Robotech - Expedition Under Fire

[Psychie]

Flying in at high speed, L'n does her best to keep the linked Alpha/Beta fighters from being shot out of the sky, but the sheer volume of fire is just too much for her to evade everything. She winces as she feels the impact through the hull of the linked fighters. "Sorry Ghost. Coming up on drop zone! Get ready to unload on that conduit!"

Spoiler

Alpha Bonuses
Number of Attacks: 6
Strike: +7 - +10 to hit with EU-13
Parry: +9
Dodge: +10 / +12 when flying
Roll: +6
Initiative: +7
Perception: +3

Alpha Stats
Main Body: 420

Missile Payload
40 Short HEAP - 2d6x10 MD, 5 mile range
20 Short Plasmas - 2d6x10 MD, 3 mile range
8 Mini HEAP - 1d4x10, 1 mile range

 

[Sherwood]

"No problem, Tigger. Just don't make a habit of letting shots get through, and we'll both be out of here in no time. Ready to make our bombing run." Ghost flips open the bomb bay doors, knowing that there will not be any second chances for this to work.

Spoiler

In the Beta
Number of Attacks: 6
Strike: +8 /+2 with Gun Pods, +3 with Forearm Pulse Cannons
Parry: +10
Dodge: +10 / +12 while Flying
Roll: +6
Initiative: +3
Perception: +2

Beta Stats
Main Body: 515 / -60
Forearm Shields Left: 375
Forearm Shields Right: 375

MM-20 Missile Launchers (2): 40 Short HEAP 2d6x10 MD - 5 mile range
MM-16 Missile Launcher: 16 Short Plasma/Heat 2d6x10 MD - 3 mile range
Wing Hardpoints (6): 6 Medium Multi Warhead 5d6x10 - 80 mile range
Bomb Bay: 4 Reflex Heavy Smart Bombs 1d6x100

 

[Epiphany]

Seeing her wingmates hit, Aymeline winces slightly as she threads the needle of incoming fire. The surface of this planet is unlike any other she's ever seen; it may take a lot more ordinance to punch through to the conduit than expected. It's still their best shot, though.

Toggling the Alpha/Beta squad radio, the Tirolian calls back to her Praxian partner. "I'll try to fly her as straight as I can!" she says before switching her concentration fully on evading incoming fire.

 

[Silanon]

"Course is steady enough, even got one." Those Wraiths are not the objective, but it's still one less threat to worry about - less fire to dodge when they're above the target, shouldn't take long given the speed they're at. Ghost is already preparing for the bombing run, and Nora follows her example.

"Want us to blow the surface open for the heavier stuff, or smart bombs first?" Her experience with bombing runs on an unknown planet is limited, to say the least - non-existent might be a better way to put it. That's just a thing with those improvised attack strategies, they'll never be routine by definition.

 

[Epiphany]

"I would guess general ordinance usually, since we don't have good radar targeting for the best deployment of smart bombs," Aymeline replies to her partner. "But then, this is the first planet I've seen made entirely out of metal. Might as well make it the Lieutenant's call."

 

[Sherwood]

Alyxis calls out, "Hit that conduit hard, and make sure your bombs and missiles hit their marks. I'm guessing that there will be enough armor plating to keep any casual attack from disrupting the power supply to the weapon. I don't care if you get scuffed up by counter battery fire, or if you empty your missile racks. Just take out that power supply!"

Spoiler

In the Beta
Number of Attacks: 6
Strike: +8 /+2 with Gun Pods, +3 with Forearm Pulse Cannons
Parry: +10
Dodge: +10 / +12 while Flying
Roll: +6
Initiative: +3
Perception: +2

Beta Stats
Main Body: 515 / -60
Forearm Shields Left: 375
Forearm Shields Right: 375

MM-20 Missile Launchers (2): 40 Short HEAP 2d6x10 MD - 5 mile range
MM-16 Missile Launcher: 16 Short Plasma/Heat 2d6x10 MD - 3 mile range
Wing Hardpoints (6): 6 Medium Multi Warhead 5d6x10 - 80 mile range
Bomb Bay: 4 Reflex Heavy Smart Bombs 1d6x100

 

[WlfSamurai]

All of your HUDs have the strike zone for ease of breach and maximum conduit penetration digitally painted. You're all just about over it with Pixie and Tank in their Alpha/Beta right behind.

You all hear lock warning blare in your cockpits. Long-range ballistic missiles launch from a klick away. They will take some time to get to you all.

The two Wraith squadrons and long-range missiles will engage next round.

You have a full round of attacks all to yourselves because of your skill.

Aymeline, it's your turn.

Round 1, turn 1
21 ... Aymeline <------
14 ... Tigger
10 ... Tank
07 ... Ghost
07 ... Nora
04 ... Pixie

Round 2
00 ... Wraiths 1-4
00 ... Wraiths 5-8
00 ... Long-range missiles 1-2
00 ... Long-range missiles 3-4

Conduit strike zone M.D.C.: 2000/2000

Those piloting to can make piloting checks to give +2 strike bonus to their gunners.

 

[Epiphany]

It's tempting to engage the Wraith squadrons, given how close they are to engagement. But this could also be their only chance to take out that fleet-killer before it lives up to its designation. Aymeline holds to her course, giving Nora her best shot.

 

[WlfSamurai]

Aymeline, you sweep around and angle your pair of Veritechs toward the strike zone. You line up the perfect opportunity.

Nora, you have +2 strike on your first attack on the conduit this round.

Tigger, it's your turn.

Round 1, turn 1
21 ... Aymeline
14 ... Tigger <------
10 ... Tank
07 ... Ghost
07 ... Nora
04 ... Pixie

Round 2
00 ... Wraiths 1-4
00 ... Wraiths 5-8
00 ... Long-range missiles 1-2
00 ... Long-range missiles 3-4

Conduit strike zone M.D.C.: 2000/2000

Taking piloting check as an action gives +2 strike bonus to gunners.

 

[Psychie]

Tigger will work to keep the combined pair of Veritechs steady to give Ghost the best line-up she can for the bomb run.

Spoiler

Alpha Bonuses
Number of Attacks: 6
Strike: +7 - +10 to hit with EU-13
Parry: +9
Dodge: +10 / +12 when flying
Roll: +6
Initiative: +7
Perception: +3

Alpha Stats
Main Body: 420

Missile Payload
40 Short HEAP - 2d6x10 MD, 5 mile range
20 Short Plasmas - 2d6x10 MD, 3 mile range
8 Mini HEAP - 1d4x10, 1 mile range

 

[WlfSamurai]

Tigger, you do well enough to stay in the strike zone, but you’re unable to give Ghost the best shot possible. There’s too much to keep track of and do having just come out of range if the planetary defenses.

Tank prepares for his shot as he and Pixie aren’t quite in the strike zone. He takes aim.

Ghost and Nora, it’s your turn.

Round 1, turn 1
21 ... Aymeline
14 ... Tigger
10 ... Tank
07 ... Ghost <------
07 ... Nora <------
04 ... Pixie

Round 2
00 ... Wraiths 1-4
00 ... Wraiths 5-8
00 ... Long-range missiles 1-2
00 ... Long-range missiles 3-4

Conduit strike zone M.D.C.: 2000/2000

Taking piloting check as an action gives +2 strike bonus to gunners.

 

[Sherwood]

As the combined fighter approaches the drop zone, Alyxis takes control of the navigation long enough to line up a bomb drop. Hitting the brakes to hopefully jerk them out of the line of fire of any incoming fire, she drops the first two of her heavy bombs towards the conduit. "First drop is away!"

Spoiler

In the Beta
Number of Attacks: 6
Strike: +8 /+2 with Gun Pods, +3 with Forearm Pulse Cannons
Parry: +10
Dodge: +10 / +12 while Flying
Roll: +6
Initiative: +3
Perception: +2

Beta Stats
Main Body: 515 / -60
Forearm Shields Left: 375
Forearm Shields Right: 375

MM-20 Missile Launchers (2): 40 Short HEAP 2d6x10 MD - 5 mile range
MM-16 Missile Launcher: 16 Short Plasma/Heat 2d6x10 MD - 3 mile range
Wing Hardpoints (6): 6 Medium Multi Warhead 5d6x10 - 80 mile range
Bomb Bay: 4 Reflex Heavy Smart Bombs 1d6x100 / 2

 

[WlfSamurai]

BOOM!

The first set of bombs hit their mark nicely. The reflex explosion fills the sky in with brilliant, blinding light. You can see below the damage is significant. Not enough to expose the conduit.

Nora, it’s still your turn.

Round 1, turn 1
21 ... Aymeline
14 ... Tigger
10 ... Tank
07 ... Ghost
07 ... Nora <------
04 ... Pixie

Round 2
00 ... Wraiths 1-4
00 ... Wraiths 5-8
00 ... Long-range missiles 1-2
00 ... Long-range missiles 3-4

Conduit strike zone M.D.C.: 1580/2000

Taking piloting check as an action gives +2 strike bonus to gunners.

 

[Silanon]

There's not much more she could have asked for - the angle of approach is perfect, certainly better than what she could have done. That said, the maneuvering alone does little to shut off the gigantic weapon - it'll be on the Betas' load to take care of that. The squad leader already takes the lead, opening up the bombardment; granted the opportunity, Nora is quick to follow. A total of four medium-sized projectiles leave their bay, beginning their travel downwards; hopefully causing their fair share of destruction.

 

[WlfSamurai]

Nora, the destruction of your bombing run sends shock-waves for kilometers. The blast disrupts what little gaseous atmosphere the planet has. Those of you piloting have to correct against it.

When the smoke and shrapnel clears, a deep hole reveals the conduit below. The edges of the hole glow with heat and burn.

The conduit has is exposed.

Pixie follows suit.

"Bombs away!" she calls out over the team com. She releases the whole bay of ordnance. Most of her bombs hit. The conduit shielding takes a beating, but it's still holding together.

Aymeline, it's your turn again.

Round 1, turn 2
21 ... Aymeline <------
14 ... Tigger
10 ... Tank
07 ... Ghost
07 ... Nora
04 ... Pixie

Round 2
00 ... Wraiths 1-4
00 ... Wraiths 5-8
00 ... Long-range missiles 1-2
00 ... Long-range missiles 3-4

Conduit strike zone M.D.C.: 340/2000

Taking piloting check as an action gives +2 strike bonus to gunners.

 

[Epiphany]

Having made one successful bombing pass, it's time for another. Aymeline lines up their joint mechas and heads in for another pass.

OOC: Thanks for the reminder, going to go for a +2 strike bonus again.

 

[WlfSamurai]

Aymeline, you've got the strike zone dialed in. Your banks are perfectly timed to line up Nora's shot.

Tigger, it's your turn.

Round 1, turn 2
21 ... Aymeline
14 ... Tigger <------
10 ... Tank
07 ... Ghost
07 ... Nora
04 ... Pixie

Round 2
00 ... Wraiths 1-4
00 ... Wraiths 5-8
00 ... Long-range missiles 1-2
00 ... Long-range missiles 3-4

Conduit strike zone M.D.C.: 340/2000

Taking piloting check as an action gives +2 strike bonus to gunners.

 

[Psychie]

Tigger has the very powerful urge to line up a missile strike of her own, but her sense of duty keeps her from pulling the trigger. Time to put an end to this evil place. "Lining up another bombing run for you, Ghost. Stand by."

Spoiler

Alpha Bonuses
Number of Attacks: 6
Strike: +7 - +10 to hit with EU-13
Parry: +9
Dodge: +10 / +12 when flying
Roll: +6
Initiative: +7
Perception: +3

Alpha Stats
Main Body: 420

Missile Payload
40 Short HEAP - 2d6x10 MD, 5 mile range
20 Short Plasmas - 2d6x10 MD, 3 mile range
8 Mini HEAP - 1d4x10, 1 mile range

 

[WlfSamurai]

Perfect. You Ghost will have a perfect window of opportunity.

Ghost and Nora, you're up! You both have +2 strike bonus.

Round 1, turn 2
21 ... Aymeline
14 ... Tigger
10 ... Tank <------
07 ... Ghost <------
07 ... Nora <------
04 ... Pixie <------

Round 2
00 ... Wraiths 1-4
00 ... Wraiths 5-8
00 ... Long-range missiles 1-2
00 ... Long-range missiles 3-4

Conduit strike zone M.D.C.: 340/2000

Taking piloting check as an action gives +2 strike bonus to gunners.

 

[Silanon]

Once more, Nora finds herself in perfect position - and again, there's little hesitation to take advantage of that. Two more bombs leave the Beta's bay as her voice can be heard: "In perfect position - dropping another load." What follows is hopefully more destruction, perhaps enough to finish the job.

 

[Sherwood]

"Going for my next run!" Ghost sees that Tigger has done a perfect job lining them up for the run.

Spoiler

In the Beta
Number of Attacks: 6
Strike: +8 /+2 with Gun Pods, +3 with Forearm Pulse Cannons
Parry: +10
Dodge: +10 / +12 while Flying
Roll: +6
Initiative: +3
Perception: +2

Beta Stats
Main Body: 515 / -60
Forearm Shields Left: 375
Forearm Shields Right: 375

MM-20 Missile Launchers (2): 40 Short HEAP 2d6x10 MD - 5 mile range
MM-16 Missile Launcher: 16 Short Plasma/Heat 2d6x10 MD - 3 mile range
Wing Hardpoints (6): 6 Medium Multi Warhead 5d6x10 - 80 mile range
Bomb Bay: 4 Reflex Heavy Smart Bombs 1d6x100 / 0

 

[WlfSamurai]

Nora, your two bombs are way off. They explode outside the strike zone, blasting bits of the planet surface in all directions.

Ghost, your two bombs are enough to finish the job. The resulting explosion mushrooms into the sky, then, just as fast, is sucked into the massive hole you just punched through the conduit.

“Conduit confirmed severed, Lieutenant,” says Dorsky behind you, Alyxis. “And there appears to be some other pressure system on the other side. Not sure why. Scanning. Readings do indicate the power to the reflex canon has been severed.”

Pixie interrupts on the squadron channel. “Boss, you seeing this?” Below, parts of the planet are unfolding, opening to reveal Haydonite starships suspended in vacuum hangars. Most are incomplete with scaffolding attached to their hulls. “What’s the call, Boss?”

“Hydra 1, this is Commond,” says Eva to you Alyxis, as she appears on your HUD screen. “We have indication power has been severed to the reflex canon. Can you confirm?”

Initiative is still in effect, but speak freely. You have 10 seconds to contact with the Wraiths and long-range missiles.

You may all take your remaining melee actions until next round.

Round 1, turn 3
21 ... Aymeline <------
14 ... Tigger <------
10 ... Tank <------
07 ... Ghost <------
07 ... Nora <------
04 ... Pixie <------

Round 2
00 ... Wraiths 1-4
00 ... Wraiths 5-8
00 ... Long-range missiles 1-2
00 ... Long-range missiles 3-4

Conduit strike zone M.D.C.: 0/2000

Taking piloting check as an action gives +2 strike bonus to gunners.

 

[Psychie]

L'n calls out, "This is Tigger. I have a full load of missiles, and I say we use some of them to hit the starships under construction down there, damage a few and put them out of commission. What could it hurt?"

Spoiler

Alpha Bonuses
Number of Attacks: 6
Strike: +7 - +10 to hit with EU-13
Parry: +9
Dodge: +10 / +12 when flying
Roll: +6
Initiative: +7
Perception: +3

Alpha Stats
Main Body: 420

Missile Payload
40 Short HEAP - 2d6x10 MD, 5 mile range
20 Short Plasmas - 2d6x10 MD, 3 mile range
8 Mini HEAP - 1d4x10, 1 mile range

 

[Sherwood]

Alyxis nods. "I like the way you think, Tigger. Dragon Squad, we are going to do some damage to those starships, and maybe take out some of the Haydonite ability to build new vessels. Hydra, lets rock their world. We're going in!"

As they nose over to get a good angle of attack, Ghost will target one of the ships below with her missiles, and launches off all six of her medium Multi-Warheads at it, trying to damage any ability for the Haydonites to be able to build anything in that dock for a long time.

Spoiler

In the Beta
Number of Attacks: 6
Strike: +8 /+2 with Gun Pods, +3 with Forearm Pulse Cannons
Parry: +10
Dodge: +10 / +12 while Flying
Roll: +6
Initiative: +3
Perception: +2

Beta Stats
Main Body: 515 / -60
Forearm Shields Left: 375
Forearm Shields Right: 375

MM-20 Missile Launchers (2): 40 Short HEAP 2d6x10 MD - 5 mile range
MM-16 Missile Launcher: 16 Short Plasma/Heat 2d6x10 MD - 3 mile range
Wing Hardpoints (6): 6 Medium Multi Warhead 5d6x10 - 80 mile range / 0
Bomb Bay: 4 Reflex Heavy Smart Bombs 1d6x100 / 0

 

[Epiphany]

Aymeline once more squints at her instrumentation, balancing the need to fly against the need to see. She whistles low and slow at the sight of those under-construction Haydonite ships. Then she notices the pressure differential and grins.

"Hydra Squad, I believe those are zero-g vacuum docks, with gravity canceling technology to allow them to maximize their build process within the protection of this world while mitigating the effects of being so close to a gravity source. In my experience, such construction methods are extremely sensitive to gravity. I suggest we target one missile per ship and aim at the umbilicals keeping those ships anchored. Knock them loose and they'll drift out of the confines of whatever anti-gravity they have, at which point they'll drop like a stone into the interior gravity well until they hit something and crash."

Her suggestion made, Aymeline concentrates on holding a steady course for more bombing shots for Nora.