Prior to a mission, the pilots of any fighter squadrons always practiced the ritual of sharing what was assumed to be their last meal together. The Wildcards were not different in this respect. They all ate their breakfast in silence, knowing full well that this could, and would probably, be their last meal. Besides, nobody knew what to say to each other. The 58th sat together at a quiet corner of the mess hall, away from the other squadrons.
They also noticed Wellington and Eugene sitting together at a small table. The other personnel in the mess hall also respected the privacy of those participating in a classified mission, and kept their distance. Wu and Casey came in a few minutes after the 'Wild Cards', went to the buffet table, and found seats away from the pilots. The 58th and the 93rd nodded to them as they walked passed quietly.

West finished his meal first, and waited for the others to do the same. He did not want to rush them through their breakfast. Going on dangerous missions had probably become routine for him, but he had grown to dislike them by now. He had lost friends and a brother on dangerous missions, not to mention all the other comrades whose names he could barely remember. He never did managed to get to know them beyond the initial introduction before they were killed in the line of duty. He had developed a certain fear all throughout this war; the fear of getting too close to people.
He did not want to lose any more friends if he could help it, and the only way to do so was to avoid getting close enough to develop friendships. That was the main reason why he never addressed the junior members of the 58th by their first names. Even during their social gatherings, he always addressed them formally, either by their last names or by their rank. No matter how much he cared for each and every one of them, he was afraid to get too close to them.

When the 58th finished their meals, they headed for their quarters to pick up their gear. They had secured all their personal belongings, and handed their personal letters to the chaplain the night before. Paxton even took the precaution of including his last will and testament in his letter to his parents. When they reached the flight deck, they began to occupy themselves with their pre-flight rituals as the various flight crew personnel readied the cockpits for launch.
West and Hawkes went over the pre-flight checklist with the senior flight crew officer. As they would be carrying auxiliary fuel tanks, they made sure that everything was all right. Once everything was done, all the pilots stood by their cockpits. West and Hawkes did their ritual of walking up to shake the hand of each pilot, and looking over each cockpit. They then shook hands with each other, headed to their own cockpits, and waited for the launch signal.

Casey walked into the hangar bay, approached West, and saluted at attention. "May I have your permission to speak to Lieutenant Habib, Captain?" he asked.

"May I inquire as to why, Commander?" West countered, returning the salute.

"You know why, Nathan," Casey replied stoically. "Don't make me spell it out for you."

"Do you think that's wise, Dan? We are about to embark on a dangerous mission. Your attention may be too distracting for her at this point in time."

"Damn it, Nathan! I know this might not be the best time, but I may regret it if I don't do it. I'm asking as a friend."

"Go ahead, Dan," West said, giving his friend a sad smile. "It's one more incentive for her stay alive and make it back safely."

"Thanks, Nathan."

Casey went to Habib's cockpit, and cleared his voice. "Hello, Elena."

"Hello, Commander," Habib replied with a smile. "You came to wish me good luck, I hope?"

"More than that, Elena," Casey responded. "I came to tell you that I will be here waiting anxiously for your return. I think I'm in love with you."

Habib stared dumbfounded at the naval officer. "I do not know what to say, Commander."

"My name is Dan, not Commander."

"Just kiss him, Elena," Montallo urged, smiling at the romantic scene.

"Just do it, Habib," Paxton cheered with Morales giving a thumbs up sign.

Habib gave both Hawkes and West a bewildered look. The two senior officers nodded and gave the thumbs up sign. Habib moved towards Casey, and embraced him. "Don't worry about me, Dan. I'll be back before you know it."

"You know where to find me," Casey replied, holding her tightly in his arms. "Take care of yourself, Elena."

"You do the same, Dan."

Casey released Habib, took a few steps backward, and saluted the entire squadron. The pilots of the Wild Cards returned the salute. Casey then turned to face West, and mouthed the word thank you. He then turned, and walked out of the hangar bay.

Bane stood at the entrance of the flight deck, and quietly observed her pilots. Hearing footsteps behind her, she turned around to see Wellington and Eugene walking up to her. Both of them were dressed in No. 8 British Army combat fatigues and helmet, the Earth flag and Regimental patches on their right arms and the British flag on their left; lanyards attached to sidearm holstered at their waists; and they carried officers' swagger sticks. The officers saluted each other. "You should be in the ISSAPC, sir," Bane reminded. "It is 20 minutes to launch."

"I know, Colonel," Wellington replied. "I just wanted to see them before we launch. I will only take a minute."

"I understand, sir."

"Will you join me, Colonel?"

"No, sir. You need this time alone with them."

"Before I do that, Colonel, may I have a private word in your ear?"

"Certainly, Brigadier," Bane replied.

Wellington turned to Eugene. "Captain, please wait for me in there."

"Very good, Your Grace," Eugene acknowledged, and proceeded into the hangar bay.

"I was intrigued by something you said during the briefing yesterday, Colonel," Wellington said. "I hope you can clarify something for me."

"Any inquiries or questions should have been submitted during the briefing, sir," Bane responded in a businesslike tone.

"This is off the record, Colonel Bane."

"Very well, sir."

"What did you mean exactly when you told the pilots to pray that the enemy does not engage them between points 1500 and 1000 KMSKs from Planet Herron?"

"I meant that literally, Brigadier. If the enemy attacks the mission between those two points, then Captain West and his squadron will ensure, to the best of their abilities, that the objective of Operation Chaperone is accomplished."

"In short, the escorting squadron will sacrifice itself to ensure that I will get to Herron," Wellington concluded, triggering an acknowledging nod from Bane. "Is it worth an entire squadron going on a suicide mission just to get me to Herron, Colonel?"

"Like you said, Brigadier, the mission is a calculated risk," Bane said. "They are risking their lives for you."

"And I will do the same for them, Colonel," Wellington retorted. "We will deal with the matter if and when it arises."

"They know their duties, Brigadier."

"And so do I, Colonel."

"Good luck and God speed, Your Grace."

Wellington nodded, and proceeded to join Eugene in the hangar bay. West announced their presence, and everyone stood at attention. Wellington did not say a word. Both he and Eugene stood at attention, saluted the 58th, and left the flight deck almost in the span of one minute. On his way out, he paused and nodded to Bane again. Then, both he and Eugene proceeded to landing pad 6.

West leaned against his cockpit, and smiled. "Hail Caesar," he began, "those who are about to die salute thee."

"What'cha talking about, Nathan?" Hawkes asked as he turned to West.

"Just something from Shakespeare's Julius Caesar, Coop," West replied. "It's a habit I picked up from Paul."

"Oh, right," Hawkes acknowledged in a melancholy tone, the memory of a departed old friend and colleague rushing back to him. "He was into this literature stuff."

"It takes your mind off this damned war, buddy." West said. "You should try it."

Hawkes looked at his watch, and back up to West. "It's almost time, buddy," he said. "They will be launching the 41st and 22nd in about five minutes."

"Take care of yourself out there, Coop," West said, giving his friend a handshake. "Don't do anything stupid."

"Hey, it's me," Hawkes replied.

"That's what I'm afraid of," West laughed.

West turned to face the rest of the squadron, and gave them the thumbs up sign. "God speed and Semper Fidelis, people!"

"HOOYAH!" the 'Wild Cards' responded, clenching their fists in the air.

Ten minutes later, the ship's klaxon sounded on the flight deck. "Hangar Bay 2, prepare for Hammerhead engagement sequence," Casey announced from the bridge.

The flight crew personnel helped the pilots into the cockpits, strapped them in, and secured the flight deck. Another klaxon signaled the engagement sequence, and the cockpits were attached to the Hammerheads. The pilots stared into the vast darkness of space as they waited for the signal to launch.

"58th, you are cleared for launch," Casey ordered.

The six fighters of the 58th squadron catapulted off into space, and they were joined by the 93rd squadron. They flew in formation as they approached the ISSAPC carrying the Duke of Wellington.

"Saratoga, this is 'Wild Cards'," West announced. "All planes present and accounted for."

"Saratoga, this is 'Killer Bees'," Bogdanis reported. "All planes present and accounted for."

"Saratoga, this is 'Prom King'," Chambers reported. "All systems functioning, and two passengers with nothing to complain about."

"This is Saratoga to 'Killer Bees', 'Prom King', and 'Wild Cards'," Casey announced. "Operation Chaperone is underway. Proceed to destination along the CPA, and maintain discretionary radio transmission. See you at the party."

"Okay people," West said as he monitored his instruments. "Cut the skipchatter unless you have something important to say. Semper Fi."

Ross paced back and forth restlessly on the bridge. Casey handed him a folder, and returned to his console. Bane entered the bridge after the witnessing the launch. "They are on their way, sir," she reminded the admiral.

"Thank you, Colonel," he replied as he turned his attention to Wu. "Where are the 22nd and the 41st?"

"They are 46 MSKs from us, sir, and have not made contact with the enemy," Wu reported.

"Send the coded transmission about Operation Chaperone to Herron," Ross ordered.

"Aye, sir," came the reply.

Wu sent the transmission on a coded frequency, and activated the computer's scrambling device in order to flood the airwaves. The scrambling protocols required the transmission of dummy messages so as to confuse the enemy. She sat back in her chair, and waited for the computer to confirm the completion of the procedure. She turned to face Ross and Bane upon receiving the confirmation on her console. "Transmission completed, Admiral."

"Thank you, Lieutenant," Ross replied. "From this point onwards, the Fleet will assume 'Yellow Alert' status."

"Aye, aye, sir," Wu acknowledged, and plugged the information into her computer console.

The klaxon sounded 'Yellow Alert' status and the crewmembers throughout the 15th Fleet quickly assumed their duty stations. Wu leaned over to Casey's duty station. "Any idea as to what is going on, sir?"

"No, Chris," Casey replied. "Only the brass know. I guess it is only on a 'need to know' basis and we do not need to know."

"Yeah," Wu agreed, putting her hand on Casey's shoulder. "Don't worry, sir. She will be just fine. After all, she's a 'Wild Card'."

"And who is 'she', Lieutenant?" Casey inquired, raising his eyebrows.

"I mean Lieutenant Habib, sir," Wu responded calmly. "I apologize for being out of line, Commander, but I do happen to know that you care a lot for her. She'll be okay, sir."

"I hope so, Chris," Casey retorted. "Dear God, I hope so."

June 3, 2065. Point 1750 KMSKs from Planet Herron.

The ISSAPC and its two escorting squadrons proceeded along the CPA to Herron. The 58th provided close escort, and the 93rd flying 1 MSK above them. They had been flying for about 250 KMSKs from the fleet without encountering any enemy patrols. "This is 'Killer Bees' Leader to 'Wild Cards' Leader, do you copy?" Bogdanis said.

"Bogdanis, this is West," came the reply. "Talk to me, Peter."

"Nathan, we're are now at Point 1750 KMSKs, approximately half way from our point of return," Bogdanis said. "So far, it has been quiet."

"Yeah, maybe the 41st and 22nd really gave them something to worry about," West added. "'Wild Cards', this is 'King of Hearts', all systems functioning. Everything looks good, people."

"'King of Hearts', this is 'Jack of Diamonds'," Hawkes reported. "Confirm destination at 1750 KMSKs."

"'Wild Cards' Leader to 'Prom King', do you copy?" West said.

"'Wild Cards' Leader, this is 'Prom King', I copy you loud and clear," Lieutenant Chambers replied.

"'Prom King', what is your situation?" West asked.

"All systems functioning at 100%, thank you," came the reply.

West looked over his instruments, and something flickered on his LIDAR display. Pressing a few buttons and clicking a few dials to boost the incoming signals, he managed to identify the images on his LIDAR screen. "'Wild Cards' Leader to all crafts. Confirm bandits on LIDAR. Three o'clock. 7.5 MSKs," he announced urgently.

"Confirm! Confirm! Contact three o'clock!" Hawkes cried.

"This is 'Killer Bees' Leader to 'Wild Cards' and 'Prom King'," Bogdanis announced. "We are engaging. Proceed to the prom at maximum speed. We'll keep them busy. Good luck!"

"We copy 'Killer Bees'," West responded. "Semper Fi and go kick some Chig ass."

"Vaya con dios, amigos," Morales added.

"Okay, people," Bogdanis said to the rest of the 93rd. "Activate weapons systems, and make 'em dance!"

The 93rd assumed attack formation, and engaged the enemy fighters. The 58th and the ISSAPC engaged full thrusters, and proceeded to Herron; all the while they listened to the combat transmissions on their communications link with the 93rd.

"All crafts, this is 'Wild Cards' Leader. Kill all channels to the 93rd!" West ordered angrily. "We can't help them. We have our own problems to worry about."

"Copy that, 'Wild Cards' Leader," Chambers said without any emotion.

"Whatever you say, boss," Hawkes added coldly.

June 3, 2065. Point 1050 KMSKs from Planet Herron.

The 58th and the ISSAPC continued on their journey to Herron. West activated his comlink, and addressed his subordinates. "Attention 'Wild Cards', this is 'King of Hearts'," he announced. We are approximately 10 mikes away from point 1000 KMSKs. Check your instruments, and prepare to disengage the auxiliary fuel tanks the moment you reach point 1000 KMSKs. Maintain discretionary radio communication."

"Copy that, Captain," Hawkes responded.

Montallo entered the data into her plane's navigation system, and waited for the computer to spit out the precise calculations for the disengagement procedure. As she happened to bring up the rear of the escort formation, she boosted her LIDAR scanning frequency for full maximum sweep. An activity at the extreme edge of her LIDAR screen caught her attention, but she was not able to clarify the image further.

"This is 'Five of Spades' to 'King of Hearts', do you copy?" she radioed.

"This is 'King of Hearts', I copy you loud and clear," West responded. "This better be important, Montallo."

"Sir, I am picking up something at the extreme edge of my LIDAR screen, on my six," she reported. "I am not able to make it out. Can you confirm?"

"Negative, Montallo," West replied. "I am at point. My maximum sweep won't pick up anything that far back. Can anyone confirm?"

"Negative," Hawkes replied.

"Negative," Habib echoed.

"Negative," Paxton affirmed.

"Same here," Morales added.

"'Wild Cards' Leader to 'Prom King', do you copy?" West radioed.

"'Wild Cards' Leader, this is Prom King," Lieutenant Mirk replied. "What is your situation?"

"Lieutenant Montallo has picked up something at the extreme edge of her LIDAR screen, on our six," West informed. "Can you verify this?"

"One moment, 'Wild Cards' Leader," Mirk retorted as he plugged in the data into his LIDAR computer. "OH MY GOD!"

"WHAT IS IT?" West demanded tensely.

"'Wild Cards' Leader, this is 'Prom King'," Mirk radioed. "We are picking up one dozen enemy fighters in full pursuit! I repeat. Bogeys in full pursuit! We are now assuming RED ALERT status. ALL HANDS TO BATTLE STATIONS! Weapons systems activated."

The klaxon sounded on the ISSAPC. Corporal Johnson and Sergeant Lopez, Wellington's security personnel, unbuckled their seat straps, and ran to man the weapons systems. Wellington unbuckled his straps, and started to head for the cockpit. Eugene unbuckled his straps, and placed a restraining hold on the duke. "Where are you going, Your Grace?" he asked worriedly.

"I am going to find out what the bloody hell is going on, Eugene," Wellington replied. "Now unhand me!"

"Your Grace, I must insist that you resume your seat," Eugene said firmly. "The Marines know what to do. We will only be a nuisance to everyone."

"Unhand me, you bloody fool!" Wellington shouted.

Wellington struggled to free himself from Eugene's strong grip without much success. He whacked Eugene's knee with his swagger stick and jabbed his elbow hard into Eugene's stomach, knocking the wind out of his aide. Eugene fell back into his seat. Wellington turned, and grabbed his aide by his shirt collar. "I am going to find out what is happening," he said angrily. "You make yourself bloody useful, and go man one of the manual machine gun turrets in the cargo bay.

Wellington ran to the cockpit just in time to catch the tail end of Mirk's report about enemy squadrons in pursuit.

"Omigod! Omigod! Omigod!" Habib's voice blared over the comlink.

"Dammit, we're sitting ducks!" Hawkes added.

"Shut up!" West screamed. "'Prom King', this is 'Wild Cards' Leader. Can you guess their ETA at our current speed?"

"Seven mikes! Possibly less!" Mirk replied.

"Oh God, we're dead!" Paxton said. "We're dead! We're gonna die!

"Shut up, Paxton!" West shouted. "You die when I tell you to die! People, DO NOT PANIC!"

"What da ya mean don't panic?" Hawkes asked agitatedly. "With the auxiliary fuel tanks still attached, we're sitting ducks. We can't disengage for another 9 mikes."

"Another 9 mikes and 12 secs to be precise," West added intensely. "'Prom King', this is 'Wild Cards' Leader, proceed to objective at maximum speed. We'll hold them off."

"Negative! Negative!" Lieutenant Chambers responded. "You can't engage in a 'fur-ball' while attached to the auxiliary fuel tanks. You'll be slaughtered. We can provide covering fire until you disengage the auxiliary fuel tanks."

"'Prom King', Your mission is to safely transport your passengers to Herron," West said sternly. "Proceed to destination. That's an order, Lieutenant!"

"Yes, sir!" Chambers replied angrily.

"Ignore that order," Wellington interjected.

"Sir?" Mirk asked with disbelief.

"You heard me, Leftenant," Wellington added. "Ignore that order."

"We can't disobey a direct order from a superior officer, sir," Chambers protested. "Captain West is in command of this mission."

"Believe it or not, Leftenant, I outrank the captain," Wellington said with a smirk, pointing to his shoulder epaulettes. "Give me the comlink, and connect me to Captain West."

"Yes, sir," Mirk said as he gave the comlink to Wellington. "His call sign is 'Wild Cards' Leader, sir."

"Blast your zoomie call signs, Leftenant," Wellington replied. "What is our status?"

"Weapons systems charged and ready, sir," Mirk said, triggering a nod of approval from the duke.

"Captain West, this is Wellington," the duke radioed. "Do not engage the enemy! I repeat, do not engage the enemy! You will proceed to Herron with us. Your squadron will take point. We will be on your six to provide covering fire if needed."

"Negative! Negative!" West responded tensely, annoyed at the interference from a brass officer. "Our mission is to get you to Herron safely. Proceed, and we will provide cover."

"Either you come with us, Captain, or we will stay here with you!" Wellington replied calmly. "Now, shall I make this a direct order, Captain West?"

"Brigadier, you are endangering the entire mission by refusing to proceed to Herron as directed," West protested angrily. "I am in command of this phase of Operation Chaperone, sir. You are committing a 'Broken Arrow' by preventing Lieutenants Mirk and Chambers from carrying out my directives."

"You may report me to the Supreme Commander himself the moment you return to the Saratoga, Captain, and bring up charges of willful disobedience and endangering the mission." Wellington countered. "Until then, consider yourself to be under my command."

"With all due respect, sir, our orders from Colonel Bane and Admiral Ross are absolutely and explicitly clear!"

"With all due respect to both the Colonel and the Admiral, Captain West, I am countermanding those orders after careful consideration of the current situation!" the annoyed duke spoke in a livid tone. "Now, shall we deal with the situation at hand, or shall we continue arguing about military procedures and chains of command?"

"No, sir," West conceded. "'Wild Cards', this is 'King of Hearts', assume point formation in front of 'Prom King'."

"'Wild Cards', this is Wellington," the duke interjected. "Proceed to Herron at maximum speed and disengage auxiliary fuel tanks at point 1000 KMSKs. We will follow on your six. Do not turn to engage the enemy unless absolutely necessary. Is that understood?"

"Yes, sir," the 58th replied in unison.

"Leftenant Mirk, keep monitoring the enemy squadrons as well as the 58th's situation," Wellington ordered.

"Yes, sir," Mirk replied. "We are now at point 1040 KMSKs from planet. Enemy is 6 mikes and 53 secs away, and closing."

"How many enemy fighters are there?" Wellington asked calmly.

"About a dozen, sir," Mirk replied tensely. "The 58th is outnumbered two to one."

"All right, everyone, put your foot down!" Wellington ordered.

The 58th and the ISSAPC proceeded to Herron at full speed, with the enemy squadrons in full pursuit. Engaging maximum thrusters, the ISSAPC and its escorts managed to place some distance between themselves and the pursuing enemy fighters. At point 1000 KMSKs, the fighters ditched their auxiliary fuel tanks, and powered up their weapons systems.

"We are now at point 995 KMSKs from planet. Enemy is 5 mikes away. We are maintaining the distance," Mirk announced. "Enemy is firing on us."

"Launching chaff decoy screens, and engaging in evasive action," Chambers announced.

The enemy's laser salvos missed the ISSAPC, and detonated on contact with the chaff decoy screens. The shockwaves of the explosion rocked the ISSAPC, throwing Wellington off his feet.

"Are you all right, sir?" Mirk asked as he turned to offer Wellington a helping hand.

"I'm fine," Wellington replied as he pulled himself off the floor. "Damage report."

"None, sir," Chambers said.

"We are now at point 990 KMSKs from planet. Enemy is closing in," Mirk announced. "Fighters successful in disengaging the auxiliary fuel tanks."

"All fighters engage!" Wellington ordered.

"Okay people, pair up and engage the enemy at will," West ordered. "Let's tango, people!"

"HOO-YAH!!!!" Hawkes shouted. "Prepare to eat lead, you freaking chiggies."

"Chambers, move us closer, and try to draw the enemy's fire away from our fighters," Wellington said calmly.

"Sir?"

"Try to attract the enemy's attention! I want to equalize the situation for our fighters."

"You got it, sir," Chambers replied excitedly. "All batteries commence firing once you have the Chigs in your line of fire!"

The 58th executed ACMs, and swung around to engage the approaching enemy. They were outnumbered two to one, but they charged towards the Chigs with weapons firing. West teamed up with Hawkes, Habib with Morales, and Montallo with Paxton. They cut a path into the enemy's formation and scattered the fighters, destroying three in the process. Not to be left out of the warriors' waltz, the ISSAPC swooped in with weapons blasting, and took out two more Chig fighters. Lopez and Johnson manned the laser cannon turrets, Mirk operated the cockpit laser turrets, and Eugene stationed at the port machine gun in the cargo bay.

"I am going to man one of the machine gun turrets in the cargo bay," Wellington announced. "You two hold the fort up here."

"Yes, sir," Chambers and Mirk replied excitedly.

Wellington ran to the cargo bay, took up position at the starboard machine gun turret, and began firing at the Chig fighters.

Habib swerved to the right in order to avoid a Chig fighter's line of fire, and ended up with it on her six. She flew erratically to avoid its laser bolts while her rear turret fired vainly in return.

"Habib, watch your six! Watch your six!" West shouted. "Juke left! Juke left!"

"I can't shake him!" she screamed, engaging in EA to avoid hostile fire. "Somebody, please help me!"

"Hold on, Elena, I'm coming," Morales said as he swung his plane towards the enemy fighter. "Target locked, and firing. Die you Chig bastard!"

Morales's salvos blew the Chig fighter to smithereens. "Thanks a million, Rodney," Habib radioed gratefully.

Hawkes and West flew across Morales's path to provide some cover, while Montallo and Paxton raced to the assistance of the ISSAPC. It seemed that the remaining enemy fighters decided to concentrate their attack on the ISSAPC. Wellington and Eugene fired their weapons with tremendous determination. Eugene managed to disable one Chig fighter, which spun out of control, and Paxton closed in for the kill. Montallo fired her weapons at three enemy fighters that were on the ISSAPC's six. She managed to destroy one, but barrages from the others struck the starboard wing, the rear laser turret, and the cockpit. The explosion shook the ISSAPC hard, throwing all those not strapped in their seats to the floor. The co-pilot's control panel blew up, resulting in scattered electrical fires in the cockpit. Mirk was knocked unconscious by the explosion. "We're hit!" Chambers shouted as he tried hard to maintain control of the ISSAPC. "MAYDAY! MAYDAY!"

Wellington and Eugene pulled themselves off the floor, and proceeded to extinguish the fires caused by the explosion. The duke then ran to the cockpit, and saw that Chambers was trying to maintain control of the vessel amid the electrical sparks and scattered fires caused by the explosion. "How bad is it?" Wellington asked, aiming the fire extinguisher at the damaged control panel.

"I don't know, sir," Chambers replied tensely. "I trying my best to see that she does not die on us. How's Mirk?"

Wellington put down the fire extinguisher, and turned to examine the unconscious co-pilot. "It's bad, Leftenant. I'll get him out of here."

Wellington pulled the injured Mirk to the passenger compartment. He signaled Eugene for the first-aid kit, and pointed to the injured pilot. "Take care of him," Wellington ordered. "I'm going back to the cockpit."

"Very good, sir," Eugene replied soberly.

"'Prom King', report," West shouted as he saw the ISSAPC taking intense enemy fire.

"'Wild Cards', this is 'Prom King'," Chambers reported as Wellington jumped into the co-pilot's seat. "We took three hits. I've lost our guidance systems, and LIDAR is functioning erratically. The chaff decoy launchers have been disabled, and the cockpit laser turret is dead. I don't know how much more punishment we can take."

"Lieutenant Chambers, this is Sergeant Lopez," the Marine called on his comlink. "We took a hit back here. Corporal Johnson is dead. The automatic targeting system is off line. I am switching to manual targeting."

"Negative!" Chambers interjected. "Survey the damage, and give me a report on the double."

"You got it, Lieutenant," Lopez responded.

"I'm engaging in evasive actions!" Chambers shouted. "Hold tight, everyone!"

The ISSAPC flew in an erratic zigzag pattern in order to shake the Chig fighters while its passengers valiantly tried to prevent themselves from being thrown around. West and Hawkes flew in pursuit of the enemy.

"Chambers, proceed to Herron. We'll buy you some time," West assured. "Habib! Morales! Stick close to 'Prom King'. The rest of you, regroup, and follow me." The four fighters of the 58th regrouped and attacked the enemy in a diamond formation.. Upon simultaneous firing, they broke the enemy's formation and moved in individually for the kill. West took out one fighter with his forward turret, Hawkes destroyed two with his missiles, and the Paxton finished off the last one. They all screamed a war cry in triumph. "Okay, people," West said calmly. "Let's see how badly we're hurt."

The four fighters flew to rejoin their comrades. Habib flew point while Morales brought up the rear. The remaining fighters took up position in a diamond formation around the ISSAPC. "'Prom King', this is 'Wild Cards' Leader, what is your status?" West asked.

"Captain West, this is Chambers," came the reply. "We took quite a punch from the Chigs. My co-pilot, Mirk, suffered some injuries when the cockpit took a hit. Corporal Johnson is dead. Our automatic targeting system is down, life support is nominal, and we have lost our navigation systems and LIDAR. Sergeant Lopez is doing a thorough check up now, and I'll give you a report ASAP."

"Do you still have propulsion and steering controls?" West asked.

"Yes, sir," Chambers replied. "What's left of them, that is, and not much of anything else."

"Okay, we will be your eyes," West promised. "Lieutenant Habib is at your point. Just follow her flight path visually, all right? Patch me through to Wellington."

"You got it, sir."

"Captain West, this is Wellington," the duke's voice came through the comlink.

"Sir, thank you for what you did," West said.

"Glad to be of service," came the reply. "Like Chambers said, we took quite a bloody nose. I don't think we'll be able to survive another scuffle."

"That's what we're here for," West assured. "I suggest we continue to maintain discretionary communication until we reach Herron."

"I agree wholeheartedly, West," Wellington concurred as Lopez entered the cockpit and handed a computerized notebook to Chambers.

"'Prom King' to 'Wild Cards' Leader," Chambers interrupted. "Sergeant Lopez has completed the damage survey."

"Go ahead, Chambers," West replied.

"Hull integrity has been maintained," Chambers reported. "Our fuel capacity is enough to get us to our destination. Most of my instrument readings are dead. As long as the engine is still functioning, I will be able to get us to Herron. However, I will take the precaution of issuing environmental suits to all personnel. Mirk suffered some serious burns during the explosion in the cockpit. It looks like I have to fly this bird solo the rest of the trip."

"Copy that, Chambers," West responded.

"I'll get the environmental suits out from the storage compartment, sir," Lopez volunteered.

"Thanks, Sarge," Chambers acknowledged, dismissing Lopez from the cockpit. "Good work."

"What about yourself, Leftenant?" Wellington asked.

"The automatic pilot system seems okay for the moment, sir," Chambers replied, activating the system. "I'll put on the suit right now."

Wellington left the cockpit, and returned to the passenger cabin. Eugene was bandaging Mirk's burned hands as well as tending to his other injuries. Lopez was zipping up the black body bag that contained Johnson's dead body.

"Good work, Sergeant," Wellington said as he placed one hand on the marine's shoulder. "Sorry about your comrade."

"Thanks, sir," Lopez replied in a controlled voice. "He died bravely."

"And with honor," Wellington added. "Put on the environmental suit, Sergeant."

"Yes, sir."

Wellington left the marine to give him some privacy with his grief. He took a seat next to Eugene, who was packing up the medical kit. "Sorry about hitting you earlier, old man," Wellington said in an apologetic tone. "I wasn't thinking."

"Neither was I, Your Grace," Eugene replied. "My apologies."

Wellington nodded, and pointed to Mirk. "How is the Leftenant?"

"I have done all I can for him, sir," Eugene replied as he sat next to the duke. "He needs proper medical care. Unfortunately, he won't be flying anytime soon, poor devil. I have given him a painkiller injection, and the drugs have knocked him out."

"We should all be unconscious where this war is concerned, old man." Wellington retorted as he took off his helmet and glasses, and buried his face in his hands.

"I'll get the environmental suits from the storage compartments for us and the Leftenant," Eugene said, getting up from the seat.

"Very good," Wellington acknowledged.

Next : In The Shadow Of Greatness - part 5 of 9

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