The simulator starts up with both Levina's (now assigned to Akula 6 with Rykov in the back seat) and Jennsen's jet mode veritechs already in the vacuum of space traveling at 3 kilometers per second (this is basically 73% of max thrust). The simulator pods can have various setting set to on or off, thus both pilots are essentially flying their assigned veritech. The only real difference is when looking out the 'window' of the cockpit the other veritech is painted as if in its factory paint scheme sans unit markings.

A flight controller calls out the situation:

"Akula Six, Reindeer Nine be advised you have a six bogies headed towards you. Range is 400 kilometers and closing rapidly. Your cleared to engage. Out"

OOC: Equipment sheets have been updated with missiles and gun pods. All damage incurred to you will be to the main body.

This first melee is going to be firing missiles at BVR (beyond visual range). Make a weapon systems roll until you pass (each attempt is a melee action), then use the remaining melee actions to fire your AAM-1A Arrow missiles.

[Private to Aksa Tikkanen: Yeah you get to observe, please don't post anything.]

"Vic, activate spoofer and drop chaff, paint me some shit.. FLIR is in range.  Sunshine, fire at bogey Bravo.  Stay on my wing... we are closing."

Hopefully.. the FLIR and designator (which are in range on her craft) will assign letters and show the enemy.  If need hopefully it is easy to share her view with her wing.  She wants her spoofer on, to reduce the enemy's effectiveness significantly at range.


Meiko has no issues locking onto Bogey Alpha with her first try, AESA has it's advantages.


She has less luck with her shots (wow.. BAD rolls, except one a 19, 3, 2, 1 nat rolls.. damn)

Weapons lock roll 16, good!

Left Wing AAM - 10  100 MDC Damage

Right Wing AAM - 26 (Nat 19, target loses attack roll!) 110 MDC Damage

Left Wing AAM - 8 (Nat 1)

Right Wing AAM 9  90 MDC Damage

Toggling the menu settings of Akulina's targeting computer to his right, Victor verifies the green 'RDY-AUTO' status of her defense Dispenser. Having had ample training on a variety of Dispenser systems throughout training and when assigned to the 1st AEW Squadron, this display was immediately familiar. Knowing that a common simulator malfunction was failure of the Dispenser to automatically fire in the event of missile lock detection, he silently vowed to keep his third-eye pointed on this display. No matter how hairy the simulation got.

He next toggled a switch on Akulina's centrally located ECM control suite, instantly able to check the status of those systems.

• SEN SPOOFER: RDY

• PORT ECM POD: RDY

• STBD ECM POD: RDY

Yet another point of vulnerability in these mock engagements. WSO/EWOs often activated these systems, discovering to their dismay all manner of malfunctions affecting their ability to employ ECM systems. The simulator masters were truly horrible people! But the training was top notch. In the present though, ECM was green and good although far out of range of the current target.

Finally, to his left sat the FLIR/LASER Designator interface. Uniquely situated in this Russian VT variant by having a combined interface for the rear-seater to use, he first activated the FLIR device and then slaved the laser designator to Meiko's called target, Bogey Alpha.

With nothing left to do while Akulina and the bogies closed distance at frightening speed, Victor kept scanning his displays, ready to assist in evasive maneuvers should Meiko need it.

Over the intercom Victor simply states, "Roger, FLIR and Laser active. Coming up on ECM range."

---

Weapon Systems roll (55%): 29

Weapon Systems roll (55%): 25

Dodge roll (+5): 16

Dodge roll (+5): 14

Dodge roll (+5): 8

Reading the telemetry sent to him by Levina and Rykov, Douglas calls back that he is launching two arrows at the enemy as well.
19:34, Today: Douglas Jennsen rolled 102 using 30d6.  Missile Damage.
19:34, Today: Douglas Jennsen rolled 105 using 30d6.  Missile Damage.

19:33, Today: Douglas Jennsen rolled 21 using 1d20+4 with rolls of 17.  Missile.
19:31, Today: Douglas Jennsen rolled 8 using 1d20+4 with rolls of 4.  Missile.

19:29, Today: Douglas Jennsen rolled 14 using 1d100 with rolls of 14.  Weapon Systems @ 50%.

19:29, Today: Douglas Jennsen rolled 33 using 1d100 with rolls of 33.  Read Sensory @ 45%.

Akula Six launches four Arrow's at the inbound bogies. The first two missiles are evaded by the incoming bogies, the third missile only ignites it's rocket motor for a second before going dead. The forth missile hits, destroying its target.

Reindeer nine launches only two missiles. Of these one fails to track, and the other strikes it's target.

---

The remaining 4 bogies, probably now in range of their own missiles, attempt to lock on and fire missiles at the two veritechs.

Threat warning indicators in both veritechs warn of radar locks and inbound infrared guided missiles.

Bogey 2
17:51, Today: Darkside Trooper rolled 62 using 1d100 with rolls of 62.  Bogey missile lock on Akula 6 (45%).
17:52, Today: Darkside Trooper rolled 77 using 1d100 with rolls of 77.  Bogey missile lock on Akula 6 (45%).
17:52, Today: Darkside Trooper rolled 20 using 1d100 with rolls of 20.  Bogey missile lock on Akula 6 (45%).
17:52, Today: Darkside Trooper rolled 3 using 1d20 with rolls of 3.  Bogey missile at Akula 6 +5.
18:43, Today: Darkside Trooper rolled 55 using 4d20 with rolls of 13,17,14,11.  Bogey 2 dodge.
Action 1: Wpns Lock (FAIL)
Action 2: Wpns Lock (FAIL)
Action 3: Wpns Lock (PASS)
Action 4: Missile, Nat 3, MISS

Bogey 4
17:53, Today: Darkside Trooper rolled 13 using 1d20 with rolls of 13.  Bogey missile at Reindeer 9 +5.
17:53, Today: Darkside Trooper rolled 26 using 1d100 with rolls of 26.  Bogey missile lock on Reindeer 9 (45%).
17:53, Today: Darkside Trooper rolled 79 using 1d100 with rolls of 79.  Bogey missile lock on Reindeer 9 (45%).
17:53, Today: Darkside Trooper rolled 68 using 1d100 with rolls of 68.  Bogey missile lock on Reindeer 9 (45%).
17:53, Today: Darkside Trooper rolled 88 using 1d100 with rolls of 88.  Bogey missile lock on Reindeer 9 (45%).
18:43, Today: Darkside Trooper rolled 44 using 4d20 with rolls of 13,14,7,10.  Bogey 4 dodge.
Action 1: Wpns Lock (FAIL)
Action 2: Wpns Lock (FAIL)
Action 3: Wpns Lock (PASS)
Action 4: Missile, unat  18 (90 MDC if a hit)

Bogey 5
18:19, Today: Darkside Trooper rolled 9 using 1d100, unique dice with rolls of 9.  Bogey 5 wpn sys (45%).
18:20, Today: Darkside Trooper rolled 19 using 1d20, unique dice with rolls of 19.  Bogey 5 missile @Akula 6 =5.
18:23, Today: Darkside Trooper rolled 39 using 1d100 with rolls of 39.  Bogey 5 wpn sys (45%).
18:24, Today: Darkside Trooper rolled 10 using 1d20 with rolls of 10.  Bogey 5 missile @Akula 6 =5.
18:43, Today: Darkside Trooper rolled 53 using 4d20 with rolls of 8,13,15,17.  Bogey 5 dodge.
Action 1: Wpns Lock (PASS)
Action 2: Missile @ Akula 6, unat  24 w/SARH, Unat 21 w/IR (90 MDC if a hit)
Action 3: Wpns Lock (PASS)
Action 4: Missile @ Akula 6, unat  15 w/SARH, Unat 12 w/IR (140 MDC if a hit)

Bogey 6
18:28, Today: Darkside Trooper rolled 19 using 1d20 with rolls of 19.  Bogey 5 missile @Raindeer 9 +2.
18:27, Today: Darkside Trooper rolled 73 using 1d100 with rolls of 73.  Bogey 6 wpn sys (45%).
18:30, Today: Darkside Trooper rolled 11 using 1d20 with rolls of 11.  Bogey 5 missile @Raindeer 9 +5.
18:29, Today: Darkside Trooper rolled 25 using 1d100 with rolls of 25.  Bogey 6 wpn sys (45%).
18:44, Today: Darkside Trooper rolled 47 using 4d20 with rolls of 15,20,4,8.  Bogey 6 dodge.
Action 1: Wpns Lock (FAIL)
Action 2: Missile @ Raindeer 9, unat  21 w/IR (40 MDC if a hit)
Action 3: Wpns Lock (PASS)
Action 4: Missile @ Akula 6, unat  16 w/SARH, Unat 13 w/IR (90 MDC if a hit)

OOC: It's a new melee. If you have any questions, please ask in OOC or a PM.

If you can post like Jack did that would help me out a lot. link to a message in this game It does not have to be exactly the same, just make sue each action is numbered. It helps me resolve combats like this one with 4 PC's and 20-30 badguys: link to a message in another game

Be aware  that even if you jam a radar guided missile these have a secondary IR tracking feature (just like your own AAM-1 Arrows).

When rolling damage if it says to roll 3d6*10, roll a 3d6 and multiply by 10. Do not roll 30d6.

His screens light up from Bogey weapon locks. Looking over, he verifies that the Dispenser is automatically firing Decoy Flares to counteract the incoming IR missiles. With the Bogies still far out of range of his ECM, Victor instead trains his Sensor Spoofer and ECM pods onto the incoming missile volleys he knows are already en-route.

Action 1: HP8 ECM (AEW skill check) fail
Action 2: HP8 ECM (AEW skill check) success
Action 3: HP9 ECM (AEW skill check) success
Action 4: HP9 ECM (AEW skill check) fail
Action 5: Sensor Spoofer (AEW skill check) success

OOC: Just so I understand, Victor has confirmation of FOUR weapon locks and the potential for 'at most' four missile volleys to be on the way. One from Bogey 2, Two from Bogey 5, and One from Bogey 6. Is that the correct way to read the combat turn report?

Revised post in edit
This message was last edited by the player at 12:47, Fri 04 Jan 2019.

Douglas puts his plane into a spin and a dive as he fires off counter-measures, decoy flares, in an attempt to defeat the lock-on.  As he pulls up, he attempts to get a lock-on on the enemy craft that has him targetted so that he can send a volley of four missiles in return fire.

Weapon Systems @ 50%-98
Pilot:  Aerospace Fighter @ 45%-
25
Missile Volley-04 to strike.
Actively Dodge Missile-29
Automatic Dodge-16
Automatic Dodge-8
Automatic Dodge-<pueple>9</purple>
Automatic Dodge-9


14:55, Today: Douglas Jennsen rolled 4 using 1d20 with rolls of 4.  Missile Volley. AAM.  Well, that sucked.
14:52, Today: Douglas Jennsen rolled 17 using 1d20 with rolls of 17.  Dodge Missile.  +12 for 29
14:32, Today: Douglas Jennsen rolled 25 using 1d100 with rolls of 25.  Pilot:  Aerospace Fighter @ 45%.
14:31, Today: Douglas Jennsen rolled 98 using 1d100 with rolls of 98.
 Weapon Systems @ 50%.

This message was last edited by the player at 00:32, Fri 11 Jan 2019.

Meiko attempts weapons locks, but while dodging she is nearly completely unable to get a lock.

Action 1:  Weapon lock - 72 - Fail
Action 2:  Weapon lock - 89 - Fail
Action 3:  Weapon lock - 79 - fail
Action 4:  Weapon lock - 38 - Pass
Action 5:  Attack Bogey 5 - Unnat 24 50 MDC damage

22:32, Yesterday: Meiko Levina rolled 72 using 1d100 with rolls of 72.  Weapons System check.
14:12, Today: Meiko Levina rolled 89 using 1d100 with rolls of 89.  Weapons systems roll +10% (65).
14:12, Today: Meiko Levina rolled 79 using 1d100 with rolls of 79.  Weapons systems roll +10% (65).
14:12, Today: Meiko Levina rolled 38 using 1d100 with rolls of 38.  Weapons systems roll +10% (65).
14:17, Today: Meiko Levina rolled 24 using 1d20+9 with rolls of 15.  AAM-1A, ranged.  Left Wing.


Auto dodge 1:  Unnat 30
Auto dodge 2:  Unnat 24
Auto dodge 3:  Unnat 25
Auto dodge 4:  Unnat 28
Auto dodge 5:  Nat 1



14:21, Today: Meiko Levina rolled 30 using 1d20+12 with rolls of 18.  Dodge +11 (VF1 Space base) +pp .
14:22, Today: Meiko Levina rolled 24 using 1d20+12 with rolls of 12.  Dodge +11 (VF1 Space base) +pp .
14:22, Today: Meiko Levina rolled 25 using 1d20+12 with rolls of 13.  Dodge +11 (VF1 Space base) +pp .
15:25, Today: Meiko Levina rolled 28 using 1d20+12 with rolls of 16.  Dodge +11 (VF1 Space base) +pp .
15:25, Today: Meiko Levina rolled 13 using 1d20+12 with rolls of 1.  Dodge +11 (VF1 Space base) +pp .

Akula Six evades the three missile targeting it through a combination of electronic jamming and evasion. The single missile fired by Akula Six takes out Bogey 5.

The volley of missiles launched by Reindeer Nine fail to lock onto their targets. To make matters worse while one missile is evaded a second manages to hit the veritech. Within the simulator Douglas hears the the sound of a loud BANG accompanied by violent shaking that subsides once he levels the veritech out.

[Private to Douglas Jennsen: -40 MDC to main body.]

---

With the range between both flights rapidly reducing, it won't be long before they 'merge' and the engagement turns into a dogfight.

Bogies 2, 4 & 6 again try to lock onto the two veritech's and launch missiles...

[Private to Douglas Jennsen:
Here is a quick and dirty of what you should try to do:

• Roll WS skill until you pass Then either launch a single missile at a single target or multiple missiles at multiple targets (make a separate strike roll for each missile).
• Repeat until you run out of actions or missiles.
• Make a dodge roll for each action because auto dodge (dodging doesn't cost an attack) is in effect. If one of these auto dodges fails you can use an action to dodge.

]

[Private to Meiko Levina; Victor Rykov: Please see PM ]

Bogey 2
Manages to get a radar lock and then fires off a pair of missiles, one at Akula 6 and another at Reindeer 9. Neither missile manages to track....
20:22, Today: Darkside Trooper rolled 42 using 1d100 with rolls of 42.  Bogey 3 Tilt Dodge/jink (25%).
20:21, Today: Darkside Trooper rolled 4 using 2d20 with rolls of 1,3.  Bogey 2 missiles at Reindeer 9  & Akula 6+5.
20:20, Today: Darkside Trooper rolled 13 using 1d100 with rolls of 13.  Bogey 2 wpn sys.
20:20, Today: Darkside Trooper rolled 73 using 1d100 with rolls of 73.  Bogey 2 wpn sys.
Action 1: Wpn Sys FAIL
Action 2: Wpn Sys PASS
Action 3:
Missile @ Reindeer 9, MISS
Missile @ Akula 6, MISS
Action 4: Tilt dodge/jink FAIL

19:42, Today: Darkside Trooper rolled 38 using 4d20 with rolls of 1,17,6,14.  Bogey 2 dodge.
Action 1: FAIL
Action 2: 17
Action 3: 6
Action 4: 14

Bogey 4
Bogey 4 attains a missile lock and launches a pair of missiles, one at Akula 6 and another at Reindeer 9. Jennsen hears the warning alarm of an radar guided inbound missile. Levina, and Rykov on the other hand don't.

Bogey 4 then attains a second missile lock. This time Levina, and Rykov hears the warning alarm of an inbound radar guided missile....
19:37, Today: Darkside Trooper rolled 21 using 2d20 with rolls of 1,20.  Bogey 4 missiles at Reindeer 9  & Akula 6+5.
19:36, Today: Darkside Trooper rolled 35 using 1d100 with rolls of 35.  Bogey 4 wpn sys.
19:36, Today: Darkside Trooper rolled 11 using 2d20 with rolls of 8,3.  Bogey 4 missiles at Reindeer 9  & Akula 6+5.
19:35, Today: Darkside Trooper rolled 10 using 1d100 with rolls of 10.  Bogey 4 wpn sys.
16:25, Thu 10 Jan: Douglas Jennsen rolled 10 using 1d20 with rolls of 10.
Action 1: Wpn Sys PASS
Action 2:
Missile @ Reindeer 9, unat  13 w/SARH, Unat 10 w/IR (80 MDC if a hit)
Missile @ Akula 6, MISS
Action 3: Wpn Sys PASS
Action 4:
Missile @ Reindeer 9 MISS
Missile @ Akula 6, Nat  20 w/SARH, Nat 20 w/IR (280 MDC if a hit)

19:43, Today: Darkside Trooper rolled 51 using 4d20 with rolls of 11,9,16,15.  Bogey 4 dodge.
Action 1: 11
Action 2: 09
Action 3: 16
Action 4: 15

Bogey 6
Bogey six makes several attempts to attain a radar lock, and then resorts to launching a IR guided missile at Reindeer 9.
20:26, Today: Darkside Trooper rolled 4 using 1d20 with rolls of 4.  Bogey 6 IR missile at Reindeer 9 +2.
20:26, Today: Darkside Trooper rolled 49 using 1d100 with rolls of 49.  Bogey 6 wpn sys (45%).
20:25, Today: Darkside Trooper rolled 98 using 1d100 with rolls of 98.  Bogey 6 wpn sys (45%).
20:24, Today: Darkside Trooper rolled 53 using 1d100 with rolls of 53.  Bogey 6 wpn sys (45%).
Action 1: Wpn Sys FAIL
Action 2: Wpn Sys FAIL
Action 3: Wpn Sys FAIL
Action 4:
Missile @ Reindeer 9, MISS

19:44, Today: Darkside Trooper rolled 52 using 4d20 with rolls of 15,15,6,16.  Bogey 6 dodge.
Action 1: 15
Action 2: 15
Action 3: 06
Action 4: 16

As the alarm sounds loudly in the cockpit, Victor looks down to his right at the targeting computer seeking classification. Noticing the Multi-Frequency Radar light up, he knows.

Calmly calling out to Meiko he gives her the required information, "Radar lock, single inbound." He quickly glances at his countermeasures display to verify Chaff is ready to go during Meiko's dodge.

Dealing with a radar guided missile this time, he knows that Chaff and his ECM pods are the only options to protect their bird. Queuing up Akulina's Port-side ECM Pod, Victor attempts two jams. He next engages the targeting computer to assist Meiko with target locks.

Action 1: HP8 ECM (AEW) success
Action 2: HP8 ECM (AEW) success
Action 3: Weapon Systems (WS) fail
Action 4: Weapon Systems (WS) fail
Action 5: Weapon Systems (WS) pass

---

13:14, Today: Victor Rykov rolled 12 using 1d100 with rolls of 12.  HP8 ECM (AEW skill check) 61%.
13:15, Today: Victor Rykov rolled 10 using 1d100 with rolls of 10.  HP8 ECM (AEW skill check) 61%.
13:18, Today: Victor Rykov rolled 66 using 1d100 with rolls of 66.  Weapon Systems (55%).
13:18, Today: Victor Rykov rolled 77 using 1d100 with rolls of 77.  Weapon Systems (55%).
13:18, Today: Victor Rykov rolled 25 using 1d100 with rolls of 25.  Weapon Systems (55%).
This message was last edited by the player at 18:36, Fri 18 Jan 2019.

Meiko starts firing Starstrikes when the range closes.. lacking any weapons locks, she deadfires.. it doesn't go well at all.

Action 1:   Nat 1 - Miss
Action 2:   10 on Bogey 4 - 48 MDC
Action 3:   8  on Bogey 4 - Miss
Action 4:   16 on Bogey 4 - 17 MDC
Action 5:   7 on Bogey 4 - Miss

Auto-Dodge 1:  19
Auto-Dodge 2:  22
Auto-Dodge 3:  12
Auto-Dodge 4:  11  (Nat 1)
Auto-Dodge 5:  27



23:28, Today: Meiko Levina rolled 7 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 2.  Starstrike 5 - on Bogey 4.

23:28, Today: Meiko Levina rolled 16 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 11.  Starstrike 4 - on Bogey 4.

23:28, Today: Meiko Levina rolled 8 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 3.  Starstrike 3 - on Bogey 4.

23:28, Today: Meiko Levina rolled 10 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 5.  Starstrike 2 - on Bogey 4.

23:27, Today: Meiko Levina rolled 6 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 1.  Starstrike 1 - on Bogey 1.


18:16, Today: Meiko Levina rolled 27 using 1d20+10 with rolls of 17.  Dodge+10.

18:16, Today: Meiko Levina rolled 11 using 1d20+10 with rolls of 1.  Dodge+10.

18:16, Today: Meiko Levina rolled 12 using 1d20+10 with rolls of 2.  Dodge+10.

18:16, Today: Meiko Levina rolled 22 using 1d20+10 with rolls of 12.  Dodge+10.

18:16, Today: Meiko Levina rolled 19 using 1d20+10 with rolls of 9.  Dodge+10.

These dice HATE me.


This message was last edited by the player at 00:19, Tue 22 Jan 2019.

Douglas fires off more chafe and another flare as he jukes and jinks to break the missile lock.


Action 1:  Fire off chafe
Action 2:  Fire off flare
Action 3:  Attempt Weapons Lock
Action 4:  Fire missiles
     Volley of three:  32 to strike
     Missile Damage:  140, 90, 130
Action 5:  Close in

Automatic Dodge 1:  27
Automatic Dodge 2:  27
Automatic Dodge 3:  37
Automatic Dodge 4:  20
Automatic Dodge 5:  36


08:42, Today: Douglas Jennsen rolled 14,9,13 using 3d6,3d6,3d6 with rolls of 4,4,6,3,3,3,4,4,5.  X10 Missile damage.

08:36, Today: Douglas Jennsen rolled 17 using 1d20 with rolls of 17.  Missile Volley + 7 Skill, +6 PP, +2 Sure Shot.

19:41, Yesterday: Douglas Jennsen rolled 62 using 1d100 with rolls of 62.  Weapon Systems @ 50%.

19:40, Yesterday: Douglas Jennsen rolled 18 using 1d20 with rolls of 18.  Automatic Dodge, +6 PP bonus, +12 Skill.
19:40, Yesterday: Douglas Jennsen rolled 2 using 1d20 with rolls of 2.  Automatic Dodge, +6 PP bonus, +12 Skill.
19:40, Yesterday: Douglas Jennsen rolled 19 using 1d20 with rolls of 19.  Automatic Dodge, +6 PP bonus, +12 Skill.
19:40, Yesterday: Douglas Jennsen rolled 9 using 1d20 with rolls of 9. Automatic Dodge, +6 PP bonus, +12 Skill.
19:40, Yesterday: Douglas Jennsen rolled 9 using 1d20 with rolls of 9.  Automatic Dodge, +6 PP bonus, +12 Skill.

Levina manages to launch four Star Strikes whihc are IR guided. As she maneuvers to evade the incoming missiles a bright white light encompasses the ‘cockpit canopy’ of the simulator prompting it to shut down.

Rykov manages to jam the radar guidance systems of the missiles inbound at Akula 6. He doesn’t get the chance to achieve a radar lock before a bright white light encompasses the ‘cockpit canopy’ of the simulator prompting it to shut down.

Jennsen needlessly fires off chaff and flares, and fails to archive a radar lock. He launches a trio of AAM-1 Arrow missiles which track on random targets. Two missiles strike Bogey 2 and one missile strike Bogey 6. Both bogies are destroyed but at the same time he sees them being destroyed Jennsen sees Akula 6 become a rapidly expanding cloud of debris. At this point the simulator shuts down.

---

After lowering to the deck, the cockpits of the two simulator pods open up. To the left and right the other simulator pods in the simulator bay remain raised and are gyrating about.

Major Tikkanen approaches the two open simulator pods and she doesn’t look happy.

Meiko groans then releases the canopy on the simulator and pulls off her helmet.

"That sucked a bunch."

Douglas removes his helmet before opening the canopy.  He sits quietly fir a few moments.  That sucked royally.  And not at all pleasantly.
Releasing the safety harness, he climbs out, holding his helmet so that the sloppily, painted, stylized smiling-sun someone had surreptitiously added on the front, was hidden for now.  He was not sure who had done it, but he had a couple of ideas.
I think I'm having trouble using the telemetry from your plane.  It seems like there is lag-time before I see it on the radar.

As the simulator hatch yawn's open Victor unstraps his flight helmet, noticing the look on the approaching bullet train. 'Oh boy, think she's fixin to light a fire'

Unstrapping from his restraints, he climbs out of the pod. Gathering up his gear before heading down to the foot of the ladder. 'Time to take my pill'

---

Aksa strides purposefully towards the dual pods and in a swift motion alights the ladder to the access platform. "Äiti vitun nartun poika. Perkele!"

She's in her flight suit and based on her matted hair and drying sweat stains, it's clear that the three of you weren't the only ones 'flying a box' today.



"That's putting it mildly." She growls. As Jennsen moves to stand she points down. "Park it Sunshine."

As Rykov tries to slink away Aksa reaches out and cuffs his collar, then spins him back around they way he came, returning him to his point of origin. She shakes her head in disapproval. "Abandoning your team? For shame."

She looks over the trio for a few seconds.

"Congratulations, you're all dead." She says, her hands on her hips, her left foot tapping.


"I don't know what the fuck happened in there..." She points at the simulator pods, "...but performance like that out there..." She then points 'outside', "...is going to get you killed!" She says, then looks over at Meiko "I've seen you fight before. I know you're capable of better."

She pauses and fixes a steely glare at the trio of aircrew before her.

"Those alien bastards want to kill us, you don't have to make it easier for them to do it." She adds. "These rookie mistakes need to stop."

She withdraws her tablet and starts going down a list.

"Communication and Coordination: After the initial intercept there was none. You need to talk to one another, pick targets, call out hazards, keep your wingmates situationally aware."

"Aviate, Navigate, Communicate!" She says, repeating the Three Maxims of Aviation, counting them off one at a time with her fingers for emphasis.

[Private to Douglas Jennsen; Meiko Levina; Victor Rykov: Jannsen, on the last round you fired without declaring a target. It's best to always pick a target, and even better to post a target rotation/priority list.  I.e. 'I fire three times at target 1 until it dies, if target 1 drops early I move onto target 2 and then 5']

"Situational Awareness: You better get good at that, and get good fast.
Jennsen, You were free and clear on that last engagement! Instead of killing a snake in the cockpit, what you should have done was engage Bogey 4. You know...the one that potted your wing-man?"

[Private to Douglas Jennsen; Meiko Levina; Victor Rykov: When the enemy posts first (i.e. has the low initiative) you get to see what it is they are trying to do and more importantly, to whom. Always take advantage of that. The Nat 20 on Meiko occurred on Action 4, Jannsen, if you had fired at it and killed it on Actions 1, 2, and or 3 it would have died before Action 4 and therefore would not have gotten that attack off.]

"Use your head and use your damn systems. Levina. Deadfiring AAM-1's? Are you fucking kidding me!? I know you have a back-seater to help, but if he's doing something else, lock 'em up yourself. Did you even make the attempt? Missiles don't grow on trees. Do NOT waste them." She bites then turns back to Jennsen.

[Private to Douglas Jennsen; Meiko Levina; Victor Rykov: To be fair; any time a single missile is fired, part of that single action assumes a lock on. However, Meiko's choice of words, i.e. 'Deadfire', compounded with the miserable rolls the RNG bestowed upon her created an affect. That affect being the appearance that she went all 'Crazy Cat Lady' and started chucking missiles every which way. I had to take advantage of that...for effect. ;)]

"Jennsen, the VF-1 is the most advanced plane in our inventory, it is fully capable of automatically launching countermeasures. I highly recommend you make use of that functionality." She remarks dryly. "Set it and forget it."

She then looks over at Rykov.

"Rykov, you jammed up some of the missiles on you, unfortunately, you missed the one that killed you. Be aware of what your own, and fellow, pilots are doing. If they've evaded an arrow, leave it, focus on the ones they haven't."

[Private to Douglas Jennsen; Meiko Levina; Victor Rykov: The missile targeting Akula 06 on Actions 1 and 2 both missed, and even if, Meiko's dodge was sufficient to defeat it. It might have been more advantageous to roll Weapon Systems on those Actions. Meiko may still have bricked Action 1, but Action 2 might have reaped better results if she'd been able to loose more then one missile.]

Aksa takes a deep breath. "All right. I want you to hit the manuals. Get into groups, game out your what if's. If you have an issue; Look. It. Up. If you still don't know; get with someone who does. Most of this shit you need to be able to do in your sleep." She says, her voice hard, but no longer angry. "And speaking of sleep, best get plenty of it, because your asses are going to be back in those seats..." She points at the simulator cockpit-pods. "...tomorrow and the next day, and the day after that, until all this is laying flat." Or until we get sent up to get shot at, whichever comes first... she says inwardly.

[Private to Douglas Jennsen; Meiko Levina; Victor Rykov: Just a few points to remember. Any attacks on you, regardless of who fired them, in a given Action can be dodged in said Action provided the Dodge roll is higher. Example: Bogey 4, 6 and 9 fire at Meiko with rolls of 12, 10, and 18. Meiko rolls her Auto-Dodge and gets a 14. The result is she dodges two of the three attacks. At this point she can elect to roll a Regular Dodge (forgoing an attack Action) in hopes of dodging the 18, or, can eat the 18 and counterattack.

Also, when it comes to ECM/ECCM; an ECM rolls is good for the entire melee, much like a Weapon System roll is when used to link a weapon. If you make the roll, you pass, and ECM is in effect. If your ECM attempt is countered (ECCM), or if you wish to counter the enemies ECM, the lower roll wins.]

"We clear?" She asks after a few seconds having let everything sink in. After their replies she thumbs over her shoulder towards the exit. "Good. Now scoot. Next group wants their turn."
This message was last edited by the player at 16:04, Fri 25 Jan 2019.

"Yes, Ma'm, thank you ma'm.  Almost felt like an Ace was in there flyin' the bogies.  But we screwed the pooch, good chance to learn, plan to take up on that.  Thanks for the pointers."

Meiko slides to the floor and punches Victor lightly in the arm.

"Let's meet at the chow hall and talk about how we can be more effective together."

She looks Jennsen.

"You too, Sunshine, part my fault for not calling targets, but spending your time dumping countermeasures instead of attacking.. be lucky Vixen is the one tearing you up on this one, cause my old Cee-Oh Pirate would have been far worse.

She cups her camo-cloth covered flight helmet under her arm, unzips her flight suit partway.

"Offense is a better defense then trying to run scared, but you got to do it right, no panic.  Take them out fast and methodical, be the killer."

She heads for the locker-room.  "Come on boys, let's see what the officer mess has to offer."

OOC:

If the missile has another type of guidance system then yes*. But not all missiles have multiple types of guidance, in those cases the 'next guidance type listed' becomes 'unguided'

* I think (operative word 'think') that if the Secondary type of guidance system is a type that would be hindered by the same jamming that ruined the First system it would be a done deal, but, the entire purpose of multiple sensors is so that no one type of jamming would blind it totally.

Now, in that case what you could do is:

Action 1: Jam incoming radar guided missiles
Action 2: Detect/Jam optical sensors/communications (to include infrared, laser communications, etc.)

That way you are jamming the entire spectrum.

Douglas looks at the commander then at Meiko.  My ground attack radar doesn't have the range of the standards.  I'm trying to get a lock on using your telemetry data to target the enemy according to your radar.  It's better to practice that here and get it right, than to attempt it cold in a real battle.  We get it right here, less likely to die there.
We just have to adjust it for my position, rather than using yours.  He looks back at the CO.  I'm also wondering if there might be a way to reverse it, so they can use my telemetry for Nap-of-the-Earth Navigation.

"Not much Earth around here to fly Nap of Luutnantti..." She points out dryly.

She pauses for a moment then addresses his other point.

"Until we can get AESA sets in all our birds all I can suggest is that you piggy back the uplink on the initial BVR engagement. You might might, get a second or even a third salvo off depending on the rate of closure. After that, you'll be within your own sets detection envelope and should rely on that. If a two-seater can provide an up-link fantastic, but I don't want you counting on that in the middle of a furball." She says.

"Oh, and if the Quartermaster sticks us with those shit Starstrikes, I'd save them for incoming missiles salvos." She adds with a resigned look on her face.

Douglas listens to the commander, nodding his head at her suggestions.  When she finishes, he again nod his head.  As an attorney, it's my job to look at all sides of an argument, to look at all possibilities, in order to counter them in court.  Suppose we are in situation where we are flying through the asteroid ring in a dogfight, or the rings of Saturn.  Hell, this ship is big enough to fly a plane through it.

Aksa shakes her head.

"A good habit to be in. However, even traveling ballisticlly, the odds of hitting something in the belt is a billion to 1. If that eventuality should ever come to pass the last thing I want is for us to be anywhere near 60 meters* of one of those floating rocks. Especially at V max." She replies, then pauses. "Finally, and, not to put to fine a point on this; I'd like to see you all survive the simulator in open space before we start adding obstacles." She concludes.

OOC: * Typical NoE altitude for Fast Jets (200ft) but she's a Finn, so you're getting it in metric!

Only in film media do you see a tightly packed and dense asteroid fields. Rule of Cool in effect.

NASA:

On its way to Jupiter, Juno traversed the asteroid belt without collecting science data.[92] Due to the low density of materials within the belt, the odds of a probe running into an asteroid are now estimated at less than 1 in 1 billion.[93]

NASA:

A 2016 study of spiral density waves using stellar occultations indicated that the B Ring's surface density is in the range of 40 to 140 g/cm2, lower than previously believed, and that the ring's optical depth has little correlation with its mass density (a finding previously reported for the A and C rings).[62][63]

The depiction of the rings in DYRL was actually far more accurate then what was portrayed in SDF Macross.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:16, Wed 30 Jan 2019.

Douglas shtugs, still believing his idea may be both possible, and, one day, necessary.  It is merely an idea that I had, ma'am.  It may still one day prove useful.

Meiko paused to watch the discussion between Jennsen and her commander.  She softly interjects.

"How about we concentrate on teamwork before we start trying to get fancy.  You are not alone out there Sunshine, and you need to think, act and talk like you have a wingman to cooperate with.  I do too, I am not used to command."

She shakes her head.

"Why do you keep talking about being a lawyer Sunshine?  Do you think any of the rest of us think about whatever our specialty is while we are in a cockpit?  We are fighter pilots, especially when we are sitting in the seat, and you don't get there by accident... I got an engineering degree, but my goal was to fly planes, not sit behind a desk, and I have never met a combat pilot who was not driven to be one so why do you act like you are a lawyer forced into it?"
This message was last edited by the player at 15:32, Fri 01 Feb 2019.

Because I spent my free time as a kid helping my parents by doing research for cases.  It was a way for them to spend time with me despite always working.  Plus free scut work.  He gives a chuckle.  The last time I saw my parents, my graduation from Basic, they were running between Washington, DC and NYC, helping with the formation of the UEG.  I don't know if he did it intentionally or by accident, but my recruiter put the wrong MOS code in my paperwork, and I didn't know the correct one.  He had been talking to me about this big drive for pilots, kept saying I should be a pilot.  I wanted JAG Corps because I had already been to law school and wanted to work on my Juris Doctorate.  Now I know why recruiters were pushing for pilots.

Meiko looks a bit stunned.

"So you never wanted to be a pilot, you were pushed into it?  You became a pilot by complete mistake?"

Nope, he responds with a shrug.  But I'm not sure it was so much a mistake as the recruiter having a quota of new pilots to fill.  And, now, I understand why.
He looks at the floor.  Don't get me wrong.  Flying is fun.  It's an adrenaline rush like I had never experienced before.  And, being in a courtroom, going against another attorney, is not unlike a dogfight, with battle plans, maneuvering, and tactical moves.  There is sometimes even a life at stake.  But, I had no intention of seeing actual combat.
Again, he shrugs.  But, I don't exactly have a choice do I?  I will have to fly, fight, kill.  It's not like I haven't trained in ways to do that, between fencing and competition marksmanship.  But, those aren't exactly to the death.

She looks very angry for a moment, then deflates in a way, looking sort of beaten.

Her voice is soft.

"I ached to fly, Jennsen, did anything I could to get near planes.  ROTC was not a way for me to pay for college, college was a shot at getting to fly the best, with the best."

She knits her brows, and points a knife hand at Jennsen, her voice picks up intensity.

"I don't want some half assed pilot on my wing, got that sunshine?  Live and breathe that VF-1, or get the fuck out of it.  You spend more time flapping those dick suckers waxing on how you would rather be in court, and that don't cut it!"

Into the awkward silence begot by a rebuke 'delivered by way of knife-hand' the slight 'tunk' sound of a boot shifting on the floor nearby is heard. Maj. Tikkanen's arms are crossed with her back to the pair. Her head turns slowly, deliberately, until a cold impassive eye fixes upon them from over her left shoulder.

A dispassionate gaze falls upon Jennsen, studying him. She says nothing as the ambient temperature in the immediate vicinity seems to plummet as a handful of seconds pass glacially by.

Within the span of a blink her gaze shifts to Levina, and lingers for a few uncomfortable heartbeats. Then, a barely perceptible nod before she returns her eyes to her tablet.

Meiko Meets her CO's gaze coolly, leaving that in the air.  At the nod she simply blinks and without another glance to Jennsen she turns to Vic.  "Let's grab some chow Vic, I think we need to spend an ass load of time together, get on the same page.  We are partners, after all, more than any spouse can be.  No excuses, we fucked up."

She pauses a second.

"I fucked up.  Not much of an excuse but I am used to single seaters, so I need to get on the program so neither of us die stupidly."
This message was last edited by the player at 19:58, Wed 06 Feb 2019.

Just remember that you're not the only one out there, Lt Combat Ace, Douglas responds coolly.  He continues to sit, not really caring about the lack of invitation to eat, despite being "her wingman".  He has his own things to deal with.  Particularly the telemetry issue.  Definitely not a bad idea to attempt to hedge his bets on coming back alive from combat.
Half-assed?  It had not been his choice, his recruiter having lied to him.  But, he had earned his place.  He had passed flight school as one of the top pilots.  And he passed Veritech quals as one of the top as well.  Just because it is not what he wanted does not mean he did not do his best.  Now, had he not done his best and still made it, then that would be something....

She stops dead, likely leaving Victor pacing at least one step past her, she slowly turns around to eye Jennsen.

When she speaks, a few moments later she has gained some control of her temper, she turns to face Aksa.

"Ma'm I wish to request reassignment.  I am afraid that flying with Lt Jennsen will affect both of ours performance.  I am certain he is a good aviator, but he is a bad fit on my wing and likely both of us will end up dead than otherwise.  I take it as a poor reflection on my leadership skills."

Douglas looks up, almost before he realizes what he had overheard.  And he barely has time think about what he says before it comes tumbling out of his mouth, his tone flat and professional.
You ask me a personal question.  I give you an honest answer.  He stands up and momentarily joins the lieutenant and the major.  But, I see you can't handle the truth.
He turns to his CO.  I will be in my bunk, poring over manuals.  Awaiting your assignment decision, ma'am.
Having already been told what to do by their commanding officer, Douglas leaves without another word or awaiting a response.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:12, Thu 07 Feb 2019.

(Going to preempt a little of what Jannsen is going to do.)




Aksa turns and taps her tablet with the back of her hand. "And these requisition forms are the worst, not to mention we're still undermanned..." She says, then looks over at the pair as Jannsen joins Levina. "Oh...I'm sorry. I thought we were telling each other about our problems." She bites. She then points with each hand to separate spots before her where Meiko and Doug should stand. "Stand at attention." She orders.

"I swear to fucking God Almighty, I've served with CONSCRIPTS who've displayed more professionalism!"

"This complaining stops now." She growls. "It's fucking obnoxious!"

"Transfer: Denied." She says. looking at Levina. "'Adapt and Overcome.' You Amerikkalaiset Marines are fond of saying that." She puts her hands on her hips. "Prove it." She challenges.

"And you..." She casts a baleful glare at Jannsen. "...need to get over your damn self. It's tiresome." She scowls. "When you first transferred in I asked if I could count on you to be the 'best damn aviator you could be'? You said that you 'would do your best'." She states in a hard tone. "Did you lie to me?" She asks menacingly.

"So here is whats going to happen. You two assholes are going to learn to work together. You two are going into the box." She says with a cheerfulness in her voice that's anything but, pointing at the two-seat sim pod. "You will continue to run simulations in the box until you've learned to work together. Or until you've killed one other, either way, problem solved." She says. "If you don't want to do that, the alternative is simple. You will report to supply. You will requisition a ten foot length of rope. You will tie the ends to your waists. You will not remove that rope unless you are in the cockpit of a fighter. The rope will remain until you've learned to work together. Or, as before, you've killed one another; again, problem solved." She says with an evil smile. "So what will it be my little ones? The Box, or the Rope?" She 'offers' looming over her shorter pilots.

"You have three seconds to decide or I decide for you." She says. "I know which option I'm fond of." She adds in a sing song voice, bringing up her watch. "MARK!"

---

OOC: Just for note, I DID roll Aksa's Trust/Intimidate (emphasis added) and she passed that check quick handily.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:18, Thu 07 Feb 2019.

Meiko actually looks a little satisfied as she falls in as ordered, prompt, crisp, Marine.

She is very easy to loom over at 5'3" though.  She perks her brows at that tactic.

"Do you think it will look like an accident if I shove the chip on his shoulder up his ass sideways?"  She says with a straight face.  A slight shrug.  "I will burn up sim time until the cows come home, but I don't see that fixing his problem.  I might just be able to figure out how to fight with a back seater though.  That bird is a whole new ball game for me."

“Tic Toc.” Aksa says “Two...” She counts down ominously.

Doug snaps to attention where indicated, nearly dropping his tablet.  When she asks he question of him, he looks her in the eye as he responds with.I said I will do my best, and I will.  Though today was not my best.
When Meiko goes into her aside, the look on Douglas' face goes from placid to "What the Hell?!" almost instantly.  She was the one who lost her cool when he answered the question she asked honestly.  She acted like she wanted the truth, but when she heard it, she snapped at him without bothering to ask for clarification.  She gave him a dressing down like she was a drill sergeant, over his answer to her question.  Yet, he is the one with a chip on his shoulder.
As for the punishments offered bybthe major, he sees no preferable one.  He does not know the EWO station of the plane, so trying to learn teamwork that way would be an exercise in futility.  As for being tied together, well, he expects that idf that is the major's preference, then his nor Meiko's choice will matter.  And he understands how hard it would be to work together that way, with what her perceives as Meiko's aggressive attitude.
I refrain from my vote.  I do not know the EWO station, so that is not an option.  And, should I choose the simulator runs, that will almost guarantee that you chose to have us tied at the waist.  My vote will not make a difference.

"One." Aksa counts off the final tick.

She steps back, weight onto one leg, a hand on the load bearing hip. Her face wearing an expression that says 'Really?' (Like the image)

"It was a simple binary question." She says. "Box, or Rope." She motion's with her other hand to the left, then to the right.

"All right." She says in an accepting tone. "Since you couldn't decide. It falls to me." She adds.

"Gather your gear up and report to the Quartermaster." She says. "Dismissed."

As the two leave she gets the next group set up then heads back up to the observation suite to check in on her pilots in the pods that are still active.

OOC: Aksa: Out thread.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:43, Thu 07 Feb 2019.

OOC: Just an FYI for Jennsen and Levina, the skills you have to be a veritech are enough to be an ‘OK’ backseater.  Also there will be a point in the game where there wil be more pilots then planes so it is entirely possible that a VT pilot finds themselves as a temporary WSO.

Having initially been on the way out to grab some chow with Meiko, Victor stood idly by as the rapid-fire exchange took place between the trio. Reserving judgement for the situation he couldn't help but find some of the conversation to be... comical? 'Nothing like a bit of inter-personal tension to get those team-building muscles flexing!'

Grinning a little on the inside he soon realizes he's now without a pilot. 'Crap! What next,' he thinks to himself.

As the three split away from the heated discussion, he makes up his mind. Arguments aside there's a very real basis for the simulator training and at this moment, like the others, Victor was feeling the sting of failure.

'Time to lace up those bootstraps and get back to it.' He decides with finality.

Heading back up the ladder he once again straps himself into the pod's rearseat compartment and contacts the sim operator, requesting another run. This time, a pilot-less WSO scenario.

Douglas turns smartly in an about face, and heads for the quartermaster.  They were both ordered there, after all.

Rykov spends another hour in the simulator, getting used to the backseats MFD (multi-function display).