As Lightning Fall
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SOC LOOP 2, MISSION 1
Fighter squadron: 99th Skulls
Description: SOC receives a distress call from Lieutenant-Commander Snipes, and Alpha 1 opts to participate in his recovery.
Background
Special Operations Command has received a distress call from Snipes onboard the NTT Grall, the Argo-class transport that was docked to the NTC Alexandria when the cruiser made the jump into the nebula prior to Endgame. The Grall is now incapacitated and stranded in a Shivan-infested region of the nebula. Alpha wing of the 99th Skulls has been inserted into a location near the coordinates given by Snipes and is ordered to retrieve him and any other survivors on board the Grall.
Walkthrough
Welcome to EMP hell, pilot. Your ship will be electrocuted every few seconds, making your HUD go wonky and your target switch at random. As the briefing says, under these conditions aspect weaponry is not the most brilliant idea you've ever had. As you might guess, this is very annoying. It is however worthwhile to play this mission so that you can play the next one.
Follow the nav buoys as suggested. It is easy to get turned around during the periodic Shivan attacks as you do so; you will have to struggle with your targeting gear to get back on course, or have an excellent sense of direction. You will need to pay attention to the flashing grey blips, which can be hard to see in the nebula. Using the original 2D radar rather than the SCP's 3D version is highly recommended.
Once you reach the transport, spend a short while struggling to issue a C-3-9, then dogfight it with the Shivans that attack. Ordering the fighters to defend the Argo doesn't work as well, since they engage at too short a range to prevent hostile fighters from getting off a few shots.
For this mission, you have been provided with an Elysium-class transport, the GTT Lambda 1, as "reinforcement". You have to use Lambda 1 to dock with the Grall and recover everyone on board. When you call Lambda 1 in, the transport will jump in a short distance away from the Grall and dock with it. Once Lambda 1 has recovered Snipes and everyone on board the Grall, you will be ordered to return to base.
Much Faster Walkthrough
When the mission begins, do not touch your mouse or look around. Then, set engines to maximum, and go dead ahead with full burners. Have your wingmen form up on you, and ignore all resistance. After a few minutes, you should be told you've found the Grall, and lo and behold, it's right in front of you. Then, carry on defending the transport as above.
Notes
- There may be a possible inconsistency between the mission brief for this mission and the actual mission itself. In the mission brief, it is indicated that the recovery transport is designated the GTT Teleron. However, in the mission, you are supplied with the GTT Lambda 1 instead.
