest direction to make his run from. He only had 23 kilometers left to think of an innovative plan to take on the frigate, and there was no room for error.

"Beginning scan now, Grey 2." he absent-mindedly transmits.

While he prepares himself for what he might find out about the starship, he locates and target's the frigate's shield generators.

---

Slow to Docking speed. Take a move action, then use the other move action for the scan.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:41, Thu 19 Jan 2006.

Christian looks on with a neutral look as the missiles overshoot.  He hears the curse from Exillim and has no reaction.  "GREY 1, GREY 2, you finish off GAMMA 6.  GREY 3, GREY 9, We're going to take on GAMMA 4.  Let do this right."

Christian alters his target from GAMMA 6 to GAMMA 4.  "On my mark...FIRE"  Christian lets loose a missile.

Nirro switches targets on Christian's orders. He knew he neede to save his last two missiles for the frigate so he targets the tie with blasters and opens up.

Neeva knew the SIM was almost over.  She was looking forward to a big meal.  She forced herself to stay focused.

Her missile had missed alpha, but had circled around and was now on alpha's tale again.  She didn't want to fire another missile, given that chance that her last missile might yet blast the tie to pieces.  Making a quick decision, she locked on with her blaster cannons and fired, knowing that even a solid hit would not bring alpha down.

The Deepstar's telemetry showed her the battle occuring beyond her sensors.  She wondered why the Deepstar had not moved as she instructed.  Perhaps the ship was one of those space slugs that could only lumber along at docking speed.

"Much obliged Grey 8," Tania said into her mike distracted as she tried to pour more laser fire into her Gamma 6's aft. In real life, most pilots would not be so cavalier about ignoring two starfighters trying to make them one with vaccuum as they loosed missiles against non-combatant ships but so far Gamma 6's confidence had been more than justified.

 "Grey 10, think you can spare anybody to try and shoot down those missiles? Grey 1 and I have our hands full with this Dupe."

Almost all the TIEs were blown to pieces, but the Sarah was failing and the Deepstar wasn't in perfect condition; either way, the sim was drawing to a close.
I wonder what the evaluation will be...
Jamie brought his mind back to the sim and tried to blast Gamma 6 with lasers.

OOC: I was just noticing that we've all fallen back into the habit of just sending one action, even though you've previously asked us to provide more info than that if possible.  Consequently....

BIC:

Despite her concern for lunch, Neeva continued to battle alpha, believing that the Ys would be invaluable if the squad had to face the capital ship.  She was committed to spending every last one of her missiles if that's what it took to eliminate alpha.

"Green, you need to break formation.  Green 2 break left.  Green 4 break right.  Booth of you accelerate to max speed and loop behind alpha.  Green 3, slow to minimum attack speed and hold course."

"If alpha stays on 3, 2 and 4 drop behind him and form up with me.  If alpha targets 2 or 4, the target slows so that the other looper can get behind alpha once out of the  loop, and 3 just follows alpha all the way through the loop.  Got it?"

Neeva continued her battle with alpha, painfully aware of the fact that the dangerous tie was wasting her precious time.  If alpha became damaged and disengaged, she was more than willing to let him go.

OOC:

If you don't understand the instructions I'm giving Green 2-4, let me know and I'll try to clarify.

If Neeva's current active missile uses up it's six rounds of fuel or gets so outmaneuvered that it can't make it back in time to get another pass on alpha, then Neeva fires another missile.  She'll keep at least one missile in the air until alpha is destroyed or flees or all of her missiles are gone.  Generally, she'll wait until she's right on top of alpha before firing a new missile, so that the missile can loop around and make a second attack in the same round if it misses.

If alpha flees or is destroyed and the Deepstar is still threatened but not destroyed, then Neeva and the Ys go back to protect the Deepstar.

If the battle with alpha is over and the Deepstar is safe, Neeva and the Ys hold their position in case the group decides to battle the capital ship.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:40, Wed 25 Jan 2006.

Jamie and Tania continued to hurl laser fire at Gamma-6 but their efforts were in vain as the bomber avoided their fire.  Exilim and Nirro were suffering similar frustrations with Gamma-4.  They could do nothing as they watched a pair of torpedos launced from the bombers to join the pair already approaching the corvette.

Slightly apart from his colleagues, Christian launched two missiles in rapid succession.  The first one overshot, but the second drilled straight into Gamma-4, destroying it before it could fire any more torpedoes.

TIE Bomber Gamma-4 has been destroyed

Gamma-6 continued on and launched another torpedo, making it a total of five homing in on the corvette.  Following Neeva's orders the corvette was slowly moving towards the cover of the Y-wings, using its lasers to try and pick the torpedoes off but to no avail.  All five torpedoes smashed into the corvette in succession.

The first two torpedos collapsed the shields allowing the final three to smash directly into the hull.  Despite the feorcity of the attack, the Deepstar still flew with minimal systems damage.  Her lasers still fired and her speed had not slackened.

The TIE Bomber continued to close, the Greys close in pursuit.

Further away, Neeva continued to harass Alpha-4 as best she could.  Her missile missed but continued to hold a lock so she kept up her blaster fire trying to hit the nimble target.  The Y-s had broken like she had ordered but Alpha had stuck tight to Green 4 and showed none of Neeva's trouble with laser accuracy.  It fired a pair of lasers into the Y-wing destroying it.

Y-Wing Green-4 has been destroyed

Alpha-4 then performed a tight turn and darted full speed towards the Blood Angel.  Neeva knew she couldn't catch it but fate was obviously in a fickle mood.  Her missile finally managed a lock on and destroyed the fleeing TIE in a spectacular fireball.

TIE Fighter Alpha-4 has been destroyed

Cyril, far removed from the conflict slowed his fighter down significantly and began his scan of the Nebulon-B frigate.

---

OOC:  Well only one bomber left but he's still closing on the Deepstar who is taking several hits.  The Blood Angel continues to close.

Battle map can be viewed at:

http://servious.customer.netsp....au/stuff/bt_map.pdf


GREY SQUADORN
Grey 1  -  Undamaged (3 missiles remaining)
Grey 2  -  Undamaged (3 missiles remaining)
Grey 3  -  0/30SP  115/120HP (4 missiles remaining)
Grey 4  -  Destroyed
Grey 5  -  Destroyed
Grey 6  -  Destroyed
Grey 7  -  Undamaged (2 missiles remaining)
Grey 8  -  30/30SP 66/120HP
Grey 9  -  Undamaged (2 missiles remaining)
Grey 10 -  Undamaged (Missiles Expended)


ALLIES
Deepstar - Shields 0%  Hull 40%
Sarah - Shields Destroyed  Hull Failing

Green 2 - Shields 2% Hull 92%
Green 3 - Undamaged


ENEMIES
Gamma 6 - hull 62&
Blood Angel - Undamaged


DESTROYED
Alpha (all destroyed)
Beta (all destroyed)
Gamma 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5
Green 1 , 4
Grey 4, 5, 6

Christian notes the explosion as the tie bomber blows up.  Activating his comm, he speaks clearly.  "GREY 3, stay with GREY 1 and GREY 2 and help them finish off the last bomber. GREY 9, stay with me and accelerarte..we're going for the BLOODANGEL.  Let GREY 1 and GREY 2 take out GAMMA 6..got it?"

"This is GREY 10 to GREEN SQUADRON.  Follow us to engagge the BLOODANGEL..copy?"

I read you Loud and clear Grey 10 Nirro is feeling a little down as he hadnt hit anything for the whole of the sim. I know I am a better Pilot than this he thinks to himself. He increases his speed to the max it can go and switches his course to take him towards the Blood Angel.

"Roger that 10, wilco."  Xil concentrates will all he has to down this TIE bomber, knowing that the Deepstar's fate rests in it.

OOC:  Xil continues to fly with his wing and will use his blasters to shoot the TIE bomber down.  (Even though shooting down has no relevence in space combat, lol)

Neeva forced herself to speak calmly.  "Nevative Greys: stay and finish the bomber.  Getting to the Blood Angel few seconds earlier wont matter, but another bomb hitting the Deepstar will.  Besides, when we face the Blood Angel, we're not going to do it piecemeal: we'll all enter weapons range and fire missles together so as to minimize the return fire on any one of us."

Neeva com'd to Y2 and Y3, telling them to form up on her ship and repair their shields until the rest of the Squad could join them.

OOC: Alliance, once the last bomber is gone, please don't fast forward to the battle with the Blood Angel.  Give us a bit of our "closing" time so that we can make plans.  We need to RP our strategy.  Besides, we need to see what happens to Grey 7.  ;-)

I too am interested to see what 'strategies' this group comes up with.  THey've been very 'unique' to date.  If Flight Officer Hyquin's plan works (whatever it is) I'm not sure wether to award him the Kalimdor Crescent or courtmartial him!

Maybe both!  ;)

Christian curses under his breath.  "GREY 7.  Too many on one bomber would be a waste of resources, time and endanger our ships.  Three ships are capable of taking that bomber..or are you not up to the task?"

"GREY 9, stay with me, GREEN Wing, acknowlege request to join us in taking the BLOODANGEL."

Cyril bangs his head on the cockpit seat when he hears the comm traffic.

fire missles together... waste of resources, time...

"What did they think I was talking about earlier?!"

Cyril Hyquin unleashes a furious tirade over the squadron-only channel. "That argument ended half a minute ago! If you'd only listened to me, Green Squadron would be safe here with me with max torps and at least ONE other Grey would still be around!"

Cyril shakes his head at his squadmates' indecisions and lack of foresight, tearlessly mourning the preventable loss of Grey 5. He takes a deep breath to regain his calm, then wordlessly transmits his sensor information to Grey 2 and the capital ships.

---

Send the information to Grey 2, the Sarah and the Deep Star. Locate and target the frigate's shield generator. Throttle up to attack speed, then move along vector <218, 30>. Double move if still possible, along the same vector.

Don't worry, Commander, Grey 7. Just a few more rounds and you'll see my plan in action. With this plan, I'll either earn more than one medal, or won't be around for my courtmartial. I don't know about you, but to me that's a win-win situation! =)

"Finish the bomber - with lasers - then regroup for the Blood Angel," Jamie says over the comm.
He focuses all his attention again on the one remaining TIE bomber, and fires his lasers...

Nirro will continue taking double move actions until he gets in range of the Deepstar. At that point he will prepare to fire his remaining missiles.

Transmitting on the open channel, Tania acknowledged her wingman's request. Then she flipped onto a private com channel to Grey 8. "Good job 8. Can you see how far her guns can depress up or down? Dropping missiles down her spine may be viable if she no longer has any fighters to keep us honest." Tania began tabulating in her head how many enemy fighters they had encountered and how many the Blood Angel was capable of carrying. Toggling back to the squadron channel, Tania said for the benefit of those who did not receive Grey 8's sensor readings,"be advised all that their maximum capacity is two and a half squadrons and most of the Blood Angel's firepower is concentrated in their forward arc."

OOC:
Will try and finish off the last bomber with lasers and then regroup with the remainder of the squadron once its dead to discuss tactics.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:04, Thu 02 Feb 2006.

As Christian and Nirro threw all power into propulsion and took off after the Blood Angel, Exilim beroke off and moved towards Jamie and Tania.  The pair continued to fire at the TIE Bomber without effect and could only watch helplessly as another torpedo was fired and smashed into the hull.  Then the bomber shot past the corvette, avoiding her ineffective fire.

Exilim finally caught up with Christian and Tania.  The trio took aim and let loose a volley of blasterfire that finally bracketed the bomber and tore it apart.

Neeva and the remains of Green squadron, having joined into a wing slowed their pursuit.  They had charged towards the corvette but arrives seconds too late to help.

The captain of the Deepstar come over the radio again.  "This is Captain Narro of the Deepstar.  Thank you Grey squadron.  We couldn't have take many more hits.  Our shields are down, our hull is down to twenty-seven percent efficiency.  One of our aft turbolasers is down and we have numerous casualties.  However our engines and hyperdrive are still functional.  We can outrun that frigate and escape the gravity shadow in five minutes."

Lieutenant Surrey is heard on the comm.  "This is the Sarah.  Please help us.  We are dead in space and the frigate is still coming.  We are completely helpless.  Stop her Grey squadron.  We have a thousand people aboard!"

Cyril meanwhile watched in apprehension as the Blood Angel rolled dangerously close.  He was now a little over 10km away.  Ten kilometres he knew was the maximum range of the firgate's weapons.

---

OOC:  Well the bombers are all destroyed.  Only the Blood Angel remains.

Most of green and grey squadron are close to the Deepstar.  Exceptions are Cyril who is far off and nearly within range of the Blood Angel (he's about 2 squares outside maximum weapon range!).  Christian and Narro are about 10km from the main group.

Battle map can be viewed at:
http://servious.customer.netsp....au/stuff/bt_map.pdf


GREY SQUADORN
Grey 1  -  Undamaged (3 missiles remaining)
Grey 2  -  Undamaged (3 missiles remaining)
Grey 3  -  0/30SP  115/120HP (4 missiles remaining)
Grey 4  -  Destroyed
Grey 5  -  Destroyed
Grey 6  -  Destroyed
Grey 7  -  Undamaged (2 missiles remaining)
Grey 8  -  30/30SP 66/120HP
Grey 9  -  Undamaged (2 missiles remaining)
Grey 10 -  Undamaged (Missiles Expended)


ALLIES
Deepstar - Shields 0%  Hull 27%  1 x rear turbolaser destroyed
Sarah - Shields Destroyed  Hull Failing

Green 2 - Shields 2% Hull 92%
Green 3 - Undamaged


ENEMIES
Blood Angel - Undamaged


DESTROYED
Alpha (all destroyed)
Beta (all destroyed)
Gamma (all destroyed)
Green 1, 4
Grey 4, 5, 6
This message was lightly edited by the GM at 10:39, Thu 02 Feb 2006.

Jamie let out a wild yell as the last bomber disintegrated.
Hoorah for the good guys!
He then turned toward the Blood Angel and sped towards it on full throttle.
"All TIES are down.  Grey squadron, let's discuss this for a moment before getting ourselves killed.  I suggest regrouping just outside range of their weakest firing arc, then slamming them with all our missiles."

Keeping the private channel open, Cyril Hyquin responds, "I'll do better than that 2 - I'll show you how far her guns reach."

Cyril quickly throttled to maximum speed and gripped the stick tightly as he began his dangerous dance with the Blood Angel. He knows he's but an insect compared to the beast that was the frigate, but Cyril grins with an almost insane look on his face as he reminds himself that, with enough perseverance and a good dose of luck, sometimes the insect wins.

It was time to Headhunt an Angel.

---

Throttle to ramming speed. Fly Defensively. Go to (X,36), where X is the Blood Angel's expected X-axis position after it takes it's full move (36 on the Y-axis should put me 1 square beyond weapon's range, I believe).  To get there, I'll move via a curved path, so as to keep as much distance from the frigate until I get to the above position on the map.

Future actions: PMed you my battle plan, to be executed the round immediately after the round which lands me at the above position.

Nirro Figured he had it made. He was a little too small for the Blood Angel to be able to attack him effectively which meant that if he stayed out of her strong fire arc he could be virtually home free and because of her larger size there was almost no way he could miss. He takes a flight path that will bring him around to the rear of the ship and just out of range of the Blood Angel's weaponry. Then he will stop and scan the ship if he can using his computer use skill.

Once his scan has been completed he will listen to the plans the other fighters have and then depending on what the concensus is he will decide just where to drop those missiles of his.

Throttling back her speed and realigning her fighter to regroup with the surviving Greys, Tania let out a sigh of relief. From the condition of the Deepstar, another volley of missiles would have fully compromised its hull. The Sarah was dead in space and asking the Deepstar to pick up escape pods was asking for trouble. One good volley from the Blood Angel would leave both vessels here. Still....

"Sarah, Deepstar, this is Grey Two. If Sarah launches escape pods, could the Deepstar pick up some of them before the Blood Angel gets into range?"

"Grey Squadron, Grey Two here. Everyone sound out your current condition and missiles remaining on the Squadron encrypt channel. We may not have a second shot at this so let's make this shot count. I have full shields and hull, 3 missiles remaining."

Switching to her private channel with Grey Eight, Tania took a deep breath and spoke with the suicidally brave pilot. "Grey Eight, you're a big boy so I can't tell you what to do. Just try not to get yourself killed? If you have some insane, daring plan, seven mad pilots will have a greater efffect than one."

OOC: In a classic "d'oh!" moment, I forgot to report my own status... @_@
This message was last edited by the player at 15:38, Fri 03 Feb 2006.

Christian switches to the secure channel.  "GREY 10 here.  No damage and have exausted the torpedoes.  Christian allows himself a little smile.

"GREY 2..we can't waste time talking.  The BLOOD ANGEL is getting close, and lives are at stake.  Form up into two wings and attack.

"Finally! Someone else who thinks a few moves ahead!" Cyril says to himself, once again regaining his initial cheerfulness.

Over the squadron channel, Cyril transmits in a more soldier-like tone, "Grey 8, reporting. Shields full; hull integrity at half. Missile bays full, and am preparing to engage Imperial frigate."

Cyril then switches to the private channel and casually replies, "I can't afford to waste this opportunity to stall the Blood Angel, Grey 2, but I'll try to keep myself together in one piece. See you soon."

"Grey One reporting: undamaged, three missiles remaining.  All units, take the Blood Angel together and we have the best chance of saving the capital ships."

Neeva finally lost her cool.  Now she spoke in a clear, sharp tone.

"Grey 7 here.  I'm untouched and packing two missiles.  I've got two Ys with me.  Ys, report your status.

After the Ys had reported their status, Neeva continued.

"Grey 1, my wing is with you on the basics--we all work together."  Neeva said as she turned her speeder toward the Blood Angel.

"Grey 10, if you're not into planning, get off the channel.  The rest of us are capable of flying and talking at the same time, and we don't consider planning a waste of time."

"Anyone interested in the group plan, listen up.  We have to hit them from at least two arcs with relatively equal forces.  This battle will be all about missiles.  Lots of missiles.  Coming from two arcs so she can't double her shields against us.  Grey 2, your in charge of dividing us up based on remaining missiles.  Grey 1, you lead the left flanking group, I'll lead the right flanking group."

"Anyone out of missiles, fly decoy, total defense, be a target while the rest of us fire missiles.  And engage any fighters they launch.  Keep them off of us for at least 15 seconds."

"Deepstar, you work directly with Sarah to transfer passengers and crew as quickly as possible.  No need for us to be middle man.  We've got our own job to do.  If we fail, you jump system with whoever you've got."

"Our objective is to protect the Sarah and the Deep Star.  That doesn't mean destroying Blood Angel, it just means turning her back.  If we do this right, if we hit her with every missile we can within ten or fifteen seconds, we'll drop her shields and take a chunk of her hull integrity.  Standard Imperial protocols mean that she'll turn and run.  Mission accomplished.  Sim over.  Then I can get something to eat."

"Now, lets hear some fallback plans and options.  I'm done."
This message was last edited by the player at 21:28, Fri 03 Feb 2006.

Tania mentally tabulated the remaining Greys' status and their missiles remaining. Not good, most of them had only about half of their missiles left, Grey Eight was trying his own tactics and Grey Ten was completely dry. She really could not blame Grey Seven for having rather snarky words for Grey Ten. Tania was long acquainted with men who just wanted to blow things up and forget planning. They turned up in droves at infirmaries although for most of them their visits were one-off affairs. In their case, given that this was a Star Destroyer's baby brother, they wouldn't need an infirmary so much as a morgue.

Tania tried to formulate some sort of plan beyond their first volley. It was a given that the Imperials would not just let them merrily strafe the Blood Angel without so much of a "by-your-leave". If I were an Imperial captain commanding a frigate, what would I do to swat off seven Z-95s?

"The arc with the least amount of firepower is the aft but this frigate apparently can carry six more starfighters than its usual complement so there's a possibility that it still has some in reserve. I'm working with Grey Eight to establish just how well the Blood Angel's guns fire straight up or straight down. It might be that we have a narrow corridor where we can operate with only a minimal number of their guns targeting us. Any of our slicers still online? Is it possible to slave our concussion missiles or the Y-wings' proton torpedoes to another starfighter's weapons lock? It might let us pull a surprise by placing a volley in a relatively poorly shielded area. This could be crucial if the Blood Angel still has a flight or two of TIEs still in its hangars and this devolves into another furball."
This message was last edited by the player at 21:46, Fri 03 Feb 2006.

PM

Nirro listens to the rest of his squadrons damage report before switching to his squad channel: This is Grey 9 reporting in currently my sheilds and hull are at full capacity and I have two missiles remaining. Im already heading for the rear fire arc of the Blood Angel and plan to launch my last 2 missiles at that quarter. Guys we need to work together on this lets keep the snide comments to ourselves huh? He brings his sensors online I'm not sure if I can link our missiles together but I will make an attempt He then switches all his sheilds to double front so as to better protect himself from the frigate.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:44, Fri 03 Feb 2006.

"If they had another flight, Neeva responded, "they'd have launched when we arrived, at the very least when we started to turn the tide.  Impys don't play this game unless they have the numbers on their side.  We'll likely see a damaged wing at best."

Neeva continued in her crisp authoritative tone, gone was the casual "I'm bored" tone she had used earlier.  "Whatever they launch, it will be a distraction, and our job will be to fly defensively until we get within missile range."

A moments pause and Neeva continued, "Once you've got our attack groups, give me an estimate of how many missiles and bombs we can send at the Blood Angel within an 18 second interval, assuming we've got clear skys--and my ex-wingman doesn't blow the ship up single handed."  Neeva spoke the last with a smirk on her face.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:44, Fri 03 Feb 2006.

"This is Grey 3, I have no shields and trivial hull damage.  I have four missiles available."

"Grey 7's right. Between us and Green, we've already taken out their fighter screen, but if my scans are any indication, this frigate's been modified as a forward assault craft. Even without interceptors, I doubt it's ready to leave the system anytime soon.

I'll try and bring down the shields for the rest of you, but it might be better if your missles target the ship's engines. Remember, our primary objective is to give the Sarah the time they need to hype out of here - destroying the Blood Angel is a far second."

"Grey 8, are you saying you've done a focused scan on Blood Angel!?  If so, please transmit."

Tallying all the Greys, Tania drew up a shortlist of people to put into the wings. Trying to distribute firepower evenly was tough but the fact of the matter was that killing the Blood Angel was secondary to scaring it away. Putting missiles in her aft section would in the end be more beneficial than trying to blow up the ship lock, stock and barrel. Remaining on the squadron channel, Tania began rattling off numbers.

Grey Squadron, Grey Two. Flight listings as follows: Alpha flight, Grey One, Grey Three and Grey Ten with Grey One commanding. You boys will take the aft sector of the Blood Angel. I agree that her engines are the spot to hit if we want to frigate to lose interest in vaping the Sarah so this will be our main vector of attack. Beta Flight will be Grey Seven, Grey Nine and yours truly with Grey Seven commanding and aim for her 'neck' on the starboard side. If they try and double their shields against Alpha flight, we'll put some missiles into their bridge. Together each flight only has seven missiles so we can't sustain our rate of fire for very long. Suggest that once our racks are empty, we start strafing runs. Grey Eight, if you somehow survive whatever it is that you're planning, join Alpha Flight. You're the only one of us with a full magazine and we could really use the firepower. If we have three clear volleys, we should be able to dump a total of thirteen missiles into Blood Angel's shields, more if the Y-wings join the party. Perhaps the Greens ought to join Alpha flight so that we can concentrate most of our firepower in her aft where it will do the most good and the Blood Angel can train the fewest guns.

OOC: I'm using "flight" designation to avoid confusion with "wings" which are also a term for 6 squadrons or 72 starfighters. A general like Salm or Wedge Antilles for example command Wings of starfighters.

"Understood Grey 2, will comply.",

Neeva's tone remained crisp, commanding.  "Negative on targetting engines, Grey 2, they're too close to the hyperdrive systems.  The last thing we need is to accidently leave Blood Angel with no way home."

"Greys, the plan is flank to the sides, not front and back.  Target weapons, comscan, the hanger bay doors, whatever you want.  But nobody goes behind for the engines.  Besides, a front-rear flank means we'd have to wait longer while one group flies a wide arc to Blood Angel's rear.  We need to confront her sooner rather than later."

"Grey 1, you go to Blood Angel's port with your flight, I'll take mine to her starboard."

Nirro is confused. He is getting two sets of orders from two seperate people. Wow, I really wish command had given us a command structure for this "mission": He thinks for himself. He switches on his comm system Ok since either way im heading to a flank I'm gonna go to the starboard side like Gray two said. Alpha flight can figure out where they are going. Either hit the engines or hit the other flank. But I'm not gonna lose this mission because we could not work together, whether or not its a sim. SO you guys buck up, huh?

While he is speaking the above passage Nirro begins his movement from the rear of the ship towards the starboard side, (if he had already  arrived there, he just heads to the starboard side) doubling his sheilds on the port side to protect against the starboard guns of the blood angel. he is also flying defensively.

"That's the spirit, Grey 9!" Cyril cheered the man's decisive answer.

"Grey 7, you may think of me as suicidal or insubordinate, but I'm not stupid - of course I got a focused scan. If you want the readings," he said, while diving sharply to throw off the turbolaser gunners, "have Grey 2 send it you, seeing as I'll be busy for a while.

"Like I said Greys, I don't think this frigate's going to scare easy, if at all. Either we disable it, or destroy it, but either way, getting the Sarah out of this system has to be goal number 1.

I am not about to let a thousand people die on my watch!"
This message was last edited by the player at 11:39, Sun 05 Feb 2006.

My watch?  Inside her simulator, Neeva rolled her eyes.

"Grey 2, please transmit focused scan." Neeva kept the edge out of her tone.  She had no idea why 8 and 2 would be privately sharing information relevant to the entire squadron.  For now, she decided to assume that there was nothing vitally important about the info and that 8 and 2 knew what they were doing.

Neeva continued speaking, having totally abandoned military "as-needed" flight communication protocols.  If the others were going to ramble about whatever came into their minds, she was going to reply.  She spoke on, in her crisp confident tone.  "Grey 7, Imp officers don't disengage because they're scared, they disengage because it's a good career move.  If this guy looses his frigate because he over extended himself, he ends up doing guard duty on Kessel.  Truth is: he's already over extended himself.  He had a good excuse to withdraw: the unexpected appearance of an extra squad of fighters.  Once it was clear the Deep Star had survived the tie bombers, he should definately have jumped system.  If we get lucky, our missiles will take him out.  He's a fool for risking it: unless he does have another six fighters or help on the way."

"Now that I think about it," Neeva concluded, "he'd probably have run long ago if we worked together like a squadron.  Perhaps just the fact that we're now approaching with an organized flanking formation might make this guy change his mind and jump home."

Neeva laughed out loud at the obviousness of her conclusion, a crazy idea popping into her head.  She switched from her encrypted com frequency.  If her voice was crisp before, now it was cold, confident, and commanding.  "This is Grey Leader to Blood Angel.  We've got enough of bombs and missiles to take you out in seconds.  Surrender immediately or we close and fire.  And once we close, don't expect any more mercy than you extended to the Sarah and the Deep Star."
This message was last edited by the player at 19:34, Sun 05 Feb 2006.

"Alpha flight, form up to the port of the Blood Angel ASAP."
Jamie let out a grin as he proceeded to the port of the frigate while keeping out of turret range.

edit: Changed post after Neeva called the Blood Angel.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:34, Mon 06 Feb 2006.

Just so you know.  At this point Green squadron seem to respond to your orders more than anyone else.  So they will likely join whichever group and strategy you deem appropriate.

Neeva continued talking.  After all, that's what I do best.  "Green 1, you're with Alpha flight; Green 2, you're with Beta flight.  We'll time it so both flights hit weapon range simultaneously.  As soon as that happens, you unload all your torps as fast as possible.  If Blood Angel hangs around, we're going to take her down fast and hard."

"Beta flight, the plan is: we all fire missiles.  But keep in mind that the Green 2's torps pack a bigger punch.  If it comes to choosing between firing your missile and protecting a Green so he can fire his torp, protect the Y."

Neeva was glad the Sim was coming to a close.  She was pretty confident that the frigate would withdraw or be blown to hell within seconds: fourteen missiles and four torpedos was just too much for a low-budget Nebulon-B to withstand.

She hoped the debriefing was either brief or scheduled for the mess hall.

Edited after Grey 1 edited his previous post.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:19, Mon 06 Feb 2006.

"I've been around long enough to know, Grey 7, that Imperials can still spring surprises..."

Cyril pauses momentarily to think back on all the times he'd nearly escaped with his life doing the non-flight work he did, and knew first-hand how a seemingly simple mission could turn out to be a nightmare for one in his unique profession. As he hears Neeva's commanding tone of voice over the all-channel, he manages a smile. He'd been planning to do something like that himself, but had wanted to bring down the shields or other critical system first, in order to make such a threat more convincing against a determined foe.

"Well then," Neeva replied, her tone lightening momentarily, "when the surprises come, I'll take comfort in the fact that you're out there alone, with all your experience, refusing to let a thousand people die on your watch."

Tania keyed in the Squadron encrypt channel for the data that she was getting off Grey Eight. "Admittedly a Z-95's sensors aren't very good so all we have is something you'd read off a brochure for Kuat Drive Yards. I was hoping to append at least gun turrent displacement data for the squadron before I sent it over but you might as well take a look at it now."

A small diagram of the Blood Angel began flashing on their screens with markers to delineate weapon emplacements.

Blood Angel
Nebulon-B Frigate
IFF - Hostile

Armamament- 12 turbolasers (6 front, 3 left, 3 right)
          - 12 laser canons (6 front, 2 left, 2 right, 2 rear)
          -  2 forward tractor beam projector

Current Speed - 370km/hr (maximum)
Shields - 100%
Hull - 100%
Fighter Capacity - 30 fighters
Troop Capacity - 100 troops

Once her mic was off, Tania sighed and slumped into her pilot's couch slightly. At the rate they were going, the Empire would not need military force to crush the Rebellion, it just needed to kill their leaders and the rest would start internecine slaughter all by themselves.

Nirro matches speed with the Blood Angel on her starboard side. He stays just out of turret range and awaits the rest of beta flight.

Cyril refused to reply - he'd found the best starting point for his attack run - and although he was sure Grey 7's last transmit had more than a little ring of sarcasm in it, somehow, considering how true that was, it all felt comforting. It was just the kind of feeling one would take when tagging, or attempting to tag, a Nebulon-B with a single Z-95.

---

Commencing frigate harassment procedures. Here's hoping I get a lucky roll. =)

As Neeva and Jamie gather their respective wings to them, Nirro and Christian continue their speedy dash towards the enemy frigate.  No matter what they do, all eyes remain on the sensors and these are all focused on Cyril as he begins his sieemingly-suicidal dash towards the Blood Angel.

Cyril begins focusing on his plans;  Sideslip, fire missile, sideslip again, another missile.  Trying to ignore the turbolasers flaring around him, he continues his task.

Impossible the technique works well.  Cyril sideslips turbolaser fire as his first missile smashes into the frigate's shields causing minor damage.  He then looses a second and a third whilst still amazingly dodging fire.  The second missile is picked off by point lasers whilst the third fails to lock.

Unpreturbed Cyril looses a fourth missile just as a burst of green envelops his cockpit.  The frigate's turbolaser batteries finally connected with the Headhunter, destroying it with a single hit.

Z-95 Headhunter Grey 8 has been destroyed

Cyril is unable to witness his third missile picked off by laserfire and his final shot hit the shields.  He had done his part and now he was out of it, his ship a useless twisting mass, tumbling through space.

Rather than destroy or pick up Cyril, the frigate engaged full speed once more and thundered towards the Sarah and Deepstar

As all this was going on, the Deepstar was also on the move.

"Grey squadron we're moving to dock with the Sarah.  We should have docked in about a minute.  We'll need a good fifteen minutes to get the crew across.  We're jettisoning base supplies to make room for the personnel.  Buy us the time we need.  Deepstar out."

---

OOC:  Well Cyril has lost his battle though he did do well.  The Blood Angel continues her flight towards the stricken transport.

I have reorganised the squadron into 3 'flights' based on Tania's instructions with the exception of making an extra wing for Nirro and Christian who are continuing their flight towards the Blood Angel.

I've paused here to allow people to organise plans.  I only need to hear from flight leaders (ie. Jamie, Neeva and Christian) but anyone of course can post.


Battle map can be viewed at:
http://servious.customer.netsp....au/stuff/bt_map.pdf


ALPHA FLIGHT
Grey 1  -  Undamaged (3 missiles remaining)
Grey 3  -  12/30SP  115/120HP (4 missiles remaining)
Green 2 - Shields 15% Hull 92% (4 torpedoes remaining)


BETA FLIGHT
Grey 7  -  Undamaged (2 missiles remaining)
Grey 2  -  Undamaged (3 missiles remaining)
Green 3 - Undamaged (4 torpedoes remaining)


GAMMA FLIGHT
Grey 9  -  Undamaged (2 missiles remaining)
Grey 10 -  Undamaged (Missiles Expended)


ALLIES
Deepstar - Shields 0%  Hull 27%  1 x rear turbolaser destroyed
Sarah - Shields Destroyed  Hull Failing


ENEMIES
Blood Angel - Shields 70% Hull 100%


DESTROYED
Alpha (all destroyed)
Beta (all destroyed)
Gamma (all destroyed)
Green 1, 4
Grey 4, 5, 6, 8

Christian looks at the scanner, noticing GREY 9.  "Keep in course GREY 9.  We'll try the same aproach as GREY 8, but more eratic.  Move up and down, and roll from side to side."

Nirro said he was waiting for Beta flight.  So, it's just Christian on his own and two flights (Alpha and Beta).

Neeva sighed over the encrypted channel as her ex-wingman's icon disappeared from her sensor screen.  Still thinking like a commander, she dediced to speak, knowing that Grey 8 would not be able to reply.  "Greys, although this is just a sim, please take careful note of the ineffectiveness of lone-dogs: we lost a valuable starfighter and pilot, the Empire lost some energy to the shields of one capital ship, which they are no doubt busily restoring.  If Grey 8 would have stayed with us, we might have saved the Sarah.  At the very least, we'd have an even better chance of blasting Blood Angel without losing a single fighter in the process."

"Grey 10, any chance you might want to join your squad?  I'll give you my desert at lunch."  Neeva understood humans, particularly male humans.  They were all stubborn, socially bread for independence and status management.  Within naturally occuring groups, the system worked well: human males operated within a social hierarchy that allowed amazingly efficient group productivity--probably how they managed to take over the galaxy.  But if you pulled a bunch of alpha-males together, the top leaders and pilots in their respective groups, and dumped them into an unstructured group activity such as this sim, some of them were bound to jockey for position, and some of them were bound to struggle with their uncertain place within the hierarchy.

Neeva tried not to think about how much trouble she had already made for herself with some of these alpha-males.  But she smiled when she did.  A few too many alpha-males for one group, she thought.  She wondered how many of them would survive their first mission.

Neeva found herself wondering if she had made a mistake.  Perhaps this was not the place for her.  After all, she was only a moderately good pilot.  Her talents and goals lay elsewhere.  Perhaps it would be best for her and the alpha-males if she reconsidered her decision.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:10, Sat 11 Feb 2006.

Nirro listens to all the Comm chatter and shakes his head. Once again everyone is trying to take over looks like its my turn to put my foot down He opens the Squadron encrypted channel Negative Grey 10, En route to starboard flank to link up with Beta Flight. He the switches his sheild to double left as he comes up on the right flank to better protect against those turbolasers. He is still planning to fly just out of range but hey you never can tell.

The seconds that followed seemed to stretch out to an eternity.  Nearly everyone was in the business of patching up shields.  As Exilim and Green 2 slowly regained shield power everyone watched with disappointment as the Blood Angel quickly regained her shield integrity too.  Soon the frigate was coming on as if Cyril's attack had been nothing more than a minor annoyance.

Far out in front Nirro and Christian approached the Frigate.  Their range indicators showed they were a little over ten kilometres away, maximum range for their missiles and the Frigate's turbolasers.  The moment of decision was fast approaching.

On the comm everyone heard the Deepstar's comm officer.  Strangely he sounded a lot like the now-dead Green-1.

"Docking with Sarah successfull.  We have good seal and integrity is holding.  Sending across teams now.  Keep us safe Grey squadron.  We're going to need some time."

Correlian Corvette Deepstar has docked with Galloway Medium Transport Sarah.
Docking time remaining 10:00 minutes

---

OOC:
Okay I've fast forwarded a few rounds.  Nirro and Christian are now just outside weapons range for the frigate (20 squares).  I know what Nirro plans to do (circle to starboard outside weapons range) but am unsure of Christian's plans.

Alpha and Beta wing all have full shields except Green 2 who needs another round or two to get to 100%.  You can't increase speed until he finished (unless you don't want him to finish shoring up shields).

The Deepstar has just docked with the Sarah.


Battle map can be viewed at:
http://servious.customer.netsp....au/stuff/bt_map.pdf


ALPHA FLIGHT
Grey 1  -  Undamaged (3 missiles remaining)
Grey 3  -  30/30SP  115/120HP (4 missiles remaining)
Green 2 - Shields 83% Hull 92% (4 torpedoes remaining)


BETA FLIGHT
Grey 7  -  Undamaged (2 missiles remaining)
Grey 2  -  Undamaged (3 missiles remaining)
Green 3 - Undamaged (4 torpedoes remaining)


GAMMA FLIGHT
Grey 9  -  Undamaged (2 missiles remaining)
Grey 10 -  Undamaged (Missiles Expended)


ALLIES
Deepstar - Shields 0%  Hull 27%  1 x rear turbolaser destroyed
Sarah - Shields Destroyed  Hull Failing


ENEMIES
Blood Angel - Shields 100% Hull 100%


DESTROYED
Alpha (all destroyed)
Beta (all destroyed)
Gamma (all destroyed)
Green 1, 4
Grey 4, 5, 6, 8
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:17, Sun 12 Feb 2006.

PM
This message was last edited by the player at 03:27, Sun 12 Feb 2006.

Christian curses under his breath, and looks at the looming image of teh blood angel  "Roger that GREY 9.  Will circle around and join the wing."

Christian sighs.  "GREY 7.  Circling around to join the wing to give you cover.  Confirm."

Neeva made a note of the voice.  "Deepstar, do what you can to expedite transfer.  We're going to buy you the time you need; and with a little luck, we're going to disable Blood Angel."
This message was last edited by the player at 19:17, Mon 13 Feb 2006.

Jamie listened to the chatter for a moment, then started giving orders to his group.
"Alpha wing, form up together at Y-Wing top speed.  Once inside range, everyone fire all your missiles as quickly as possible."

"Confirm.  You are with Alpha, Grey 10.  Grey 1 is your flight leader."

Hearing Alpha, Neeva followed suit, her voice calm, her tone reassuring.  "Beta flight, we're going in loose, not tight.  We hit weapon range with two clicks (space units) between us.  Each pilot locks a separate target, so call them as you lock them.  Keep moving, but fire all missiles or bombs as fast as you can lock them.  Once you're empty, go defensive and hold back until both flights' missiles and bombs have impacted or been destroyed.  After the debris clears, we'll see if we need to continue.  An average shot from our triple basters won't even punch through Blood Angel's hull plating, so we don't want to close unless we absolutely have to."
This message was last edited by the player at 22:15, Mon 13 Feb 2006.

Roger that Grey 7. Nirro gets ready to make an attack run on the Blood Angel so he switches his  shields to double front and waits for the actual attack order.

"Oh ya, and don't forget to double your shields up front" Neeva added.

OOC: Thanks Nirro!  I'd forgotten that terribly important detail. ;-)

Tania gripped her stick with whitened knuckles as the Blood Angel loomed in her view. It was not in her nature to lambast people or even raise her voice but there were just too many hotdogging pilots in this squadron. If lone wolf tactics worked, they would not need squadrons; the Alliance would just send hordes of individual starfighters into combat. Now they lost yet another pilot for no real gain. If he had just waited until the rest of them were in range, they might have been able to exploit the damage he had done. Now all he did was blow up prettily for the benefit of the Imperials. Him and his nearly full missile magazines.

Even now other pilots flew on their own as if they were some kind of superman. As the person who had to patch man and machine together after missions, Tania foresaw that she would be getting very, very little downtime....

Roger, Grey Seven. All shields front. Now was the time to implement a plan she had partially thought of. Hopefully it would work and they would not get vaped on their first pass.

Jamie smacked his forehead as he realized he had forgotten that life-or-death detail, checked his own shields, and transmitted to the rest of Alpha wing again.
"Alpha wing, make sure you have shields double front."

OOC: I think I already had them that way, so I wasn't thinking about it...

Little was said as Nirro and Christian formed up with their groups and prepared for their attack runs.  Alpha wing packed in close as they prepared their run whilst Beta flight spread out in a loose formation.

As the ranges closed, space lit up with a display of launch flares as torpedoes and missiles were launched.  This was added to by the glow of turbolaser fire that shot out from the Blood Angel.

Green 3 took a near-direct hit from a turbolaser blast but in a true testimant to its rugged design, the ship kept coming, adding two pairs of torpedoes to the fray.

Everyone kept launching until all their magazines were empty.  Missiles and torpedoes flew in at the Nebulon B who's point defence lasers began firing.  More warheads got through than were destroyed but it was sporadic.  The frigate's shields began to drop but not quickly enough for anyone's liking.  One of Neeva's missiles however, managed to slip through a weakened section of shield and impact against the hull before the shields could be rotated.

Finally one of the turbolasers caught Jamie's craft head on.  The little craft vapourised in the blink of an eye and was gone.

Z-95 Headhunter Grey 1 has been destroyed

After nearly 30 seconds of intese combat only Jamie's craft was lost.  The frigate had a little over 50% shields left.  Everyone's magazine was empty.  A trio of missiles and a pair of torpedoes still tried to lock on the frigate as point defence lasers tried to destroy them.

Unpreturbed the Blood Angel moved ever closer to the Deepstar and Sarah.

Docking time remaining 9:00 minutes

---

Congratulations Jamie!   You are the first true kill in the game!  Whilst everyone had their craft damaged beyond repair, you are the first to have your craft totallty destroyed (ie. -100 Hull points).  Critical hit from a turbolaser battery can really spoil your day.

There is a trio of missiles still in flight as well as a pair of torps.  The Blood Angel is still heading towards the Deepstar.  Nobody has any missiles/torps left.


Battle map can be viewed at:
http://servious.customer.netsp....au/stuff/bt_map.pdf


ALPHA FLIGHT
Grey 3  -  30/30SP  115/120HP (Missiles Expended)
Green 2 - Shields 83% Hull 92% (Torpedoes Expended)
Grey 10 -  Undamaged (Missiles Expended)

BETA FLIGHT
Grey 7  -  Undamaged (Missiles Expended)
Grey 2  -  Undamaged (Missiles Expended)
Grey 9  -  Undamaged (Missiles Expended)
Green 3 - Shields 0% Hull 29% (Torpedoes Expended)


ALLIES
Deepstar - Shields 0%  Hull 27%  1 x rear turbolaser destroyed
Sarah - Shields Destroyed  Hull Failing


ENEMIES
Blood Angel - Shields 54% Hull 82%


DESTROYED
Alpha (all destroyed)
Beta (all destroyed)
Gamma (all destroyed)
Green 1, 4
Grey 1, 4, 5, 6, 8

Damn! Nirro thinks to himself, I thought for sure we would have done more damage than that! Time for some drastic measures. Nirro will accelerate to attack speed making sure his sheilds are double forn he will fly defensively and attempt to enter the same square as the Blood Angel.The idea is to fly  directly above the Blood Angel. Once there he will cut his speed to match hers and begin to fire on the bigger ship from point blank range.

"All those missiles and that's all that happens?"  Xil exclaimed, "What a gyp."

Christian swears over the comm.  "God-Damn son of of a Gammorean!"  He looks at the formation of the wing.

"We have to hit it with everything we have..we gotta give the Deepstar time.  Hit it hard at the same time BETA Wing.  Our hope is that our numbers and speed can slow it down..maybe even damage it."

Neeva stared at the screen, her mouth hanging open.  Blood Angel should not have been there.  But there she was, with only 50% shield loss!

"What the...!"

One starfighter had managed to single-handedly bring Blood Angel's shields down to 70%.  Eight starfighters in a carefully ochestrated attack had only managed to bring Blood Angel's shields down to 50%.  The squadron had launched enough ordinance to bring down two Frigates.  But to leave one Frigate with only 50% damage to shields?  Inconceivable!

Neeva's father had forced her to study small scale space combat tactics as part of the preparation for her eventual take-over of his empire.  She hadn't paid too much attention to the boring lessons offered by Eee-en, the tactical droid that served her father, but she was bright and had a knack for the subject.  It took the young Twi-lek only an instant to reach the only logical conclusion: the SIM had been rigged with regard to Blood Angel.

Although she had no true military experience to speak of, she'd heard of such things: a SIM designed to test how soldiers handle defeat.  It made sense, now that she thought about it.  Soldiers in this resistance group probably encountered defeat much more frequently than success.  As far as she knew, not a single resistance group in the galaxy had yet to win a significant battle against Imperial forces.

A small part of her mind noticed that Grey 1 had been taken out by turbo laser battery fire.  Too bad.

Defeat.  Neeva didn't really care.  It was just a SIM, she told herself.

And yet... it wasn't over yet, was it?

The Twi-lek woman opened her com-channel.  She turned on her 'command' voice and spoke.  "Greys, engage the point defense cannons as close as you can: set up straifing attack runs at cruising speed to make yourselves look like easy targets, like you're going to attack the cannons, get right in their faces--but don't fire.  Fly total defense.  We just want to distract them so that some of these damned missiles can do their job."

Neeva continued after a brief pause, her tone conveying a sense of urgency.  "It's our only chance, Greys.  I'm not kidding.  These second-hand triple-blasters won't be worth Bantha Poodoo against Blood Angel's armor plating.  If the remaining live missiles don't hit Blood Angel, we loose."

Neeva moved her fighter in to Blood Angel's side, following her own orders, heading directly for one of the point defense lasers.  The remaining live missiles had only five or ten seconds of life remaining before they deactivated.  It was all going to happen right now, in the next ten seconds: either Blood Angel would be blasted or the Greys would retreat.

She shuddered to think about how some of these adrenalin-filed humans would react if she gave an order to retreat.

Defeat was a harsh school master.  Few were willing to accept her lessons.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:47, Thu 16 Feb 2006.

I hope you know what your doing Grey 7. Nirro shouts into the comm. You are crazier than anyone I have evr known but it just might work! That being said Nirro angled his deflector sheilds to the port side of his craft and flew as close to the point guns as he could, hoping to distract the gunners. At least while they were aiming at him they couldn't shoot down the missiles. Unless they shoot me down so quickly that they still have time to finish off the missiles. Gotta make sure that doesnt happen! Nirro flew total defence and slowed down to cruising speed. Trying to slip past the point cannos without being turned into a smoldering ruin.

"This is going to be a close one.  Let's hope those missiles strike true."  Xil rushes in with his wingmates towards the Blood Angel, targeting the point defense cannons and any other targets of opportunity.

Tania's mouth went very, very dry as the Blood Angel seemed to weather the barrage of missiles with only minimal damage. As a doctor training in the Alderaanian Institute of Sciences, it was drummed into her not to take a simulation lightly. If you failed in a sim, how did you expect to succeed in real life?

"Roger Grey Seven. Here's to hoping our remaining missiles do the job or we are in serious bantha dung."

Everyone collectively holds their breath as each of the pilots makes their treacherous runs against the Blood Angel.  A testament to good flying, all manage the manaeuver successfully.  Neeva catches a point-laser hit that drains her shields but causes no other damage.  Green 2 takes a turbolaser hit as he flies away from the frigate after his run which strips his shields and causes light damage to his craft.

The missiles and torpedoes run true to form and all strike the frigate in the port-aft area and explode miraculously.  The explosions are far more spectacular than the volley and this time the group is rewarded as the frigate's shields fall and one missile manages to explode the hull.

Despite the hits, the Blood Angel continues forward.

---

Well this time the missiles seemed to do their job.  The Blood Angel's shields are down.  But she's still coming.  I know you've been making plans so lets quickly finish this sim off one way or another.



Battle map can be viewed at:
http://servious.customer.netsp....au/stuff/bt_map.pdf


ALPHA FLIGHT
Grey 3  -  30/30SP  115/120HP (Missiles Expended)
Green 2 - Shields 0% Hull 61% (Torpedoes Expended)
Grey 10 -  Undamaged (Missiles Expended)

BETA FLIGHT
Grey 7  -  0/30SP 120/120HP (Missiles Expended)
Grey 2  -  Undamaged (Missiles Expended)
Grey 9  -  Undamaged (Missiles Expended)
Green 3 - Shields 0% Hull 29% (Torpedoes Expended)


ALLIES
Deepstar - Shields 0%  Hull 27%  1 x rear turbolaser destroyed
Sarah - Shields Destroyed  Hull Failing


ENEMIES
Blood Angel - Shields 0% Hull 80%


DESTROYED
Alpha (all destroyed)
Beta (all destroyed)
Gamma (all destroyed)
Green 1, 4
Grey 1, 4, 5, 6, 8
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:38, Sun 26 Feb 2006.

Neeva had hoped for more, but 80% hull was close enough.  She decided againt calling for retreat.

"Everyone behind Blood Angel: match speed and heading.  Shields double front.  Fire at will.  Any Greys who wants to, combine your fire with the Ys--their laser cannons have the best chance of penetrating Blood Angel's hull plating.  If we can damage her faster than she recovers shields she'll have to turn around to engage us.  That's our goal, force her to stop and fight."

Neeva knew the Zs would do very little with their triple blasters.  But if the Ys could hit, then Grey Squadron still had a chance.  She moved her Z into a short range pursuit vector and move what was left of her rear shields to the front.  Neeva coordinated with Green 3 to combine her fire--hoping the Y would score a hit.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:45, Sun 26 Feb 2006.

Xil deftly pilots his Headhunter to Blood Angel's six, ready to blast him with every joule of power his blasters can put out.

Well, here we go.  Let's hope this works.

Well, thats better than nothing I guess Nirro thinks to himself. He forms up on Grey 7's wing opening up his triple blasters as he switches his sheilds to double front. Come on guys! lets finish off this imperial garbage heap and go home He says a little more confidently than he feels.

Christian smiles.  about time. he thinks to himself.  "  Focus fire on engines..maybe we can stop her before she gets in range of the sarah.  He circles around with the rest of the wing, and speaks as an afterthought.  "..And watch the blasters..one hit and we're a memory."

As Green and Grey squadrons begin to pour fire into the Blood Angel from behind, they begin to have an effect.  Whilst concentrated blasterfire does little, when combined with the ferocity of the Y-Wings lasers and ion cannons it begins to have an effect.

Unable to bring her turbolasers to bear, the frigate fires back with ineffectual point-defense lasers which the pilots have little trouble defending against.  Soon the frigate has little choice but to turn, bringing her larger guns to bear.  As she turns her engines begin to speed up and soon the frigate makes the jump to hyperspace.

As the frigate disappears at faster-than-light speeds, the simulators collectively go black and the cockpits lift.  Finally all the pilots both alive and 'dead' are able to emerge from their simulators.

A Rebellion simtech stands nearby and salutes the Flight Officers.  "The Commander sends his compliments and orders that you all report to the debriefing room in one hour.  In the meantime you are free to acquire refreshments and change out of your flight suits."

He looks pensive for a moment and then says.  "If I may say so, that was some pretty hot flying.  Wow, to take on all those TIE's and a frigate in a Headhunter.  You guys are either reallty good or really crazy."

Seeming to remember himself he comes to full attention, salutes stiffly then marches off.




OOC:  Well the simulation is over!  My congratulations to all.  I will work out XP during the next few days and let you know.  Needless to say you will ALL hit level 2 and a few of you might even make 3!

This is the time for you guys to gather and meet each other and debrief before you get grilled by the big guns.

The debrief will be an 'exit point' for this game.  Anyone who wishes to leave Black Talons will be welcome to do so then and still receive XP for this mission.  Let me know if this is your intent.  All of you of course are welcome to stay on.

This message was last edited by the GM at 03:43, Sun 05 Mar 2006.

Neeva stood and stretched.  She let out a sigh and allowed herself to accept the Simtech's praise, not sure if this group was good or crazy.  Before the tech could march off, she called to him, "Which way to the mess hall?  I'm famished!"

She looked around at the other pilots, trying to gauge how many of them she had ticked off.  She kept a smile on her face.  It wasn't too hard: she was, after all very glad the SIM was over, and achieving the mission objective certainly didn't hurt.

Jamie emerged from the simulator with an ear-to-ear grin.  He gave the machine a once-over and thought for a moment, probably considering the credit value.
"I always forget how fun these things are...I gotta get one...Good job to everyone who survived!"
He looked up at the other pilots and gave each a personal grin before leaving to change into more comfortable clothes.

Christian stands, looking around, arching his head to the side with a small crack.  His face, one of a neutral look, gets out of the simulator.

Despite himself, he had a small smile on his face.  The sim went better than he had expected.  TIE fighters were faster and more manuverable than the headhunters, though the TIE had no shield.  And for the majority to not only survive the TIE's, but to take a frigate on and chase it away was a hell of an effort.

He looked aroud at the team.  "This may prove to be interesting." he mumbles to himself.

He looks at the twelik, noticing her voice is the same as GREY 7, and nods at her with a note of admiration and respect.  she's a good tactician, that one..but still has to listen to others.

Christian jumps out of thesimulation and goes to his room, his mind tracing over the simulation.

Xil squints for a moment as the cockpit to the simulator opens to allow the artificial lighting pour in.  He pulls off his flight helmet and wipes the sweat off his forehead.  Pulling himself out of the simulator, he looks like he had wrestled with a rancor.  His hair is disheveled and he has a look of fatigue in eyes.

Walking to the pilots that are already out of their simulators, he nods his head in their direction.  "That was fun, huh?"  He stretches down and touches his toes then rolls his shoulders.  "Do you think the Commander will be pleased?"

"snap, snap, snap" went Cyril's mind as soon as he exited the simulator. He would opt not to talk for now. He simply takes a quick glance at each of the emerging pilots, waiting for all of them to appear, taking mental pictures of them as they exited their respective sims. He knows that if he wanted a heads-up on everyone before they actually met the Commander, this would be the only opportunity he had, unless one of them actually came up to him and started a conversation. He nonchalantly looks around the simulator room while still leaning on his own machine, seemingly in awe of the surroundings, to throw off everyone as to his real intention of gazing at them.

"Grey 7", he notes, as he pieces together the voice and the hunger of the female Twilek that had been his wing commander and overbearing impromptu squad leader.

"Grey 1," he thinks next, matching the voice of enthusiasm in the 'dead' pilot comm. "Flight Officer Webb," he remembers the Captain calling him when she had berated him. He forces himself not to frown when he remembers that the Captain had also named him. Then again, what was his worry? It wasn't as if anyone really knew who he was - not yet anyway, and he realizes that if he wants to keep appearances, he needs to create an identity here, and fast.

Cyril notices the mumbling of one of the other pilots, and the man stands with the stance of a seasoned soldier. He still couldn't place which Grey number he was, but at least he believes that this one was the 'strong but silent' type, who's actions spoke for him instead. There was more to this guy than meets the eye, and Cyril takes a mental note to find out what it is.

"Grey 3," Cyril finds himself thinking aloud. To catch himself, he continues, "I presume. That was some fine shooting there. I'm impressed by your precision. Don't worry, I'm sure any commander would be pleased by your consistent performance." He realizes that by giving his voice away, he had practically identified himself, and given himself no choice but to make his first impression on the squadron now.

Giving the other rebel an informal salute, Cyril says, "Cyril Hyquin, aka Grey 8: Administrative Communications Officer with a license to fly." He had given his position as a half-truth, because he was sure it would pass any attempt to verify it. After all, he was living proof that the top brass kept secrets from it's rank-and-file, though that was pretty much common knowledge.

Jamie stopped walking as he recognized a calculated, diplomatic tongue behind him.    He turned around and spoke to Cyril.  "Administrative Communications?  What eaxactly do they do?"
Jamie tilted his head and riased one eyebrow quizzically.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:08, Fri 03 Mar 2006.

Xil nods his head slowly as Cyril speaks. "I don't think we were supposed to win that one.  Headhunters were designed to be atmospheric fighters, adapted to space combat.  The TIE fighter though, was designed primarily for space combat.  I think we surprised the brass."

Xil looked around at the emerging pilots.  "I am Exilim Nallis.  I kill Imperials.  Whether in space, but preferably with my rifle with a shot in the head."

Zenna stepped out of her simpod. She had a look of concern on her face as she looked around the room. She took the nearest exit and began to walk down the corridor. She asked the first crewmember she found for directions to the refresher and the messhall. The young woman was tired and hungry.

---

Once at the messhall, Zenna found a table and began eating.

Neeva nodded politely to those who introduced themselves, then she headed out of the room, following the directions she'd been given to the mess hall.

Once there, she moved immediately to the autochef, grabbed a tray, and began covering it with large quantities of food and drink.  Looking for a place to sit, the Twi'lek noticed Zenna.

Neeva moved over to Zenna's end of the cafeteria.  "Mind if I join you?"

The young woman wiped the corners of her mouth before she replied. "Sure. I don't think the food is very good, but then I haven't eaten for." she looked at her chronometer, "eight hours. You'd figure that they'd have some supplies on the shuttles. But mine was all out."

Zenna watched Neeva's headtails as she introduced herself. "Zenna, Grey 6."

Neeva was an attractive young Twi-lek in a pilot's outfit that looked more like the kind of uniform an exotic dancer might where while performing.  The Twi-lek certainly had the right kind of build for such an outfit.

She sat down opposite Zenna with an unhappy reappraisal of the food stacked on her tray.  "I think I've got you beat.  It's past breakfast time where I came from: I haven't eaten in a little over twelve hours.  I'm just wondering how long it will take before my mouth realizes the food is no good."

Neeva took a drink of reconstituted juice, then put down her glass.  "I'm Neeva, Grey seven, the one that gave the Simtech a lap dance so he'd alter the program to let us win, and let me get the most kills."  If she was bluffing she was a damn good bluffer.

Neeva took a bite of food and let out a soft "yummy" moan.  "Not as bad as you'd think by the look of it."

Neeva quieted down, chewing her food and studying Zenna, not sure how much conversation the human woman wanted.

Cyril laughed as Officer Webb raised his eyebrow. He had gotten the response he was looking for. "If I had a credit for every time I got asked that question," he began, giving a hearty laugh once again. "But seriously, it's just a fancy term for us who have 'the critical task of facilitating communications between HQ and it's deployed forces'", he says in a less-than-serious tone, obviously mocking whichever superior actually said that. "Haha, in reality, we're either at our desks typing documents on a datapad, or relaying messages over subspace for top brass - and that 'job', if you can call it that, means this is the first time I've left HQ in over two standard months!"

Cyril let his laughter die down, as if the joke was over, and finished, "I guess it's fortunate I finished basic flight training at HQ, and my collegues didn't. Perhaps this transfer means I'll be filling in as the Squadron's Comm Officer, unless Captain Jax already has that position."



"It's a rare honor to meet a real sniper, Exilim. I've heard of stories about some riflemen taking on entire squads of bucketheads by themselves. Were you one of those?"

Turning to the inquisitive Flight Officer, he says, "Officer Webb, was it? The guy who went 'woohoo' or something when you died?" Cyril ends, smiling.

"Maybe the ladies have the right idea. A meal sounds good right now, but I'm curious to see the other pilots."

---

EDIT: Removed reference to 'Alliance' as per community agreement.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:08, Tue 07 Mar 2006.

"I did, what I call, freelance work before joining the rebellion.  I think I have a better chance of doing damage to the Empire by joining this insurection.  Plus, they pay me to do what I do."

This message was deleted by the player at 13:32, Fri 03 Mar 2006.

OCC: Sorry it took me s long to post but my pc died on me on wednesday.

Nirro exits the sim. He leans back puts his arms above his head and stretches till his back cracks.  That was good! Hi guys, Grey 9 here. After listening to the chit chat he heads to the messhall to get a meal. After getting his food he walks over to the table where his two female squadmates were eating This seat taken? he asked as he sits. After etaking a couple bites he looks at the ladies So, what did you really think about the sim?

Jamie seems satisfied with Cyril's answer.  "Sounds like a fun job..."
"Correct...I was blasted into oblivion in the blink of an eye!  That was dramatic, but I meant the flying was fun, not the dying...I'll see you guys at the mess hall."
Jamie leaves the simulator room again to change into more comfortable clothes.
A few minutes later, he arrives at the mess hall.  After grabbing a pile of nutritous autochef-grub, he sits about two seats away from the others.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:01, Sat 04 Mar 2006.

Xil acknowledges the other pilots, turns around and heads for the mess hall.  He serves himself some food and walks over to the table near the other pilots.  He sort of drops his tray on the table, slumps down in the chair and hungrily consumes his food without initiating any conversation.

Zenna took the time to watch the man chew his food. Finally she stated, "It was more than I expected to be honest."

The young woman shot the question back at the man, "So Grey 9, you got a name? And while you're at it, what did you think of the sim?"

Christian enters teh mess hall, out of his flightsuit, and wearing black pants and boots, and a grey, sleeveless shirt.  On his upper left arm/shoulder, tehre is a tattoo.

Christian, though out of uniform, still looks ill at ease.  He notices the two woman from the sim, and a man, also from the sim.  Christian grabs a light meal and aproaches the table with a half smile and a nod.  He sits on a table next to the others and begins eating.