Roland and Duncan’s Civilian Escort

This thread follows the two pilots’ efforts to protect a civilian flotilla as it attempts to escape through wreckage and contested space.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

The Civilians Move

An Escape Route A Vulnerable Convoy Passenger liners and other civilian ships attempt to move through debris while Union forces remain nearby. The ships have limited defenses and cannot maneuver like warships. Two Pilots Assigned Roland Horn and Duncan Glenn are sent to intercept threats approaching the flotilla. Their task is not to win the entire battle but to prevent enemy fighters and torpedo craft from destroying the escape effort.

The Torpedo Boats Stopped

Breaking the Attack A Rapid Interception Roland attacks Union torpedo boats while Duncan disables additional vessels with his own weapons. Their coordination reduces the immediate danger to the civilian ships before enemy Panzerters arrive. The Fight Turns Personal Union Panzerters pursue the pair, forcing them to fight while outnumbered. Duncan’s machine is already a fragile hybrid, and both pilots must depend on movement and timing rather than superior equipment.

The Flotilla Gets Through

A Costly Passage Support from the Ships The warships’ fire saves Roland and Duncan from the final Union attackers. The pilots have disrupted the assault long enough for the civilian vessels to continue moving. Protection Rather Than Victory The escort does not eliminate the Union threat or guarantee that every refugee will reach safety. It does create time and space for vulnerable ships to withdraw, making the mission’s limited success meaningful.

Night on 2 November 2135 in the shoal zone

Late night on 2 November 2135 during the breakout

Near midnight on 2 November 2135 at the shoal-zone edge