ITOD Home > PSG Tour A1 (XW) > PSG Xa114: Harrassment II

The Politics of Attrition

Taking a deep breath, Second Lieutenant Mia StormChaser settled back into the comforting security of her battered X-Wing, WildCard Two. It felt good to back in her own craft again after it had been heavily damaged during that recent attack on a pirate base in Jardal system.
‘I know Warhog, I know.’ Mia couldn’t help laughing as she read the incoming translation in her cockpit HUD of the distinctly disgruntled beeps and whistles from her long suffering R4 astromech co-pilot.
‘I promise not to get the ‘Card so smashed up this time okay? Anyways, I thought you liked ordering around those other repair mech’s in the hanger bay of the Redemption?’
Mia didn’t need her translator to guess what the intention was behind Warhog’s curt reply.

* * * * **

Arriving in the briefing station on board the Odin, Mia still had to admire the sheer attention to design detail the Calamari put into even their combat Star Cruiser’s. If she didn’t know better, the comfortable (if rather aquatic) fixtures and multiple crystal clear viewpoints seemed more suited to a pleasure boat rather then to a grim engine of total war.
Mia was surprised however, when apart from her briefing officer, a staff officer she didn’t recognise, the briefing room remained empty of any other pilots.
Noticing her entry into the briefing room, it’s lone occupant called across. ‘Lieutenant.’ The Sullustan staff officer greeted her promptly as she crossed the room quickly and stood to attention in front of him. ‘I’m Colonel Sund, please sit.’ Colonel Sund said, beckoning Mia to a nearby seat at the front of the briefing area.
‘After your successful contribution to the destruction of some of the Star Hammer project supplies recently, I’m pleased to say you have been selected to continue our harassment campaign.’ Colonel Sund continued, almost without pause.
‘Looking forward to it Sir.’ Mia replied, trying not stare at Sund’s impressive facial jowls, which she remembered suddenly were called ‘dewflaps’. Stifling a smile, Mia forced herself to concentrate on what Colonel Sund was saying.
‘Hmmm. You might not be so eager when I explain that because of shortages, you will be out there on your own this time. While the mission is simple enough; just destroy an unarmed freighter laying a comsat and head back home, the opposition is going to tough.’ The Colonel continued.
‘What am I facing Sir?’ Mia asked quickly, all thoughts of dewflaps now rapidly forgotten.
‘Early reports suggest a supporting frigate, but your main concern will be a very heavy starfighter defence, and possibly also a mine field.’
‘Thanks for the warning Sir, I’ll best get too it.’ Mia replied, trying to sound much more confidant then she felt.
‘Good luck Lieutenant.’ Colonel Sund saluted, adding in parting ‘The astrogation co-ordinates have already been uploaded into your R4 droid.’

* * * * **

‘Emperor’s black bones!’ cursed Mia as she saw yet another wave of TIE Interceptors designated Opal launched from the frigate guarding the comsat. How many was that, fifteen? She had lost count, and it was taking all her piloting skills just to defeat the thankfully small wing of TIE Advanced that had also been launched as she entered the combat zone.
Luckily, one of her primary objectives she had been able to achieve quickly. She noticed that the freighter she had come to destroy was making a hasty retreat, which she had put a smart stop to with her complete supply of concussion missiles. But she couldn’t get near that damn comsat until she had taken out this shield of starfighters….

* * * * **

Resisting the urge to punch the air in the limited space of her combat when the last TIE exploded, Mia still gave out a shout of triumph. Up until now she had never been dog-fighting for so long, against so many odds, and survived.
The mines had been tough, but by studying her in flight map, Mia had managed to plot the best path to destroy them in several runs, and with only minimal damage to her craft. By chance also, during one of her mine runs, a lucky long shot had taken out the comsat, and with this last TIE consigned to history, all of her mission objectives had been met.
Eyeing up the surviving frigate, whose directed fire still spewed at her craft, despite the WildCard Two being out of range, Mia was tempted to try and damage the remaining vassal. Cursing herself for a fool, Mia soon changed her mind though, and turned about. She had been very lucky, best not try her luck even more.

‘It’s time to head home Warhog. Good work.’ Mia said, unable to stop the fatigue in her voice coming through the comlink.

It might have been her imagination, but Mia was sure her droid sounded as relieved, and as tired as she was.