Put Up or Shut Up
Omega Squadron walked silently and as a group to the briefing room. Fortunately, Maniac had been able to keep Drake in the dark about what was going to go down, and this briefing was merely a formality. They all quickly took their seats and looked to Drake to begin the briefing.
Drake moved to her podium and surveyed the pilots before beginning. "We have finally reached the V'trelm system and we will be launching within the hour," she said finally. "Please check your ICIS for your mission objectives."
Omega Squadron looked down at their ICIS's. The grid display came up and the automated voice began. "The Palau has finally reached the V'trelm system. Your objective is to fly to an intercept point near the G'renll jump-gate and, along with Major Casey's Alpha Wing, fly heavy fighter support for Stiletto's Bravo Wing. You must clear a path through the enemy fighters so that Bravo Wing can deliver its payload to the enemy's command ships. Once the command ships have been disabled, return to the Palau. End of Briefing."
Rapier looked up and began to set in his mind his real orders. Silently he looked towards the rest of Omega Squadron. "If there are no questions," began Drake. "Then you are all dismissed. Good luck out there." The assembly of pilots rose as one and began to file out.
Maniac stepped up and motioned for Rapier to come over. "Lieutenant I want to talk to you about your performance as of late," he said. Then he took a quick look to make sure that Drake had left the briefing room with Anderson. "I'll have the Bridge clear you for landing as soon as you're in visual range. In order to let me know that you've succeeded in cutting enough time, do three barrel rolls during your approach. When I see you do that it will signal me to tell the maintenance crew to prepare your second set of Cobras for immediate launch. All you'll have to do from there is get out of one fighter and into another. The second set of Cobras will be loaded as per Midnight's specifications. If all goes well, you and I are going to be celebrating in Pilot Country when you get back."
"I'd like that, sir," said Rapier.
"I wish you and your whole squadron the best of luck," said Maniac.
"Thank you, sir," replied Rapier. Maniac saluted him and Rapier returned his salute. After the two of them finished saluting one another, Rapier turned and walked towards the doorway that lead to the hangar bay.
"One last thing, Lieutenant," Maniac said at the last moment before Rapier was out of sight. Rapier paused without turning to face him. "I'd be out there flying with you if I could."
Rapier stood motionless for a moment. "Thank you, sir," he said. "That really means a lot." He steeled himself for a brief instant and marched out of the briefing room towards the hangar bay. Maniac left soon afterwards and headed for the Bridge. He had a lot of work to do before Omega Squadron got back.
Rapier walked rapidly down the hall to the Flight Deck. His heart was pounding in his chest. The rest of Omega Squadron had gathered and were waiting for him. They all wore the same face that he knew he was wearing at this very moment. He paused in front of them. They looked like they expected him to say something.
"Last chance to turn back," he said. Everyone remained silent. "End all, be all?"
They all smiled. "Yes, sir!" they responded in unison.
"Kick bug ass and save the day?" he asked.
"Yes, SIR!" they all responded again.
"Saddle up and move out!"
"Yes, SIR!"
They all dispersed and headed for their assigned Cobras. Almost in unison, they climbed the ladder to their cockpits and began their preflight countdowns.
Drake looked on with a smile from the window.
Once airborne, the Omegas met up with Casey and the rest of Alpha Wing.
"Omega Squadron," said Rapier. "Form up on my wing and prepare to go."
They all voiced in their acknowledgements and Rapier looked out of his cockpit towards Casey's Panther. "Time to turn and burn, Major," he said.
"See you at the engagement, Rapier," replied Casey.
"Hey, Frosty!" shouted Waborita over the COMM.
"Yes, Wabo?" replied Casey.
"You gonna drink with us when we get back?"
"Wouldn't miss it for the world, Wabo."
Moments later, Bravo Wing entered the flight pattern and the three sets of pilots headed for their NAV point. There was nothing but silence while they flew in formation.
"Bravo Leader to Omega Leader," said Stiletto over the COMM.
"This is Omega Leader," replied Rapier. "What can I do for you Major?"
"The coast is clear for you to proceed with your mission, Omega Squadron. Good luck and Godspeed."
"Thank you, Major. See you when you get there."
With that Omega Squadron kicked their Cobras into full throttle and sped away from the pack. Each and every one of them was a little nervous. "Remember, people," said Rapier. "No afterburners or this will all have been for nothing."
Again each pilot chimed his or her acknowledgement. When at last they reached the engagement point. Rapier opened the COMM again. "Break formation and kill 'em," he said.
"Usual rules apply," added Waborita.
"Amen to that," said Chameleon.
The seven Cobras split up and headed for different targets. Midnight charged past everything and headed for the Fleet Killer. Three Morays pursued him almost instantly. Tracer, meanwhile was lining up a missile shot already on one of the Corvettes. Once his missile locked on, he fired. The Corvette barely moved against the impact, like it hadn't felt a thing. The sensors told a different story. As if in anger, the Corvette targeted Tracer and returned fire with a barrage of laser fire. Though it hit him several times, his shields absorbed everything. Bitch followed soon after with another missile to the already damaged side of the Corvette. The Corvette was not able to handle the two missile shots and exploded. Elsewhere, Chameleon was chasing the three Morays that were chasing Midnight. "Payback time," she said and fired one of her multi-target missiles at the three Morays. None of them survived the impact. Meanwhile, Rapier was firing his full guns at the second Corvette, Princess was busy chasing an Ace, and Waborita was swatting a few of the Mantas.
Midnight had braved the gun turrets of the Fleet Killer and aimed for its shield spikes. A quick burst from his guns and the first spike was obliterated. Two more quick bursts followed and the second and third shield spikes were gone. He then turned away and hit full throttle on his Cobra to put significant distance between himself and the Fleet Killer. As he did so, the Fleet Killer tried to hit him with its missiles. However, he popped off a few decoys, abruptly changed direction, and got away unscathed. Elsewhere, Rapier finished off the Corvette he had engaged, Waborita took down his third Manta with a missile, and Princess fired her full guns on the Ace. The Ace shook from the impact and had only barely enough time to turn about and fire one last missile before Princess's guns blew him from the stars. Princess tried to turn, but the missile impacted and damaged her guns. "Damn it!" she swore loudly over the COMM.
"Don't swear," said Waborita. "Its unladylike."
"Yeah," piped in Bitch. "Watch your fucking language."
"Cut the chatter," ordered Rapier. "We're not done yet."
Midnight had swung about and fired a missile into an oncoming Lamprey. It listed badly and he tore it apart with his guns.
"Chameleon," shouted Tracer. "You've got two on your tail."
Chameleon just smiled and said, "I know, I know. Tell me when I've picked up a third."
"What?" Tracer asked loudly. "Did you say a third?"
"Yup," she said. "I've got a plan."
"I hope you know what you're doing," interrupted Rapier.
"Yes, sir," said Chameleon.
Tracer spotted a third blip going after Chameleon. "You've got your third, sweetheart."
"Thank you, darling," responded Chameleon. With that she looped about and barrel rolled right back towards them. They all opened fire and hit her shields a few times. Her Cobra rocked as her multi-target missile armed. A second later she heard a beep and fired the missile, which subsequently broke apart and hit its three targets. Calmly she flew right through the debris that was the enemy fighters.
"Don't do that again, Chameleon," barked Rapier with another order.
"Yes, Daddy," she said sweetly.
Bitch was dog fighting with the last Ace. He was on her tail and firing heavily. One out of every five or six shots was actually hitting her shields. "Wabo," she said. "Time to arrival?"
"Another ten minutes," he replied. "Stop jerking around."
Bitch just rolled her eyes with an amused look on her face and said, "Okay, okay. Sheesh!"
With that, she led the Ace right towards the Fleet Killer. She dove, climbed, and rolled to avoid the gunfire from both in front and behind. Very foolishly, the Ace didn't break off its pursuit. It was in serious danger of being hit by friendly fire, but it still chased after her. She began weaving through the Fleet Killer's many tendrils. Then, with no warning, she pushed down on her stick sharply. The Ace careened right into the hull of the Fleet Killer and exploded. "How much time now?"
"Seven minutes," said Midnight, who shot out the shield generator spikes of the Battleship.
Waborita fired his last missile at an oncoming Moray. It popped off a decoy and the missile took the bait. "Oh damn," he said over the COMM. "Got to do things the hard way." He switched to full guns and opened fire. It dodged most of his fire. Then, out of nowhere, a missile careened past him and blew up the Moray.
"Hey!" he said into the COMM. "That one was mine!"
"Sorry, sweetie," said Chameleon. "You were taking too long."
"I thought you liked it when guys took their time," commented Tracer to Chameleon.
"Usually," commented Chameleon. "But not right now. Time remaining?"
"Two minutes," said Tracer.
"Wrong," said Princess. "Try thirty seconds. Look at your display."
Everyone looked at their HUD and breathed a collective sigh of relief as they saw the Panthers in Casey's Alpha Wing zoom in and obliterate a Manta.
"Alpha One to Omega One," said Casey.
"Go ahead, Alpha One," responded Rapier.
"The Cavalry has arrived," said Casey. "Now get out of here and save that base! Stiletto's orders!"
"Yes, sir!" said Rapier. "Okay, Omegas, you heard the man. Time to turn and burn!"
One-by-one, each member of the Omega Squadron signaled their acknowledgement and their relief.
"Thank you, Frosty," said Rapier. "See you back at the Palau."
"Just don't let us down, Omega Squadron," replied Casey as he watched the Omegas turn away from the action and hit full throttle back towards the Palau. Moments later, Stiletto and the rest of Bravo Wing arrived.
"They did a great job," said Casey to Stiletto. "The Corvettes are all destroyed, the fighters are down to about ten percent, and the shield generators are down on the big ships."
Stiletto just smiled and said, "Bravo Leader to Bravo Wing. Break formation and make a run at your targets. Alpha Wing, keep those fighters off of us and destroy those supply ships."
"Copy that," said Casey. "Alpha Wing, you have your objectives. Take 'em down!"
Stiletto targeted the Bridge of the Fleet Killer and zoomed forward. Her targeting computer slowly began to lock onto the Bridge. Her missile lock alarm went off and she popped two decoys without breaking course. The alarm ceased and her computer beeped that it had a missile lock. She fired and watched as the torpedo zoomed towards it target. There was a cheer over the COMM from everyone when they saw the Bridge go up. Stiletto just buzzed past the Fleet Killer and turned about to target its engines. Meanwhile, Casey fired a missile and destroyed the last of the remaining fighters. Then he turned about and headed for the Nephilim's supply ships. Stiletto's targeting computer began its countdown to a lock. As it did, Bravo Two reported that the Bridge of the Nephilim Battleship was destroyed. Seconds later, Bravo Three reported the same for the Nephilim Carrier. Stiletto's computer beeped its acknowledgement of a lock and she fired. She saw the impact and pulled away. On her COMM came the image and pissed off voice of a Nephilim as the Fleet Killer exploded violently. About a minute later, the remainder of Bravo Wing's targets were destroyed.
"Form up, Bravo Wing," she ordered. "It's time to go home."
The Shrikes in her Wing signaled their acknowledgements as Casey and Alpha Wing finished destroying the supply ships.
"Alright, Alpha Wing," said Casey once he realized that their mission was accomplished. "Let's form up with Bravo Wing and head home."
The Panthers signaled their acknowledgements as well and fell in line with Bravo Wing.
"Part one accomplished, Casey," said Stiletto over the COMM. "Do you think the Omegas are going to pull off part two?"
"If they do as well with part two as they did with part one," replied Casey. "Then I think they will. What do you think Drake is going to do when she finds out?"
"I think she's going to have kittens," said Stiletto.
The Omegas were burning fuel quickly in their race to get home.
"Time to arrival?" said Bitch.
"Ten minutes," said Rapier. "How much time have we cut?"
"Since Casey arrived early," began Midnight. "We should be able to cut close to 100 minutes."
"Beautiful," said Rapier. "So how much time will that now give us to stop the second fleet?"
"Between 7-10 minutes," said Midnight. "Still not a lot of time to get the job done."
"Maybe not," commented Tracer. "But it will feel like an eternity."
Very little was said for the rest of the flight. Everyone was too nervous to do anything other than wait.
Back on the Palau, Maniac was pacing frantically. The Omegas were due back at any moment and he was getting very impatient. "Any sign of them yet?" he asked.
"No signs as of yet, sir," responded the lookout on the Bridge.
"What's taking them so damn long?" demanded Maniac to no one in particular.
The Bridge crew looked at one another, not knowing whether or not one of them was expected to give an answer.
"Sir!" said the lookout.
"What is it?" asked Maniac
"I've spotted the Omegas!" he shouted. "They're coming in at maximum possible speed!"
Everyone on the Bridge waited with bated breath for the lookout's next words.
"Omega Leader just signaled with three barrel rolls to port," he said triumphantly.
Maniac and the entire Bridge staff let out a large cheer. Maniac walked over to the squawk, turned it on, and said, "This is Commodore Marshall to the maintenance bay. Get the Cobra fighters on the Flight Deck ready for emergency launch now!"
"Right away, Commodore!" came a voice from the Flight Deck.
"Flight Officer," continued Maniac. "Don't wait for the Omegas to request permission to dock. Just clear them!"
"Right away, sir!" answered the Flight Officer. "TCS Palau to Omega Squadron. You are cleared to dock. Well done."
Rapier zoomed into the hangar bay and down-throttled at the last possible moment. Waborita and Bitch followed him in almost immediately. Tracer and Princess zoomed in next. Chameleon and Midnight brought up the rear. Rapier shut everything off in his fighter in a heartbeat. Then he pushed his canopy open and practically vaulted out of his cockpit. The others practically did the same. Then they all sprinted to their other Cobras, which, true to Maniac's word, were fitted with Midnight's specified wild weasel ordinance and interceptor boosters. The maintenance crews had already done the preflight startup for them so that they had less of a wait to get going. Their canopies were barely closed when the docking cranes attached themselves to the tops of their Cobras and lifted them towards the drop bay.
Maniac's face came up on the COMM. "Your NAV computers have all been programmed for the intercept point," he said. "Good luck. Oh and one more thing, don't be stupid while you're out there being heroes. I don't want to have to present your medals to your coffins instead of you. Understood?"
"Yes, sir," said Rapier. "See you and the Bridge crew in Pilot Country when we get back."
Once they were all launched, they set course and hit full throttle out of the area. Maniac stood at the window like a statue. "Lieutenant," he said to the flight officer.
"Yes, sir?" he responded.
"Page me when Alpha and Bravos Wings return."
"Yes, sir."
Maniac began to whistle and walked off the Bridge. Silently he moved past other officers, barely remembering to return the salutes he was being given as he did. He boarded a lift and took it down to Pilot Country. When he walked in a few of the pilots near the doors snapped to attention. He just motioned for them to be at ease. Slowly he approached Maestro at the bar. Maestro was just finishing making a few large drinks. When he looked up from what he was doing he saw the serious look on Maniac's face. Maniac just nodded his head ever so slightly and walked out. Maestro set his glass down and looked over to where Zero and Spyder were playing darts. Spyder noticed him first and tapped Zero on the shoulder. They both looked at Maestro. Maestro just motioned with his head and then turned to leave. Spyder and Zero looked at one another briefly and put their darts down. They then followed after Maestro and all three of them headed for the Flight Deck. Once there, they headed for three Vampires that were fueled and waiting for them.
Maniac returned to his office and sat down. He closed his eyes and sunk his face into his hands. His mind raced over many things at once, primarily the what ifs of the Omega Squadron.
"Sir," came a voice over the internal COMM in his office.
"What?" Maniac asked, almost annoyed.
"Alpha and Bravo Wings are on final approach," said the voice.
Maniac just rubbed his face a few times. "Okay," he said. "Thank you." As he stood to go Drake burst into his office with a look on her face that would frighten Kilrathi.
"What the HELL is going on?" she demanded.
"Please come right in Commander," said Maniac, ignoring her question. "I really don't have the time to talk at the moment. I have to get to the Bridge." Maniac moved to go around her and out the door. Drake put her arm across his chest to block him from leaving.
"Not until you tell me what's going on," she said.
"Excuse me," he said going under her arm.
Drake followed on his heels. "Anderson told me that Omega Squadron came back early and then headed out again," she said. "And now he's telling me that Major Garrett's Charlie Wing has gone out on an unscheduled flight."
"Really?" asked Maniac, feigning surprise. "Well, this is all news to me, Commander. Why would I know anything? I command the ship, you command the pilots."
"Why don't you just stop giving me the goddamn runaround?" shouted Drake.
"Fine," Maniac said with an exasperated sigh. "I went over and around your head and sent the Omegas up against that second bug fleet. Then I ordered Charlie Wing to follow and give them some support. Happy?"
"How dare you!" shouted Drake. "The decision was made to avoid contact with that group. You ignored my direct order to drop the matter. The pilots are my responsibility."
"Then maybe you should act responsibly," returned Maniac. "You and I both know that the base's only chance for survival against that fleet would be if we got ourselves involved. Now I don't know about you, but I'm here to stop the enemy by any means necessary, not avoid them at all costs. You act as though I'm new to this sort of thing. Well, I'm not. I know and understand very well the risks that are involved. I saw more than my fair share of pilots and friends risk their lives and die to protect those they cared about. If you think that just because I finally got the promotion I should have gotten twenty years ago that I'm going to forget what this job is all about, then you've got another thing coming. Omega Squadron believes the same things I do, DAMN IT! And if I think they can do the job then I'm going to let them and not let politics and bureaucracy dictate how and when they are going to fly. If you don't like my decisions, tough! I'm the one in charge of this ship. File an official protest with the top brass if you like, but don't get in my way and don't tell me how to do my job!"
Drake began to say something and then thought better of it. However, she still had a pissed off look on her face.
Feeling that the discussion was over, Maniac just walked away from her and got into the lift to the Bridge.
The fleet was finally on long-range visual. The trip was almost over. They were all nervous. The Nephilim ships were getting closer and closer with each passing second. "Boosters NOW!" ordered Rapier. Everyone acknowledge Rapier's order and engaged their twin booster rockets. Immediately, they felt the force of gravity push them back into their seats. The night sky was blurred into an image of bright lines. Midnight looked at his timer. The boosters had about ten seconds more before they were used up. With his eyes closed, he silently counted down the remaining time until the boosters ran out. His eyes opened when his Cobra clicked for a moment as the boosters jettisoned themselves and were left behind. Seconds later, their formation loosened up as their Cobras slowed from the boosters' speed.
"The fleet is six minutes from the jump point," said Midnight.
"Everyone knows their assignments," said Rapier. "Break formation and ruin their day!"
"Making my shield run now." Midnight said as he sped away from the rest of the group and headed for the Fleet Killer.
"See you on the other side, Midnight," said Bitch as she and Princess broke formation and headed right for the nearest Nephilim Corvette. Tracer broke away and made a run at a Skate cluster. Chameleon zoomed straight ahead and opened fire on a Moray. It hissed at her for a moment and then blew up as she continued forward after Midnight. Waborita headed straight for the Carrier. Lastly, Rapier engaged a Ray. It just sat there as he fired on it at will until it exploded. Its Remoras scattered and entered the fight.
Two Morays and a Manta were chasing down Midnight. Their laser fire was peppering his rear shields, so he routed power to keep them up and kept going. Chameleon zoomed in and fired heavily on the Manta. It broke its pursuit of Midnight to evade and came about on Chameleon while the two Morays continued to chase Midnight. Tracer pulled away first in his game of chicken with the Skate cluster. However, he quickly recovered and opened fire, making the Skate now pull away. Elsewhere, the Corvette was on its last legs. One final missile impact from Bitch and it exploded with a great fury. Rapier opened fire on a Moray with an infrared missile. It tried to dodge and decoy it away, but the missile impacted on its ventral aft and blew it to pieces.
Midnight opened fire upon the shield generators of the Fleet Killer. Its turrets turned on him and the sky lit up with laser fire. He felt his Cobra rock as it was hit repeatedly. Still, he got its shields down and made a break for safety. Chameleon switched to her light torpedoes and began her lock on the Bridge of the Fleet Killer. Midnight hit his afterburners and headed for the Carrier. Waborita opened fire on a few Morays to clear Midnight a path. They scrambled out of the way and Midnight was able to get through.
Tracer lit up the Skate cluster and destroyed one of its pieces. He continued firing on it as it separated and took out a second piece before it could get away from him. Rapier zoomed in seconds later and fired upon the last piece. It returned fire for a brief moment, then was destroyed. "How we doing, Midnight?" Rapier asked.
"Slowly but surely," Midnight replied. "Three minutes left. We might not make it."
"We'll make it," interrupted Princess. "Don't think negatively."
Chameleon's second light torpedo was on its way towards the Bridge of the Fleet Killer. She held her breath as it got closer and closer. Then the Bridge shook violently and a Nephilim's face came up on the visual COMM to curse at her before dying. The entire fleet, save the fighter craft, slowed noticeably. "They're thinking about turning back," said Rapier. "Keep hitting 'em!" Chameleon made a very wide arc and came about on the engines of the Fleet killer. Elsewhere, Midnight shot out three turrets on the Carrier and then opened fire on its shield spikes. Once they were down he turned about and zoomed away at full throttle. Waborita moved in to target the engines of the Carrier.
"One to go," said Midnight. "Tracer, cover me."
"Copy that," said Tracer. He broke off his attack against a Manta and headed for the Battleship.
Chameleon fired her second light torpedo at the Fleet Killer's engines. It shook violently at the impact and multiple explosions could be seen occurring all over the ship.
"YES!" Chameleon shouted.
Princess launched a missile to kill the second Corvette. It hissed and cursed at her as it broke up. "That's what you all say when you die," she said with a smile. She and Bitch came about to engage the rest of the fighters. Then, out of nowhere, a jump opened right on top of them and a squadron of Devil Ray Aces appeared.
"Oh shit!" said Princess. The Devil Rays moved in fast to engage.
"Where'd these guys come from?" asked Waborita. "And how come we had no advanced warning?"
"It's not over yet," said Chameleon.
"What?" said Waborita.
"Look," said Chameleon. Just as she said that, two more jump points opened and a squadron of Devil Ray Aces appeared from each of them.
"Tracer!" shouted Midnight into the COMM as he took out the final shield spike on the Battleship. "GO!"
"Thank you!" said Tracer as he began his run on the Battleship and Midnight turned about and headed for the Aces.
Rapier kicked in his full throttle and charged the Aces as well. "How's that Carrier doing, Wabo?" he asked.
"Firing my last torpedo now!" Wabo replied as he pushed the button to launch his fourth and final torpedo at the Carrier.
Chameleon got into position alongside Bitch and Princess and made a run for the Aces. "I make twenty-one Aces!" shouted Princess over the COMM. "This is gonna sting, a lot!"
The Aces zoomed all over, opening fire on everyone. Rapier launched a few decoys and returned fire on one of the Aces. Midnight did likewise. Tracer had to break off his torpedo run to engage two Aces. "Um," he said as he launched a couple of decoys. "I think we're screwed."
"Not bloody likely," said Princess.
"Yeah," agreed Chameleon. "Over my dead body!" With that she lit up an Ace and caused him to pull away.
A missile struck Rapier on the port side and he listed. "Damn it!" he shouted.
Waborita fired on the Ace that hit Rapier to try and distract him. "Anyone else think we've been royally had?" he asked.
"I do," said Bitch as she blew up an Ace.
"I agree," said Tracer as he dodged a score of enemy fire.
"Here comes the Cavalry!" shouted Maestro over the COMM. A jump point opened and Charlie Wing emerged in a hail of fire. "Bugs, bugs, bugs, bugs. A whole lotta bugs." He launched a missile and blew up an Ace that was chasing Chameleon. Zero inverted and dove towards two Aces. He quickly blew one up with a missile and ripped into the second with his guns. Spyder dodged and weaved through the gunfire and launched a missile at an Ace. It shuddered and then exploded.
Rapier breathed a sigh of relief and shouted over the COMM, "Tracer, get back on that Battleship!"
"Yes, sir!" Tracer responded. "Can someone clear the road for me?"
"On it!" shouted Chameleon. She switched up to her Stormfire gun and lit up the skies with suppressant fire to deter the Aces away from Tracer.
Maestro and Zero teamed up and tagged an Ace while Princess ripped another apart with a missile. Tracer, meanwhile, launched his first torpedo and had to instantly break away to fend off an Ace. Midnight lit it up with gunfire and said, "Get those torpedoes delivered! We'll handle the Aces, don't worry." Tracer let out a big sigh and circled back towards his target. Midnight and Chameleon zoomed closer to him and covered his run. Tracer let loose his second torpedo and watched as it zoomed towards its target. An audible sigh of relief escaped his lips over the COMM when the Bridge of the Battleship exploded. He hit his full throttle and did a flyby of the battleship and turned about to make his run at the engines. Spyder intercepted another Ace before it could launch a missile on Tracer.
"Only eight of them left," said Bitch.
Tracer slowed down as his targeting computer began a lock. He held his breath until the computer beeped and he had fired. The torpedo hit true and the Battleship rocked. Tracer swung around again to start his last torpedo run. Suddenly his shields lit up from fire from an Ace. Midnight and Chameleon attacked immediately and destroyed the Ace together. "Talk about close, guys," said Tracer just before firing his last torpedo.
"Sorry," said Chameleon. She watched as Tracer's last torpedo sped towards its target. When it impacted and the Battleship began to explode from within her face lit up. "Yes!"
Rapier, Zero, and Waborita mercilessly pummeled the last of the Aces with gunfire. It hissed something unintelligible as it exploded. Rapier lowered his head for a moment and exhaled several heavy breaths. "You guys really pulled our fat over of the fire," he said to Charlie Wing. "Thanks a million."
"Compliments of the Commodore," said Maestro. "Come on, let's get out of here."
"I hear that, "said Rapier. "Omegas, form on my wing and let's get home."
"I never want to do that again," said Tracer. "Ever."
"First round's on me all," said Waborita.
Everyone formed up and headed back to the Palau. None of them saw one last jump point open and a single fighter emerge. It circled about for a few moments, surveying the carnage. Then it let out a piercing shriek of hate and despair and disappeared again inside another jump point.
"This is Omega Squadron requesting permission to come on home," said Rapier.
Maniac's face came up on the COMM and he spoke, "Permission granted. C'mon home, all of you."
Charlie Wing throttled back to allow the Omegas to land first. Rapier flew into the hangar bay first and set down. Once he had shutdown his Cobra, he removed his helmet and set it on his knees. Then he rested his forehead on his helmet and closed his eyes. "We did it," he said out loud, his voice choked up with emotion. "And we all came home."
The others had gotten out of their Cobras and were gathering about Rapier's. Chameleon saw Maestro land and ran over to greet him when he got out of his Vampire. She almost knocked him off of his feet when she jumped into his arms, wrapped her arms about his neck, and kissed him very deeply. Everyone gave Maestro a cheer when they saw that. Rapier, meanwhile, wiped his eyes and calmed down enough to not get anyone suspicious. Then he opened his cockpit hatch and descended the ladder. He was instantly greeted by the others with hugs and pats on the back. Maniac smiled from where he was standing next to Anderson and Drake. "I told you they could do it," he said to her quietly. Drake cast him a sideways glance, took a deep breath, and nodded her head in agreement.
Omega Squadron and Charlie Wing approached them arm-in-arm. They stopped in front of Maniac and Drake and saluted. Drake looked thoughtful for a moment then looked Rapier in the eyes. "Very well done," she said to him.
"Thank you, ma'am," Rapier said. Drake smiled and walked away with Anderson.
Maniac walked up and patted Rapier on the shoulder. "Congratulations," he said. "I've put you and your whole Squadron in for the ConFed Flying Cross and Medal of Valor. I've also got the privilege of informing you and your whole Squadron that you all have been promoted to 1st Lieutenants."
"Thank you, sir," said Rapier. "But we couldn't have done it without Charlie Wing. I think they deserve a lot of the praise as well."
Maniac grinned and nodded, especially when he saw that all of the Omegas were in agreement with him. "I thought you might feel that way," he said. "Major Garrett, you and your Wing will be put in for the same medals and honors that Omega Squadron has been recommended for."
Maestro smiled and saluted both Maniac and Rapier. "Alright," interrupted Waborita. "Enough of this stuff. Let's go to Pilot Country and get drunk!"
"Amen to that," said Rapier as everyone walked off together to go to Pilot Country to celebrate the success of the mission.
To be continued…
