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Wing Commander - Senshi Squadron
Part I - Thrakhath's Wrath
Episode 4 - Lies and Mistrust


Stardate 2665.116
TCS Concordia, Niven System eroute to Ghorah Khar


Briefing Room

Jeanette leads the briefing for the next set of patrol missions.
"Before we begin, I wish to make it clear that everything is being done to investigate
the murder of Specialist McGuffin."
"Is that why Stingray isn't flying?" asked Zach.
"Stingray will be flying soon. I will hear no more outburst from anyone about this
issue, Major." warned Jeanette before continuing. "Alright everybody heads up! We're
about to jump to the Ghorah Khar system where the Kilrathi are attempting to retake
the planet. To clear a path for the Concorida, we're going to have several patrols near
the jump point. Maverick you'll be in your Ferret this time."
"Yes ma'am!" replied Blair.
"You too Moonhopper." said Jeanette.
"Yes ma'am!" replied Usagi.
"Well if there are no more questions, then let's get to it!"


In space, 10 minutes later

Usagi checks her system as she launches from the Concordia, then engages the autopilot.
Enroute to the first Nav point, she gets a very strange feeling, as if sensing a presence.
She disengages autopilot and checks her radar, but finds nothing.
"I was sure something was there - unnhh!" she groans. "What is going on here? It's like-"
Her instincts kick in and her finger rests ready on the trigger on her flight stick. She
breaks to the right, then, as if being guided by an unseen hand, fires her guns. In front
of her, something unseen explodes.
"WHAT IN THE WORLD???" she gasps, as debris from what appears to be a destroyed Kilrathi
fighter is now seen floating around where the explosion occurred. "A Kilrathi Fighter? But
there was nothing there!" She composes herself and tries to clear her mind. The strange
feeling is gone.
"I wonder if..." she began, then shook her head and continued on her patrol. She reached
her two NAV points encountering nothing, but on the way back to the Concordia, the strange
feeling happens again.
"Ugh! I don't get it! What is this I'm feeling?" she asks herself. Once again she disengages
autopilot, readies her finger on the flight stick's trigger, and with the same move breaks
to port and fires her guns. Again, something that shouldn't be there explodes in a flash.
"This is too much." she says as she looks at the floating debris right where the explosion
occurred. "Could it be... was Chris right about the Kilrathi Stealth Fighters? But how..."
She tries to clear her thinking and find the sensation that lead to her actions, but can't
find it. "This is too much. I'm going back" she remarks as she hits autopilot and makes her
way back to the Concordia.
"Moonhopper you are cleared to land" said the Concordia's Comm officer as Usagi returns to
the carrier.
"Roger! I'm coming in" replied Usagi.


Outside Jeanette's Office, 5 minutes later

Usagi carefully made her way to Jeanette's office to file her report. As she reaches the
door, she could hear an argument taking place inside. She listened in and realizes Blair
and Jeanette were in a heated discussion.
"I tell you the Kilrathi Stealth Fighters are real." said Blair.
"Hush. Without your flight recorder you have no proof of such nonsense" replied Jeanette.
"You really think I was the one responsible for the Tiger's Claw aren't you?"
"That is of no concern. I'll put it down that you destroyed 5 Drakhri"
Usagi stopped listening and thought to herself. "Could Chris be right? Were those two
indeed Kilrathi Stealth fighters I encountered?" She snapped out of her thoughts as Blai
 walked out disgustedly from Jeanette's office and almost collided with her.
"Oh Usagi! I'm sorry I didn't see you" said Chris.
"It - it's okay. Are you alright, Chris?" asked Usagi.
"I don't know. I just don't know" He looked at Usagi with suspicion. "Were you listening in?"
"Uh..." Usagi gasped.
"Well, it doesn't matter no one believes me..."
"Y-you're wrong. I believe you. I think I encoutered them too - the Kilrathi Stealth Fighters"
"You did?"
"But I think I should keep it quiet first. This just doesn't seem right"
"You have to tell Jeanette"
"I can't. Like in your case, the Flight Recorder on my fighter was damaged when I arrived."
"What's going on here?"
"It's happened to everone. There must be a saboteur"
"You know I can't keep quiet about this"
"Just hang on there, Chris, please? I have a bad feeling about this"


Ghorah Khar system, 24 hours later

Jeanatte's office

"Usagi, I want you on a patrol mission with Luna here." said Jeanette.
"Huh?" she replied in surprise, nervously looking at the black furred Kilrathi next to her.
"Well I don't know..."
"I understand if Lt. Tsukino has her reservations about flying on my wing. But I must insist,
though I would prefer a mission of greater importance."
"Every mission we have is important." said Jeanette. "Right now I need every able pilot, and
you two are among the best I have. You'll be flying Rapiers this time. Check both Nav points
and return to the Concordia."
"Um, alright. I'll do it" said Usagi.
"Glad to hear" said Luna.
"Well then, get to it."


10 minutes later, in space

After launch, Usagi and Luna prepare for patrol, when Luna speaks up.
"Moonhopper, channel check 4-2-8" said Luna.
"Roger" replied Usagi, setting her comm link to a secure channel.
"Lt. Tsukino, no one can hear us on this channel. I just wish to speak with you about a few
things before we go on patrol." said Luna.
"Be my guest" said Usagi.
"I've heard of your exploits during the war, mostly from your friend Rei. Personally I do
not believe you are the 'Crying Klutz of Niven' as others think you are"
"Well, thanks for that comment"
"You sound rather offended"
"Well, I've heard the insult too much, plus I'm not quite used to getting compliments from
a Kilrathi"
"I understand your feelings towards our race. But as long as it doesn't get in the way of
our mission, it matters not. And I do remind you that I'm commander of this wing. Do I make
myself clear, Lieutenant?"
"Yes ma'am."
"Good. Now my first order is," Luna paused.
"Yes?"
"That you take command of this wing. I wish to see for myself your skills and abilities,
both as pilot and Wing Commander"
"But our orders are..."
"Of no specific concern to me. I am the commander of this wing, and I will fly the mission
as I see fit."
"Yes ma'am"
"So, what are your orders?"
"Prepare to autopilot to Nav 1, Black Jaguar."
"As you wish, Wing Commander."
At that, both Rapiers proceed to the first NAV point. Before the reach their destination,
they run into a squadron of 3 Grikath bombers.
"Enemy sighted" said Luna.
"Break and Attack!" ordered Usagi.
"Of course. Moving in!" replied Luna, who engages the lead Grikath.
"Ugh! I hate these rear turrets!" grumbled Usagi, trying to chase a second Grikath while
avoiding the Neutron blasts from its rear turret. "Got you!"
"Need assistance! Front shields low!" said Luna.
"I'm right with you!" replied Usagi, going after the first Grikath. "Splashed two!"
"Thank you, Moonhopper" said Luna.
"Don't mention it. Besides we got one more to deal with." said Usagi.
"May I suggest we flank him so as to avoid his turret?"
"Good idea."
Both Rapiers engage the remaining Grikath, which does its best to dodge them, but to no avail.
"Enemy destoryed" said Luna.
"Good job. Let's move it"
After flying to both Nav points encountering empty space, they return to the Concordia. But
not before they encounter a squadron of 5 Jalkehi. The lead fighter hails the Rapiers.
"You terrans shall suffer my wrath!" said the Jalkehi pilot.
"Who is that?" asked Usagi.
"It is the Kilrathi Ace pilot Niyakra Nar Kiranka, known as Tinclaw to the Confederation. Be
careful!" replied Luna.
"Let's see what you're made of, furball!" said Usagi, taunting Niyakra.
"With pleasure" replied Niyakra.
"Watch his turret!" said Luna.
"I know!" replied Usagi, barrel rolling while trying to give chase to Niyakra's Jalkehi.
"Not bad for a human, but not good enough for Niyakra!"
"Try this on for size!" retorted Usagi, firing an ImRec missle from Niyakra's tail.
"Nooooo!!! Brothers, avenge me!!!" screamed Niyakra just before his fighter exploded.
"Splashed one Jalkehi!" declared Usagi.
"Well, I'll be. You just took out the Tinclaw." said Luna.
"Just doing my job as combat pilot. Besides there's still the others! Heads up!" said Usagi,
before she and Luna turned towards the remaining 4 Jalkehi.