Fighter Preparations

Posted on Sun Dec 6th, 2015 @ 8:53pm by Colonel S'er'in'e & Lieutenant Lynsi Mason & 2nd Lieutenant Scooter Porkinsky

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S'er'in'e had gathered everyone around 'The Table' that was not already on deployment ferrying civilian craft to the station or away to a safer location. Communications were filled with chatter, some positive and supportive and the occasional freighter Captain complaining about his time sensitive cargo that would spoil.

"Listen up everyone. With half our force currently on CAP and ship ferry duties the rest of you have been assigned to advanced umbrella recon. By that I mean groups of 3 will transit to designated coordinates and passively scout the area. We know the general direction of the enemy advance but I will be spreading everyone in a wider arc to ensure there are no flanking forces." The holographic simulation the table put up flashed the various locations the fighters would be. "The positioning of our forces will be in multiple layers so as soon as the first group detects the enemy they fall back, then the second group and so on in a collapsing envelop."

"As soon as you detect the enemy you are not to engage, break communications silence and communicate sensor readings back to 332 on encrypted channels. You will then fall back to your assigned fall back locations and repeat the process. As readings come in I will narrow the search umbrella thus increasing the frequency of the information being relayed. As soon as the enemy come into 332's sensor range everyone will fall back to rearm and refit according to information relayed. It is paramount that nobody engages the enemy, if you are engaged by scouts or advanced forces then retreat so I want no heroics, no ego preening stunts, we will need everyone back here when the fleet arrives." S'erine paused slightly as the table turned off.

"I realize that I am new to the position as CAG so consider this your opportunity to demonstrate to me the talents, abilities and dedication that Captain Von informed me about. Any questions so far?"

Blaze didn't have a question, but she did know the pilots of this air wing better than their new CAG. "I know a lot of you are still lacking true combat experience. Believe me, part of me wishes it could stay that way. But we're not going to be so lucky tonight. If we're going to get through this, we need everyone to step up. Veterans, make sure you take the rookies under your wings. And rookies, make sure you follow the orders of your flight leaders. Like the Major said, we don't need anyone trying to be hot shots."

"When I send you people out there it is my intention to have you return to loved ones and family, follow orders, do your best and remember your training. The task ahead will be a challenge but if we work together as an operational unit with the station then we will face it not only together but also with better odds than alone." The table repeated the sequence of events as they were to happen with trios of fighters taking up a wide arc towards the enemy fleet. A large red arrow indicated the fleet as it neared and in doing so the first layer fell back relaying information, then the next and the next until they gathered at the Starbase.

Lt. Porkinsky studied the squadron deployment schema. His enthusiasm was dampened only by the fact that he would be flying a 'pipsqueak' Razor instead of a heavy Raptor.

"I have already ordered all craft to be fitted for a light anti fighter load-out if you have no choice to defend yourselves, otherwise avoid and withdraw." Silence lingered as most watched the table. "Unless there are any other questions, to your fighters."

Blaze stayed near the table as the other pilots started to depart. She had wanted to wait for any further questions, but with the orders apparently clear, she knew she had to get to her own bird soon. "We'll get through this, Boss. I know they're young, but these pilots have a lot of heart. I just hope we don't have to be writing any letters when it's all said and done."

"Prepare for the worst, hope for the best Lieutenant. Right now it is all we can do." S'er'in'e replied. He hoped she was right though, losing people was always difficult and while everyone in the uniform knew the risks, as a leader of people that one particular duty was always a tough pill to swallow when it came to informing next of kin. He watched as his pilots prepared for launch. "Launch by flight, I don't want to clutter the departure route."

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Joint Post Between:-

Major S'er'in'e
Lieutenant Mason
Lieutenant Rawles
2nd Porkinski