Operation:Homeward Bound
Chig territory Last week of May, 2064

Despite the protection of the safety harnesses, Captain Shane Vansen was nearly thrown against the control panel as the injured cockpit landed roughly on the planet's surface. The chute had only partially opened, and it was a miracle they were in one piece.

A moan from her left forced Shane to start thinking like a Marine instead of just reacting. She slowly lifted her head, wincing as a wave of dizziness hit her. Taking several deep breaths Shane was finally able to take in their surroundings.

Vanessa was thankfully still strapped in, starting to come around. The cockpit itself had sustained minimal damage from the impact. At least there wasn't any more damage than what was sustained during the fire fight. The hinge on Shane's safety harness was jammed, she would need Vanessa's help if they were going to survive.

Shane reached out and gently touched the young black woman's shoulder, "Phoose, can you hear me?"

Silence.

Shane shook her gently, "Vanessa! Its Shane, can you hear me?"

With a groan Vanessa Damphoose straightened in her seat. As she opened her eyes the world swam before her, forcing them closed. Leaning back against the seat Vanessa pressed her right hand against a newly formed cut on her forehead.

"Oh man, anybody get the license number of that truck?" Vanessa asked weakly, "Shane, what hit us?"

Shane laughed at her friend's attempt at humor then winced immediately regretting the action. Pain shot through the right side of her ribs. She prayed they were only bruised.

"Nothing hit us, Phoose. The Chigs fired, the cockpit was separated from the cargo hold. Now we're planet side."

Memories were slowly returning for Vanessa, "Where's Coop? "She asked anxiously.

"Nathan picked up him and the colonists. I'm sure they're back on the Saratoga by now." Shane paused looking her friend over, "Are you hurt anywhere?"

Vanessa tested her arms and legs, "I'm okay, just my head."

Shane nodded, "My harness is jammed. Can you get out of yours?"

Taking a moment to orient herself Vanessa fumbled with the straps for a moment before finding the hinge and, "This one's okay." She replied as she unlocked the hinge.

Shane nodded, "Okay. Get me out of this so we can figure out what we're going to do."


Shenadoah, Iowa
June, 2065
Kylen Celina stepped out of the two door dark green rental car, smiling at the familiar figures standing on the porch.

"This is a hard place to find." Kylen commented as she walked around the front of the car.

"That's part of its charm." McQueen replied with a smile as he walked down the steps toward her

Kylen fell into step with him, "You're looking well, Colonel."

McQueen grinned, "For a man without a leg. I'll show you were you can stash your gear and then I believe Hawkes has something to tell us."

Cooper nodded, leading the way into the farmhouse.

Fifteen minutes later they all sat near the fireplace.
Kylen sipped a glass of lemonade as she and Ty waited for Cooper Hawkes to read Nathan's letter. Hawkes looked at his friends for a moment before opening the plain white envelope.

My Friends,

I wish I could be there in person to explain all of this to you. But the War has gotten so much worse since the peace talk fiasco. This was the only way I could talk to you.

Colonel, I know you've tried to keep track of me since you were shipped home. I appreciate your concern, but I'm fine. Well, as good as I can be considering.

I don't know how much the media has gotten wind of, but less than two months ago the 33rd squadron was shot down. All members killed.

McQueen stared at Hawkes, "The 33rd?" He repeated in shock, "After the Angry Angels they were the best. It must've taken a hell of a lot of Chigs to take them out."

Hawkes nodded and continued with Nathan's letter,

After the 33rd was wiped out the Franklin Roosevelt was immediately shipped closer to the front lines. The official government report says the 33rd was ambushed by a Chig squadron before they could radio back for help.

I talked with a few friends on the Saratoga where the 33rd was stationed. They told me off the record that the area where the 33rd was supposedly shot down hadn't been an active area for the Chigs.

At this McQueen leaned forward with interest, "So West thinks the Chigs weren't behind the destruction of the 33rd."

Kylen looked at Hawkes, "But what can we do? What does Nathan want us to do?"

Cooper skimmed through the rest of the letter, "This last paragraph is in some kind of code."

Kylen took the letter from him, "Let me see. Nathan and I used to write coded letters back and forth to each other in class."

"Cooper," She said after a few minutes, "He got you transferred back to the Saratoga. You'll be with the 55th. Colonel, it looks like you and I will be visiting Nathan on the Roosevelt. I've been assigned as part of their medical staff."

McQueen nodded, "I'll make some calls. There are two rooms upstairs you guys can bunk in. Get some rest, it sounds like we're going to need it."


Operation: Homeward bound
First day of June, 2064
Captain Shane Vansen winced as pain shot through her bruised ribs. She paused for a moment leaning against one of the few trees on the planet. It had been nearly forty eight hours since they crash landed on the surface and still no rescue.

Shane was beginning to wonder if anyone was still looking for them. If anyone had made it back to the Saratoga to report them missing.

She had left a few hours before to scout the area around the small valley where the cockpit had crashed. The planet wasn't much to look at. Reminded Shane more of a tundra than a valley. There were low hills sparsely dotted with thin trunked trees.

Shane was about to head back when she heard a faint beeping. Cocking her head she listened, there it was again. Sounded like it was coming from over the next hill.

She quickly crossed the first hill and scooted up the next one so she was peering over the top. At the bottom, sitting at an odd angle was a lifepod. Shane scrambled to her feet when she realized it was one of theirs.

"Oh my God," Shane said when she finally reached the pod and saw who was inside, "Paul."

She quickly checked the computer display to make sure everything was still working properly.

"You're alive." Shane said to Paul's unconscious form, "Good. Don't go anywhere. I'll be back with reinforcements."


Operation: Homeward Bound
First week of June, 2064
Lieutenant Vanessa Damphousse skidded to a stop next to the lifepod, "If Paul's here where's Nathan?"

Shane shook her head, trying to hide her worry, "Just because Paul ejected doesn't mean that Nathan didn't make it back to the Saratoga."

Vanessa nodded moving quickly to examine the life pod, "According to the readouts, he's just unconscious. Should be safe to move him back to the ship."

"Okay." Shane replied, "Let's move him carefully. I have a feeling we don't want to be out here at night."


"The readouts on the pod said he's been out for at least six hours and its been two more since we found him." Shane said as she started to pace the small back area of the cock pit, "How much longer do we give him before I really start to get worried?"

Vanessa shook her head as she tenderly pulled a gray blanket up under Paul's chin, "Head injuries are tricky, Shane. Right now all we can do is sit and wait and hope that he comes out of it on his own."


U.S.S. Franklin Roosevelt
Chig Territory
June, 2065
Colonel John Oakes could still feel Nathan West's stare as the hammerheads were lowered out of the launch bay. Hell, he didn't blame West for being suspicious of him. He'd be suspicious of him. He still couldn't get over the events of the last year. They had all happened so fast, he hadn't had much time to consider if they were right or wrong. It was survival instinct pure and simple. Now it was just a matter of getting West to see it that way.


Nathan forced himself to concentrate on the mission ahead. With all the scandal that had followed the 58th after the peace talk fiasco it had taken the 44th a long time to accept him as one of their own. He wasn't about to blow that because John Oakes decided to come back from the dead.

"44th you're clear for departure."

"Roger that." Nathan replied tightening his grip on the controls as he eased the throttle forward. Less than a minute later seven hammerhead fighters were flying majestically in formation.

Nathan adjusted his mike before saying, "Alright people let's look alive. This is going to be a simple one .Just go in and drop the listening device and get out before they see us."


Operation: Homeward Bound
First week of June, 2064
When they got back, she was going to design a cockpit with a little more room. And hidden space for emergency situations. Vanessa thought wearily as she stumbled around the small space next to Paul's still form. She glanced at the front two chairs, Shane had finally fallen asleep after Vanessa had assured her she would wake her the moment Paul showed any change.

Vanessa knelt next to the makeshift bed, absently straightening the blanket. She hoped Paul came around soon. The longer he was unconscious the more worried she got. She had no idea what kind of internal injuries the young man could've received during the battle.

"Come on Paul," Vanessa said quietly, absently brushing a stray black bang away from his face, "We could really use your help here."


O'Hare Spaceport
Chicago, IL
June, 2065 10:00 a.m.
Kylen Celina nervously adjusted the shoulder strap on her purple duffle bag as the trio waited for the Air Force transport that would take them to Mars. From there they would hop an Army transport to take them to the Saratoga first, since the Roosevelt was so deep into Chig territory.

"You alright?"

Kylen jumped slightly as McQueen suddenly appeared at her left shoulder. "Fine." She replied tightly.

"Its alright to feel scared." Ty commented, his blue gaze watching the planes take off and land.

"When I signed up for the Tellis project I thought it was going to be this great adventure that Nathan and I would share together." Kylen replied her voice barely above a whisper, "It all happened so fast. Nathan was dumped from the project hours before lift off. Then they attacked us......"

"Mars Colony flight number 877 is now ready for boarding at Gate 11."

"That's us." McQueen said looking around the crowded airport for Hawkes, "Do you see Hawkes?"

Kylen forced the memories away and scanned the crowd, "There he is. Over by the comic book rack."

McQueen shook his head in amusement, "Figures."

"Once again Mars Colony flight number 877 is now ready for boarding of all passengers at gate 11."

Cooper heard the second call and quickly maneuvered through the crowd to join the others in line.


Operation: Homeward Bound
Chig Territory
First week of June, 2064
Lieutenant Paul Wang slowly felt the fog lift from his conscienceness. He was falling, falling fast and there was nothing he could do to stop himself. His eyes opened and he awoke with a scream.

Vanessa was instantly at his side. Placing a comforting hand on his shoulder, easing him back down. "Its alright Paul, you're safe. Its over. You're safe now."

Paul's eyes finally focused on her. It was like he was seeing her, but wasn't, "Phoose?"He asked, his voice coming out as a dry croak.

Vanessa nodded, "Yeah, its me. Get some rest, Paul."

Shane knelt next to Damphoose, lightly touching Paul's hand, "You had us scared there for awhile, Paul. Get some sleep. We'll fill you in when you're stronger."

Paul Wang tried to protest, but his eyelids drifted close. Sleep over took him.


44th Squadron dispatched from USS Roosevelt
Chig territory
June, 2065
"West! Look alive!!"

Nathan West jerked out of his thoughts as the warning from his left wingman ricocheted in his helmet. His brown eyes widened as he saw the reason for the warning.

Nathan jerked the wheel of the hammerhead hard to the right, barely clearing the small asteroid that had wandered into his flight path.

"Captain, you alright "Lieutenant Dawn Harrison asked with concern.

Nathan nodded, "Fine, just had a hard time sleeping of late. Thanks for the warning, Harrison."

"Anytime."

"Okay," Nathan said once he got his bearings, "We're nearly at the drop point. I want radio silence. Nobody say a word unless someone's life is at stake, got it?"

A chorus of "Aye, Sir" answered him as the hammerhead squadron flew closer to the asteroid planet.


U.S.S. Saratoga
Stationed near Chig territory
June, 2065
The Saratoga hadn't changed. McQueen thought to himself as the trio was escorted to the bridge.

"Its like we're still here." Hawkes whispered, "Like the Wildcards never left."

McQueen nodded and was about to reply when Commodore Glen Ross stepped into the corridor. There was no emotion portrayed on his face.

"Someone told me they let you two back on board." Ross said gruffly.

McQueen nodded, "Commodore."

A smile broke across Ross's face as he grasped McQueen's right hand in a hearty handshake, "Its good to have you back on board, Ty."

McQueen returned the smile and the handshake, "I wish I could say this was a social visit, Glen."

Ross's gaze flickered to Hawkes and Kylen, "Lieutenant Hawkes, I understand you got transferred to the 55th."

Cooper instantly snapped to attention, "Yes, Sir!"

"They're a good unit. Not as good as the 5-8, but I'm sure you'll fit right in."

"Yes, Sir." Hawkes replied.

Ross smiled, "I'm sure you remember your way around, but this Ensign will show you to the 55's quarters and Ms. Calinea to her guest quarters."

"Thank you, Commodore." Kylen replied as she followed Hawkes and the young Ensign back down the corridor.


Operation: Homeward Bound
First week of June, 2064
It was another seven hours before Paul Wang awoke again. Even though he was still pale, Shane thought he was strong enough to be told of their situation.

"So they're not looking for us?" Paul asked as he struggled into a sitting position.

"Of course they are." Vanessa said a little too quickly.

Shane shook her head, placing a hand on her shoulder, "He needs to know the whole situation."

Vanessa nodded and moved away to look through the emergency kit for food supplies.

Shane continued, "The truth is Paul, we don't know if they're still looking for us. We've been here for almost four days and there's been no sign of a rescue."

"Maybe the convoy didn't make it back to the Saratoga." Vanessa commented, even though it was something they all would rather not think about.

Paul shook his head, "No. Last time I saw them. Nathan had locked onto the Colonists and had started back toward the Saratoga. So there should be a rescue."

Shane nodded, "Well that's one comfort that Nathan finally got reunited with Kylen. We have to assume that there won't be a rescue. We have to start coming up with a plan to see how the hell we're going to get off this planet."



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