View source for The Deep Patrol

{{Derelict}}

{{Mission|first=Welcome to the Boonies|next=Marie Celeste|campaign=Derelict Campaign Walkthrough}}

'''ACT 1 MISSION 2'''

'''Fighter squadron:''' [[212th Silver Scythes]]<br>
'''Description:''' Alpha wing deploys nav beacons across Tau Sigma - BR

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==Command Briefing==
<i>
*<b>Tau Sigma Station
:Fortnight Update</b>
I trust you are settling in well, pilot, now that you have been with us for more than two weeks. To be honest, aside from the recent excitement with the Blackbeard pirate raid near the Station, not much else happens out here. You're about to get a taste of the less exciting parts of life in the boondocks.  Unfortunately, I am not much for motivational speeches, especially when we have work that needs to be done. 
Welcome to Deep Patrol duty. You can thank me later.

* <b>Tau Sigma Wildernesse</b>

While Tau Sigma has been settled as a mining colony for over fifteen years, very little of the system has been marked for navigation. As a result, there are many hazardous regions of the star system that require navigational beacons, to ensure safe passage in these areas. Until now, only a small number of beacons have been set around the system. They mark the critical commercial lanes, particularly near the mining operations. However, GTVA Command informs us that in the coming months, the traffic to Tau Sigma will increase significantly. There is a need to step up the schedule of navigational beacon deployment.

Report to briefing for your specific assignment.</i>

==Background==
<i>
*With a recent shipment of <b>Mark IV Pharos-Class</b> navigational systems, we are ready to proceed with their deployment as soon as possible. Your <b>Myrmidon</b> fighters are being modified to carry several of these beacons. They will become available to deploy under your control when you reach the designated area for that marker. In order to make room to carry these navigation beacons, your primary weapons have been limited, and your secondary banks have been reduced in capacity.
*Due to the length of this mission, you and your wingmates will be flying in shifts. You will take turns sleeping as you make your patrol rounds. While asleep, your navigation systems will be locked into your wingmates'. In the event of any danger, you will be automatically alerted, and your systems brought online.
*Each fighter wing has been assigned to lay markers in three different locations in the star system. <b>Alpha</b>, your task is simple. In each designated area, you are to make a clean sweep, noting any hazards, and dropping the navigational beacon in their appropriate area. Your onboard computer will automatically determine the best location for deployment, marking it with a <b>computer-generated Pharos</b> beacon on your HUD.
*Our knowledge of these areas is very limited, <b>Alpha</b>. The <b>Mark IV Pharos</b> beacons have two functions - to transmit navigational data, but also to provide limited sensor scans of their immediate area. Once this is all over, we hope to make <b>Tau Sigma</b> much more accessible to those wishing to develop this region.
*On the first leg of your patrol, you will be placing beacons near an ice-belt further out of system. If we are lucky, these beacons may be able to use the reflective surfaces of the ice-belt to amplify their own scanning range. Once you successfully place the beacons, your computer will automatically download the next stage of your mission. Despite your remote location, you are still well within communication range of <b>Tau Sigma Station</b>. <b>Command</b> will be monitoring your progress.

:Good luck, pilots.</i>

==Walkthrough==

No combat in this mission. Drop the nav buoys and continue on. Derelict was the very first campaign to really use this linked-mission idea. It made the red-alert SEXP seem even more useful.

The first in a moderately long chain of red-alert missions. The only threat in this mission is accidentally bumping into asteroids. With a bit of care, you should move on to the next mission with 100% hull. Don't waste any missiles taking potshots at the asteroids, as you will need them later on in the chain.

==Notes==

==Notable ships present==