CMDR Adrella//SJCS Artemis//3310-12-12 - Battle for Al-Din Prospect
11 Dec 2024Adrella
After completing the refit and remodulation of the Artemis's systems, I headed out from 61 Cygni. I plotted a course to LHS 450, but as I was arriving in-system, I received a message that the system had been cleared of threats.I next headed to Wolf 359, but on arrival, I found that system had also been cleared. My next attempt was Barnard's Star, but that was also cleared.
I realised I'd just been plotting courses based on the threat indicator on the map. So instead, I used the Thargoid War reports to get an idea of where to go. I jumped to Wise 1506+7027. On my way into the system, I was hyperdicted, so I definitely found the Thargoids.
Upon being ditched into real space, I saw two Interceptors and their swarms. I managed to take out two hearts on one of the Interceptors, but couldn't deal with the swarms or the second vessel. I lost my MRPs, and was forced to retreat.
I jumped back to LHS 450, but several pirate CMDRs were waiting to pounce on unsuspecting ships. I spotted one in a Python Mk I angling in to interdict me. I hit the SCO and rocketed off out-system before they could get into position. Knowing it was a safe port, I jumped back to 61 Cygni and headed back to Broglie Terminal. Luckily, the damage wasn't as extensive as last time, though the techs ribbed me about only just leaving. They joked I'd gotten tangled in the toaster rack, as I couldn't have gone anywhere else in such a short amount of time.
Once repaired, I plotted a new course for Alpha Centauri, to Al-Din Prospect, as it was under Thargoid attack. On the way into the system, I was hyperdicted again, but this time it was only one Interceptor. I managed to destroy it, but did take a reasonable amount of damage. Before continuing into Alpha Centauri, I cued up some module repairs, so I could get the MRPs back online.
Once I finally arrived in the system, I headed for Al-Din Prospect, orbiting the gas giant Lagrange. I was hoping I could dock and repair before having to get into the fight. However, upon arrival, I saw the station was under heavy attack.
A fellow CMDR was already in the fight, so I moved to help, engaging the Thargoid Interceptor (Cyclopes variant).
My AX MCs were still being repaired by the AMFU, so I used my thermal beams to help take down the shields, letting the other CMDR deal the killing blow. While the Interceptor was destroyed, the battle was still raging. Unfortunately, the other CMDR had been ordered to reinforce another position, leaving me alone at Al-Din. But I was combat ineffective, so I docked, repaired, then moved back into the thick of it.
Every time it looked like we were about to get the upper hand, a new wave of Scouts and Interceptors would arrive. Over the course of the battle, I took out 48 Scouts and 10 Interceptors, having to periodically return to Al-Din for repairs. Had that station not been there, I never would have survived - those brave souls on the station kept their heads under extreme pressure. I can't imagine how hard it was for the techs and crews, knowing the battle for their survival was raging out in the void, but they could only do their jobs.
After my last Interceptor kill, I was on track to return to Al-Din when two Hydras jumped into the fight. My ship was battered and broken, and I was convinced I'd be killed, when a full wing of CMDRs dropped in. The cavalry had arrived. I greeted and thanked them, then moved to Al-Din for repairs and rest. The woops over the comm a few minutes later let me know the battle had been won.
Learnings from the fight:
- I need to figure out how the ECM works, as I didn't dodge any missiles fired at me
- I need to pay attention to 'energy surge' warnings, as I got caught out by several shutdown fields
- My new control layout works much better than the previous one
- While better, I still need to pay more attention to my MRP levels and get repairs on the go sooner
- The lightning can devastate my modules, so need to keep my distance