2 fighters, mounted dorsally and ventrally. The cruiser would have to have longish landing struts to accommodate the fighter, but that gives more general flexibility for the shape of the mission module.One question before I go: is there only one fighter with your Merc, or is there another on the ventral section of the module hull?
I always was fond of this design, even though it was a pretty quick project. I may put a calendar illustration together with it, for next year!