Description
The long-awaited (not really) sequel to Test Pilot. The GTA fleet gathers around the Sol Jump Node and you have to escort a wing of Cruisers to the rendezvous.

Storyline:
While not quite in line with the Great War story, this is a great storyline that is developed well with a professional command briefing, as well as a very well done mission briefing. It is further supported in game with a few well-placed messages that highlight key events. The debrief is equally well done, and it all meshes together very well.

Balance:
This is really the low point of the mission, since it is virtually impossible on medium difficulty. Attempting to destroy the Satis cruisers is practically suicide, since you will be quickly destroyed by its turrets and fighter escort. If you focus on the fighters, the Satis cruisers will make quick work of the ships you're supposed to defend. This mission is quite enjoyable when played on easy difficulty, and provides just enough of a challenge. Otherwise, loadouts are appropriate (except for a banshee icon in the loadout, but there are no extras, so it doesn't really matter) T-V war weapons, and only the apollo is available. The only other problem is that you will have to wait almost 4 minutes before you see any hostiles, but you'll wish you hadn't seen them at all once they show up.

Design:
This mission would have a 5 star design if it were not for the extreme difficulty. Everything about this mission screams professionalism, showing none of the usual design problems that seem to plague most missions. A little balancing, and this is a fantastic mission.

Gameplay:
A great mission to hone your dogfighting skills on, if you don't mind losing. Played on easy or very easy difficulty, it's a blast.

Other Thoughts:
It's nice to see a mission that obviously had some thought put into it.