X-WING

　Mission 5: Protect Returning Starfighters

　File Name: max15
　Mission Briefing
　This mission emphasizes the importance of protecting vulnerable Rebel fighters as they return from a combat mission.
　Dafid's Training Objective
　"The A-wing carries a full load of missiles. This is where you're going to learn to use them effectively. Learn to lock on early, fire, and move on to the next target. Otherwise, your friends are going to be dead meat! Also, don't try to do everything yourself. You've got a good wingman with you. Assess the situation and distribute your forces."
　Tactical Summary
　You have been sent to fly area security while the cruiser Cathleen recovers her starfighters and other craft. These ships have just conducted a raid against Imperial shipping and are battle-weary and low on energy. They make for the safety of the Cathleen as quickly as they can.
　As you drop out of hyperspace, hold course and give a look around. You have two minutes before the Imperial counterattack. Use the time to build up your shields and lasers. While you're waiting, you may fly around the cruiser and observe the recovery operations, but stay nearby.
　The Imperial Frigate Terminator drops out of hyperspace about eight clicks off the port (left) side of the Cathleen. A six-ship group of TIE Bombers is launched; the Frigate then hyperspaces away. The Frigate is no match for a Calamari cruiser, but the TIE Bombers cause a great deal of damage if they're left unchallenged.
　Use the targeting system to select targets for your wingman and give him the attack order. Your concussion missiles are the best choice for intercepting the Bombers as quickly as possible.
　Stay alert for the reappearance of the Terminator on the starboard (right) side of the Cathleen. Whenever an Imperial capital ship launches TIEs and then leaves, you can bet that it's coming back.
　If you haven't wiped out the first attack wave by now, you are in trouble! You have to disengage to go after the next group of six TIE Bombers coming from the Frigate. Continue to order your wingman to attack targets in the first wave while you attack the second.
　Keep in mind that there are only 12 TIE Bombers and that you have 12 concussion missiles. You should be able to stop them all yourself. This is what makes the A-wing such a deadly interceptor... even better than the X-wing!
　As the friendly ships arrive to be recovered, keep an eye out for X-wing Gold 4. This is the last ship that returns and is usually the one the Imperials manage to kill. If you have been successful, you may want to finish exploring the cruiser in high detail, but be careful that you aren't in the way when she hyperspaces out!
　Win Conditions
　X-wing Gold 1-4, A-wings Blue 5, 8, and 9, and shuttles Blue 1 and 2 all must return to the cruiser Cathleen.