Stake-Out at the Pal-out
Stake-Out at the Pal-out
Arc: None
Summary: The captured Dorkir turns out to be supplies for a marine assault on Palan; and the Majestic learns that the Kilrathi are expecting a convoy of troop transports to arrive within 24 hours. Time for an old fashioned Stake-out at the jumppoint.
Date: 2659.268
Related Logs: ScimiKaren
Participants: Kanani, Singh, Phillip, Cyric, Silence, Ona, Clearoff, Scorch, Azran, Jenny

The gathering in the briefing room is small. The pilots are directed to sit in two groups for this briefing.

Ona and Clearoff are glad to be out of Xytani but wondering when they might actually get some leave.

Julianna is already in her flight suit… did she take it off? She must have, right?

Scorch is lounging in a chair, wearing his flightsuit.

Jamie's picked a chair behind an empty seat in the front row. He has his notepad in one hand, flight suit on but unzipped to the waist, and one foot braced up against the back of the chair in front of him.

Scorch says, "When we get back, I'm gonna try a new recipe."

Julianna's eyes widen, "whatcha got in mind?"

Kanani glances around the room idly as she sits down in one of the chairs.

Scorch replies, "It's a kind of stew."

Cyric takes his usual spot in the front row chatting with Iceblade about which is best, "blonds, redheads, or brunettes?" in a quiet (for him) fashion. He likes blonds and redheads.

The blonde (Ona) looks at him as he sits down.

Cyric waves and continues his conversation without any signs of stopping.

Iceblade is seated among the gaggle of comrades he's been flying so much with recently. He's starting to miss his old crew.

The briefing begins in earnest once everyone is seated. Col. Taylor enters and stands at the front of the room.

Julianna looks pleased, lack of texture and homogenous flavour are not her thing!

Cyric stops immediately upon Col Taylor's entrance coming to attention by sheer trained instinct and saluting his superior officer.

Ona and Clearoff stand up at attention.

Scorch is about to reply, when the Colonel appears.

Karen stands at attention and salutes.

Scorch stands up, and salutes.

"Please be seated….Now I know some of you were expecting regular hours and quiet patrols punctuated by a fun slaughter of cats…” Taylor starts before adding sharply, “Well tough shit, pilots. The cats apparently didn’t get the memo!” He smiles when he says memo.

"We sent them a memo?" Clearoff asks.

Scorch says, "Well if there was a memo, I sure didn't see it."

Karen sits.

Jamie follows the example of the others, salutes, then re-takes his seat and leans forward, listening closely.

Scorch sits back down

"Shh!" Cyric whispers. "The Colonel is speaking!"

The crew of *Trigger's Broom* sit down. (Ona/Clearoff)

The map screen shows all of Palan then zooms in on the jump point to Tingherhoff. “Thanks to a recent patrol mission,” Taylor nods in the direction of Kanani and Phillip, “we have learned that the Kilrathi blockade of Palan is going to turn into an intense ground war. The Kilrathi prisoners themselves have revealed that the Kilrathi are expecting troop transports to arrive within the next 24 hours and we need to stop them.”

A _light_ gasp escapes Karen's lips and her mind races.

‘So, a troop transport attack. Like they say, after the Escorts, the Fiestas.’ Ona thinks.

Scorch pulls out a slip of paper and a pencil to take notes.

Cyric fights back a smile. A chance to save some poor backwaters world and be big damn heroes in the process? Count him in!

Jamie starts tapping his fingers against his notebook. "We gonna get to fry a bunch of cat marines in transit, Colonel?" He sounds pleased by the idea.

Scorch says, "So we get to make things go boom, sir? Count me in."

"Best place to get them generally," Kanani remarks.

“Indeed we are." Taylor grins at the slightly more experienced ISS pilot. "Now we don’t know when they will arrive, but we want to be waiting in the blinds for them at the Tingerhoff jump,” Taylor continues. “There are going to be two shifts of Sabres, Rapiers, and Stilettos waiting at the jumppoint. On this side of the room is Shift Omega and on the other is Shift Tango.” Taylor points toward Kanani and Ona’s group as Omega.

Karen raises her hand.

Scorch smiles at the name "Omega".

"How long are these shifts?" Clearoff asks.

Jamie nods quickly a few times, that somewhat dark grin still on the young pilot's face. He's gotten a taste for blood, for sure.

Scorch makes sure to write things down

"Yes lt. Singh?" Taylor acknowledges Karen. He seems pleased that at least one of his pilots is following protocol.

"Couldn't we just… mine the jump point, sir?" Karen asks sheepishly. "All our birds can fly circles around the enemy…"

"Time and resources are not on our side for that… also mines slow the enemy, they don't destroy them." Taylor responds… then he grins at Karen, "Well usually."

Karen averts her eyes…

“Unfortunately, the Kilrathi are not so CO-ordinated… probably the old cats and lasers problem,” Taylor quips. “So, bring your blankets pilots, you are in for a 6-hour shift a-piece.”

"And make sure you drop any brown bombs before you go." Clearoff adds.

"That's not too bad. It'll give me time to improve my recipes." Scorch says.

Karen shudders…

Cyric raises his hand.

"Uh yes," Taylor shakes his head at Clearoff's comment before directing his gaze to Cyric. "Yes Lt. Karde?"

Ona raises her hand too.

Jamie makes a face after Clearoff's comment. Still, he's focusing on making notes.

"So, we have no idea on when they will arrive based on the Cat prisoners' intel. Did they give us any idea for when they will arrive, sir?" Cyric asks.

"Lt. Karde, if you were paying attention, the Kilrathi expect the transports within 24 hours." Taylor responds.

Julianna suspects the computers and comm logs on the dorkir have more info too.

Julianna raises her hand again.

Scorch scribbles a note

"Captain Bradshaw?" Taylor asks.

Kanani lifts her hand after a few moments, waiting her turn to be called on.

"How many transports are we expecting?" Ona asks.

Only for Kanani to drop her hand with a smirk as Ona asks the question she was thinking.

"Three" Taylor answers, "and your question Singh?"

"What kind of escorts are expected to be there, and how many soldiers can fit in one transport? Sir." Karen says.

"Mine just got covered, sir." Kanani says with a nod in Ona's direction.

Scorch raises his hand.

“The Kilrathi will likely be using Gothri and a Corvette and maybe one of those weak Ralaris to escort the transports; however, we are running low on torpedoes and … other missiles at the moment,” Taylor responds as he checks his notes in front of him. He looks back at the assembled pilots, “This means you will be using the inferior Kilrathi missiles, particularly their lower yield torpedoes,” Taylor warns. Shift Tango pilots notable groan.

Karen’s trying to figure out how many kilrathi do they think could take out a whole planet.

Clearoff knew that Karen had a thing about not killing people. Well, they were going to be doing a lot of that today.

Clearoff raised her hand. "What do you mean by inferior Kilrathi missiles?"

"Yes Lt. Peters?" Taylor acknowledges the bomber pilot Scorch… ignoring Clearoff completely.

"What kind of 'cat fighters are we expecting, sir?" Scorch asks.

Karen flashes her quine with * Gothris and Kamekhs and Ralaris oh my

Jamie glances curiously over toward the Sabre pilot. He hasn't flown with Scorch before. The young man scribbles a few more notes on his pad.

Ona had flown with Scorch before. He was hot stuff in more ways than one.

"Sounds 'fun'." Scorch comments.

"The Gothri are probably it, but if there is a Ralari, they will most certainly attempt to launch Sarthas." Taylor responds. "Fortunately, the cats in the system do not know when the transports will arrive, so they likely won't have anything waiting at the jump point for their friends."

Scorch wipes his forehead, and says, "Phew. I want to save my missiles for the 'sports."

“When the cats do arrive, hit them hard and hit them fast, but save some dumbfires for the transports,” Taylor advises. “The Rapiers are loaded out with 4 dumbfires and two AR in wild weasel configurations; suggest you save two dumbfires a-piece for the transports Minutemen.”

Karen looks at Talon for a reaction.

Ona raises her hand again.

Taylor goes onto plan B. “When you engage the enemy, send a message to the TCS Cooke waiting at nav C. If the Kilrathi presence is getting too great, retreat to nav point C where nearby patrols will be gathering for a second strike.” The nav screen zooms out and shows Nav C equi-distance between Nav 1, Nav2, and Nav 4.

“Any further questions?” Taylor concludes. "Yes, Captain Bradshaw?"

Jamie makes a few more marks in his book, adding sections for each Nav point and what the contingencies are for each.

Scorch takes a few more notes.

"What will the Sabres be carrying?" Ona asks.

Cyric shifts forward to the music of having twice as many dumb-fires as before even watered down with anti-turret ARs and writes down several notes and annotations on the battle plan displayed on his touch screen notepad; his mind whirling through how many craft they have on board to keep a 6 hour shift going with enough force available to take out that many capital ships with so few torpedoes on hand.

"Four Kilrathi torpedoes - half-yield vs our own; two Kilrathi Dumbfires, and two Kilrathi FF missiles - they've been reconfigured, don't worry." Taylor lists the armament ending with a smile about the reconfiguration.

"No further questions?" Taylor finally asks.

Cyric shakes his head respectfully no; eager as he is to get started, "No, sir!"

Jamie leans back in his seat again, turns his attention to the Colonel again, and keeps quiet.

Julianna tries to keep a low profile.

Iceblade has been listening intently, unconcerned.

Scorch shakes his head, "That's a negative, sir."

Ona and Clearoff shook their heads.

"No questions sir." Kanani says with a shake of her head.

"Excellent, now get out there and kick those filthy kitty marines in their bunks." Taylor orders.

"YES SIR." Iceblade responds loudly.

"Yes, sir!" Ona responds.

"Sir, YES SIR!" Cyric salutes again vigorously.

"I'm ready to rock and roll, sir." Scorch adds.

"They won't set a paw on the planet. Sir." Karen states quietly.

Pushing up to his feet and gathering up his helmet, still painted with that cartoon figure having its mouth zipped, Jamie flashes a salute to the Colonel as he heads for the flight deck, and Rapier number ten.

Scorch pulls on his helmet, making sure the seals are good and tight.

With the briefing finished, Kanani heads off to finish getting ready for the mission and checking out that everything's good to go on her bird.

The pilots make their way to their craft.

"Don't worry about the yields guys, I checked out the missiles; not much different than our own… just hope the techs reprogrammed those FF missiles." Iceblade comments to the group as they exit.

Cyric launches himself like a bolt fired from a crossbow out the door with his feet carrying him with great strides to the flight deck eager to get to his Rapier and out into space eagerly. The battle was soon to begin.

Scorch stands up, and begins an all-out sprint for the hangar.

Karen approaches Stiletto 7. "Ok Jules" she mutters to herself. "Time to keep the farmers safe."

It is not long after that the pilots are seated, their craft launched into the unforgiving bleakness of space, and Flight Group Omega is on its way. Mantis flight: 3 Rapiers, Epsilon flight: 3 Sabres, and Gamma Flight: 2 Stilettos … cause you can't just have one.

«Gamma 2 to Gamma 1, forming up on your wing» Karen radios

«Mantis 2 to Mantis 1, Autopilots synced. Awaiting your order to engage autopilot.» Cyric responds coolly.

Silence is jammed back into his seat as usual as his Rapier's lined up onto the catapult, then launched into space. He pulls into formation with the rest of the medium fighters and clicks his radio on as they begin to head toward Nav 1. « Mantis three, in formation. »

A broadsword joins the group, helping to shadow their approach to the jumppoint before continuing onto its SWACS patrol route with its own two Stiletto escort.

«Copy that, Gamma 2. Hope you're ready for a long wait today.» Tsunami radios over to the other member of Gamma Flight. In the background is the faint sound of surf punk music playing in the Captain's cockpit.

«Roger Mantis flight, time to settle in for a long sleepy … *YAWN* stake out. » Iceblade radios.

«Getting paid to fly more, can't complain about that… wonder what kind of debris we'll see around the grav sink hole of the jump node.» Karen asks, pulling out some entertainment supplies she stashed.

«Epsilon 1 to all Omega units. Clearoff has bought a quiz book to keep us entertained.» Ona radios.

Scorch radios «Epsilon 2 here. What kinda quiz book?»

«Epsilon 2, a general knowledge quiz book.» Ona says.

«Use short-range radios only, Omega. We are trying to be stealthy here.» Iceblade radios.

«General knowledge? Hope there's a food section» Scorch responds.

«There is.» Ona radios back.

«Sweet» Scorch adds.

Cyric's brain goes on autopilot tuning out as he enters into a watchful meditative state that got him through thousands of boring 3-point patrol missions. He is now one with his craft his fingers drifting here and there as his mind dances across the nav map and sensor suite.

It isn't long before the flight arrives at the jumppoint, their radiating systems are shut down; leaving them just warm dots on the horizon…. event horizon that is.

Scorch whistles to himself as he checks his readouts.

Ona watches and waits as Clearoff begins the quiz.

«In a game of bingo, which number is represented by the phrase “two little ducks”?» Clearoff asks.

«And now we wait and see just how uncoordinated these cats are today.» Kanani remarks on the short-range comms.

«No idea» Scorch responds.

For the most part, Silence lives up to his callsign and refrains from joining in the chatter. Eyes on his scope, he wants to be prepared just in case anything shows up from a direction other than that of the jump point. A few taps of the buttons in his cockpit has audio alarms set just in case he drifts off for a few minutes. He's learned it's important to catch a few winks when you can, when combat's coming.

Karen Tight beams Silence «Hey, didn't have a chance to tell you… I find this whole lording over you with "we'll send you back to ISS" deal nauseating… I got an idea to shut ‘em up though….»

Silence connects back to Karen. « It's fine, Karen… think if I keep rakin' in the kills, I'll be okay. »

«Anyone have an idea?» Clearoff asks.

Karen mutters with the radio off ||22||.

«Nein, Epsilon 1» Scorch radios.

«Right, so Mantis flight, do not focus on the Gothris tails. I expect they will arrive first. Talon will focus on one of them; Silence you are with me. Dumbfire on opening pass, followed up by stormfires.» Iceblade instructs.

«No, not 9» Clearoff responds.

Silence calls back, a sigh in his voice, « I already miss my neutron cannons. Copy. »

«Nein is German for 'no'. Neun is German for nine» Scorch corrects.

«Neuf is German for nine, Scorch.» Ona radios.

«Crap, how did I mess that up?» Scorch radios.

«Remember that ancient song? "Hast du et was time for mitch?"» Karen asks.

«No idea» Iceblade remarks to Karen.

«Acknowledged, Flight lead. I will focus on the target Gothris you designate with ARs as commanded. Will we clear out any escorts first or do we go all out for the capships?»

She continues singing off key «Damn Singh itch ein lied for dich!»

"Ugh, why didn't they just put a destroyer here or both corvettes." Iceblade comments to himself.

«Never heard of that one, Karen.» Kanani remarks over the radio. Instead of surf music now, her music selection has seemingly turned to modern Confed hard rock now in the background.

Tarsus d20 roll: 9

Clearoff starts singing…

Scorch radios. «I'm not familiar with that song, but I know some old Irish music»

«Go for it. Sing your Song, Scorch. At least it isn't to the tune of Scottish bag-piping.» Talon radios.

Karen continues «Von neun and neuntsi looft baloon»

Scorch begins singing (badly) through the radio «Come out ye black and tans! Come out and fight me like a man!»

Silence keeps his eyes on the scope. A tap on the joystick, and he spins his Rapier to face the jump point a little more directly.

«We all came out to Montra on the Lake Geneva Shoreline!» Clearoff continues.

Karen locks her ship to 600 klicks from Tsumami and takes her hands off the controls. She rests her fingers a bit.

«Smoke getting slaughtered!» Clearoff's singing isn't going to win her any awards either.

«Smoke 'em out?» Scorch radios.

After two hours of just sitting, not flying, which is particularly boring to pilots; oh can I tell you.. oh wait, no time. Four jump signatures appear…. small ones.

«My cooking can do that» Scorch says.

«Omega, looks like we've got some escorts in the house.» Ona radios.

«Mantis flight, boot up!» Iceblade radios as he activates all of his systems and moves to engage.

«Four Jump Signatures detected, Wing. We have got enemy incoming» Cyric radios.

«We've got incoming!» Kanani calls over the short-range radio, now with some heavy metal playing in the background. «Four of them so far.»

Scorch grins, and radios «Epsilon 2 ready to engage»

Four Gothris appears and begin to pair off… they aren't caught unawares either.

« Confirm four targets, » Silence calls out, calmly. « Preparing to engage. »

«Silence with me on Gothri1, Talon take Gothri3» Iceblade radios quickly as he cues up a dumbfire, right angle shot.

«Hostiles, hostiles, picking up four gothri, commencing defensive maneuvers.» Karen advises.

«Acknowledged.» Cyric says flipping targets.

Karen sees her missiles are written stalker on her screen, she grimaces at it.

«Engaging Gothri One!» Ona radios.

«Watch out for their Tails Omega; they can bite.» Iceblade warns as he begins to dodge the neutrons coming from Gothri1.

«Talon, Gothri 3's on me, let's hit it to the left, avoiding the turret?» Karen radios Cyric.

Silence pulls in on the first Gothri but doesn't go shooting his dumbfires. He's clearly saving it for when he's got a better shot, since the fourth Kilrathi is on his tail.

Kanani's fighter starts to juke and weave around as she flies into position to launch a missile at one of the Gothri.

«Ah ha an Ambush. See, Sakaga, I told you there would be a fight today.» radios one of the Gothri – at least that is what system returns as a loose translation.

«Scorch, engage my target!» Ona radios.

Scorch responds, «Roger»

«Ona, engage another gothri, that one will have a harder time getting a bead on you.» Karen warns.

«Roger, Karen. Engaging Four.» Ona responds.

«Engaging Gothri four and Gothree» Swordbuddy says enjoying his pun.

"Ok Jules, this is a gothri, you handled these before, should be fine." Karen tells herself radio off.

Karen blinks, and for a moment, the whole battlescape freezes, in this moment of total lucidity, she sees at the ships posturing, turning, aiming, all with the same mutually exclusive goal. She knows what has to be done, she will do it to avoid having another Silence joining her ranks. She wonders if others realize how selfless she thinks she's being.

COMBAT BOT: Ona's Fang FF Missile scored a critical hit on Gothri4.
Gothri4 lost their aft shields and their left armor absorbed the hit.

 COMBAT BOT: Tsunami's Stalker HS Missile hit Gothri2.
Gothri2 lost their front shields and their front armor absorbed the hit.

 COMBAT BOT: Talon's Dumbfire Missile hit Gothri3 dead-on.
Gothri3 lost their aft shields and had their craft's left wing torn off.

 COMBAT BOT: Iceblade scored a glancing hit on Gothri1 with a Dumbfire Missile.
Gothri1 lost their front shields and their front armor absorbed the hit.

 COMBAT BOT: Gothri3 barely hit Karen with Full Guns.
Karen had their front shields weakened.

 COMBAT BOT: Scorch scored multiple weapon hits on Gothri4 with Mass Drivers.
Gothri4 lost their aft shields and had their craft's left wing torn off.

 COMBAT BOT: Gothri1's shots missed Silence completely.

 COMBAT BOT: Rimmer scored several hits on Gothri3 with Aft Neutron Turret.
Gothri3 lost their front shields and took crippling damage to their craft's missile launchers.

 COMBAT BOT: Gothri2 almost hit Tsunami several times.

 COMBAT BOT: Clearoff scored several hits on Gothri4 with Aft Neutron Turret.
Gothri4 lost their front shields and had their craft's missile launchers blown up.

Gothri4's ship exploded due to a critical failure of ship's integrity in addition to the loss of structural elements.

 COMBAT BOT: Swordbuddy is unable to complete their attack as Gothri4 has been taken out.

 COMBAT BOT: GG2 scored several hits on Tsunami with Aft Neutron Turret.
Tsunami lost their front shields and had their craft's left wing torn off.

 COMBAT BOT: GG1 almost hit Iceblade several times.

 COMBAT BOT: Karen scored several hits on Gothri3 with Mass Drivers.
Gothri3 lost their front shields and had their craft's left hull damaged.

 COMBAT BOT: GG3 only scored glancing hits on Talon with Aft Neutron Turret.
Talon lost their aft shields and took severe damage to their craft's maneuvering thrusters.

 COMBAT BOT: Silence only scored glancing hits on Gothri1 with Stormfire Cannon.
Gothri1 had their aft shields weakened.

 COMBAT BOT: GenGun is unable to complete their attack as Gothri4 has been taken out.

And one Gothri is toast in the opening salvo, while the Glorious Confederations comes out pretty good, except Tsunami’s has a busted wing-flap and Talon thrusters are rather banged up… crap.

Silence focuses on taunting the Gothri into making an easy target for his wing leader. Looks like it works out well, even if his own stormfire rounds go wide merely weakening the Gothri’s shields.

Scorch radios, «Wheeeee!»

«Boom!!» Clearoff cries as she gets the first kill of the battle.

«One less on scopes. Silence, let's polish off this Lead Gothri» Iceblade radios after his own dumbfire tore off the Lead Gothri's armor.

Ona radios, «Engaging Gothri Two!!>

«Damn, that didn't go so well. I think my wing is toast.» Tsunami calls out as she swerves and rolls her fighter around.

Scorch radios, «Right behind you, Ona»

Karen inhales. "Come on Jules, these guys only understand aggression." She opens the coms while unloading mass driver hail into the cockpit region to get the attention of the pilot. «Gothri3, you are outnumbered, and I give you five seconds if you don't heed this advice: Eject now and the two of you may live.»

Cyric spins narrowly avoids the enemy starfighter blasts as he passes his target noting with pleasure that his dumb-fire vaporized the enemy's wing exposing their delicate components to a finishing strike.

Silence calls out, « Still got a neutron turret firing my way. I'm keepin' them occupied, I'll take shots when I can. »

«They aren't paying attention to me, let's take advantage of the situation.» Jason exclaims.

«Talon, think you got this, do I need to mop up the rest, or should I take on another target?» Karen asks. (Gothri has weak hull)

Iceblade switches to stormfires and loops around to gain a left side deflection shot. «Iceblade guns guns guns!»

Scorch keeps with his mass drivers, and goes after the second Gothri; «I love my mass drivers»

«They do have a satisfying thunk» Karen radios trying to breathe in a controlled manner.

Scorch responds, «Yes, they do. I also love the range»

«Talon, hope you got him tagged!» Karen rolls evasively

Iceblade spies the Gothri turn to bite back and goes evasive.

«I have got him, Karen!» Cyric says. «Hold tight.» Cyric tries to avoid his enemy's aft turret with mixed success as the enemy burns and turns faster than Cyric's damaged man. jets could take as its gunner unleashes a hail of neutron blasts at him that Cyric narrowly dodges.

Ona switches to fire a missile at another Gothri. They should go down pretty easy under enemy fire and then they can focus on the transports… assuming they are next.

Scorch radios, «Lets nail that 'cat!»

‘There is also something fun about using the Kilrathis' own weapons against them.’ Ona thinks.

Keeping to the outside of combat, Silence continues to juke away from the turret still peppering fire in his direction.

Karen sees her evasiveness got her friend in danger… «Hey gothri 3, it's time to see a vet about getting you neutered.»

Ona will use up her missiles on the escorts, saving the torpedoes for the transports. They need to be dead first, after all.

«You OK there buddy?» Karen radios Talon.

Scorch plans on sticking to his mass drivers, saving missiles for the 'sports

«I'll be okay. Trying to finish this one off.» Cyric radios

COMBAT BOT: Ona's Fang FF Missile scored a critical hit on Gothri2.
Ona's missile launcher clicks empty for Fang FF Missiles.
Gothri2 lost their front shields and their right armor absorbed the hit.

 COMBAT BOT: Scorch scored several hits on Gothri2 with Mass Drivers.
Gothri2 lost their aft shields and took severe damage to the aft turret.

 COMBAT BOT: Gothri3 almost hit Karen several times.

 COMBAT BOT: Talon scored multiple weapon hits on Gothri3 with Stormfire Cannon.
Gothri3 lost their aft shields and had their craft's tail sheared off.

 COMBAT BOT: Gothri1's Claw IR Missile was unable to maintain lock and hit Iceblade.

 COMBAT BOT: Swordbuddy's shots missed Gothri2 completely.

 COMBAT BOT: Iceblade almost hit Gothri1 several times.

 COMBAT BOT: Gothri2's shots missed Tsunami completely.

 COMBAT BOT: Rimmer almost hit Gothri3 several times.

 COMBAT BOT: GG1's shots missed Silence completely.

 COMBAT BOT: Clearoff barely hit Gothri2 with Aft Neutron Turret.
Gothri2 lost their aft shields and took severe damage to their craft's tail.

 COMBAT BOT: Tsunami barely hit Gothri2 with Mass Drivers.
Gothri2 lost their front shields and their left armor absorbed the hit.

 COMBAT BOT: GenGun's shots missed Gothri2 completely.

 COMBAT BOT: GG2's shots missed Tsunami completely.

 COMBAT BOT: Silence only scored glancing hits on Gothri1 with Stormfire Cannon.
Gothri1 had their aft shields weakened.

 COMBAT BOT: GG3's shots missed Talon completely.

 COMBAT BOT: Karen's Stalker HS Missile was unable to maintain lock and hit Gothri3.

«I'm gonna herd these 'cats into the Inferno!» Scorch radios.

Silence pulls back further, grits his teeth, then hits the burners and dives straight in toward the Gothri leader, intent on getting a good, solid head in across the persistent pilot.

«Now you see how the Gothri Fight» radios one of the Kilrathi.

«Poorly?» Clearoff replies.

Tsunami's Stiletto zigs, zags and spins wildly to avoid anymore incoming fire, while still getting a few shots on target, even if they don't chew through the heavy Cat fighter's armor.

Ona switches to guns to finish this guy off.

Scorch swoops in, scoring some hits on the second Gothri.

"Dang it!" «Talon; Silence focus fire on Gothri1. Dumbfire salvo.» Iceblade radios. «ICE FOX 4!!!» Iceblade radios.

«Talon, give him a smaller profile, take on another craft, I got this one.» Karen narrow beams

«Negative, Karen. I've got this one.» Cyric responds on tight-beam coldly as he is unwilling to let this enemy defeat him so easily.

«Hey Gothri, you seem a bit slow there, are you by any chance getting older? Maybe you'll live to be a burden on your family» Karen's digging deep in her Mittens chats.

COMBAT BOT: Silence scored multiple weapon hits on Gothri1 with Stormfire Cannon.
Gothri1 lost their aft shields and took severe damage to their craft's right wing.

 COMBAT BOT: Iceblade's Dumbfire Missile hit Gothri1 dead-on.
Gothri1 lost their front shields and took severe damage to their craft's controls.

 COMBAT BOT: Talon scored a glancing hit on Gothri3 with a Dumbfire Missile.
Gothri3 lost their front shields and took severe damage to their craft's maneuvering thrusters.

Gothri3 is shredded to pieces and explodes as its ship's core detonates from shrapnel.

 COMBAT BOT: Gothri1 is unable to launch a missile due to a Control circuit failure.

 COMBAT BOT: Ona almost hit Gothri2 several times.

 COMBAT BOT: Swordbuddy only scored glancing hits on Gothri2 with Full Guns.
Gothri2 lost their aft shields and took severe damage to their craft's engines.

 COMBAT BOT: Gothri2's shots missed Tsunami completely.

 COMBAT BOT: Scorch scored multiple weapon hits on Gothri2 with Mass Drivers.
Gothri2 lost their front shields and had their craft's maneuvering thrusters caved in.

Gothri2 is shredded to pieces and explodes as its ship's core detonates from shrapnel.

 COMBAT BOT: Rimmer is unable to complete their attack as Gothri3 has been taken out.

 COMBAT BOT: Clearoff is unable to complete their attack as Gothri2 has been taken out.

 COMBAT BOT: GenGun is unable to complete their attack as Gothri2 has been taken out.

 COMBAT BOT: GG1 almost hit Silence several times.

 COMBAT BOT: Tsunami is unable to complete their attack as Gothri2 has been taken out.

COMBAT BOT: Karen is unable to complete their attack as Gothri3 has been taken out.

And Confed redoubles their efforts, scoring critical hits on the Gothri menance. One Gothri goes down in flames to Scorch's scorching mass drivers and Gothri 1 and Gothri 3 are left dazed, their ships flying sans the agility of a heavy fighter.

Gothri3's craft than collapses and implodes.

Scorch yells through the radio «Wheeeeeee!» Scorch watches with glee as the 'Cat explodes

«Ha, they aren't so tough…» Iceblade pauses as he spies a Targu jump in «SHIT! Mantis! Turrets! Now! or we'll be sliced to bits,» Iceblade finishes. Ice turns and heads at the Targu, locking on with an AR.

«A Targu?! That's not a transport. Epsilon. Switch to torpedoes!» Ona radios.

«Suppression is an issue, Tsumani, seeing anything else on the scope? Gonna take a pass at the front turret.» Karen asks her wingleader.

And I've got half-yield torpedoes, Ona thought. Great, just great.

«I don't see anything else. I'll help deal with the Gothri, you help with the turrets, Karen.» Tsunami says in agreement with Karen's call.

«There's more than one way to skin a cat!» Scorch radios.

«Silence, lot of flak here; let's kill it!» Iceblade orders.

"Ok Jules, just focus on getting the shot. Then focus on helping out the sabres." Karen calms herself.

Scorch mutters inanities to himself, making sure his controls are in order.

«Lining up for AR missile attack on enemy frigate. Happy Hunting, Wing!» Cyric starts his run on the central spinal turret of the enemy frigate dodging as best he can with the missile's limited tracking falling in behind the rest of his wing to prevent being destroyed before the enemy turrets nail him during this most vulnerable locking on phase of his attack pattern.

« That Gothri's turret is on me, Ice, I'll grab a shot 'soon as I'm open, » Silence radios. « I'll be open for a good run as soon as possible! »

«That's not a troop transport, that's a frigate!» Ona says, «Be careful! We don't want to die!»

Scorch checks his guns, readying for his attack run. «Missiles are armed. I'm ready for my attack run»

Ona lined up her shot, setting her torpedo to hopefully turn a Targu into ragu.

Scorch radios, «Let's tango!»

 COMBAT BOT: TG1 scored multiple weapon hits on Iceblade with Hvy Laser (1) Forward Battery.
Iceblade lost their front shields and took minor damage to their craft's guns.

TG1 scored multiple weapon hits on Iceblade with Hvy Laser (1) Forward Battery.
Iceblade lost their front shields and took severe damage to their craft's left wing.

TG1 barely hit Ona with Hvy Laser (1) Forward Battery.
Ona had their front shields flared.

TG1 barely hit Karen with Hvy Laser (1) Forward Battery.
Karen had their aft shields weakened.

TG1 scored several hits on Scorch with Hvy Laser (1) Forward Battery.
Scorch lost their aft shields and their aft armor absorbed the hit.

TG1 only scored glancing hits on Ona with Hvy Laser (1) Forward Battery.
Ona had their front shields weakened.

 COMBAT BOT: Tsunami's Stalker HS Missile hit Gothri1.
Gothri1 lost their front shields and took minor damage to their craft's left wing.

 COMBAT BOT: Iceblade's Anti-Radiation Missile is not locked onto a turret.

 COMBAT BOT: Talon's Anti-Radiation Missile hits HL1-CB on Targu.
Targu was hit on a turret and a turret of HL1-CB was destroyed.

 COMBAT BOT: TG2 passes this round.

 COMBAT BOT: TG3 passes this round.

 COMBAT BOT: Rimmer's shots missed Gothri1 completely.

 COMBAT BOT: Clearoff barely hit Gothri1 with Aft Neutron Turret.
Gothri1 lost their front shields and had their craft's controls fried.

 COMBAT BOT: Swordbuddy's Fang FF Missile scored a critical hit on Gothri1.
Gothri1 lost their front shields and had their craft's nose chewed off.
Gothri1's ship was destroyed by severe damage across the ship in addition to the loss of structural elements.

 COMBAT BOT: Silence barely hit Targu with Stormfire Cannon.
Targu was hit on a turret and armor of the turret(s) absorbed the hit.

 COMBAT BOT: Karen's Stalker HS Missile scored a critical hit on Targu.
Targu was hit on a turret and a turret of HL1-FB was destroyed.

 COMBAT BOT: GenGun is unable to complete their attack as Gothri1 has been taken out.

 COMBAT BOT: Targu has no target selected and does not act this turn.

 COMBAT BOT: Scorch's Torpedo gets caught part-way through the shields and detonates before hitting Targu.
Targu was hit on the right region and had one of its Cargo Bays damaged.

 COMBAT BOT: Ona's Torpedo gets caught part-way through the shields and detonates before hitting Targu.
Targu was hit on the aft region and had one of its Engines damaged.

«Turrets are down!» Karen squeals.

Ona sees the two torpedoes strike home. That's not exactly done a lot of damage. «Epsilon, keep firing!»

Karen sees two more turrets. «Oh Bother…» She mutters

Scorch cusses to himself, realizing his rear shields are gone.

« Good shot, Swordbuddy! This Targu is toast now, » Silence calls out, swinging his ship around and diving back in toward those turrets.

Iceblade's missile system jammed. "Dang stupid system." «Watch yourselves people, the turrets are waking up.» Iceblade comes about for another run; this time with guns and dodging.

«They've got at least four more turrets on that Frigate! Let's wipe them out!» Cyric punches afterburners into the cold vacuum past the enemy frigate banking wildly for another pass on the central turret array.

«I think I'm okay for now, but I can't let 'em get behind me» Scorch responds.

«Lining up on a torpedo run, please watch yourselves out there» Swordbuddy informs the team.

As the Gothri's downed finally, Kanani turns her Stiletto towards the frigate, switching to guns as she takes aim on the turrets, and calls out, «I don't know about you Ona, but I'm thinking at most one more attempt on those turrets, and then we run towards the Cooke for backup.»

Ona responds, «That's a good idea. But let's see what our next batch of torpedoes does.»

« We're still loaded for bear here, Karen. We've got this, » Silence reassures, before hitting his burners and diving in for a run on the frigate.

Scorch says via intercom, "You okay, Jenny?" She responds, "Roger."

«Guys, the flak turret designation `Fk-L` is not targetted I think… anyone want to take it?» Karen asks

Just as the battle seems to be improving, another capship arrives. A corvette this time. The Kamekh begins to move closer to the frigate, its turrets not quite ready to attack yet…. don't have long though.

Scorch radios, «I smell something, and it ain't my cooking!» «I think we're in trouble.»

«Well then, maybe you should turn up the heat and get some knives out.» Karen tries to motivate the bomber pilot, while still hyperventilating.

«Well hell. The cat's brought in a Vette, definitely time to think about reinforcements.» Tsunami radios as the Kamekh jumps in.

«Agree. Fire these torpedoes and then we'll bug out» Ona responds.

Responding to Karen «I've got my knives sharp»

Karen Dice Roll d20: 9
That reference flew over Karen's head. Is he gonna stab the frigate?

 COMBAT BOT: TG1's shots missed Scorch completely.

TG1 scored several hits on Karen with Hvy Laser (1) Forward Battery.
Karen lost their aft shields and their right armor absorbed the hit.

TG1's shots missed Tsunami completely.

TG1 scored multiple weapon hits on Talon with Hvy Laser (1) Forward Battery.
Talon lost their front shields and took crippling damage to their craft's right wing.

TG1 scored several hits on Talon with Hvy Laser (1) Forward Battery.
Talon lost their aft shields and took severe damage to their craft's left wing.

Talon's ship was destroyed by severe damage across the ship.

 COMBAT BOT: Iceblade scored several hits on Targu with Stormfire Cannon.
Targu was hit on a turret and a turret of HL1-FB was destroyed.

 COMBAT BOT: TG3 scored several hits on Swordbuddy with Light Flak Turret.
Swordbuddy lost their aft shields and took severe damage to their craft's maneuvering thrusters.

TG3 barely hit Karen with Light Flak Turret.
Karen lost their front shields and their front armor absorbed the hit.

TG3 almost hit Swordbuddy several times.

 COMBAT BOT: Tsunami scored multiple weapon hits on Targu with Mass Drivers.
Targu was hit on a turret and Fk-L was destroyed.

 COMBAT BOT: Clearoff's shots missed Targu completely.

 COMBAT BOT: TG2 only scored glancing hits on Swordbuddy with Hvy Laser (1) Central Battery.
Swordbuddy had their front shields weakened.

TG2 barely hit Karen with Hvy Laser (1) Central Battery.
Karen had their aft shields weakened.

TG2 almost hit Tsunami several times.

TG2 almost hit Tsunami several times.

TG2 barely hit Iceblade with Hvy Laser (1) Central Battery.
Iceblade had their aft shields flared.

 COMBAT BOT: Karen's Stalker HS Missile hit Targu.
Karen's missile launcher clicks empty for Stalker HS Missiles.
Targu was hit on a turret and a turret of HL1-FB was destroyed.

 COMBAT BOT: Rimmer's shots missed Targu completely.

 COMBAT BOT: Silence is unable to complete their attack as the targeted turret on Targu had been taken out.

 COMBAT BOT: Scorch barely hit Targu with Mass Drivers.
Targu had their front shields flared.

 COMBAT BOT: GenGun's shots missed Targu completely.

 COMBAT BOT: Kame passes this round.

 COMBAT BOT: Targu has no target selected and does not act this turn.

 COMBAT BOT: Swordbuddy's Torpedo gets caught part-way through the shields and detonates before hitting Targu.
Targu was hit on the aft region and had one of its Engines damaged.

 COMBAT BOT: Ona's Torpedo gets caught part-way through the shields and detonates before hitting Targu.
Targu was hit on the right region and had its Hull was hit.

Talon spends a luck point to keep fighting.

Karen Dice Roll d20: 12

The Kilrathi turret cover is nasty causing significant damage to multiple fighters, but the confed fighters eat through the turrets - blasting one after the other.

Talon's ship slowly disintegrates in front of Karen's eyes in a flash. She tries to gasp in horror, but her throat is too tight…

Karen blinks and sees her imagination got the best of her.

Silence hallucinates destroying a turret several times over, but sees that Tsunami actually got the kill. Huh. Well. Still got a full missile load.

«Alright. that's too much fire for us, everyone bug out for the Cooke, fast as you can.» Tsunami calls out as several of the fighters take at least some damage. «We know where they're heading anyways.»

Ona reiterates, «All units, bug out!»

Scorch, to his annoyance, doesn't do much to the frigate.

Karen watches Talon attentively…

Iceblade's stormfires rip apart one turret; however, his own wingman takes another nasty hit. «Talon pull back! Pull back! » Iceblade radios as he tries to refocus on the enemy flak.

Scorch radios, «Lets get out of here!»

Ona turns her craft, ready for a retreat…

Alertness Reactive DC 15
Iceblade: Great Success
Karen: Great Success
Ona: Great Success
Silence: Fails
Tsunami: Great Success
Talon: Great Success

Visible to all those who spy it are two Dralthi under the Targu. Their engines lit.

Scorch turns his bomber to bug out.

«I think bugging out would be a very good idea! We need some reinforcements to take these guys out!» Cyric's says over a buffer of static and sizzling circuit arcing and popping with dangerous levels of energy. His craft is nearly lit up like a Christmas tree with redline damage all over the board.

"WAIT! Were those?" Iceblade spies two thinks under the Targu during his passes. «Warning pilots, that Targu has two Dralthis and they are powering up.»

«Well we need to get out of range from the Frigate's guns as fast as we can then.» Tsunami calls out, «So we don't have to fight them all at once.»

Karen does some quick cocktail napkin math…

Silence radios, « Copy two Dralthi, don't see 'em… forming up to get outta range. »

Ona radios, «Two Dralthi have just turned up. We need to get out of here, because I think there will be more.»

The stilettos and Rapiers are safe, the sabres… will be an easy target… this is bad… Karen thinks

Two Dralthi detach… fortunately, they cannot engage Confed forces during the retreat.

Targu-12-431 | Body: 82.0%
Shields: Front 45.0 cm / Aft 45.0 cm
Armor: Front 30.0 cm / Aft 30.0 cm
Components: Bridge 100.0%/ Engines 81.2%
Cargo 87.5%/ Nose 100.0%/ 
Fk-L Turret: -398.0%
HL1-FB Turret: 12.7%
HL1-CB Turret: 64.0%
Weapons: Turret: Fk-L / Turret: HL1-FB / Turret: HL1-CB / Missile(20): TPK

«Go! Go! GO!» Cyric says on comms struggling to twist his craft toward the rest of his retreating wing as he struggles to force his afterburners to put some distance between him and the enemy turrets as fast as possible.

«Bug Out! Mantis! Bug Out!» Iceblade radios. Iceblade interposes himself behind Talon's cracked Rapier.

«Epsilon! Close your ram scoops, bug out! BURN YOUR FUEL!» Karen panics.

Scorch puts the pedal to the metal, trying his best to get out of Dodge.

Silence gets pushed back in his seat as he hits the burners. He calls out, « Copy that. Got your back, Talon. We've got this, guys, keep it together. »

Karen Dice Roll d20: 16

Ona puts on her afterburner as well. Better to live to fight another day here.

«Epsilon Flight, we're sittin' ducks if we don't get out of here» Scorch radios.

«I know that, Scorch!» Ona cries.

Scorch kicks in his afterburners, «Sorry, I know, I'm just getting a little panicky, Ona»

The Kamekh tries to get close enough to the fighters and bombers to hit them in the tail but its flak fails to close the distance.

Karen narrow beams to Silence and in a withdrawn voice asks… «Hey… er… I don't think they're gonna make it a quick scan shows we're the two that have the best chance of keeping everyone alive… »

«Karen, let's not get so carried away that we leave Epsilon behind.» Tsunami adds as everyone gets ready to run from the Cats.

«Tsunami, the Dralthi can overtake the sabres unless they act now. I want to make sure they do.» She scans tsunami's fighter… it's in no shape to fight a dralthi.

«Indeed. We're leaving and coming back with reinforcements.» Ona radios.

Scorch radios, «I think we're gonna need that backup…»

«Don't do anything that gets you shot up too, Karen.» Tsunami calls out at that comment from her wingman.

 COMBAT BOT: TG1 barely hit Iceblade with Hvy Laser (1) Forward Battery.
Iceblade had their front shields flared.

TG1 scored several hits on Karen with Hvy Laser (1) Forward Battery.
Karen lost their aft shields and their left armor absorbed the hit.

TG1's shots missed Iceblade completely.

 COMBAT BOT: Dral2 passes this round.

 COMBAT BOT: Karen passes this round.

 COMBAT BOT: Dral1 passes this round.

 COMBAT BOT: TG3 is unable to attack as the turret have been destroyed.

 COMBAT BOT: Tsunami passes this round.

 COMBAT BOT: TG2 scored several hits on Karen with Hvy Laser (1) Central Battery.
Karen lost their front shields and their front armor absorbed the hit.

TG2 only scored glancing hits on Tsunami with Hvy Laser (1) Central Battery.
Tsunami lost their aft shields and their aft armor absorbed the hit.

TG2's shots missed Ona completely.

TG2 almost hit Karen several times.

TG2's shots missed Tsunami completely.

 COMBAT BOT: GenGun's shots missed Targu completely.
 COMBAT BOT: Kame passes this round.
 COMBAT BOT: Iceblade passes this round.
 COMBAT BOT: Clearoff passes this round.
 COMBAT BOT: Silence passes this round.
 COMBAT BOT: Talon passes this round.
 COMBAT BOT: Scorch passes this round.
 COMBAT BOT: Targu passes this round.
 COMBAT BOT: Rimmer's shots missed Targu completely.
 COMBAT BOT: Ona passes this round.
 COMBAT BOT: Swordbuddy passes this round.

The Kilrathi do not attempt a pursuit, but instead move to secure the jumppoint. In the Distance, the pilots spy two more small jumps and a trio of moderate sizes ones - the transports.

Karen breathes a sigh of relief.

«Looks like we're clear for now. Everyone to the Cooke and catch your breath.» Tsunami advises, «We've still got a hell of a lot of work to do.»

Scorch relaxes momentarily, knowing he's safe for the time being

«Status report Mantis flight!» Iceblade radios with his adrenaline still high.

«Suggest we take an arcing trajectory to not give away the Cooke's position?» Karen radios.

Scorch radios, «Epsilon 2 checking in. Everyone make it?»

Talon: RapierII-WWK-12-577 | Body: 37.0%
Shields: Front 8.5 cm / Aft 8.5 cm
Armor: Front 6.5 cm , Aft 6.0 cm, Left 0.0 cm, Right 0.0 cm
Components: Power 100.0%/ Engines 100.0%/ Man.Jets 75.0%/ Controls 100.0%
Body: Cockpit 100.0%/ Nose 100.0%/ Left Wing 61.5%/ Right Wing 9.0%/ Tail 100.0%
Weapons: Guns: 100.0%/ Missiles: 100.0%
Weapons:  Gun(190): SF-2 / Gun: L-2 / Missile(2): DFK / Missile(1): AR

«Armor is singed, but I'm in good shape.» Karen radios.

«Roger that, it's already set up in our navs.» Tsunami radios to Karen. «Lot of damage here, but I think it's all armor for the most part.»

« More or less in one piece. I can pull up the rear, Iceblade, just in case those Dralthi get too close to the Sabres. » Silence

«We should call for reinforcements! The enemy is securing the jump-point!» Cyric radios. «Status Report, well. I've had better days. Ship hull integrity down to 37% but I can still fight!»

«Better your armor then you» Scorch responds.

Ona: Sabre-TK-12-911 | Body: 100.0%
Shields: Front 8.0 cm / Aft 8.0 cm
Armor: Front 12.0 cm , Aft 12.0 cm, Left 9.0 cm, Right 9.0 cm
Components: Power 100.0%/ Engines 100.0%/ Man.Jets 100.0%/ Controls 100.0%
Body: Cockpit 100.0%/ Nose 100.0%/ Left Wing 100.0%/ Right Wing 100.0%/ Tail 100.0%
Weapons: Guns: 100.0%/ Missiles: 100.0%/ Aft Turret: 100.0%
Weapons: Gun: FG-SB / Gun: MD-2 / Gun: P-2 / Turret: SB-AT / Missile(2): DFK / Missile(0): FFK / Missile(2): TPK

«Some structural damage here, but I'm still in the flight» Swordbuddy says.

«No damage here» Ona says, «I'll call for reinforcements.»

«Sounds like a plan» Scorch radios.

Ona does so, explaining the situation. «We going to go back with the reinforcements?» Ona asks.

Iceblade: RapierII-WWK-12-586 | Body: 90.0%
Shields: Front 8.5 cm / Aft 8.5 cm
Armor: Front 6.5 cm , Aft 6.0 cm, Left 0.0 cm, Right 0.0 cm
Components: Power 100.0%/ Engines 100.0%/ Man.Jets 100.0%/ Controls 100.0%
Body: Cockpit 100.0%/ Nose 100.0%/ Left Wing 50.3%/ Right Wing 100.0%/ Tail 100.0%
Weapons: Guns: 95.0%/ Missiles: 100.0%
Weapons:  Gun(180): SF-2 / Gun: L-2 / Missile(2): DFK / Missile(2): AR

Scorch radios, «I hope. I want another crack at these 'cats»

«That's supposed to be the plan as I understand it.» Tsunami remarks to Ona's question.

The Cook appears in the distance as the pilots approach the Nav C. A transmission is then broadcast on Confed Frequencies: «Figures you fly Babies couldn't get the job done. Now you come crying back to Auntie Auldwell to wipe your bodies for you.»

Auldwell then continues «Well don't worry, the Cook will kiss your little kitty scratches and make it all better!»

Iceblade curses in his cockpit for about 5 seconds, then takes a deep breath and tries to calm down. «Mantis Flight» he radios his squadmates «DO NOT respond to that!»

Karen dice roll d20: 16

Karen keeps her mouth shut

«Talon and Tsunami, land on the carrier. You're too damaged to continue.» Ona radios.

Silence lives up to his name for a moment before clicking on his radio. « Nice to see you too, Cook, » he calls in a pinched voice.

Scorch doesn't say a word, although he's tempted to unleash a caustic response about the officer's mother.

Cyric grinds his teeth to cut back on a really cutting blow to the Cooke comm officer, cursing the turrets and the general unfairness of the universe.

«We're still going to do the job. We just need a bit of help» Ona radios.

Around the corvette, you spy Gambit and Kobold in Stilettos, Razor and Cadillac in Sabres (no torps), and Wraith (Star King XO) and Jizz in Rapiers.

«Alright pilots. Let's form up and get this done.» Auldwell radios.

«Epsilon 2 forming up» Scorch radios.

«Roger that» Ona responds.

«Roger! Linking up!» Cyric radios.

«Affirmative, let's go» Karen radios.

Silence pulls into formation, scoops open so that he can fill his tanks as much as possible.

«Tsunami and Talon, I suggest you guys hold back until the fighters and turrets are cleared. Then help us clean up the 'sports.» Iceblade radios.

«Indeed. We don't want you getting killed.» Ona confirms.

Tsunami moves into formation with the rest and says to Ice's comment, «If we can manage it at least. The cat's often like to mess with those nice plans though.»

Cyric's replies steadily. «Understood. Looks like we are rear guard Charlie today, Tsunami. Pity AR missiles don't have faster targeting software, eh?» Cyric moves into formation with Tsunami at the back of the formation.

The Confed Formation accelerate to the Kilrathi via an intercept vector. After a few minutes, the Stilettos can clearly see the enemy forces and the enemy rein-force-ments.

«No recipe ever survived contact with the kitchen» Scorch adds.

Silence engages a laser link with the others. « Still fully loaded with ARs and ready to pop some turrets. »

With her fighter moving to fly next to Talon's, Tsunami adds, «Well we've got enough muscle now at least that holding a couple of us back could work, anyways.»

«Omega, be advised, we have two groups of cats in this play pin. Eight fighters reinforcing 4 fighters, 3 transports and two light capitals.» Auldwell radios the group, a smile on her face.

«I'm glad I saved most of my torps» Scorch radios.

Ona says, «Two light capitals? Good thing we have plenty of pies then.»

Scorch adds, «Let's serve 'em up a pasting they won't soon forget!»

«Spent most of my missiles on the turrets, I think it's worth it though.» Karen narrow beamed. « 8 fighters spotted trying to get more detailed scan.»

Karen Alertness Technical DC 15: Success

«I have two torpedoes left. Suggest we go for the Targu as it's the more damaged target. Cooke can take down the Kamekh» Ona radios.

«Sure thing» Scorch confirms.

«Okay, here's the plan fly kids; Group Charlie intercept those 8 fighters. Iceblade take your fighters and clear out the escorts. Ona, smash that Corvette! The Fat Bitch is MINE!» Auldwell radios with commanding zeal.

«Roger that, Auldwell!» Ona responds. Ona sets up her torpedoes again for another attack.

«10/4» Scorch confirms. Scorch readies his torps.

«Victory or Death, Auldwell! Let's kill them all!» Cyric says with zealous anger lining his steady professional tone.

The six fighters race off to engage the 4 Dralthi and 4 Krant fighters core-ward of the strike engagement zone. Hopefully they hold them off.

«Picking up Krant dive bombers… they must be in a fix here… » Karen radios.

Scorch checks his systems once more, making sure everything is locked and loaded.

«Right, let's take this corvette out. There are four cream pies with my name on them!» Ona cries.

Karen shudders… the cleanup must be awful.

Scorch confirms, «Let's do this!»

«Tsunami, got a target you want gone?» Karen asks.

«Lining up attack run now» Scorch maneuvers into position.

«All of them preferrably. But none in particular right at the moment.» Tsunami radios to Karen. «Choose your targets as they come up.»

« Two Gothri incoming, » Silence calls out over laser link. « Stay back from the turrets and deal with the fighters first, flight lead? »

«Ice, you have two enemy Dralthi on you! Moving to intercept!» Cyric burns to the extreme operational range for his PAW Dart Missile. «FOX ONE!»

«Beginning my torpedo run on the corvette» Swordbuddy states.

«I'm in the pipeline» Scorch radios, «Beginning attack run now»

The Cooke goes for a full frontal attack on the Targu, the Targu clearly wasn't expecting this.

«Defanging the beast.» Karen states.

«Time to send these 'cats back to the Inferno!» Scorch radios.

«Careful Karen, both the Gothri are going after you.» Tsunami calls out.

«Prepare to die, marines!» Ona yells.

«Thanks Tsu, but I trust you got them handled… we need to get rid of that turret and I still have some armor plating left.» Karen replies.

Iceblade moves in the engage the Dralthi fighters. «This is going to be unpleasant.» Iceblade focuses on evading, hoping to get a few shots of lasers in besides.

Clearoff switches her turret to attack one of the fighters…

COMBAT BOT: Dral1's Stalker HS Missile was unable to maintain lock and hit Iceblade.

 COMBAT BOT: Talon's Dumbfire Missile scored a critical hit on Dral2.
Dral2 lost their aft shields and had their craft's tail sheared off.

 COMBAT BOT: Dral2's Stalker HS Missile was unable to maintain lock and hit Iceblade.

 COMBAT BOT: Kame1's shots missed Silence completely.

Kame1's shots missed Silence completely.

Kame1 almost hit Silence several times.

Kame1's shots missed Silence completely.

Kame1 scored several hits on Karen with Medium Flak Turret.
Karen lost their aft shields and had their craft's tail sheared off.

 COMBAT BOT: Gothri5 almost hit Karen several times.

 COMBAT BOT: Gunner1 scored multiple weapon hits on Targu with Left Hvy Laser Turret.
Targu lost their front shields.

Targu was hit on the left region and had one of its Cargo Bays damaged.

 COMBAT BOT: TG3 passes this round.

 COMBAT BOT: Silence's Dumbfire Missile was easily evaded by Gothri5.

 COMBAT BOT: TG1 scored multiple weapon hits on Auldwell with Hvy Laser (1) Forward Battery.
Auldwell lost their front shields.

Auldwell was hit on the front region and had its Hull is cracked.

 COMBAT BOT: TG2 only scored glancing hits on Auldwell with Hvy Laser (1) Central Battery.
Auldwell lost their front shields.

Auldwell was hit on the right region and had one of its Engines crippled.

 COMBAT BOT: Gunner2 scored several hits on Targu with Right Hvy Laser Turret.
Targu lost their front shields.

Targu was hit on the front region and had its Hull is cracked.

 COMBAT BOT: Iceblade barely hit Dral2 with Laser Cannons.
Dral2 had their aft shields weakened.

 COMBAT BOT: Clearoff barely hit Gothri5 with Aft Neutron Turret.
Gothri5 had their aft shields weakened.

 COMBAT BOT: Tsunami only scored glancing hits on Gothri5 with Mass Drivers.
Gothri5 lost their aft shields and their aft armor absorbed the hit.

 COMBAT BOT: Rimmer only scored glancing hits on Kame with Aft Neutron Turret.
Kame was hit on a turret and a turret of Fk-M was destroyed.

 COMBAT BOT: GenGun almost hit Kame several times.

 COMBAT BOT: GG5's shots missed Karen completely.

 COMBAT BOT: Karen barely hit Kame with Mass Drivers.
Kame was hit on a turret and a turret of Fk-M was destroyed.

 COMBAT BOT: Gothri6's Claw IR Missile was unable to maintain lock and hit Karen.

 COMBAT BOT: Targu passes this round.

 COMBAT BOT: Kame's Fang FF Missile scored a critical hit on Swordbuddy.
Swordbuddy lost their aft shields and their aft armor absorbed the hit.

 COMBAT BOT: GG6 almost hit Silence several times.

 COMBAT BOT: Ona's Torpedo phases past the shields and hits Kame.
Kame was hit on the front region and had its Bridge crippled.

 COMBAT BOT: Scorch's Torpedo phases past the shields and hits Kame.
Kame was hit on the aft region and had multiple Engines crippled.

 COMBAT BOT: Auldwell's Torpedo gets caught part-way through the shields and detonates before hitting Targu.
Targu was hit on the front region and had its Bridge hit.

 COMBAT BOT: Swordbuddy's Torpedo phases past the shields and hits Kame.
Kame was hit on the right region and had all of its Cargo Bays vented.
TCS-Cooke | Body: 26.0%
Shields: Front 0.0 cm / Aft 25.0 cm
Armor: Front 15.0 cm / Aft 15.0 cm
Components: Bridge 100.0%/ Engines 57.1%
Cargo 90.0%/ Nose 100.0%/ 
V-LT Turret: 100.0%
V-RT Turret: 100.0%
Weapons: Turret: V-LT / Turret: V-RT / Missile(10): FF / Missile(9): TP

With red alerts blaring and the smoke and damage filling the Cooke's interior, Auldwell appears on the Grin. «DAMN Cats! Ona, your team will need to finish off the Targu! We are pulling back!»

Scorch grins wickedly as he watches his torpedo impact.

«Can we get some turret support?» Karen asks…

«We'll do that» Ona says, resisting the urge to make a comment about wiping bodies. This wasn't the time. «Epsilon flight, we're down to our last torpedoes! Don't miss!»

Swordbuddy: Sabre-TK-12-512 | Body: 90.0%
Shields: Front 8.0 cm / Aft 5.6 cm
Armor: Front 12.0 cm , Aft 3.8 cm, Left 0.0 cm, Right 9.0 cm
Components: Power 100.0%/ Engines 100.0%/ Man.Jets 65.6%/ Controls 100.0%
Body: Cockpit 100.0%/ Nose 100.0%/ Left Wing 100.0%/ Right Wing 100.0%/ Tail 100.0%
Weapons: Guns: 100.0%/ Missiles: 100.0%/ Aft Turret: 100.0%
Weapons: Gun: FG-SB / Gun: MD-2 / Gun: P-2 / Turret: SB-AT / Missile(2): DFK / Missile(1): FFK / Missile(2): TPK

« Goddamn these cat missiles! » Silence snarls, jinking as much as he can through the immense hail of laser fire. « An' what the hell were you thinking, Cooke?! » He pulls away from the Gothri and tries to go for one of the turrets targeting the Cooke in order to give the corvette some cover.

Scorch sarcastically radios «I'll make sure to fire my last torpedo into the sun»

Targu: Targu-12-431 | Body: 11.0%
Shields: Front 0.0 cm / Aft 45.0 cm
Armor: Front 30.0 cm / Aft 30.0 cm
Components: Bridge 77.8%/ Engines 81.2%
Cargo 77.5%/ Nose 100.0%/ 
Fk-L Turret: -398.0%
HL1-FB Turret: 12.7%
HL1-CB Turret: 64.0%
Weapons: Turret: Fk-L / Turret: HL1-FB / Turret: HL1-CB / Missile(20): TPK 

Ona: Sabre-TK-12-911 | Body: 100.0%
Shields: Front 8.0 cm / Aft 8.0 cm
Armor: Front 12.0 cm , Aft 12.0 cm, Left 9.0 cm, Right 9.0 cm
Components: Power 100.0%/ Engines 100.0%/ Man.Jets 100.0%/ Controls 100.0%
Body: Cockpit 100.0%/ Nose 100.0%/ Left Wing 100.0%/ Right Wing 100.0%/ Tail 100.0%
Weapons: Guns: 100.0%/ Missiles: 100.0%/ Aft Turret: 100.0%
Weapons: Gun: FG-SB / Gun: MD-2 / Gun: P-2 / Turret: SB-AT / Missile(2): DFK / Missile(0): FFK / Missile(1): TPK 

Dral2: Dralthi-12-732 | Body: 59.0%
Shields: Front 5.5 cm / Aft 5.5 cm
Armor: Front 7.5 cm , Aft 0.0 cm, Left 5.5 cm, Right 5.5 cm
Components: Power 100.0%/ Engines 100.0%/ Man.Jets 100.0%/ Controls 100.0%
Body: Cockpit 100.0%/ Nose 100.0%/ Left Wing 100.0%/ Right Wing 100.0%/ Tail 0.0%
Weapons: Guns: 100.0%/ Missiles: 100.0%
Weapons: Gun: MD-2 / Missile(2): DFK / Missile(2): HSK

The Targu is actually in worse shape and begins to fire in a massive spray… fortunately, it doesn't attempt to focus on the retreating Cooke.

Kamekh: Kamekh-12-768 | Body: 23.0%
Shields: Front 30.0 cm / Aft 30.0 cm
Armor: Front 20.0 cm / Aft 20.0 cm
Components: Bridge 21.4%/ Engines 21.4%
Cargo 0.0%/ Nose 100.0%/ 
Fk-M Turret: 32.0%
Weapons: Turret: Fk-M / Missile(11): FFK / Missile(10): TPK 

Scorch: Sabre-TK-12-949 | Body: 100.0%
Shields: Front 8.0 cm / Aft 8.0 cm
Armor: Front 12.0 cm , Aft 8.8 cm, Left 9.0 cm, Right 9.0 cm
Components: Power 100.0%/ Engines 100.0%/ Man.Jets 100.0%/ Controls 100.0%
Body: Cockpit 100.0%/ Nose 100.0%/ Left Wing 100.0%/ Right Wing 100.0%/ Tail 100.0%
Weapons: Guns: 100.0%/ Missiles: 100.0%/ Aft Turret: 100.0%
Weapons: Gun: FG-SB / Gun: MD-2 / Gun: P-2 / Turret: SB-AT / Missile(2): DFK / Missile(2): FFK / Missile(2): TPK

«This is Talon. Would someone pretty please kill that enemy frigate please? That would be lovely. Thank you.» Cyric says as he prepares to kill off Dralthi 2.

Iceblade: RapierII-WWK-12-586 | Body: 90.0%
Shields: Front 8.5 cm / Aft 8.5 cm
Armor: Front 6.5 cm , Aft 6.0 cm, Left 0.0 cm, Right 0.0 cm
Components: Power 100.0%/ Engines 100.0%/ Man.Jets 100.0%/ Controls 100.0%
Body: Cockpit 100.0%/ Nose 100.0%/ Left Wing 50.3%/ Right Wing 100.0%/ Tail 100.0%
Weapons: Guns: 95.0%/ Missiles: 100.0%
Weapons:  Gun(180): SF-2 / Gun: L-2 / Missile(2): DFK / Missile(2): AR

Iceblade manages to dodge and now must dodge even more as weapons go free on the Kilrathi capships in their death throws. «EVASIVE MANUEVERS EVERYONE!»

«Epsilon, do you think you got the corvette done? Should I engage a gothri?» Karen asks

«The 'vette ain't going anywhere. Its engines are crippled» Scorch radios.

«It still has torpedoes, Scorch, still a threat.» Ona responds.

Scorch: «10/4»

Tsunami keeps on the tail of one of the Gothri, switching to her last heat seeker as she tries to finish it off.

 COMBAT BOT: Gunner1 barely hit Targu with Left Hvy Laser Turret.
Targu had their front shields weakened.

 COMBAT BOT: TG3 passes this round.

 COMBAT BOT: Tsunami's Stalker HS Missile hit Gothri5.
Tsunami's missile launcher clicks empty for Stalker HS Missiles.
Gothri5 lost their aft shields and had their craft's engines shot up.

 COMBAT BOT: TG2 scored multiple weapon hits on Gothri6 with Hvy Laser (1) Central Battery.
Gothri6 lost their aft shields and their right armor absorbed the hit.

TG2 barely hit Dral2 with Hvy Laser (1) Central Battery.
Dral2 had their aft shields weakened.

TG2 barely hit Scorch with Hvy Laser (1) Central Battery.
Scorch had their aft shields flared.

TG2 barely hit Iceblade with Hvy Laser (1) Central Battery.
Iceblade had their front shields flared.

TG2 scored several hits on Silence with Hvy Laser (1) Central Battery.
Silence lost their front shields and their left armor absorbed the hit.

 COMBAT BOT: Talon scored a glancing hit on Dral2 with a Dumbfire Missile.
Talon's missile launcher clicks empty for Dumbfire Missiles.
Dral2 lost their aft shields and took severe damage to their craft's missile launchers.

 COMBAT BOT: TG1 scored multiple weapon hits on Scorch with Hvy Laser (1) Forward Battery.
Scorch lost their aft shields and their right armor absorbed the hit.

TG1 scored multiple weapon hits on Swordbuddy with Hvy Laser (1) Forward Battery.
Swordbuddy lost their front shields and their front armor absorbed the hit.

TG1 barely hit Dral2 with Hvy Laser (1) Forward Battery.
Dral2 lost their aft shields and has their aft hull ripped into.

Dral2's ship was destroyed by severe damage across the ship in addition to the loss of structural elements.

 COMBAT BOT: Dral1's Stalker HS Missile was unable to maintain lock and hit Iceblade.

 COMBAT BOT: Silence scored several hits on Targu with Stormfire Cannon.
Targu was hit on a turret and HL1-FB was destroyed.

 COMBAT BOT: Clearoff barely hit Gothri5 with Aft Neutron Turret.
Gothri5 lost their aft shields and their right armor absorbed the hit.

 COMBAT BOT: Gothri6's Claw IR Missile was unable to maintain lock and hit Karen.
Gothri6's missile launcher clicks empty for Claw IR Missiles.

 COMBAT BOT: Gunner2 almost hit Targu several times.

 COMBAT BOT: Kame1 almost hit Dral1 several times.

Kame1's shots missed Scorch completely.

Kame1 scored multiple weapon hits on Ona with Medium Flak Turret.
Ona lost their front shields and had their craft's nose chewed off.

 COMBAT BOT: GenGun almost hit Targu several times.

 COMBAT BOT: Gothri5's shots missed Karen completely.

 COMBAT BOT: Rimmer barely hit Targu with Aft Neutron Turret.
Targu was hit on a turret and armor of the turret(s) absorbed the hit.

 COMBAT BOT: Iceblade is unable to complete their attack as Dral2 has been taken out.

 COMBAT BOT: GG6 barely hit Silence with Aft Neutron Turret.
Silence lost their aft shields and their right armor absorbed the hit.

 COMBAT BOT: GG5's shots missed Karen completely.

 COMBAT BOT: Karen almost hit Gothri6 several times.

 COMBAT BOT: Targu passes this round.

 COMBAT BOT: Ona's Torpedo gets caught part-way through the shields and detonates before hitting Kame.
Ona's missile launcher clicks empty for Torpedos.
Kame was hit on the aft region and had all of its Engines torn apart.

 COMBAT BOT: Auldwell passes this round.

 COMBAT BOT: Kame's Fang FF Missile scored a critical hit on Swordbuddy.
Swordbuddy lost their aft shields and took minor damage to their craft's guns.

 COMBAT BOT: Scorch's Torpedo gets caught part-way through the shields and detonates before hitting Targu.
Targu was hit on the front region and had its Nose hit.

 COMBAT BOT: Swordbuddy's Torpedo gets caught part-way through the shields and detonates before hitting Kame.
Kame was hit on the left region and had all of its Engines torn apart.

Kamekh-12-768 has its spine broken in two followed by numerous explosions along the hull.

Scorch radios, «Bombs away!»

Fortunately, the Kilrathi are taking a severe beating. The Corvette fails and Targu eats even more damage. Two Krants join the furball, however, having escaped the other fight.

Swordbuddy radios, «Finishing off the big one.»

« Scratch one heavy battery. Cooke, get the hell out of here while the 'babies' watch your back, » Silence calls, pulling up hard and out of the way.

«Lets nail these suckers!» Scorch radios.

Karen d20: 3

Tsunami's missile messes up the engines of her target, and with no more heatseekers, she switches to her guns to try and finish the Gothri off.

«Look at that, the Kilrathi were more effective than the Cooke at taking out fighters.» Karen broadcasts.

Ona radios, «Well done, Swordbuddy, the Kamekh is dead. I'll switch to missiles to finish the Targu off.»

«Stay focused on the job Karen, not on sniping on our side.» Tsunami remarks in a mostly joking manner.

«Thanks Ona, let's finish this and help our team out.» Karen radio before she mutters under her breath as she finally sees the Cooke's turrets supporting the combat in an intelligent way.

Targu-12-431 | Body: 8.0%
Shields: Front 0.0 cm / Aft 45.0 cm
Armor: Front 30.0 cm / Aft 30.0 cm
Components: Bridge 77.8%/ Engines 81.2%
Cargo 77.5%/ Nose 87.5%/ 
Fk-L Turret: -398.0%
HL1-FB Turret: -25.3%
HL1-CB Turret: 64.0%
Weapons: Turret: Fk-L / Turret: HL1-FB / Turret: HL1-CB / Missile(20): TPK 

Ona: Sabre-TK-12-911 | Body: 84.0%
Shields: Front 5.6 cm / Aft 8.0 cm
Armor: Front 0.0 cm , Aft 12.0 cm, Left 9.0 cm, Right 9.0 cm
Components: Power 100.0%/ Engines 100.0%/ Man.Jets 100.0%/ Controls 100.0%
Body: Cockpit 100.0%/ Nose 0.0%/ Left Wing 100.0%/ Right Wing 100.0%/ Tail 100.0%
Weapons: Guns: 100.0%/ Missiles: 100.0%/ Aft Turret: 100.0%
Weapons: Gun: FG-SB / Gun: MD-2 / Gun: P-2 / Turret: SB-AT / Missile(2): DFK / Missile(0): FFK / Missile(0): TPK 

Scorch: Sabre-TK-12-949 | Body: 100.0%
Shields: Front 8.0 cm / Aft 5.6 cm
Armor: Front 12.0 cm , Aft 8.8 cm, Left 9.0 cm, Right 2.0 cm
Components: Power 100.0%/ Engines 100.0%/ Man.Jets 100.0%/ Controls 100.0%
Body: Cockpit 100.0%/ Nose 100.0%/ Left Wing 100.0%/ Right Wing 100.0%/ Tail 100.0%
Weapons: Guns: 100.0%/ Missiles: 100.0%/ Aft Turret: 100.0%
Weapons: Gun: FG-SB / Gun: MD-2 / Gun: P-2 / Turret: SB-AT / Missile(2): DFK / Missile(2): FFK / Missile(1): TPK

Scorch radios, «Got one more torp left. I'll have to make this count»

«Rapiers, you OK?» Karen asks.

Ona switches to her DFK missile. No sense in unused Kilrathi ordnance here.

« Five by five, Karen. » Silence responds.

«Dodge Talon Dodge!» Iceblade radios as he tries to get a bead on one of the Krant's backsides.

«Scorch lining up for attack run» Scorch radios.

Cyric has drawn attention from two enemy starfighters. «I appear to be the bait now. Taking Evasive Action. I have drawn off Krant 1 and Dralthi 1 fire. Who is available for a kill?» Cyric burns under the enemy Krant that came around from the front as the enemy Dralthi flips itself up and over like a pancake to fire pot shots at him.

Scorch carefully maneuvers onto the right vector. «I'm in the pipeline. Torp armed and ready»

« Talon, Silence. I'm on the first Krant. » Silence radios.

Karen switches between Gothri seeing that the other one is targeting her wingleader, hoping to provide a harder target profile against her duelist.

TG1 passes this round.

Krant1's Fang FF Missile was unable to maintain lock and hit Talon.
Krant1's missile launcher clicks empty for Fang FF Missiles.

Gunner1 scored several hits on Krant1 with Left Hvy Laser Turret.
Krant1 lost their aft shields and had their craft's right wing blasted to pieces.

Gunner1's shots missed Gothri5 completely.

Gunner1 almost hit Krant2 several times.

Silence's Dumbfire Missile scored a critical hit on Krant1.
Krant1 lost their front shields and took crippling damage to their craft's controls.

Dral1's Stalker HS Missile failed to lock onto Talon and is flying off into the distance.
Dral1's missile launcher clicks empty for Stalker HS Missiles

TG2 only scored glancing hits on Scorch with Hvy Laser (1) Central Battery.
Scorch lost their aft shields and their right armor absorbed the hit.

TG2 only scored glancing hits on Scorch with Hvy Laser (1) Central Battery.
Scorch lost their aft shields and their left armor absorbed the hit.

TG2's shots missed Iceblade completely.

TG2 almost hit Scorch several times.

TG2's shots missed Silence completely.

Gunner2 barely hit Krant1 with Right Hvy Laser Turret.
Krant1 lost their aft shields and took severe damage to their craft's maneuvering thrusters.

Gunner2 almost hit Gothri5 several times.

Gunner2's shots missed Gothri5 completely.

Iceblade's Dumbfire Missile scored a critical hit on Krant2.
Krant2 lost their aft shields and took crippling damage to their craft's engines.

Ona's Dumbfire Missile almost hit Targu.

Gothri6's shots missed Karen completely.

TG3 passes this round.

Krant2's Stalker HS Missile scored a glancing hit on Iceblade.
Iceblade lost their aft shields and their left armor absorbed the hit.

Tsunami scored multiple weapon hits on Gothri5 with Mass Drivers.
Gothri5 lost their aft shields and had their craft's tail sheared off.

Gothri5's ship exploded due to a critical failure of ship's integrity in addition to the loss of structural elements.

Karen is unable to complete their attack as Gothri5 has been taken out.

Talon barely hit Dral1 with Laser Cannons.
Dral1 had their aft shields weakened.

Clearoff is unable to complete their attack as Gothri5 has been taken out.

Rimmer's shots missed Targu completely.

GG6's shots missed Karen completely.

GenGun's shots missed Targu completely.

Targu passes this round.

Auldwell passes this round.

Scorch's Torpedo phases past the shields and hits Targu.
Scorch's missile launcher clicks empty for Torpedos.
Targu was hit on the aft region and had multiple Engines crippled.

Targu-12-431 has its spine broken in two followed by numerous explosions along the hull.

Swordbuddy is unable to complete their attack as Targu has been taken out.
Targu-12-431 | Body: -10.0%
Shields: Front 27.0 cm / Aft 45.0 cm
Armor: Front 30.0 cm / Aft 30.0 cm
Components: Bridge 77.8%/ Engines 25.0%
Cargo 77.5%/ Nose 87.5%/ 
Fk-L Turret: -398.0%
HL1-FB Turret: -25.3%
HL1-CB Turret: 64.0%
Weapons: Turret: Fk-L / Turret: HL1-FB / Turret: HL1-CB / Missile(20): TPK 

Kamekh-12-768 | Body: -7.000000000000001%
Shields: Front 30.0 cm / Aft 30.0 cm
Armor: Front 20.0 cm / Aft 20.0 cm
Components: Bridge 21.4%/ Engines 0.0%
Cargo 0.0%/ Nose 100.0%/ 
Fk-M Turret: 32.0%
Weapons: Turret: Fk-M / Missile(10): FFK / Missile(10): TPK 

Dral2: Dralthi-12-732 | Body: 46.0%
Shields: Front 5.5 cm / Aft 5.5 cm
Armor: Front 7.5 cm , Aft 0.0 cm, Left 5.5 cm, Right 0.0 cm
Components: Power 100.0%/ Engines 100.0%/ Man.Jets 100.0%/ Controls 100.0%
Body: Cockpit 100.0%/ Nose 100.0%/ Left Wing 100.0%/ Right Wing 100.0%/ Tail 0.0%
Weapons: Guns: 100.0%/ Missiles: 71.6%
Weapons: Gun: MD-2 / Missile(2): DFK / Missile(2): HSK 

Gothri5: Gothri-12-883 | Body: 26.0%
Shields: Front 10.0 cm / Aft 4.2 cm
Armor: Front 10.0 cm , Aft 0.0 cm, Left 9.0 cm, Right 2.7 cm
Components: Power 100.0%/ Engines 0.0%/ Man.Jets 100.0%/ Controls 100.0%
Body: Cockpit 100.0%/ Nose 100.0%/ Left Wing 100.0%/ Right Wing 100.0%/ Tail 0.0%
Weapons: Guns: 100.0%/ Missiles: 100.0%/ Aft Turret: 100.0%
Weapons: Gun: P-2 / Gun: MD-2 / Gun: FG-GT / Turret: GT-AT / Missile(2): IRK / Missile(2): TPK 

Krant-12-713 | Body: 51.0%
Shields: Front 5.6 cm / Aft 3.9 cm
Armor: Front 0.0 cm , Aft 10.0 cm, Left 9.0 cm, Right 0.0 cm
Components: Power 100.0%/ Engines 100.0%/ Man.Jets 66.2%/ Controls 50.0%
Body: Cockpit 100.0%/ Nose 100.0%/ Left Wing 100.0%/ Right Wing 0.0%/ Tail 100.0%
Weapons: Guns: 100.0%/ Missiles: 100.0%
Weapons: Gun: MD-2 / Missile(2): HSK / Missile(0): FFK / Missile(1): TPK 

Krant-12-679 | Body: 85.0%
Shields: Front 8.0 cm / Aft 8.0 cm
Armor: Front 10.0 cm , Aft 0.0 cm, Left 9.0 cm, Right 9.0 cm
Components: Power 100.0%/ Engines 50.0%/ Man.Jets 100.0%/ Controls 100.0%
Body: Cockpit 100.0%/ Nose 100.0%/ Left Wing 100.0%/ Right Wing 100.0%/ Tail 100.0%
Weapons: Guns: 100.0%/ Missiles: 100.0%
Weapons: Gun: MD-2 / Missile(1): HSK / Missile(1): FFK / Missile(1): TPK 

Dral1: Dralthi-12-288 | Body: 100.0%
Shields: Front 5.5 cm / Aft 5.5 cm
Armor: Front 7.5 cm , Aft 7.0 cm, Left 5.5 cm, Right 5.5 cm
Components: Power 100.0%/ Engines 100.0%/ Man.Jets 100.0%/ Controls 100.0%
Body: Cockpit 100.0%/ Nose 100.0%/ Left Wing 100.0%/ Right Wing 100.0%/ Tail 100.0%
Weapons: Guns: 100.0%/ Missiles: 100.0%
Weapons: Gun: MD-2 / Missile(2): DFK / Missile(0): HSK

Gothri6: Gothri-12-520 | Body: 100.0%
Shields: Front 10.0 cm / Aft 8.5 cm
Armor: Front 10.0 cm , Aft 10.0 cm, Left 9.0 cm, Right 4.0 cm
Components: Power 100.0%/ Engines 100.0%/ Man.Jets 100.0%/ Controls 100.0%
Body: Cockpit 100.0%/ Nose 100.0%/ Left Wing 100.0%/ Right Wing 100.0%/ Tail 100.0%
Weapons: Guns: 100.0%/ Missiles: 100.0%/ Aft Turret: 100.0%
Weapons: Gun: P-2 / Gun: MD-2 / Gun: FG-GT / Turret: GT-AT / Missile(0): IRK / Missile(2): TPK

Iceblade: RapierII-WWK-12-586 | Body: 90.0%
Shields: Front 8.5 cm / Aft 8.5 cm
Armor: Front 6.5 cm , Aft 6.0 cm, Left 0.0 cm, Right 0.0 cm
Components: Power 100.0%/ Engines 100.0%/ Man.Jets 100.0%/ Controls 100.0%
Body: Cockpit 100.0%/ Nose 100.0%/ Left Wing 50.0%/ Right Wing 100.0%/ Tail 100.0%
Weapons: Guns: 95.0%/ Missiles: 100.0%
Weapons:  Gun(180): SF-2 / Gun: L-2 / Missile(1): DFK / Missile(2): AR

The Targu finally shoots its last, and the Kilrathi fighters are eating more damage than they are giving as one Gothri falls and both of the newly arrived Krants take severe damage to controls and thrusters.

«Wheeeee!» Scorch radios.

The Krants decide to go for broke as both they and the surviving Gothri look to send about a dozen hoo-mans with them as slaves to their afterlife.

«OMEGA, KILL THOSE KRANTS NOW!» Auldwell screams, her demeanor clearly strained. An instrument panel behind her explodes just before the communication ends.

Meanwhile, a pair of Rapiers heard the call to gather and have diverted from their patrol route. They arrived at the Nav C too late and are racing along the Cooke's trail to its present location - 'scoops closed. Before anybody even really notices, a Kitten with Mittens arrives! Their Rapiers racing with barely not time to slow down to combat speed as they reach the battle area.

Ona sees the remaining fighters trying to fry Cooke. She switches to the dumbfire missiles. «Epsilon Lead is engaging the Gothri!» Ona radios.

"Come on Jules, just gotta make sure it doesn't squeeze out a torp, like Cyric did back during the transfer to the Majestic" Karen repeats to herself.

«This one is ours! To static these slaves will join us!» Growls the Gothri pilot as the Gothri and both Krants line for torpedo runs.

Karen d20: 15

As the cats start to move on the damaged Cooke, Kanani pulls on the tail of a Krant, trying to blast it away with a hail of mass driver pellets before it can launch anything at the corvette.

«Who's got what? light up the targets?» Karen asks tersely.

Scorch switches back to mass drivers, and goes after the remaining Gothri.

Cyric goes after his attacker trying to stay behind its guns and willing his stormfire shells to shred it into dust.

«Damn it, guys… Full out Kill these heavy fighters.» Iceblade radios as he trails Krant2, his previous shot wounding the Kilrathi's engines. «Ice FOX 4!»

«I've got you now, stinkin' furball!» Scorch taunts.

«Don't let those Krant's get in to launch their Torps.» Kanani calls out while she's holding down her fighter's trigger.

Dral1 Target d8: 5 = Silence

Scorch's finger is steady on the trigger as he draws a bead on the remaining Gothri.

«You will be my prey, oh silent one.» Dralthi1 taunts Silence.

Cyric takes a deep breath and releases a hailstorm of laser bolts into the agile enemy struggling to keep himself nimble enough to avoid its arc of fire at the same time. Then he notices that the Dralthi doesn't seem to be that interested in him anymore, which causes Cyric's natural aggressiveness to resurface along with a fair desire for vengeance for his turret battered starfighter. He goes after one of the bombers.

Ona aims a Kilrathi Dumbfire at the Gothri, hoping that would do a lot of damage.

Silence doesn't bother responding. He glances back now and then, trying to do his best to stay away from the mass driver fire now coming his way while he tries once again to line up one of these awful dumbfires. It was drilled into him when he came aboard the Majestic - when escorting capitol ships, you're expendable, they aren't.

Emitting from the other bomber: «Swordbuddy here, darting a krant.» «Rimmer here, strafing the gothri.»

«This Gothri's gonna get pasted» Scorch radios.

«Karen here, I'll clean up whatever tsu leaves behind.» Karen adds.

«It will need plenty of paste after we're done with it» Clearoff adds.

«I'm not sure it'd be able to fly again» Scorch radios with a chuckle

 COMBAT BOT: Tsunami scored multiple weapon hits on Krant2 with Mass Drivers.
Krant2 lost their aft shields and had their craft's engines shot up.

Krant2's ship exploded due to a critical failure of ship's integrity.

 COMBAT BOT: Iceblade is unable to complete their attack as Krant2 has been taken out.

 COMBAT BOT: Gunner1 scored multiple weapon hits on Gothri6 with Left Hvy Laser Turret.
Gothri6 lost their front shields and had their craft's right wing blasted to pieces.

Gunner1 scored several hits on Gothri6 with Left Hvy Laser Turret.
Gothri6 lost their aft shields and had their craft's missile launchers blown up.

Gunner1 scored multiple weapon hits on Gothri6 with Left Hvy Laser Turret.
Gothri6 lost their aft shields and had their craft's tail sheared off.

Gothri6 is shredded to pieces and explodes as its ship's core detonates from shrapnel.

 COMBAT BOT: Silence's Dumbfire Missile scored a critical hit on Krant1.
Krant1 lost their front shields and had their craft's left wing torn off.

Krant1's ship exploded due to a critical failure of ship's integrity in addition to the loss of structural elements.

 COMBAT BOT: Kitten only scored glancing hits on Dral1 with Full Guns.
Dral1 lost their aft shields and their aft armor absorbed the hit.

 COMBAT BOT: Karen is unable to complete their attack as Krant1 has been taken out.
 COMBAT BOT: Scorch is unable to complete their attack as Gothri6 has been taken out.
 COMBAT BOT: Talon is unable to complete their attack as Krant1 has been taken out.
 COMBAT BOT: Mittens is unable to complete their attack as Krant1 has been taken out.
 COMBAT BOT: Gunner2 stops firing rounds as all of its targets have been neutralized.
 COMBAT BOT: Swordbuddy is unable to complete their attack as Krant2 has been taken out.

 COMBAT BOT: Dral1 only scored glancing hits on Silence with Mass Drivers.
Silence lost their aft shields and took crippling damage to their craft's right wing.

 COMBAT BOT: Ona is unable to complete their attack as Gothri6 has been taken out.
 COMBAT BOT: Clearoff is unable to complete their attack as Gothri6 has been taken out.
 COMBAT BOT: Rimmer is unable to complete their attack as Gothri6 has been taken out.
 COMBAT BOT: GenGun is unable to complete their attack as Gothri6 has been taken out.
 COMBAT BOT: Auldwell is unable to complete their attack as Gothri6 has been taken out.

And all three heavy fighters are pasted in short order as both Krants and the Gothri are hit with massive damage in a few seconds. Not everyone is even able to get in range to fire before all three go up like Christmas trees in California.

« Yeah, got him! One bomber down! » Silence calls out, squinting as his dumbfire makes the Krant explode in a great big fireball. It gives the Dralthi a chance to get a line on him, though, and he grunts audibly over the radio as he pulls up and away, the right side of his Rapier showing obvious damage.

Scorch is somewhat annoyed at not getting a chance to fire

The three large transports have pressed on. Hoping to escape and close to their destination. Maybe if they can get closer to the destroyer group, they can pick up more reinforcements. But so far, no further Kilrathi are in range. The Dorkathi transport flak batteries are ready to meat the fighters, and their phase shields and armor are far stronger than normal transports such as the Dorkir. Confed certainly doesn't have that many torpedoes left either. The troops within the transport are definitely getting restless.

As her rounds tear into the Krant, Konami's happy to see it fall apart, and says, «One Krant down.» Then the other bombers are down too, and she says, «Looks like we might be clear to deal with the Troop Transports now.»

THAT WAS INCREDIBLE! All three at once!?! Fireworks! Cyric is dizzy for a moment but jerks his battered craft into the last remaining Dralthi enemy cursing his slower than optimal maneuvering back to the primary target.

Scorch radios, «Time to scrap some transports»

Ona radios, «We have one fighter left, then three transports. Epsilon, Engage Dorkathi One»

Scorch: «Roger»

«Hold on, I'm picking up some more unidentifieds on scope.» Karen radios.

«Swordbuddy, Taking out the turret.» «Rimmer here, smoke me a dralthi.»

«The only place they'll be taking cats is the Pit!» Scorch radios.

Only 2 Stilettos and 2 Sabres are seen leaving the second battle zone in the area - 6 dead cats were certainly left behind. They are racing at one of the Dorkathis. «Pilots. You did alright. Time to do what we came here for. Paste their turrets and let's rupture their hulls.»

«Dralthi pilot, it's time to … » Karen cuts off her taunt off.

«This is Razor, we've got Dorkathi 3, you guys got 1 and 2?» Razor radios from his Sabre.

"Just say it Jules… not saying it doesn't mean it's not happening!"

«I'm on 1» Scorch radios

«Acknowledged! Let's wipe them out!» Cyric radios.

Ona realised at this point she had a rather damaged nose…

«Dorkathi! Really! Watch yourselves, these transports have multiple flak guns.» Iceblade warns.

« Spreading ourselves awfully thin, goin' after all three at once, » Silence grumbles, swinging his damaged Rapier around to try and hit the first Dorkathi's turrets with his stormfire cannon while still focusing on avoiding the remaining Dralthi. He still has a full loadout of AR missiles, but hasn't had a good chance to fire them.

«… make peace with yourself.» Karen continued after a long pause.

«Cooke, what's your status? can we get some artillery support?» Karen radios.

«Kitten, Mittens, care to polish off that Dralthi. Mantis, turret duty - use your stormfires!» Iceblade radios.

«Roger Ice, Here Kitty kitty kitty!» Kittens radios.

Scorch lines up on his target, missile armed and ready.

«Roger that. Beginning attack run.» The stoic cat (Mittens) growls over the comm.

«I still have an AR missile saved up for just this target! Firing, Lead!» Cyric lines up on the enemy turret full burn and releases the anti-turret warhead.

« MITTENS! Scorch 'em for me! » Silence calls out, sounding delighted that his Kilrathi friend is here.

«Mittens? <pause> MITTENS!» Karen radios back at the new arrival!

«Engaging target» Scorch radios.

Karen hasn't seen the kilrathi since hearing about his saving Meiko.

Iceblade lines up for the shot…. stormfires blasting away; Rapier spinning and twirling. YAHOO!

Karen looks at the TCS Cooke… smoke is emanating off its hull.

How did Azran get here?!? Oh, well! «TALLY-HO!» Cyric shouts an ancient warcry.

Scorch yells «And away we go!» through his radio.

Karen sees a dralthi on Silence's tail. She maneuvers to engage it, hoping to get some heat off her friend.

Ona got ready to fire a DFK at the first transport. Those guns didn't look very friendly through.

"Rimmer shoot at whatever shoots us!" Swordbuddy orders.

"Standard Operating procedure, I'll make sure they don't have a good morning." Mooreshead replies.

 COMBAT BOT: Gunner1 passes this round.

 COMBAT BOT: Mittens scored multiple weapon hits on Dral1 with Full Guns.
Dral1 lost their aft shields and took crippling damage to their craft's maneuvering thrusters.

 COMBAT BOT: Swordbuddy's Dumbfire Missile scored a critical hit on Dork1.
Dork1 was hit on a turret and a turret of Fk-M was destroyed.

 COMBAT BOT: Kitten's Dumbfire Missile scored a critical hit on Dral1.
Dral1 lost their aft shields and had their craft's engines shot up.

 COMBAT BOT: Iceblade scored several hits on Dork2 with Stormfire Cannon.
Dork2 was hit on a turret and a turret of Fk-M was destroyed.

 COMBAT BOT: Dral1's shots missed Silence completely.

 COMBAT BOT: Karen scored multiple weapon hits on Dral1 with Mass Drivers.
Dral1 lost their aft shields and has their aft hull ripped into.

Dral1 is shredded to pieces and explodes as its ship's core detonates from shrapnel.

 COMBAT BOT: Scorch scored several hits on Dork1 with Full Guns.
Dork1 was hit on a turret and a turret of Fk-M was destroyed.

 COMBAT BOT: DkG2's shots missed Ona completely.

DkG2 scored several hits on Swordbuddy with Medium Flak Turret.
Swordbuddy lost their front shields and their front armor absorbed the hit.

DkG2 scored several hits on Swordbuddy with Medium Flak Turret.
Swordbuddy lost their aft shields and their aft armor absorbed the hit.

DkG2's shots missed Tsunami completely.

 COMBAT BOT: Talon scored multiple weapon hits on Dork1 with Stormfire Cannon.
Dork1 was hit on a turret and Fk-M was destroyed.

 COMBAT BOT: Ona is unable to complete their attack as the targeted turret on Dork1 had been taken out.

 COMBAT BOT: Gunner2 stops firing rounds as all of its targets have been neutralized.

 COMBAT BOT: Clearoff is unable to complete their attack as the targeted turret on Dork1 had been taken out.

 COMBAT BOT: Tsunami scored multiple weapon hits on Dork2 with Mass Drivers.
Dork2 was hit on a turret and a turret of Fk-M was destroyed.

 COMBAT BOT: Dork2 has no target selected and does not act this turn.

 COMBAT BOT: Silence is unable to complete their attack as the targeted turret on Dork1 had been taken out.

 COMBAT BOT: GenGun only scored glancing hits on Dork1 with Aft Neutron Turret.
Dork1 had their front shields weakened.

 COMBAT BOT: Rimmer scored several hits on Dork2 with Aft Neutron Turret.
Dork2 was hit on a turret and Fk-M was destroyed.

 COMBAT BOT: Dork1 passes this round.
 COMBAT BOT: Auldwell has no target selected and does not act this turn.

Confed fighters for both groups clean the clocks off of the Dorkathi and the Dralthi explodes. Time for Turkey shooting!

«Sorry buddy, we can't let the transports through…» Karen states flatly as she stares at the ever expanding fireball engulfing her dralthi, not letting up on the mass driver fire.

Ona sees the turret explode. Now time to finish the transport off.

Scorch radios, «Scratch one turret!»

«RIght everyone…. Dumbfires dumbfires dumbfires; use all the heavy ordnance you've got left!» Iceblade radios.

«Wing lead, engaging dorkathi 1, guns guns guns.» Karen radios.

«Right, let's put some Kilrathi through the Hard Vacuum Challenge!» Clearoff cries.

«Looks like all the turrets are down at least. Nice shooting guys.» Kanani remarks as she flips her fighter around to start nibbling away at the transport.

Panting heavily in his cockpit, Silence pulls around through the freshly empty skies and starts lining up a dumbfire at the bow of one of the transports. « Copy. Let's fry these soldiers. »

"Can't let what happened to Jamie happen to the people on this planet… " Karen tries to strengthen her resolve.

«Enemy Turrets Neutralized! Weapons Free! FIRE! FIRE! FIRE!» Cyric fires his stormfire rounds into the enemy transport's engines.

The Cooke attempts to push ahead of the Transports looking the seal the fate of these marines. «COME TO AUNTIE my prey!» She radios zealously, audio only.
Scorch lines up for a missile run. He radios «Let's blow stuff up!»

Silence mumbles with the mic off, "God I hate Auldwell."

Karen rolls her eyes…

«Swordbuddy here… bombs away!» Swordbuddy says, one would think he’s enticed by the situation.

Ona switches to fire her missile at the stricken transport.

Scorch helpfully radios «Don't miss!» Scorch lines up for his attack run, «Ready to engage»

 COMBAT BOT: Mittens's Dumbfire Missile scored a critical hit on Dork2.
Dork2 had their aft shields weakened.

 COMBAT BOT: Tsunami scored multiple weapon hits on Dork2 with Mass Drivers.
Dork2 lost their aft shields.

Dork2 was hit on the aft region and had multiple Engines crippled.

 COMBAT BOT: Silence's Dumbfire Missile scored a critical hit on Dork1.
Silence's missile launcher clicks empty for Dumbfire Missiles.
Dork1 had their aft shields weakened.

 COMBAT BOT: Talon scored multiple weapon hits on Dork1 with Stormfire Cannon.
Dork1 lost their aft shields.

Dork1 was hit on the aft region and had its Hull is cracked.

 COMBAT BOT: Gunner1 passes this round.
 COMBAT BOT: Gunner2 passes this round.

 COMBAT BOT: Kitten's Dumbfire Missile hit Dork2 dead-on.
Dork2 lost their aft shields.

Dork2 was hit on the right region and had one of its Cargo Bays damaged.

 COMBAT BOT: Ona's Dumbfire Missile hit Dork1 dead-on.
Ona's missile launcher clicks empty for Dumbfire Missiles.
Dork1 lost their aft shields.

Dork1 was hit on the right region and had its Hull was hit.

 COMBAT BOT: Iceblade's Dumbfire Missile scored a critical hit on Dork2.
Iceblade's missile launcher clicks empty for Dumbfire Missiles.
Dork2 lost their aft shields.

Dork2 was hit on the aft region and had all of its Engines torn apart.

 COMBAT BOT: Karen scored multiple weapon hits on Dork1 with Mass Drivers.
Dork1 lost their aft shields.

Dork1 was hit on the left region and had its Hull is cracked.

Dorkathi-12-398 has its spine broken in two followed by numerous explosions along the hull.

 COMBAT BOT: Scorch is unable to complete their attack as Dork1 has been taken out.
 COMBAT BOT: Clearoff is unable to complete their attack as Dork1 has been taken out.
 COMBAT BOT: DkG2 passes this round.
 COMBAT BOT: Rimmer is unable to complete their attack as Dork1 has been taken out.
 COMBAT BOT: GenGun is unable to complete their attack as Dork1 has been taken out.
 COMBAT BOT: Dork2 passes this round.
 COMBAT BOT: Auldwell passes this round.

 COMBAT BOT: Swordbuddy's Torpedo phases past the shields and hits Dork2.
Swordbuddy's missile launcher clicks empty for Torpedos.
Dork2 was hit on the aft region and had all of its Engines torn apart.

Dorkathi-12-994 has its spine broken in two followed by numerous explosions along the hull.

And ALL THREE TRANSPORTS Die in Unison …. cry its beautiful… like a ballet.

The transports explode, scores of the tightly packed furry bodies come flying out of the large gashes in the Dorkathis' hull. The fires from their eyes, hearts, and on their fur have all been snuffed out. This is a solid victory for Confed. No doubt many thousands would have been killed by these marines; and many more taken as slaves to live an existence worse than death. And for the Kilrathi, it's just another (admittedly poor) day in the lifespan of the Kilrathi Empire.

«Nice shooting guys. Good Job Karen.» Tsunami calls out as the transports go flying into separate pieces of debris. Not to mention all the floating dead marine cats in space now.

Scorch yells into his radio with glee «WHEEEE!» «Cats go boom!»

Silence pulls back on the throttle as the transports start to go up, grim satisfaction crossing his face. « That's one more farming world you bastards won't be glassing, » He grumbles. « Good shootin' everyone. »

«WOW! Look at them BURN! Great work Mantis! Expect some medals after this… oh and pie; Right Ona!» Iceblade radios the group.

Ona whoops in delight… then sees the corpses come pouring out. She was happy they were dead, but a little regret was still there… Doing what has to be done.

Karen watches the dorkathi's hull buckle under her mass driver fire. She sees the hull paneling peel off and then soldiers leaking out into space, their contortions forming a sickly dance as their last breath escapes from their lungs. They continue to twitch for what seems like minutes, until they stop. Karen cannot stop looking at this spectacle. She knows this is due to her action and she has to accept that this is who she is.

Karen d20: 3

Instead, Karen just threw up.

Azran looks over the devastation, his eyes glazing slightly before pulling back into formation, «Excellent work.»

«Razor here, Black Cats get a kill apiece it seems!» Razor radios.

«Pie doesn't apply for troop transports, but we could make an exception for Karen…» Ona radios.

Scorch looks on as the atmospheres of the stricken transports ignite. He has no qualms; these cats would have killed a lot more people if they hadn't been stopped.

"I did this to save more Jamies… I need to remember that." Karen tries to sooth herself.

Cyric pulls a victory roll as he spins away from the smote ruins of the enemy transport ships. «We reign supreme! Job well done, everyone!»

« Flight lead, let's get the hell out of here. Think we're all low on munitions and high on damage. » Silence radios.

«Mission accomplished… there's nothing left for us here… requesting … permission to… go home.» Karen radios.

«Oh, this is a good hurt! Anyone you can literally walk away from.» Iceblade radios.

Scorch checks his systems. Everything seems to be fine, and that makes him happy.

While Confed was victorious, the damage received was significant. The TCS Cook is now badly crippled. Its hull has lost much of its integrity, it will be at least a month or more in drydock for repairs. Whenever that time gets here. For now, the Cooke will remain moored to the Majestic, a burden rather than an asset. And now, the Flight Groups Omega and Charlie must pick up the pieces of their flights and make the trek back to the TCS Majestic.

Karen Alertness Technical 15: Success

Karen’s scope is clean… she thinks.

«A good day. Can we get some leave now? There's some hay I want to have a roll in.» Clearoff asks.

Auldwell appears on the screen, burned gash along one side of her face. Several panels are visibly blown out in the background, «Well, you didn't completely shit the bed, fly boys. Let's go»

«Anyone up for some food when we get home? I'm starvin'» Scorch radios.

«After that battle, I need a drink! Who’s with me?» Cyric radios.

Silence pulls into formation with the others and peers out the right side of his canopy, frowning at the blown away armor on the right wing of his Rapier.

«I could go for a drink, Cyric» Scorch responds.

Karen forms up on Kanani, no astrobatics, just intentional flying.

«I don't think we'll be getting much in the way of leave while the cats are still in the area.» Tsunami remarks, «Anyways, let’s get back to the barn so we can start fixing up the damage to our birds.»

«My treat, Scorch! Let's blow this pop-sickle stand and go home.» Cyric radios.

«Well, Scorch, we have pie ready when we get back in.» Ona radios.

«Sounds like a plan Cyric!» Scorch radios back.

Iceblade just shakes his head at Auldwell. «Right! Time to get Drinks from Zorro and tell her all about this little adventure.» Iceblade radios with a grin.

«We took out a frigate, a corvette and 3000 troops… Mittens, would this be enough to provoke the kilrathi, or make them rethink the strategy?» Karen asks.

« I don't think they need any help being provoked, Karen. » Silence radios.

«I'm surprised she didn't blame us on her getting damaged by the frigate» Karen narrowbeams to Iceblade and Silence.

«Might just be another day for them.» Kanani remarks to Karen's question.

«Not for the dead ones.» Clearoff adds.

«It will almost certainly provoke a counterattack, however, any land based plans will likely be heavily reworked, if not put off entirely.» Mittens replies.

«No rest for the weary » Scorch adds.

«I think she realises she screwed the pouch on that one… it's not the first time she has been way too reckless.» Iceblade responds to Silence and Karen on tight beam.

Karen has a bittersweet smile. She stopped more Silences from being made… but she will need to face the consequences of her actions.

Silence sets the autopilot, slumps back in his seat, and closes his eyes. Tapping the laser link button, he replies, « Guess we'll see how TCN wants to handle her. »

Scorch smiles at the thought of touching down in the hangar. He says, "You okay, Jenny?" She replies, "Never better."

Ona is looking forward to ending this mission as well.

The group returns to the Majestic… a bit slowly due to the Cooke's slower speed.

«TCS Cooke, what's your status… is everything stable?» Karen asks in a concerned tone.

«Barely…» Harry Kim, the comm officer whispers on audio only.

«Epsilon Flight, what's your status. I need to know if you need landing priority» Ona asks Scorch and Swordbuddy.

«Should we radio the Majestic to send an emerg repair team to intercept?» Karen radios Mantis.

«We're A-okay, Ona» Scorch responds.

«Mantis flight report in» Iceblade radios as he begins processing the landing issue.

Iceblade: RapierII-WWK-12-586 | Body: 90.0%
Shields: Front 8.5 cm / Aft 8.5 cm
Armor: Front 6.5 cm , Aft 6.0 cm, Left 0.0 cm, Right 0.0 cm
Components: Power 100.0%/ Engines 100.0%/ Man.Jets 100.0%/ Controls 100.0%
Body: Cockpit 100.0%/ Nose 100.0%/ Left Wing 50.0%/ Right Wing 100.0%/ Tail 100.0%
Weapons: Guns: 95.0%/ Missiles: 100.0%
Weapons:  Gun(170): SF-2 / Gun: L-2 / Missile(0): DFK / Missile(2): AR 

Karen: Stiletto-K-12-719 | Body: 80.0%
Shields: Front 6.0 cm / Aft 6.0 cm
Armor: Front 1.2 cm , Aft 0.0 cm, Left 1.2 cm, Right 1.2 cm
Components: Power 100.0%/ Engines 100.0%/ Man.Jets 100.0%/ Controls 100.0%
Body: Cockpit 100.0%/ Nose 100.0%/ Left Wing 100.0%/ Right Wing 100.0%/ Tail 0.0%
Weapons: Guns: 100.0%/ Missiles: 100.0%
Weapons: Gun: MD-2 / Missile(0): HSK 

Silence: RapierII-WWK-12-328 | Body: 86.0%
Shields: Front 8.5 cm / Aft 8.5 cm
Armor: Front 6.5 cm , Aft 6.0 cm, Left 2.8 cm, Right 0.0 cm
Components: Power 100.0%/ Engines 100.0%/ Man.Jets 100.0%/ Controls 100.0%
Body: Cockpit 100.0%/ Nose 100.0%/ Left Wing 100.0%/ Right Wing 11.8%/ Tail 100.0%
Weapons: Guns: 100.0%/ Missiles: 100.0%
Weapons:  Gun(150): SF-2 / Gun: L-2 / Missile(0): DFK / Missile(2): AR 

Ona: Sabre-TK-12-911 | Body: 84.0%
Shields: Front 8.0 cm / Aft 8.0 cm
Armor: Front 0.0 cm , Aft 12.0 cm, Left 9.0 cm, Right 9.0 cm
Components: Power 100.0%/ Engines 100.0%/ Man.Jets 100.0%/ Controls 100.0%
Body: Cockpit 100.0%/ Nose 0.0%/ Left Wing 100.0%/ Right Wing 100.0%/ Tail 100.0%
Weapons: Guns: 100.0%/ Missiles: 100.0%/ Aft Turret: 100.0%
Weapons: Gun: FG-SB / Gun: MD-2 / Gun: P-2 / Turret: SB-AT / Missile(0): DFK / Missile(0): FFK / Missile(0): TPK 

Talon: RapierII-WWK-12-577 | Body: 54.0%
Shields: Front 8.5 cm / Aft 8.5 cm
Armor: Front 6.5 cm , Aft 6.0 cm, Left 0.0 cm, Right 0.0 cm
Components: Power 100.0%/ Engines 100.0%/ Man.Jets 75.0%/ Controls 100.0%
Body: Cockpit 100.0%/ Nose 100.0%/ Left Wing 61.5%/ Right Wing 9.0%/ Tail 100.0%
Weapons: Guns: 100.0%/ Missiles: 100.0%
Weapons:  Gun(170): SF-2 / Gun: L-2 / Missile(0): DFK / Missile(1): AR 

Tsunami: Stiletto-K-12-909 | Body: 69.0%
Shields: Front 6.0 cm / Aft 6.0 cm
Armor: Front 8.0 cm , Aft 6.0 cm, Left 0.0 cm, Right 6.5 cm
Components: Power 100.0%/ Engines 100.0%/ Man.Jets 100.0%/ Controls 100.0%
Body: Cockpit 100.0%/ Nose 100.0%/ Left Wing 0.0%/ Right Wing 100.0%/ Tail 100.0%
Weapons: Guns: 100.0%/ Missiles: 100.0%
Weapons: Gun: MD-2 / Missile(0): HSK 

Scorch: Sabre-TK-12-949 | Body: 100.0%
Shields: Front 8.0 cm / Aft 8.0 cm
Armor: Front 12.0 cm , Aft 8.8 cm, Left 4.0 cm, Right 0.1 cm
Components: Power 100.0%/ Engines 100.0%/ Man.Jets 100.0%/ Controls 100.0%
Body: Cockpit 100.0%/ Nose 100.0%/ Left Wing 100.0%/ Right Wing 100.0%/ Tail 100.0%
Weapons: Guns: 100.0%/ Missiles: 100.0%/ Aft Turret: 100.0%
Weapons: Gun: FG-SB / Gun: MD-2 / Gun: P-2 / Turret: SB-AT / Missile(2): DFK / Missile(2): FFK / Missile(0): TPK

« Minor damage, all systems green. Armor did its job, » Silence responds.

«I'm pretty good, need a new coat of armor though» Karen says

«Lucky that flak getting rip to shreds…» Iceblade radios back.

«Damage minimal. Ready to land and get that drink, Captain. Flak Turrets are not my cup of tea.» Cyric says coolly.

«I need a new nose. I smell awful.» Ona radios. «Hey, Karen, you going to join us for your just desserts?»

«Clever pun there Ona» Scorch radios his wingleader.

Iceblade joins in the pie activities of course.

In the briefing room, the combined group gathers for a debrief with Taylor… following 30 minutes of bathroom and showers.

Scorch takes a seat.

Singh stands in the back, trying to make herself smaller.

Jamie slumps down with his flightsuit half unzipped, still damp with sweat from the intense battle. He's swallowing a salt pill and drinking a whole bunch of water as the Colonel begins the debrief.

Scorch says "Nice shootin' everyone!"

Ona and Clearoff are in their regular uniform now.

Scorch chugs water from a canteen.

"Time to get plastered!" Cyric says.

"I'm down for that" Scorch responds.

Karen is still wearing her flightsuit pants… her top is the Majestic t-shirt… Her hair is a sweaty mess, her eyes are slightly bloodshot.

Cyric is ready for his potato wine, also known as Vodka.

As Kanani wait's for Taylor to start the debriefing she glances around at the other pilots and stretches a bit glad to be out of a cockpit after however many hours they were out there.

"Pilots, you did excellent work out there! You kept your cool and kept that…" Taylor pauses in a self-censor, "corvette alive… despite her best efforts."

"They owe us a case of beers", Clearoff adds.

Scorch says,"That's the truth!"

Karen looks away.

Jamie lets his lips curl up in the hint of a smirk. He's apparently glad to see a senior officer acknowledging Auldwell's behavior.

*…and a public apology that mostly involves telling us how awesome we are and how much they wish they could be half as cool as us!* Cyric thinks to himself.

"You also have stalled out the Kilrathi ground invasion of Palan, and for that, many people on the planet should be very grateful… if they ever knew how close they came." Taylor continues.

Scorch chuckles to himself, thinking of things he would like to say to Auldwell, but can't for reasons.

Ona and Clearoff smile. That's why they do what they do.

Julianna is just glad to have protected the planet… but is conflicted. If there were no settlers, she wouldn't need to kill… but we have as much of a right to exist as the kilrathi do. She had no choice, they forced her hand. She also wonders about the Comm officer, he sounded cute.

Scorch has no qualms about killing those cats. It's him or them.

"You will all receive medals for this, and I am personally recommending Captain Nawahi, 1st Lt. Bradford, 2nd Lt. Reynolds, and 2nd Lt. Singh for Gold medals as you were so integral to stopping the invasion before it ever started." Taylor adds.

"Another medal?" Clearoff remarks, "Our uniforms are going to be rather heavy.»

Taylor starts to clap his hands at the four.

Scorch begins clapping.

Cyric claps because everyone else including his boss is doing it!

Karen claps, though not as enthused as her peers.

Ona and Clearoff clap too.

Jenny begins clapping

Julianna raises her hand.

Scorch lets out a war whoop.

Azran quietly nods in mildly confused approval of the honorings being bestowed.

Iceblade claps as well, "Captain Nawahi should get the most credit, she was in charge during that patrol mission." Phillip speaks up.

Scorch yells out, "Here here!"

"You are too humble, Ice! You did well out there!" Cyric says supporting his buddy.

Perking his brows up, Jamie looks around at the others. He smiles, a little awkward about compliments, as usual, but he'll incline his head gratefully at the others as well.

"Hey now. stop throwing me under the bus." Kanani jokes at Iceblade's claim about her getting most the credit, "Everyone there earned their credit."

"Noted Lieutenant Bradford. Now the rest of you better get busy or your peers will be generals before your reach major." Taylor brusquely jokes.

"I don't see any bus", Clearoff said.

Scorch jokes, "Some get more credit than the bank."

"Lts Karde, Pearson and Peters really contributed too." Lt Singh observes.

"Thank you, but all I did was finish that Targu," Scorch says.

"It's what they put all the dishes and glasses in the bar to clean them up, when we're not messing the place up." Kanani remarks with a straight face to Clearoff.

"Now you took out 3 Transports, over 3000 marines, 1 Frigate, and 1 Corvette… plus a mess of fighters and bombers. Anything to add to the tally?" Taylor finishes.

"Auldwell's pride?" Clearoff added.

Julianna raises her hand.

Cyric smiles with pride but declaims. "Well, we couldn't do it without Karen's help! She is a real hero! I vote we promote her call-sign to 'KIll-Stealer'. Now who’s with me?!"

"Me!" Scorch chimes.

"Me!" Ona and Clearoff cry.

Julianna lowers her hand and and crosses her arms.

"Someone has to rob those graves!" Scorch says.

Taylor stifles a chuckle waving off the comment about Auldwell. "Pilots! You are Dismissed!" Taylor gives the group a hearty salute.

Scorch stands too and salutes.

Singh salutes, anxious to get out of the debrief.

Cyric salutes with smartness and precision of a parade ground drill sergeant!

Ona and Clearoff salute. It's been a good victory.

Azran salutes back and proceeds from the room.

Scorch can't wait to hit the bar

Iceblade smiles and heads out following Singh to her destination.

Kanani salutes Taylor, and then heads out of the room to probably get a shower and a nap by now.

Up to his feet, Jamie offers a salute as well. On his way out of the room, he hurries up to catch up with Azran, calling up to the Kilrathi, "Hey, thanks for the save out there."

Cyric leaves to go get that drink with Scorch and Iceblade.

Julianna pats Azran's arm on her way out. "Happy to see you again." she whispers.

Azran looks down at the smol hooman and tilts his head, "There is no need to thank me. You had a greater target, and were under attack. Who would ignore that when free to choose their prey?" He says before noting Karen's pat, "It is good to see you as well, Lieutenant."

Jamie shrugs his shoulders. "Human custom, you know. Thankin' someone for helping to save your life. Anyway, I hear we've got patrol duty together comin' up. I'll be looking forward to it. Maybe we'll get lucky and have a nice relaxing day of popping Salthi, yeah?"

Azran lets out a small chuckling, a horrible sound that no doubt pricks the skin and curls the hair of all who hear it, "…I would prefer Dralthi, or Krant. Salthi pose no real threat, but their speed and maneuverability make them…ob-nox-ious to engage." Carefully sounding out the complex hooman word.

Jamie continues to walk through the green-painted corridor, pausing at a junction to turn toward the showers. "I'll take anything that doesn't have flak turrets or heavy laser batteries, at this point. Gotta go shower the sweat off, Az. I'll catch you later."

Azran offers Jamie a nod and continues on his way.