Store Championship season is upon us! I'm going to my first one this coming Sunday in Toronto, Ontario. I've been having a lot of fun flying 2 ship lists lately, both Rebel and Imperial. I'm leaning towards taking a Decimator + Phantom list to the tournament, because I love how well they complement one another. The Decimator struggles against swarms, but the Phantom destroys them. The Phantom struggles Against turrets, but the Decimator lends a hand here. My biggest fear is dealing with the dreaded Rebel Captive, and dealing with the mirror match. How does a phantom normally deal with Rebel Captive? Is there any good way? Here is the list I'm thinking of brining:

Rear Admiral Chiraneau + VI + EU + Ysanne + Rebel Captive

Whisper + VI + FCS + ACD + Tactician

My major reservation with this list is that the Rear Admiral doesn't have anything (other than his native pilot ability) to boost his offence. I've sacrificed any potential offence boosting abilities because I'm so afraid of an opposing rebel captive! I really don't want Whisper shooting first and not being able to cloak, which is why I think that VI is so important on the Admiral. What do you think? Am I being to paranoid of rebel captive? I just feel like if I take something like Predator, or even Expose on the Admiral that I'll just melt to an opposing rebel captive because Whisper wont be cloaked. How do other Deci + Whisper lists deal with the captive when Whisper shoots first? I'd love to hear some advice, and possible list suggestions, thanks in advance!

That fear is not without reason. You probably will match up against it at least once, and probably in the Top Cut if you make it.

I'd consider dropping Ysanne and Tactician for Gunner and an Init bid. Or heck, taking a slow Rear Admiral without Engine and then add Gunner that way. Maybe you won't need Engine with Whisper, especially if your PS 10 bid mostly helps with the mirror match. Idk though, lots of choices, and no clear cut answer I think.

I'll have to play test it without the engine. Part of my problem is that I don't have a great read on the meta around here so I'm not totally sure what I'm going to come up against. The List I've had the most trouble beating is Paul's world championship list. I consistently am able to come close to killing Han, but that's about it. Gunner would really help provide more consistent damage output against Han.