Ch19 Flying Solo
The news of another power being attacked the Empire greatly disturbed the Senate. The lack of capable ships put relief efforts the Cornerians on Hold for the time being. Meanwhile in Lylat the war drags on, with another city on Macbeth captured only two remain, and casualties are growing by the day. After studying the dead Imperials after a small commado raid, the Cornerians were disgusted to find out that their enemy used clones as soliders. The commandos also brought a few Imperial small arms back with them. Cornerian High Command was very impressed by Imperial E-11 carbine and the DC-15 rifles.
Macbeth 19.8 ABY 2 days later.
Over the dark sandy plains of Macbeth a flight of six starfighters, flying at a very low altitude, head towards their target. The group consisted of two Arwings, three Cornerian fighters, and a Skyclaw class light Interceptor.
"This Commander Monroe, were nearing our Area of Operations, all fighters report in."
"Falco here I'm fine, and by the way Katt why don't you just say your name rather than Commander? What are you some one special?"
"Shut the hell up Falco, you taking up radio space with your stupid ass remarks. Now continue the report." Katt comments.
"Bill here, ready to rock."
"Dagger 1 here, good to go."
"Dagger 2 all system go."
"Dagger 3 lights are green."
"Great, now listen up team, the advancing enemy force is not real large, but their artillery is causing alot of trouble for ground forces in the area. Intel estimates that their is at least a single battery of six to eight guns down there. Plus-" Falco jumps in before Katt can finish.
"Ok that will be easy. But why are we coming in so low, Did you decide to go sight seeing. Last I checked Macbeth doesn't have much for tourist attractions." Falco sarcastically said.
"Falco what did I say about your pointless chater, SHUT UP AND LET ME FINISH, FALCO! The reason were coming in so low is that one of our infantry platoons spotted possible Anti-Aircraft units about three clicks from the artillery position, but we don't know for sure, plus there might enemy fighters patoling the area so watch yourselves. I suggest we slip up and flank them. This should be a quick hit and run mission. Falco over." Katt says.
"Yes your highness." Falco says sarcastically.
"Funny, now can I actually trust you to take charge of Dagger two and three and hit the left flank, while I take Bill and Dagger one. Or are you too immature to handle alittle responsibility?" Katt says.
"Finally I get my due credit. We'll hit that flank and probably take out the whole damn battery before you even get there." Falco says.
"I hope you do, just don't do anything stupid, I'm warning you." Katt orders.
"Whats to worry about, what can possibly go wrong?" Falco says.
"You, is what could possibly go wrong." Katt thought to herself.
The six fighters slip into two groups and fly into their designated direction. The two groups closely watch for their targets. As they continue to sweep the area for their targets, Falco gets a view of the glowing blue plasma trail of the enemies mass driver cannons.
"Artillery battery spotted at AV-998764, moving in to engage. Dagger two and three follow me."
"I copy Falco. Were heading that way. Hit'em hard." Katt replies.
Falco recklessly flies towards their target, over passing the ground battle below them. A clone Captain radios the rest of the battalion and warns them of the incoming fighters.
The eight AT-APs were spread apart well, giving them good protection from enemy aircraft. The perimeter was also highly dug in with many of its positions covered in camo netting. From the air the AT-APs were the only visible targets. When Falco and his wingmen get in target range, Falco launches a bomb and his wingmen each fire a missile down at the artillery units. The attack destroys three of the AT-APs and kill many gunnery crewmen. As Falco and his wingmen leave the target area Falco decides to turn around and make another pass.
"Katt break off your attack, we'll finish them off. See I told you I could handle it." Falco arrogantly says.
"Negative Falco at your current altitude you very vunerable. We are in the perfect position to strike. Break off thats an order." Katt commands.
"Sorry Babe but I'm already in postion." Falco says.
Little did Falco realise that three AT-AA were covered by camo netting and several stormtroopers carried shoulder fire missiles for just such an occasion. Before Falco and his team chould get even a single shot off a flak burst could be seen flying past them.
"SIR AA FIRE PULL UP!" Dagger two yells just before a flak burst hits the cockpit of fighter head on. Katt wittnesses his fighter as it crashes to the ground.
"DAMN IT FALCO PULL UP NOW." Katt yells.
As Falco and Dagger three begin to pull up a stormtrooper paints Dagger three with his missile launcher and fires. Flying at only about a hundred feet in the air, Dagger three had no chance of avoiding the missile. He was killed in a instant. When Falco saw the explosion he hits his afterburners to avoid suffering the same fate.
"All craft break off the attack. The mission is compromised. Return to base." Katt says.
As Katt and her team begin to fall back, an AT-AA gets a beat on them and fires. One of the rounds slices through Katts right wing and does a fair amount of damage to it.
"I'm hit but its not bad. Max speed back to base." Katt orders.
After a few minutes of flying they reach the safe zone. Katt just looks over to Falco and scowles. Falco glances over to her and then faces forward. He knew she was right the entire time.
Once they land their aircraft Katt waits for Falco to exit his craft. After he does she casually walks over to him and punches him in the gut.
"WHAT THE FUCK IS YOUR PROBLEM FALCO? I GAVE YOU A DIRECT ORDER TO BREAK OFF." Katt screams at him.
After coughing a few times he is finally able to respond."Whats my problem, you just hit me in the gut. I think your the one with the problems." Falco comments back.
"You got two of my best pilots killed and nearly got the rest of us killed aswell. You have no idea how sick I am of your shit Falco."
"Hey I can't contol who lives or doesnt, thats war babe." Falco says to try to cover up his mistakes as always.
"Oh no Falco it just doesnt work like that. You were being iresponsible. I warned you about the air defenses. There is no excuse for your actions." Katt comments.
"So what are going to do about it then Katt?"
"I was just getting to that. I'm sorry Falco but I'm ordering you to resign your commission."
"You have gotta be kidding me. I'm the best pilot around." Falco boasts.
"I can't have people who put others in danger just to make themselves look good. I'm sure Fox and Peppy would say the same."
"Ok then Katt then what am I suppost to do then if I'm out of a job?" Falco asks.
"Thats not my problem Falco, and besides I thought you said you weren't planning on staying in the first place"
"I don't need this shit. I'm done take care Katt, and you should stop kissing Fox's ass. No one likes a suck up." Falco said as he turned and boarded his craft and flew off.
Katt just watched as Falco flew off. After he exited the hanger Katt just looked towards the shook her head and lit a cigarette. After a few minutes Bill walks up to her.
"You all right Katt?" Bill asks.
"Ya I think so. I new I shouldn't have given him command, but I blew it." Katt says.
"Its not your fault. Falco made the choice to disobey your order, he's to blame not you."
"Still two of our people died out of foolishness, and we weren't able to finish the job. Our ground troops are propably still getting shelled by those guns. Who knows how many have been killed cause of Falco." Katt says.
"Things happen, you did what you had to do to get us out alive, Fox would have done the same, so don't worry." Bill replies as he walks back inside the base. Katt follows a few minutes after.
Meanwhile..
Coruscant Military HQ
For the past several hours Fox has been trying to get a hold of Corneria, but has made little progress. He knowns time is running short.
"Any luck Fox?" Tim asks.
"No Corneria just dosen't quite have the communications systems as you guys do. All the secure frequencies are to delicate to reach, but mabey if I use an unsecure one, I might have chance." Fox replies.
"But you put the security of your mission at risk if the Imperials trace the link." Tim says.
"Thats right. So any word on the releif effort?"
"The Senate is still debating over it. With the lack of operational ships, there isn't alot we can do right now. Don't worry though, If all esle fails, I'll go back with you guys bye myself." Tim says.
"I appriciate the offer. We need all the help we can get."
"You can count on me Fox. By the way have you tried useing our main long range communications relays. You would probably get alittle bit better of a signal rather than routing a signal from the comm system on the GreatFox? It requires a top secrect security clearance but I'm sure the general will let you use it."
"Sounds like a plan. I'll give it go. I'm going to wake Krys up and I'll meet you there." Fox says as he heads towards his room.
"Sounds good. I'll head to the generals office and get us permission to use it."
Authors notes:Sorry it took so long, the internet on post was down agian. So whats going to happen with Falco? You'll see soon enough. So what do ya think? More plot twists on the way. Thanks for reading and reviewing.