Jibbous paced about the deck waiting for the
commander. Xiron was always late; he took too much time tinkering with his neural holograms.
The more he waited the less time he was out in the field,and also the less time he had to
catch up with the infamous Ice Pirates. He had dispatched them to distract the fleets of
Crossfire and strike three strategic targets deep within their space. A moral blow no doubt,
but it would never get out into the media, not unless his own secondary objective is
met.
A set of foot steps became louder and then a figure stood at the doorway staring
at the tall pilot, "Wandering in your own hellish thoughts again Jib?"
"Hmm? Oh,
sorry sir, just thinking about my mission."
"An important one indeed. Run it by me again,
Farad didn't give me much details."
"As soon as the Blade Runners jump in via the
old jumpholes they are to proceed to checkpoint charlie and take out the early warning sats.
Their cloaks should hold up. As soon as that's done they are to head for Objective
Blackout. At that point the Jades and Stingers are to move in with the Blades and obliterate
the mine generators. We then have a window of 5 minutes to cruise through the mines while
the rippers create a rift in the field for our capitol ships to arrive."
"But then
why the Dark Sickness?"
"We plan to take out the Class A cap ships with
atomics."
"Atomics?"
"Yes, and if it doesn't take out the capitol ships then the
atomics will take care of the fighters."
"And then the cannons?"
"We use the asteroid
field for cover."
"But how are you going to take the planet?"
"Who said Farad wanted
to take it?"
~~~~
"This is the beta flight of the 89th, Vegabonds, reporting
for duty."
"About time, the IP are on the move, prepare for jump."
"Jump coordinates
set, we are prepared to move out."
"Vegabonds, Slipfighters! The IP have deactivated the
minefield!"
"Fuck! Slips move out!"
