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Wing Commander - Senshi Squadron
Part I - Thrakhath's Wrath
Episode 1 - Facing the Enemy Again


Stardate 2665.112
Caernarvon Station, Gwynedd System

"Thanks for the report Usagi" said Capt. Christopher "Maverick" Blair after
receiving a bunch of papers from a clerk he's talking with.
"No problem, sir." muttered the clerk.
"Usagi, I told you you can forget about the 'sir' routine. It's alright with me."
"Yes, Chris"
"I know you miss flying missions. So do I. But there's not much going on around
these parts."
"It's not only that"
"Is there someone on your mind if I may ask?"
"Well, more like in my heart."
"Well, I hope you get to see him soon." Blair headed back to his office.

Lt. Tsukino "Moonhopper" Usagi sighed as she sat back at her desk. She'd been
stuck doing deskjob for InSystem Securities for two years after a disasterous
mission while serving on the TCS Kyoto. It was a routine patrol in the Niven
system with her wingman, Lt. Hino "Firefly" Rei, when a distress call from her
carrier caught them by surprise. When they returned to their launch point, they
found what turned out to be the remains of their ship - the Kyoto was completely
destroyed. They landed, along with the surviving members of their patrol unit,
on the nearest Confederation carrier available, the TCS Yokohama. An investigation
was conducted regarding the incident, with some charging Usagi with treason given
the eerie similarites in circumstances with the incident involving the destruction
of the TCS Tiger's Claw in the K'tithrak Mang system 8 years earlier, and she
somehow ended up being called the "Crying Klutz of Niven". The lack of evidence
resulted in the inability to pinpoint any culprit, and all charges against Usagi
were dropped. However, she was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress apparently as
a result of the loss, and she was removed from pilot duty and transferred to
InSystem Securities to work at the Caernarvon Station, where she met Capt. Christopher
"Maverick" Blair, the acquitted prime suspect in the Tiger's Claw incident, and Capt.
Elizabeth "Shadow" Norwood, who soon became her closest friends in the station. She
deeply missed her old friends, notably her wingman and best friend, Lt. Hino, her
new friend Lt. Aino "Pureheart" Minako whom she met aboard the Yokohama, and her
boyfriend and squadron commander aboard the Kyoto, Maj. Chiba "Goldstar" Mamoru,
whom she feared dead immediately after the loss of the Kyoto, but thankfully showed
up alive and well at Confed HQ. That was the last she saw of him before she went to
Caernarvon. "Mamo-chan, I miss you" she whispered. She then picked up a nearby copy
of Claw Marks (the official newsletter of the Tiger's Claw) Blair brought with him,
and turned to the manga section to pass the time. "I wonder what the Hornet's Nest
is up to this time?" she said.


3 hours later, at the comm room.

"You have clearance to land Maverick, Caernarvon out." said Usagi on the comm link.
Blair and Capt. Elizabeth "Shadow" Norwood returned from their patrol, and Usagi
went to meet them at the hangar. Before she could talk to them, she heard them
conversing.
"You okay Liz?" said Blair.
"Yeah, I'm okay" said Liz hesitantly, but then spoke up after a pause. "No, that
patrol scared me. The Kilrathi are here, in the Gwynedd System"
"But you did fine"
"I was hoping for a peaceful retirement, and now I have to face the Kilrathi"
"Either that, let them beat us, or join them, like the Mandarin Society"
"The Mandarin Society? Those lunatics have no idea what they're doing! How can
they join in with the Kilrathi?"
Usagi was shocked to hear of the Mandarins. Her gasp didn't go unnoticed.
"Oh, Usagi!" said Blair, turning his attention to the Lt.
"Uh, sorry. I didn't mean to eavsdrop." said Usagi meekly.
"It's alright. I'm sure you'll end up hearing about what's going on soon." said
Liz. "I only wish it wouldn't get this bad."
"Yeah. I wonder who their leader, Jadeite, really is." said Blair. "Well you can
look at the bright side Usagi, we will be facing the Kilrathi again soon" said Blair.
"I see" said Usagi. "Well, if that happens, I hope I'm still up to speed for a fight."
"You've been practicing in the simulator during your breaks. That will eventually
come in handy I'm sure" said Blair.
"Yeah, I guess you're right." Usagi.
"Alright then, let's head back inside and file a report."


Next day, comm room

"Chris! We have an incoming transmission from an unknown vessel." said Usagi.
"I've got it" said Blair, switching channels.
"Attention unidentified ship, this is Caernarvon Station. Please identify yourself"
said Blair on the comm link.
"Mayday! Mayday! This is the TCS Concordia. We need assistance. Our escort has been
destroyed. Our flight deck is damaged and we cannot launch any fighters." responded
the comm officer of the approaching ship.
"Roger that. Caernarvon will assist you. Out." said Blair, before switching comm
channels to internal.
"Attention all hands, launch all available fighters. This is not a drill." said Blair.
Before he hand a chance to get up, he received another incoming transmission.
"Caernarvon, this is Shadow returning from patrol." said the pilot of the incoming craft.
"Liz, don't land. I'll meet you in space." responded Blair.
"Roger." answered Liz.
"Usagi, you're coming along too. Let's suit up, Moonhopper." said Blair to Usagi.
"It's about time, Maverick!" said Usagi gleefully.

Within two mintues, Blair and Usagi joined up with Shadow in their Ferret Patrol ships.
"Maverick, what's the situation?" asked Liz.
"We got an SOS from the TCS Concordia. She needs our assistance ASAP" responded Blair.
"So we going to provide cover for her" added Usagi.
"Well it's nice to have you with us Moonhopper. Still yearning to mop up some Kilrathi?"
asked Liz.
"I wouldn't have it any other way" answered Usagi.

The three Ferrets reach the TCS Concordia as she was under attack by several Sartha
light fighters.
"The Imperial Guard will kill you!" said one of the Kilrathi pilots to the newcomers
through the comm links.
"Huh! Drakhai!" Usagi gasped.
"Don't let their taunts get to ya Moonhopper. Just watch your six" said Blair.
The Ferrets engage the Sartha.
"Splash one Sartha!" called Usagi.
"Good shot!" said Liz.
"Moonhopper! On your six! Break!" shouted Blair, who engaged the Sartha going after
Usagi. "Nailed him!"
"Thanks Maverick!" said Usagi.
"Got him!" called Liz, after scoring another kill.
"Two more left." said Blair.
"I'm on the trailing fighter" said Usagi, lining up for a shot. "Splashed him!"
"I got the last one" said Blair, closing in for the kill. "Nailed him! Alright that's
all of them."
"Ferret pilots, prepare to land. The Colonel wishes to speak with you." said the comm
officer of the Concordia.
"Roger. Commencing landing sequence." answered Blair.


Flight Deck, TCS Concordia

"Jeanette! What are you doing here?" asked a surprised Blair.
"I'm the commander of the flight squadron on board the Concordia." answered Col.
Jeanette "Angel" Devereaux. "I heard you three defended us from the Kilrathi attackers."
"We flew in as soon as we got your SOS." answered Blair.
"And who are your companions?" asked the Col.
"Capt. Elizabeth Norwood callsign Shadow of Caernarvon station."
"Lt. Tsukino Usagi callsign Moonhopper of Caernarvon station."
"Welcome aboard the Concordia. Without you, we would have been destroyed by the
fighters. We were barely able to outrun a Fralthri Cruiser on our way here. Chris,
Usagi, please come to the observation deck in two hours. I have some friends I would
like you two to meet."
"You have someone for me to meet, ma'am?" asked Usagi.
"Yes, she talked about you." smiled the Col.
"Could it be..." Usagi whispered.
"Just be there. You'll see."


Two hours later, Concordia Observation deck.
"Rei!!!" yelled Usagi as she ran towards her old friend.
"Usagi!!!" Rei caught Usagi in a tight hug.
"It's been too long StarFire! How've you been?"
"Hehe great. Yeah it's been way too long, Moonhopper!"
"So what have you been doing lately? You're stationed here now aren't ya?"
"Yep."
"You're so lucky. I've been stuck doing deskjob at an old space station for
two years"
Nearby, Blair meets his old acquaintances.
"Chris, join us. It's been quite awhile" said Jeanettte.
"Good to see you guys again" responded Blair.
"How are you my friend?" said Col. Tanaka "Spirit" Mariko, a female pilot
dressed in a kimono.
"Fine Mariko".
"It's amazing there are so many of us left" said Lt. Etienne "Doomsday" Montclair,
a pilot with a heavily tatooed face.
"Here we are, survivors of the Tiger's Claw. Now all we need are Maniac and Palladin,
so we can all die together."
"That's a cheerful thought Etienne" said Mariko with a smirk. She turns to Blair
"So what have you been doing these past few years?"
"After, the Tiger's Claw, I was assigned to Caernarvon Station."
"I heard you two other pilots another pilot saved the Concordia."
"So, you're on one for two now eh?" said the pilot playing the piano. "How about
battin with say, a .500?"
"Go to hell Jazz!!!" said Blair in disguist, before storming out.
The commotion got Usagi's attention. "Who's that guy?" she whispered to Rei, pointing
out the guy Blair yelled at.
"That's Major Zach Colson, callsign Jazz." Rei answered. "I wouldn't wanna talk about
him and Blair right here. I suggest we talk about that later if you wanna know something"
"I see." said Usagi.
"Meet me at the Hangar in half an our" suggested Rei.
"Sure"


Hangar of the Concordia, 30 minutes later.

"So what was that commotion about?" asked Usagi.
"Well, I wish I wouldn't have bring back painful memories, but do you remember what
happened to the Kyoto?" asked Rei hesitantly.
"Um, Yes" swallowed Usagi.
"Well, Capt. Blair was in a similar predicament ten years ago." Rei began.
"Does this have anything to do with the Tiger's Claw?" asked Usagi.
"So you know?" said Rei.
"Chris told me all about it" said Usagi.
"Yes. After the Tiger's Claw was destroyed, Blair was court marshalled with charges
of Treason, but in the end was acquitted due to lack of evidence, notably the fact
that the flight recorder on his fighter that he was flying in during the incident was
missing. Only thing is, some, like Colson, still think he's guilty." said Rei.
"I guess I can imagine very well what Chirs is feeling" said Usagi, lowering her head.
"Gomen nasai about the Kyoto, Usagi. I know you're not responsible, despite what some
people say." said Rei assuredly. "And, I think Colson's jealous too. I heard about
how good Blair is as a pilot. Well, Colson is the best pilot on the Concordia, and
perhaps he knows Blair's better. But you know what? I think you're better than Colson
as well."
"You think so?" asked Usagi.
"Positive. I've seen how he flys. He's too laid back, and acts like he doesn't have
a care in the world." said Rei.
"Hmmph. Given how he was mean to Chris, I almost wanna whack his behind till hell
won't have it again." said Usagi.
"Usa-chan!" scolded Rei.
"Besides, I'm getting bad vibes from him, like he's got some kind of hidden agenda"
said Usagi worriedly.
"Well, come to think of it, I kinda have a funny feeling about him too." said Rei.


Next day, briefing room of the Concordia, after jumping to the Niven System.

"Alright heads up people" said Jeanette. "We just jumped into the Niven system. As
you know we are being hunted down by a Fralthra cruiser. Because of their efforts,
Maverick and his two companions in their Ferrets will escort our strike force of
Broadswords, Gold Wing, consisting of Stingray and Hurricane."
"You can count on us." said Blair.
"What??? I'm not flying with the Coward of K'tithrak Mang!" spat out Capt. Dirk
"Stingray" Wright. "I mean, I respectfully request another escort."
"I request for the same, as I would rather not fly with the Crying Klutz of Niven"
said Capt. Ten'ou "Hurricane" Haruka, a tall, blonde haired female. Usagi cringed
at Haruka's insult, knowing it was directed at her, and she glared at the similar
remark directed towards Blair by Stingray.
"Your requests have been denied. You two are hereby grounded until you adjust your
attitudes." snapped Jeanette. "In which case, Kilroy and StarFire will be Gold Wing."
"Yes ma'am!" said Kilroy.
"Looks like we're flying together again after all, Moonhopper" said Rei.
"Don't worry, I'll watch your back" said Usagi.
"Maverick, you are to escort Gold Wing along Nav points and towards the Fralthri.
Keep the cruiser's escorts away from our Broadswords. After the fighters are taken
care of, back off, and let Gold Wing handle the Fralthra. Understood?"
"Yes Ma'am." replied Blair.
"Alright, if there are no questions, let's get to it" said Jeanette.


5 minutes later, in space.

"Good to have you with us Maverick!" said Kilroy.
"Don't go soft on us Moonhopper!" said Rei.
"We got you covered" said Usagi.
"Alright let's move out!" ordered Blair.
As they approach the Fralthra, a squadron of Sartha barge in.
"Maverick! I'm taking a lot of fire here!" yelled Kilroy.
"I've got one of them" responded Blair. "Splashed him!"
"Moonhopper! Get this baka off me!" snapped Rei.
"I'm on him!" responded Usagi. "He's toast!"
"Two to go!" said Liz.
"Got one with my turret" said Rei.
"Splashed the last one" said Liz.
"Alright, Moonhopper, Shadow, lets pull out of the way." said Blair.
"Roger!" responded Usagi and Liz.
"Acquiring lock... FIRE!" said Kilroy.
"Targeting... Torpedo away!" said Rei.
Within moments, both torpedos hit the Fralthra, which explodes in a flash.
"Nailed one Fralthra" said Kilroy.
"Good job guys! Let's head back" said Blair.
They retrace their flight path back to the Concordia, only to come across a group
of three Jalkehi heavy fighters.
"Heads up! We got company!" said Blair.
"Guys! I'm taking heavy fire! I can't shake them!" yelled StarFire, as all three
Jalkehi went after her broadsword. "They've got lock! I'm hit! I'm hit! Ejecting..."
"REI!!!" shouted Usagi.
"Let's kick butt!" said Liz.
"Nailed one!" said Blair.
"Splashed one! That was for Rei" said Usagi.
"Enemy engaged and destroyed." said Kilroy.
"Rei! Come in! Daijoubu!?" said Usagi worriedly.
"I'm alright. Kilroy, can you tractor me in?" said Rei.
"I'm right there!" said Kilroy, as he closes in on the ejected pilot and turns
his rear on her to bring her in with his tractor beam. "Alright she's safe and sound"
"Thank goodness!" said Usagi in relief.
"I told you not to get soft on me" said Rei.
"Gomen nasai Rei-chan..." said Moonhopper.
"Nah, drop it. All of them gunned on me at once. I didn't stand a chance" said Rei.
"Enough of that. Let's head home." said Blair.


Hangar deck of the Concordia, after debriefing

"Rei! I'm so glad you're alright! I was so worried" shouted Usagi as she ran towards
Rei and gave her a hug.
"Well, we got lucky that time. You did your best Usa-chan" said Rei.
"I was scared of losing you, really I was."
"Enough already. I said forget about it, okay?"
"Okay, Rei-chan."
"Rei-chan! Glad to have you back" said Mariko, entering the Hangar.
"Mariko-sempai! I'm okay." said Rei.
"Say aren't you one of Chris' friends?" asked Usagi.
"Hai" said Mariko.
"Usagi, this is Lt. Tanaka Mariko, callsign Spirit." said Rei.
"Konnichiwa. You must be Lt. Tsukino Usagi callsign Moonhopper. Your friend Rei-chan
told me about you."
"Hai" Usagi smiled.
"I can see where your callsign came from" said Mariko, pointing out Usagi's Odango
hairstyle.
"Uh, well, yeah I, just like this." Usagi grobbled.
"It's alright. It looks great. Besides I have friends back home who also sport that"
said Mariko assuredly.
"Oh, hehe, okay." said Usagi in relief.
"So you're good friends with Blair-sama?"
"Hai. In fact he lets me call him Chris"
"Ah, only his really close friends call him that, myself included."
"Is he still upset because of that Jazz guy?"
"Oh, Maj. Colson. Don't worry about that. Besides, Jazz is quite a baka I tell you."
Usagi giggled. "You know, I thought so too." Mariko and Rei giggled as well.
"Hey you guys! Why don't we head back to the observation deck for a snack?" said Rei.
"Sounds good to me" said Mariko.
"Good idea! Let's eat!" said Usagi gleefully.
"Hehe just like Rei-chan said. You're quite fond of eating."
"Doh!" Usagi yelped at Mariko's remark, while the other two girls laughed.