Part 113: Loki System, Vega Sector, Mission 3 (Gameplay)

I have a new microphone. I think the audio quality in the commentary is much better and editing was much less work. The update pace may improve, or I may just find new ways to slack off. Either way is good from my perspective.

4th September 2669, Loki System (Mission 3), Vega Sector
TCS Victory

The Victory's fighter wing attempts to see off a Kilrathi attack on the TCS Behemoth as it makes the jump to Kilrah.

Pre-mission conversations (Youtube) (Polsy/Gamerstube)


Briefing Video (Youtube) Briefing Video (Gamerstube/Polsy)



Mission Video (Youtube) Mission Video (Gamerstube/Polsy)

Kills this mission: 4, which I think may be the most you can get on levels that aren't Rookie. It is theoretically possible to shoot Thrakhath down and get back to the Victory in time if his AI is set low enough he doesn't bother dodging missiles, but it's not something I can see happening on Crazy. As for the bombers, four is how many you can kill with the Arrow's missile loadout, and even with the best of luck I can't see how you could possibly have enough time to kill a bomber with guns before this happens (flying the Hellcat won't help, since your more powerful guns are balanced out by only carrying 6 missiles rather than 8, and being slower at afterburner):



And of course then Thrakhath turns up to trashtalk, which seems to be a hobby of his.

: The Heart of the Tiger has failed his race, he has failed himself, he has failed the Human he knows as Devereaux. Angel, his lair-mate, he has failed. His heart has not been valiant enough, his warring has not been skilful enough, and he has failed a true warrior, the Angel, for she displayed heart...

And, as it turns out, guts. Eew.



: You bore me, monsieur. Disintegrate me so I might join my comrades.
: Disintegration is not for you. Your fate will be different.
: [spits on Thrakhath]
: [roars] The Human cannot appreciate the honour that I am about to bestow her. She is not only a great warrior... but her lair-mate is the Heart of the Tiger! You have slain many of my finest fighters during your career. You have earned... this!
[Thrakhath then slashes her body open with his claws - a warrior's death, in Kilrathi tradition]

Avenging Angel will have to wait for another day, though, because our carrier is bugging out:

: Colonel, be advised that the Victory is pulling out of this system immediately! We need you to return, sir! Jump point in 90 seconds!
: You and I, ape, have unfinished business, now I give you the chance, if you are a true warrior, you will take the challenge. You will see on your radar, I have sent my wingmen off, the ancient test of courage is ours to engage in.
: Colonel, you have 75 seconds!
: The Heart of the Tiger continues to weaken. He did not protect his lair-mate, now he hesitates in combat!
: Colonel, if you don't turn around and land now you'll be left behind!


Ship of the day:
Is still on hiatus. I thought about doing Thrakhath's updated Bloodfang here, but I don't even consider it a spoiler to tell you that we will see him again and actually fight him on that occasion, so I'll save the Bloodfang stats for then.

Total kills (Wing Commander III): 24 missions / 222 kills
Total kills (this thread): 50 missions / 588 kills
Total kills (including previous thread): 160 missions / 1505 kills

Next time on Let's Play Wing Commander:
We've lost the Behemoth, Angel is dead, and the Victory is being pursued by superior Kilrathi forces back into Confederation territory. Clearly, there is only one thing to do...