Attack on the Compellor

The Second Battle of Goff, called Defend Interdictor Compellor Against Rebel Hit and Fade in the Empire's mission briefing for it, was a battle in the Airam sector during the operations of Task Force Vengeance.

Background
In the wake of Task Force Vengeance's destruction of their construction convoy in the Rocrin system, the Rebel Alliance began to see just how dependant was the Empire's campaign on Interdictor Cruiser Compellor. Accordingly, a retaliation attack on it was prepared, timed for when both it and, unavoidably, Star Destroyer Rage were docked at the former Airam space-platform Goff. The Empire too acknowledged the importance of Compellor for at that stage should it significant damage of any kind, further offensive moves would be forestalled for an indeterminate time; time unable to be lost.

The Battle
The Rebels entered the Goff system with two squadrons of starfighters, Viper Squadron in its A-wings and Phoenix Squadron in its B-wings. The chosen attack profile was their standard hit-and-run tactic of missile-armed dogfighters out front and heavy assault fighters behind. Viper was to engage Imperial starfighters while Phoenix attacked Compellor with a mix of proton torpedoes and mag pulse torpedoes. Against them were the now familiar foes Avenger Squadron in its shielded TIE Interceptors, Beta Squadron in its TIE Bombers, and Gamma Squadron in its TIE Fighters.

Avenger Squadron and the other Imperial starfighters were quick to move onto an intercept course, Avenger being ordered to redirect power to its engines so as to meet Viper before Phoenix came within range of Goff. When the two sides met, Avenger and Viper began a fight of missile locks and laser fire. Phoenix moved on but was, in turn, intercepted by Beta and Gamma. A length of starfighter-to-starfighter mini-battles ensued. Phoenix was able to launch some of its torpedoes at Compellor. The Imperials were then ordered to shoot the warheads. In the end, swarmed by multiple TIE craft, the B-wings were gradually shot down as were the A-wings.

At this point the second flights of both Rebel squadrons made their entry. They found not a bloodied defense force, as had no doubt been hoped, but instead the battle still in question. The Imperials, their comm channel already gloating at the losses the Rebels were suffering, switched to warning their pilots that even more desparate attacks could be expected from the Rebels. However, the Rebel second wave was likewise destroyed. Compellor was, for now, saved.

Aftermath
"That's it for Phoenix Squadron! They were brave, but doomed!"

- Unknown Imperial comm officer on the Rebel attack

Although the Rebellion's strike had been thwarted, the Empire was forced to admit that their enemies had caught on to them. The tactic of an Imperial Star Destroyer paired with an Interdictor Cruiser was causing the Rebels great concern. The attack just defeated demonstrated it. Further attacks against Compellor could be and were expected as Task Force Vengeance proceeded.

As was typical in battles, a number of pilots survived the destruction of their craft and were rescued. Many of the Rebels so captured, despite their loyalties, were found to be quite eager to mitigate their situations by providing valuable information. What they reported unsettled the Imperials still further and set the stage for the next encounter at Mobetta.

Appearances

 * Star Wars: X-wing vs. TIE Fighter: Balance of Power