FROM: Colonel Stryker, Squadron Commander
TO: LC Denys Elara
CC: HA Anahorn Dempsey, Firebird Squadron
DATE SUBMITTED: February 27, 29 ABY

Chapter 4

The X-Wings cruised through empty space, another dead-end lead that threatened their pursuit of truth and justice, not that either had been staples of Imperial society. Shadow Squadron had disappeared without a trace, as was their speciality, and the Kawolski was now reportedly safely ensconced with the rest of its battlegroup deep within Emperor’s Hammer territory and virtually untouchable. That they had failed so comprehensively irked Stryker no end, not only did it reflect badly on him as a Squadron Commander, but it also cast the loyalties of his squadron and the rest of the Infiltrator Wing into doubt – would they stand by their superiors when push came to shove? They would, Stryker knew that better than most, but he was beginning to question whether or not that loyalty was deserved – the number of fanatics within the Emperor’s Hammer was growing, and Grand Admiral Rapier’s secretive mission into the Unknown Regions had already claimed lives that would have been saved had they simply contented themselves with staying within their own borders.

All of this on the whim of a man few of us have ever seen… It’s no surprise that someone decided to take advantage of the situation for a power grab…

Truth be told, Stryker didn’t hold with the idea of a new Empire being led by a Sith Lord – it had failed every time it had been attempted in history, and with the way things were progressing, Stryker had a sneaking suspicion that the Avenger and her consorts would return to its territory only to be immediately destroyed by a Superlaser blast from the Sovereign under the command of a newly-minded Emperor, Grand Admiral, or other holder of some suitably over-inflated rank.

 As the patrol of the system came to an end, Stryker ordered the ships to return to the Hermes; there was no point wasting more fuel and putting more hours on the spaceframes than was necessary given the trail had gone cold and they were on nothing more than a fool’s errand to try and restore the honour of the Infiltrator Wing. The pilots were tired, he’d seen it on their faces; they’d run themselves ragged trying to prove themselves worthy, of proving themselves better than the insults thrown at them by other squadrons, and they’d burned themselves out doing it. They needed a break, time off the lines before the next big offensive, and Stryker wasn’t sure they were going to get it – two pilots were on the verge of washing out, and that number risked rising unless new ways of motivating them could be found.

Maybe we’ll hit a casino on the way back to the Challenge, claim we had ‘hyperdrive issues’ or something…

Either way, it was time to concede defeat and return home; Shadow Squadron had gone to ground somewhere, and they weren’t getting anywhere near the Kawolski without the entire Challenge Battlegroup reinforcing them. For the first time since their formation, Firebird Squadron had failed, and it was time to tuck their tails between their legs and await the judgement of their superiors.

Firebird Squadron Training: Every two weeks, Firebird will assemble for Multiplayer Training! Star Wars Squadrons, EA Battlefront 2, and others; let's try to get full flights working together!

Trivia for the Challenged 2021 - Season 1 : Four trivia questions every week, points awarded based on time and number of correct answers. Prizes for weekly, monthly, and season winners, along with further prizes for points-based achievements.

Chalquilla Cup: 3v3 Multiplayer event using Star Wars Squadrons. Match pairings and results can be found here.

TIE Corps in Battle (TCiB): The TCCOM's High Score Hunt, one battle each from TIE, XvT, and XWA will be assigned monthly.

COL Stryker
CMDR-WARD / COL Stryker / Firebird / Wing X / ISDII Challenge