Description
The GTCv Masada has suffered a failure of its propulsion systems in the nebula. Guard it until a repair team arrives.

Storyline:
Here's a thoughtful save-the-disabled-ship mission. During a last-minute escape from near-destruction, the GTCv Masada's warp drives failed. Basically, you must defend the Masada until help arrives in the form of an Isis transport built to fix the Masada.<p> While good, I am a little confused as to how the Pinnacle fit into the gameplay. The briefing clearly states that the Pinnacle would be away, attacking a Demon destroyer. So why does it make a timely appearance in the middle of this nebula? Who knows...

Balance:
Fighters escorting bombers. That sums this one up. Of course, the Shivans throw a lot of cruisers your way. Only one of the bomber wings actually is armed with Cyclops missiles though, which makes the other bombers no more threatening than the fighters that escort them. Course, this would have made short work of the Masada.

Design:
Everything is pretty solid about the design of this mission, except for maybe the end. Nothing happens as the Isis docks with the Masada, fixes its engines, then you watch as the Masada departs. I guess it is a nice little conclusion, though.

Gameplay:
Fairly tense all of the way through, albeit it could have been made more so. You'd think that the Masada would eventually crumble under the pressure of so many Shivans, but alas the Shivan commander didn't think before sending in the troops.

Other Thoughts:
Some departure code for the Pinnacle et al would have been nice. Everything just kinda' stands around post-mission.