A distress call played in the bridge of the C.N.S. Macdonald. "Mayday, mayday! This is United Galactic Express flight 02347 to anyone who can hear me. We're under attack by a pair of Kestrels. Please assist immediately."
"Well, this seems to be as good a time as any to give the Osprey a test run," remarked David Arthur. "Helmsman, set a new course."
The vessel turned and flew in the direction of the signal at a high velocity.
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"This is ISN, the Interstellar News Network. Today's broadcast is brought to you by Galactel - in space, no one can hear you chat, unless you take advantage of our free limited time offer. The Confederate heavy cruisers C.N.S. Aberhart and C.N.S. Woodsworth disappeared today on a patrol of the galactic fringes. Navy officals were not available for comment, but reliable sources indicated that the ships are presumed destroyed. Rebel High Command disclaimed responsibility for these attacks. In other news, a court on the neutral planet of New Istanbul in the Yemuro system..."
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A particle beam blazed through the wings of the pirate Kestrel Death's Head. The drive section of the ship was quickly ripped to shreds, and the long-feared vessel exploded in a cloud of antimatter. A trio of gunboats drove off the one surviving Lightning fighter that was still harassing the UGE courier. The captain of the second Kestrel obviously did not wish to try his luck against the unrecognised agressor, as his ship jumped to hyperspace a moment later. The strange vessel followed his example, jumping in the direction of the Core Worlds before the captain of the cargo vessel could even identify her rescuers.
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"I think that can be counted as a success." David Arthur congratulated his crew. "Now, let's get back to Earth and let the MOD know how things have gone."
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Since I created the Firefox, I'll supply the accurate statistics for it.
Rebellion F-41A Firefox medium fighter as seen in Talon
As the number of sympathetic corporations grew, the Rebellion was able to commission a new starfighter to complement the Manta, which is outdated by any standards. The result was the F-41A Firefox medium fighter. Powered by twin MN-004 engines, and boasting substantial advances in shields and armament, this new part of the Rebel fleet is more than a match for the Confederate policeships (patrol ships) and gunboats.
Shields/armour: 35/0
Shield recharge rate: 9
Top speed/acceleration: 500/900
Turn rate: 120°/sec
Fuel: 3 jumps
Cargo/free mass/total mass: 3 tons/5 tons/15 tons
Cost: 360,000 credits
Weapons: 3 swivel laser cannons, 1 heavy rocket & launcher, 1 torpedo launcher and 5 torpedoes
Crew: 2
Oh, and the Firefox is not designed to be launched from another ship, but I'll suppose I'll waive that point.
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Originally posted by Sattomax:
"Yes, sir," replied Vaten. "This Komodo sounds like a powerful ship. Is it a match for the Confederation Osprey?"
With all due respect, there's no way you can tell yet whether anything is a match for an Osprey, because you know very little about the Osprey. Wait until you've fought it and see some statistics.
Quote
Originally posted by Macavenger:
And David, about the hyper-alarm at Ruby... just so you know, my fleet isn't large by this topic's standards, but I'm sure you could detect it anyway, so I'll give you that one, no problems.
I didn't say it was large, only that the scientists at Ruby felt that it was best to evacuate when they saw it coming. Anyway, the move to Earth had planned for some time, you just hurried it up a little. The current Minister of Defence could never see why research was being done so far from most of the Confederation and so close to the rebellion. It was one of his predecessor's ideas. As for the hyperspatial early warning system, you're not going to see it - or the SD boat, for that matter - entering service quite yet.
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David Arthur
(url="http://"http://members.aol.com/darthur1/talon-ev/")Talon Plugin for Classic EV(/url)
(url="http://"http://members.aol.com/darthur1/confed.html")The Confederate Political System(/url)
(This message has been edited by David Arthur (edited 06-07-2001).)