Okay, so:
Players: Malachi Kelly (werty892), Delia Wyrson (DarkArtemisFowl), Lt. Wilkinson (WhitiusOpus), Charleston Spade (Comrade P.), Theodore DaCabian (darkpaladin109), Robert Schwartz (10ebbor10)
Waitlist: The Froggy Ninja, Patrick Hunt, mastahcheese, Aseaheru
As I previously said, arbitrary bullshit criteria. If I waitlisted you, do not despair: if this game turns out good, I'll add you in quick, and if it doesn't, well, you probably won't want to participate in it anyway, yes?
INTROFive days have passed since you boarded the DES
Peregrine, the ship assigned to the 1st Experimental. The ship is a sleek, high-speed model, fairly recently developed. It houses the first three planes that you will have to test out comfortably, one disassembled, two covered with tarp on the deck.
The sailors are dour and usually silent in their dark blue coats, exchanging brisk words only with each other. Their captain is a strange fellow: on one hand, the large scar that bisects his fairly young face and the steely glint of his eyes speak of experience; on the other, he wears his dress saber, which is considered worse than bloody useless in this age.
The reason for the general grimness is apparent: you have not been told of your destination, but it is obvious that the Triumvirate wishes to take Hashein Island after all - it is the most important Rahu foothold this close to Dren's coast, and it is obvious they will not surrender it and their recent victory easily.
The day comes. The six of you are summoned up onto the deck. Lined up as you are, you can see the sailors lowering your planes overboard on winches.
The captain hands Robert a folder.
"Do acquaint yourself with this." The team gathers around Robert, who ensures that everybody has time to read the contents.
Powerplant: 90 hp Hargrave
Max airspeed: 80 km/h
Stall speed: ~40 km/h
Max liftoff weight: 248 kg
Max airtime: 4 hours 20 minutes
Range: 344 km
Service ceiling:900 m
The captain waits until you are done reading, then coughs.
"This is what you will be flying. It is slightly slower than the Rahu Kites, but the service ceiling is higher, and more importantly, we have pintle-mounted light machine guns on two of them, and the angle is much better. The third aeroplane will carry explosive charges, which, I'm afraid, somebody will have to throw by hand." He looks aside for a second, then returns his gaze to you.
"You probably already know that we are only a few miles off the southern coast of Hashein. It is the least defended because the southern bay is naturally uncomfortable to approach, so we will be landing forces there. They do not expect air attacks yet. Your first mission will be to scout out their shore artillery positions and to determine the number of ships in the bay, destroying any air resistance while you're at it. The bomber will attack ground targets that seem important, like ammunition storehouses and the shore cannons themselves, along with any ships you think are sinkable. After you are done, the rest of the fleet should catch up with my Peregrine. They will have more aeroplanes for you to test out." His insistence on the old-fashioned term sounds strange to your ears.
"Choose among yourself who gets the gun aeroplanes, and who gets the bomber. Another thing... From now on, you are all officially promoted to Lieutenant rank." He salutes, slamming his knuckles together before his face. You are eager to reply - after all, even if the extra pip on your shoulder does not cheer you up, the generous slice of paycheck certainly does.
The captain checks his watch.
"We have half an hour... If you need anything before you go, do tell. I'll have it brought to you."