Minefields

After commandeering the Imperial Refueling Station in the Argus system, Rebel Intelligence sent an Operative out to report on the activities of Joker Squadron.

Changing their gaze to the Nulan system, the pilots of Joker Squadron were tasked with destroying an Imperial minefield that had been set up in a common hyperspace smuggling lane.  

Turn 1

Joker Squadron arrived in-system and took up a tight formation, planning to sweep the area of engagement from one end to the other, while dealing with the TIE Bombers that were converted into minelayers in the area.

Jackhammer was back in an X-Wing after experimenting with a moth-balled U-Wing.  Since he had to be rescued over the Refueling Station, he went back to what he flew best.  Shrike was in a B-Wing for the first time, after his previous HWK-290 was destroyed at the Refueling Station as well.  

(The poker chips are our XP tracking system; the starting minefields were worth a Bonus XP each, so we put the chip right on them to keep them separate from the minefields layed by the TIE Bombers.)

Turn 2

Some early good shooting from all pilots as three minefields are cleared.  Shrike and Jackhammer break off to the right to set up better firing lanes against the TIE Fighters and TIE Bombers.   

Turn 3

One of the TIE Bombers dropped a replacement minefield, dashing our hopes of more Bonus XP.  His wingman was not as skilled and was destroyed by the combined fire of the Joker pilots.

Turn 4

We break off and engage the TIE Fighters after Shrike has a close encounter with the remaining TIE Bomber.  One TIE Fighter is destroyed and the surviving Bomber takes some damage.

Turn 5

Shrike and the TIE Bomber continue to try to get around one another while the rest of the squadron destroys the TIEs.  An unwelcome visitor in the form of a TIE Advanced with an Elite Imperial pilot arrives into the area.  

Turn 6

The TIE Bomber finally breaks free and lay another minefield.  However, it ends up on the receiving end of a Proton Torpedo courtesy of Shrike.  Boomer moves in to engage the TIE Advanced while Lancer and Jackhammer don not communicate properly and narrowly miss each other.

Turn 7

The TIE Advanced pilot makes a puzzling decision not move in for the kill on Shrike, instead seeking refuge in a minefield.  A new squadron of TIE Fighters arrives to try to turn the tide in the Empire's favor.

Turn 8

The TIE Advance banks directly into the teeth of Lancer's and Shrike's guns, being destroyed swiftly under withering laser fire.  Boomer and Jackhammer continue on the primary mission objective, destroying another minefield.

Turn 9

Joker Squadron mops up most of the remaining minefields while dodging laser blasts from the TIE Fighters.  Lancer barely has a shot on the lead TIE Fighter and destroys it.  The TIE pilot must've thought he had superior position.

Turn 10

The Joker pilots get in position to destroy the remaining TIE Fighters while doing damage to the remaining minefields.

Turn 11

With all Imperial forces dispatched, Joker Squadron sweeps the mines clear from the area and sends the signal back to base...

Turn 12

Mission Accomplished!