Couple issues with some of the replies above that I want to point out for the record because I had a feeling this was going to happen when I replied to [url=https://www.roleplayerguild.com/posts/4267086]this post[/url], which sets the initial IC scene, [url=https://www.roleplayerguild.com/posts/4267520] in the OOC thread.[/url]

I said pretty specifically what I intended to write for everyone to see and received no objections whatsoever. 

[quote=@Foster]
>Sides with Massa on this one, because sticking to designated targets from flight-lead prevents redundant targeting.[/quote]

I really don't want to get into using the word "sides" particularly when we're looking to attract more membership. I would like to point out, however, that when I submitted my post in the OOC referenced above, this was your reply:

[quote=@Foster]
[hider=Clem.]
Translation:
-Seems good, get their CAP's attention by getting a few good hits in, lead them away, try not to die.

Lose them, re-engage as-needed.

Although the MiG-23's speed is really only any good at low-level... [i]there it screams[/i].[/hider]
[/quote]

No issue with redundant targeting then. It's just fortunate for the MiG-31 (and the rest of the squad for that matter) that the situation presented, as written, made for a VERY favorable target set for the MiG-31. This aircraft has the ability to hit targets at a far greater range than any other platform presently in the squadron and as stated in my OOC post it was simply best practice to fire them on [i]very[/i] high percentage shots. Anyone was welcome to speak up then, but did not do so and the post has hung out there uncontested for seventeen days up until now. I would have rewritten back then if someone had an issue and a better method with which to move the plot and fight the enemy IC.

[quote=@Massasauga]
<Snipped quote by Pilatus>
Well to be fair, lead's orders were for the MiGs to engage the fighters and leave the bombers to him and 2.
[/quote]

I'm going to refrain on debating semantics on this one as far as what "orders" are in a fictional military, sci-fi rpg. [url=https://www.roleplayerguild.com/posts/4277010]In your post[/url] you stated at least three times that Virginia was engaged with a "fighter" so it doesn't seem to be too much of a stretch when I said above that she had indeed engaged a "fighter".  This would make since in terms of continuity as well since all four heavy contacts were already going down in flames before any other aircraft in Ranger Squadron came into firing range. 

I'll conclude by saying that continuity is important to me and in my experience can be a game destroyer for more than several reasons. I'm not trying to be a jerk, but I do go back and reread posts fairly often. I understand that it may appear that Lonnie/Xi got some of the easy meat on this one, but the setting initially was strongly suited to their weapon set. Now that there are ground contacts there's really not much they'll be able to do that will help the ground forces other than cover Ranger 1 & 2 and that's fine with me.