Aces High

Posted on Wed May 25th, 2011 @ 11:56am by Major Patrick Smith

Mission: The Ties That Bind
Location: Star base 900

"Ok everyone simulation complete. Let's head back home and I'll see you all in the briefing room in 1 hour." A good start the new CAG thought to himself. Getting the pilots out and and getting them into a free for all simm was definitely the best way to pick out his topguns. Sure he could have read through all the files on his pilots but then. People can be biased in reports. The best way was to see them. And after 5 rounds he knew which pilots would be best at what. Looking over his shoulder in his cockpit Patrick saw the distinctive silver and red of 1 of his Flight Leaders.

"Jad is that you behind me?"

"It sure is Captain. What you thinking?" Jad was rumoured to be one of the best. A year older than the CAG a friendship had already begun to form.

"I'm thinking we give the guys down in the Nexus something to talk about over their drinks? Little bit of fun for ourselves."

"Sound like a plan to me. Entering Simulation mode now."

As both fighters returned to simulation mode to allow them to dogfight without taking damage they blasted down towards the Nexus. The CAG's dark blue livery in contrast to the bright red of the Flight Leaders. As they two approached the side of the Bar they slowed down and manoeuvred to just 1 foot from the side of the station. With a quick wave to the startled civilians the 2 Valkyries roared off in opposite directions only to snap turn back around and come back towards each other seconds later. With that the dance began. The pilots in harmony with their craft weaving, each trying to land the shot that would tell them apart. Red pulse phaser fire lighting up the space continuously but neither able to land the shot. After 30 minutes of intense manoeuvring from both pilots the simulation was ended thanks to the computer.

"Jad you have a fuel warning as well?"

"Sure do boss. Looks like its time to call it a day."

"Agreed. Don't want to keep the pilots waiting for us in the briefing room either. Bring her on home and lets get back to business."

-20 Minutes later-
-Pilots Briefing Room-

"Captains on deck."

"At Ease," the CAG replied. "That was a good afternoons work. I would like everyone to be taking part in at least 3 training sessions each week which will be organised by 1st Lieutenant T'Kyl'th. As well as that I want a constant Combat Air Patrol running around the base. This will be done in 4 hour shifts with 4 groups of 2 craft. Which you choose to take out is your choice. You should be available 3 hours before shift starts and for 3 hours after incase anything crops up so as we have sufficient pilots available. Shifts will be posted later today. Dismissed."

A good days work Patrick thought to himself. He knew that with the rosters going up and regular training and sorties his pilots would quickly become some of the best. But then there's nothing like real combat to sharpen the skills.