Last Briefing In Rygannon
Last Briefing in Rygannon
Arc: None
Summary: The Colonel has a plan for the cats at the jumppoint.
Date: 2659.259
Related Logs: Exhaust Before the Storm
Participants: Singh Cyric Phillip Kanani Silence Ona Clearoff

It is 23:23 in the Briefing Room. The briefing room is packed thanks in part to the addition of two-squadrons worth of new pilots. The captains and squadron COs from the escorts are also present on view screens. Everyone present in the room is getting seated or are already there. Some are mumbling amongst themselves, others are looking rather groggy, and several are actually nodding off only to be awoken by a playful poke or a wet-willy.

Jamie's slumped in the briefing room dressed in his flight suit, eying the unfamiliar pilots with a hint of suspicion. He's not used to not being the new guy. He's clearly wiped out, but alert enough that no one has to stick a finger in his ear.

Iceblade is sitting next with Tizona to one side and Cyric to the other… pad is ready to go.

Karen walked in having removed her milk moustache and sits between Kobold and Gambit.

Ona and Clearoff are seated together, both wondering if this is going to be the big one… or just another pointless patrol.

Karen mouths at Silence pointing at her upper lip accusatorily.

Cyric sits eagerly in his seat his mind on finally getting out of this system and how wonderful it would be not to be stuck around for another pointless patrol through the rocks.

Karen murmurs "Come on, 3-point patrol, 3 pointer. On the rocks, just one more."

Newly back on the flight roster and seated in the 221sts section of the briefing room is Kanani, who given she's not been flying tons of missions probably isn't feeling the need to nap before the briefing starts, and instead is studying the rest of the crowd.

The CO for the Illuminati is seen talking briefly with Col. Taylor.

Karen sits somewhat more at attention.

The 221st CO heads back to his seat. Colonel Taylor is standing dead center of the holomap screen. Once the last person is seated, he loudly says “At-ten-tion!” Some pilots – those particularly sleepy – jump to standing, while the more mentally present simply stand up and go rigid in a normal fashion.

Ona stands to attention, with Clearoff slightly slower to respond.

Cyric snaps to attention with the alacrity of a speeding bullet.

Julianna gets a smirk from the blonde (Jamie) before he's turning his eyes back up toward the front of the room. On reserves or not, Kanani will likely have heard that several weeks ago, the Majestic got several ISS boys and girls from the Troy system transferred on board due to desperate need of replacement of combat losses. Some of them are dead now. Jamie's one of the few who's been doing well aboard the carrier. He straightens up, fairly slowly and lackadaisically, but makes it to attention eventually.

Iceblade gets to attention with practiced ease - wide awake is he after a nice cat nap earlier in the afternoon/evening.

Karen stands to attention amongst the last in the crowd.

Kanani straightens up from her more casual posture as the call to attention is made, her eyes focusing on the podium and waiting to hear what sort of craziness will be going on for the Majestic pilots this time.

The Colonel looks around at the room, eyeing the pilots; surveying all of them. “At ease and be seated.” He turns his head to the technician making the briefing system.

Iceblade settles back down into his seat - hopeful that everyone is now awake for the briefing.

Karen sits at ease, still slightly tense though.

Ona and Clearoff also take their seats.

The former ISS pilot slumps down and flips open the notepad strapped to his right thigh, so he can begin taking down notes.

Cyric sits down as he waits for his CO to speak the words he's been waiting for weeks for but that have yet to arrive. We are going to War (in another system).

Karen is still chanting in her head "Three-point patrol, three point patrol."

Taylor begins his opening briefing spiel. “Pilots of the Majestic. Long have we remained in this system, but no longer. From our recent conquest of the Kilrathi base, we have learned that a convoy escaped to the jump point hours before our assault force even launched against the planet.” Taylor pauses for a second, “And we are going after it.” Taylor lets that sink in and he shifts position to one side of the briefing screen.

Karen's eyes widen… The reason we're stuck in the armpit of the gemini sector just left.

Kanani sits back down and makes herself comfortable. Then on listening she grins a bit, hitting convoys is always fun. Even if a Stiletto’s not much good against bigger ships.

Allowing the ghost of a smile to cross his face, Jamie glances down to start writing with his pencil. He's seen several of his friends get fried over the last few weeks. The idea of doing so to a bunch of Kilrathi transports clearly appeals to him.

Ona smiled… then realised what going after it might be mean. The convoy was almost certainly going to have escorts and not the type that wore tight swimming trunks.

Cyric smiles too as if a giant weight was lifted from his shoulders and this prolonged purgatory is nearing its end. A true fleet vs. fleet engagement is finally here! War has come at last!

Karen purses her lips… more death will come soon.

Iceblade groans along with a handful of other pilots. 'All that work we did in capturing the base and all we got was a pilot and some missiles.' Phillip thinks to himself.

(tentative) Karen relaxes realizing that accessing the Xitani and Palan systems mean they will no longer be blockaded, and she can get fresh strawberries.

Now any other time Ona’d happily go after a capital ship, but this was likely to involve multiple capital ships…

“Now I doubt the cats will let us just let us waltz by them through the jump point,” Taylor starts the briefing proper. The view screen displays the Kilrathi force at the jump point. Clearly visible are 3 destroyers, several corvettes, and their real enemy – a Snakier class fleet carrier. “These are our targets ladies and gentlemen – at least 4 big boys and their smaller friends.” The screen pulls back and seen approaching the Kilrathi are a spread of Confederation forces - The Majestic further back with 1 cruiser, 2 destroyers, 2 corvettes, and several squadrons worth of fighters and bombers.

Karen raises her hand (when Taylor answers) "Do we have intel on what's on the other side? are all the systems still occupied?"

Karen gasps, "That's a full tactical battlegroup!"

Cyric whistles in his head. That's a lot of scrum to butcher our way through! So many kills for us!

Phillip smiles at the sight, 'Lot of work to turn almost a dozen capships into scraps' he thinks.

Clearoff leant over, "I'd have to check to see what the prize is for a fleet carrier… but I believe we'd need swimsuits for it. … Also, I'm not sure we have enough shampoo."

Jamie hides the nervousness he feels at seeing a Snakeir's icon up on the screen by muttering, "Looks like a milk run."

Kanani watches the view screen intently as Taylor goes over the ships the cats have. This one's shaping up to be a fairly major little battle she thinks to herself. But at least there'll be a target rich environment.

Karen looks accusatorily at Silence and mouths "you nuts?"

Cyric gives Clearoff a bemused look at such an inappropriate comment before turning back to his CO.

Taylor looks to Karen briefly, "No we have no details about what is beyond Rygannon."

“We expect Kilrathi resistance to be high but limited to fighters with few or no bombers and limited heavy fighter presence,” Taylor continues. “In order to ensure rapid destruction of the Kilrathi carrier, we will be sending two strike groups as pincers.” On screen two groups of fighters and bombers (one group notably made of Kilrathi fighters in blue), are seen making long arcs around the Kilrathi battlegroup. “Included in the strike group will be one Shadow Hawk a-piece to provide some jamming to reduce detection. These groups are labeled Black Ruby and Black Lambda.” On the screen, the Kilrathi fighter group has the label Black Lambda shown while the closer to the viewer Confed strike group has the label Black Ruby.

"Isn't Black Ruby an oxymoron?" Clearoff said, "Rubies are red, sapphires are blue, a torpedo in the hull just says…"

Ona knows the last part of that and kicks her gunner in the shin slightly.

Karen obliviously answers, "rubies are aluminum oxide, they can be other colors… like pink down to dark emery."

"Clearoff, let's discuss gemstones later. If we're still alive." Ona says.

Taylor then begins listing off the pilots for the two flanking strike groups, obviously the recently added spec ops pilots are flying Black Lambda. When Taylor gets to Black Ruby, several more unfamiliar names are listed flying Talons and Demons before finally “… Captain Bradshaw and Lieutenants Pearson and Rothsbard will fly Sabres as the main strike package. Lastly, Lieutenants Bradford, Karde, Reynolds, and Kiranha will fly Wild Weasel Rapiers to support the strike against the carrier.”

Karen is relieved to not be on the list, 3-point patrol city, here I come!

Cyric’s warlike soul soars at the news of an important role being assigned to him. May the War begin!

Clearoff's mouth drops open in shock…

Iceblade sits up proudly, but a bit confused… 'no Tizona, strange.'

Drawing in a deep breath and then letting it out slowly, the young pilot Jamie writes down "Wild Weasel" on his pad, underlining it several times.

Ona starts noting down the details…

Clearoff writes I THINK THERE ARE FEATHERS INVOLVED

Kanani jots down notes of her own as the briefing continues.

Cyric notes the patrol route on his tablet taking down several annotations and notes to help his mind process the major battle in all of its intricate glory.

Taylor then returns to the briefing. “While the flanking strike groups are making steady progress to attack the Kilrathi fleet from the rear, the rest of our forces will be moving ahead to strike directly at the Kilrathi front. The TCS Salamis will take center position with her fighter complement and attempt to push through the center of Kilrathi formation in a feint against the Snakier. The TCS Lancelot and TCS Odyssey will strike at the Kilrathi escorts along the wings.” The Gettysburg cruiser is being sent to attempt to brush past a Ralatha destroyer while the two Gilgamesh destroyers try to pin the two Ralari to each side of the Kilrathi fleet.

Jamie calls out, without bothering to raise his hand, "What about the Majestic, sir? Isn't like she's not sportin' any teeth."

"We're the teeth, you idiot!" Clearoff calls out.

Karen darts her eyes at Silence… a carrier engaging in direct combat is a dead carrier.

Taylor ignores the stupid question of a Carrier getting into unnecessary slugging matches.

Jamie stares daggers right back at Clearoff. But he's not going to press the issue, since Taylor's chosen not to respond.

Kanani recalls the last time she saw a carrier being a part of a slugging match intentionally. It wasn't pretty so she's just fine with the Majestic staying back some.

Iceblade looks over to the Jamie shaking his head. He whispers over, "I'll tell you about fleet tactics later."

“The Star Kings and Green Knights will support the TCS Salamis and TCS Odyssey – the Odyssey and Lancelot will both hold their fighter complements in reserve,” Taylor continues indicating the cruiser and destroyer moving forward at the Kilrathi fleet. “Supporting the TCS Salamis and her escorts in Sigma Charlie will be the Sigma Kappa strike group while the TCS Odyssey and her escorts will be labeled Omega Kappa.” Taylor then spends a minute listing the pilots for those two strike groups. The remaining Sabre pilots shift in their seats looking around – they seem slightly confused.

Iceblade notes that Sabre use is a little light… although he heard the Green Knights took a nasty beating the other day.

Karen's waiting to hear where the broadswords come in, they are the heavy hitters after all. Also soo much armor plating for Seelig to re-attach.

Ona listens to further notes. She guesses she will be Black Ruby Lead.

Jamie folds his arms across his chest, staring straight ahead at the screen while he calms his ruffled metaphorical feathers.

Taylor nodes smiling at the confusion by his Green Knight pilots, “In addition, several of the Black Cats and Green Knights Sabres supported by available Conquistador Raptors will be support for the TCS Lancelot in Lambda Charlie strike group.” Taylor runs does the list of pilots being sent into that engagement.

“As for the remaining Black Cats and Minutemen, you will be held in reserve either near the Majestic or in her launch tubes.” Taylor rounds the main squadrons. “As this strike is rather broad and with multiple moving groups, the TCS Cook, TCS Baden-Powell and the other two Shadow Hawks will act as reconnaissance and overwatch of the mission and be escorted by the Illuminati – and separated into the following groups – Light Charlie, Light Beta, Light Bravo, and Light Gamma” Four groups of Stilettos are seen escorting one Broadsword or Venture apiece on a patrol over or under the Kilrathi fleet.

Karen waits for the announcement that the escort is on a 3-point patrol

As the Taylor runs down the pilot list, Karen’s name is heard in relation to escorting the TCS Cook with Lt. Kanani as lead. There was a pause before Kanani's name was mentioned. Their mission is a 10-point patrol.

Ona continues to listen to this. It might be the case that others will come in as their own targets went down. That would help.

Karen swallows… the Cook's CO is interesting.

There was also a serious question in Ona’s mind. She raises her hand…

Taylor nods in Bradshaw's direction.

"Are two Sabres really going to be enough to take down a fleet carrier?" Ona asks.

Kanani gives a crisp nod as her part in this mission is given, Escort Duty's still better than not flying. And in a big battle 'something' is going to try and shoot at the Cook anyways.

"Three Sabres backed up by 4 Grikaths from Black Lambda should arrive at the same point early in the battle. Wild Weasel should suppress the turrets making your runs easier. Pro-tip, aim for the aft; No Engines or an exploding flight deck work wonders," Taylor responds.

"Excellent", Ona says, "That makes more sense…" but she would personally take a clean dozen into that engagement.

“Once we have smashed their fleet, we will begin sending what Sabres, Broadswords, and Ventures we have through the jump point to secure the other side. The Lancelot and Odyssey will jump next and launch their complements.” Taylor then finishes, “Once the mission is complete, you will need to land as soon as possible. We plan to jump less than half-an-hour after the Kilrathi fleet is destroyed.” Taylor pauses and shouts out the most marine-ish attention heard in a while.

Cyric snaps upright to attention eager to be dismissed to the flight deck and Victory!

Karen wonders (in her head) if it's the wisest move to fly kilrathi fighters, did they really give up all their secrets? Do they have a secret kill switch that when the Snakeir radios them a code word like "marshmellow" the seat will turn into a drill and kill the pilots in a fast but painful and messy way? #karenthoughts

Jamie gets a very doubtful look on his expression when the Grikaths are mentioned, but he's not about to voice his doubts about the use of Kilrathi equipment. He's done that before. He rises to his feet, standing straight.

Ona and Clearoff snap to attention too.

Iceblade nods at this explanation and rapid timetable… and then jolts at the attention. 'wasn't expecting that' Iceblade immediately gets to his feet.

Kanani's quick onto her feet as well at the call to attention.

Taylor then looks around at the stiffened and alert assemblage, each pilot present has certainly seen some fighting by this point – with many much more than most. “Don’t get overconfident out there, pilots, we may have massacred a fleet carrier’s worth of cats,” Taylor can’t help but a grin a bit, “or two… but it is clear they have been reinforced within the last week.” Taylor then adds, “But I know we are the tougher and better force. Time and Time again, we have fought the cats in this system and each time, we kicked their litter boxes straight into the sun. I don’t expect any different this time around.” Taylor then goes into a salute.

Ona and Clearoff salute

Iceblade gives a proud salute.

Karen meekly salutes

Cyric salutes with god-like precision

Taylor lowers his arm, “We launch in one-hour people. DISMISSED!”

Karen walks up to the minutemen when it's time to exit. "More carriers came in? they're still looking for something here."

Kanani snaps off a salute, then nods to herself once the hand has dropped back to her side.

Ona briefly wonders if she can finish her film… then decides against it.

Iceblade responds, "I think they just sent in replacements on 'sports."

Jamie lifts a hand, letting his salute go a touch sloppy amidst the others, then starts to make his way toward the exit after strapping his notepad closed.

Cyric salutes then leaves. As Cyric leaves responds to Karen's after dismissal question "Maybe they want to kill the only other full carrier in Gemini so they can walk all over us into Sol sector. We are the key strategic target. They kill us and then kill Perry and every world spinning in this sector unimpeded by any restraint."

Ona calls over to her strike group pals. "Black Ruby Flight, on me!"

Phillip nods at Ona and heads over to her.

Karen walks up to Tsunami, "Looks like we're escorting the Cook. Should be easy as long as she doesn't go after a destroyer on her own like last time." She smirks.

"We need to double check the loadout for a Snakeir and allocate people to turret targets…" Ona says, "We don't want to make that up as we go along…"

Karen pauses. "That reminds me of something." She starts typing on her quine.

"Should be. Though my theory on escort missions is that the escortee's always going to do something silly to annoy us." Kanani remarks with a laugh to Karen. "And in a big furball like this will probably end up, we're just as likely to see action as anyone else."

The usual suspects receive the following mail. ‘Movie night? Jackie wanted to see a movie, but didn’t have time, how about we reserve the big screen and have a movie night in Xitani. I'll bring the popcorn - Julianna`

Ona blushes when she sees that. Clearoff replies.

‘The movie in question is called Jessica and three Studs in a Hottub. It’s rated 18+ - Clearoff`

Julianna replies: ‘18+ stars, that’s amazing!!!!!!!!! Let's do it… why did I never hear about this before? - Julianna`

‘That’s because it's a porno… and to be honest, not even a good one. I prefer *Adventures of Takmya Klosoff*`

‘That’s enough. I'll put on something more wholesome for the movie night. - Jackie`

Julianna sees the reply and turns beet red.

Jamie's got his Quine silenced. Sitting in the pilot's ready room, the young man's getting whatever sleep he can manage before his ship's ready and he gets called out to prep for launch.

Karen turns back to Kanani :"Ok, I'm ready to spend a lot of time in space."

Cyric rapidly goes through his preflight sequence and takes a deep breath as he waits, and waits, and waits for the battle to begin.

Ona goes to the ship's library and pulls the intelligence they have on the Snakeir.

Ona is looking up the enemy equipment guide for the Kilrathi carrier. She concludes that if they don't get shot down, they can take it… but of course, it's not going to be easy. If it was, anyone could do it… and she's not anyone. *I had better get a medal for this*