Mike launched his share of the initial barrage, watching the smoke trails cross the distance until they created a wave of explosions. With the last long range missile out, mike jettisoned the three empty missile pods and switched the first of four short-range pods active. 

[i] All right, who’s first? [/i] he thought as he scanned the horizon for his first target, he didn’t wait long. A trooper zipped through the smoke and made a rush for the ship, along with numerous others. 

“Nawlin, breaking off to intercept” he called as he flared brakes and rolled left, putting him in a position to flank, and possibly tail the insect. Coaxing the heavy fighter into position mike began to fire his beam cannons, the ribbon like rays flaring around the insect as it dodged and wove on its mad dash to the carrier. 
“Come on cockroach! Fly into the damn light!” he growled angrily. He was rewarded with a beeping tone from his headset, and with a smile he selected 2 short range missiles, and struggled to lock the target, waiting for the solid tone. A moment later the wondrous sound teased his ears, launching the missiles he continued harassing the trooper, giving it no rest as the trails raced towards the insectile beast. Finally one of the beams hit, lancing through its left shoulder and robbing it of some speed, the missiles running it down and shredding it into a momentary star. 

“Nawlin, one do- " mike said as his hud flashed red and a whine pieced the cockpit. Dumping flares, he set the engines into full reverse shifting to battleoid , fighting the sudden G-load as the VF veered up and back. 

[quote]“Wex to squadron. Bandits on my one. Engaging, someone cover me.” [/quote] 

Mike brought the betas arm to bear and fired at the assault scout currently attempting to do him in. 
“No dice tash, I’ve got my own infestation to deal with, I’ll be there when I can.” Mike hurriedly replied, frustrated at the fact he was caught off guard. Spiraling and darting in a mad concerto, the beta and the assault scout dueled for supremacy, the slower beta keeping the scout at bay with a steady stream of fire.