Ldihawk: Thank you for continuing to read and review! Thanks to darth-mojo for suggesting the tie fighter idea! I hope you like it! I mayrepost this chapter as I'm not thrilled with it. Feel free to make chapter suggestions--more to come!
The Imperial Officer's Guide to Success (and Staying Alive)
Chapter Ten: Piloting a Tie Fighter
If you've passed the rigorous screening process to become a Twin ion engine pilot, congratulations! You'll have to have excellent aim, lightning fast reflexes, and courage. If you lack these, then a little common sense is all that can save you. First, make sure you are wearing your pressurized suit and oxygen mask at all times to prevent blackouts. Pay close attention to your gauges. Make sure your ship is fueled before missions and not missing any critical parts. Remember—Flashing Red lights are never a good thing! When in the cockpit, try to have several other pilots between you and the enemy. If you fly cover, it greatly increases the chance you'll stay alive. First, never underestimate the enemy based on age or physical description. Some of the youngest, greenest Rebels have single-handedly destroyed battlestations. Try to ensure that you keep the enemy in front of you at all times. Don't bother with fancy maneuvers or disabling the ship first! If you have a clear shot for the sake of the Emperor just take the damn shot! Try to hit the rear stabilizers, the reverse thrusters, or the engines. If you can't do that, take out the weapons and the shields. If you are hit, pull out of the fight immediately. Spinning maneuvers work well for evading enemy fire. If your ship is critically hit, I suggest jettisoning. Be aware that you should eject from your ship only when your ship's major systems are failing and there is a nearby vessel to rescue you. Let's revisit Officer Dumbass and Officer Obedient with the following.
Officer Dumbass flies near the front of his group after a single rebel ship. He executes a series of complicated flips and turns and fires a shot. The shot skims past the wing inflicting minor damage. Behind Officer Dumbass, his other squadron members are picked off one by one by Rebel reinforcements. Officer Dumbass is too concerned with his target to notice. He fires another shot that glances the other wing, but before he can destroy the ship, his ship is hit the first time. He is losing altitude and would like to eject, but his oxygen hose is incompletely sealed. That really doesn't matter; however, because Officer Dumbass is vaporized in a matter of seconds.
Officer Obedient flies near the rear of his squadron. As other pilots are destroyed trailing a Rebel, he is vigilant knowing there are many more coming. He covers the other pilots taking out rebels as they appear until he is the only one following the Rebel leader. He waits to shoot until he has a clear shot at the ships engines and in a matter of seconds, the Rebel ship is destroyed.
Chapter Eleven: Working on the Bridge without actually working on the Bridge
As a bridge officer, you will handle missions that are top secret and vital to the Empire. The reality is that a great deal of your time will be spent doing nothing. The key is to appear to be doing something very important at all times. (This is especially important when Lord Vader is around). The key is to patrol the bridge slowly making your way from one side to the other. If you are a superior officer, glance with great interest at the work the lower ranking officers are doing. Occasionally ask a pointed question such as "Are those readouts correct?" or "What is our position?" Your eyes will probably glaze over as the officer recites a stream of techno-babble. After he's finished, tell him "Carry on."
If you're a lower ranking officer, push buttons, and pull levers on your displays and consoles when a superior walks by. Most of the higher ranking officers have only an elementary knowledge of the technical intricacies of their ships, so if they see you "working" at your console, they won't question you. You also have less chance of being asked to perform dangerous tasks.