Things are just getting worse and worse in Hell’s Kitchen. Unable to stem the tide of reinforcements flowing in from other systems, the Confederation is pulling out and abandoning the Vega system completely. However, we still want to get as much equipment and as many people out as we can. That means The Claw is still launching fighters to protect whatever assets are left in-system.
In the briefing, Colonel Halycon tells us not to engage on the way to the Exeter-class. Obviously we’re going to ignore that. Leaving a bunch of light fighters at your back is a bad plan, especially when you’re significantly slower than them and can’t really extend and run. So we engage. In a minefield. For the second mission in a row.
Once that mess is dealt with (hopefully without taking too much damage), it’s time to save the Exeter-class. The Dralthi aren’t too much of a threat. They can put a hurt on the destroyer if you let them, but they’re still flying bullseyes. Quick kills are the order of the day.
The real challenge comes in the form of a quartet of Gratha reinforcements. Engage these as far away from the Exeter as possible. They’ll mostly head straight for the destroyer. Use that target fixation to your advantage. If you can bag them before they start maneuvering, then the mission is pretty simple. Failing that, well, it’s probably time for a reload.