The battle raged on for what felt like hours. Yet, since the first engagement, only 14 minutes had passed. The Invincible’s 302s and 402s were being hard pressed. Of the 40 ships committed, they had already lost 12 KIA and 4 MIA. While some 15 had to return to the ship for urgent repairs and re-arming. Elle sat in her Captain’s chair, fretting with fear for each loss. It was heart-wrenching for her to watch the entire event, feeling useless. She ached to be out there with them.

  In the torrent of action, Lt. Commander Cheryl Maclean, the Invincible's CAG, found herself in a predicament. She had accounted for at least six of the Alliance Death Gliders, but that fevered action had taken her far from the defence screen. She was now alone, her radio shot and her 302 leaking Naquada fuel like a torrent sweeping down the River Clyde. Panic swelled in her throat. Sweat started soaking her flight suit.

  “Well, Cheryl, ye've really done it this time,” she muttered to herself, trying to keep her hands steady on the controls. “If ye get out of this, ye owe yerself a pint. Or maybe a whole keg.”

  She glanced at the fuel gauge, which was dropping alarmingly fast. “Aye, just what I needed. A wee bit more excitement in my life,” she said with a wry smile. “Next time, let's try knitting. Much safer.”

  **********************************************

  Back on the bridge, Elle watched every single blip on the screen. Each fighter and bomber from her ship carried a small ID on its icon. She watched in horror as her friend Cheryl’s ship moved further and further away. Urgently, she called for action; she had her Comms officer call up one of the 402s, that belonging to Ensign Nicolle “Nicky” Davis. Cheryl needed a lifeline, and the 402 was her only chance. Hers was the closest, as far as the plot screen was concerned.

  “Ensign Davis, this is Captain Elle. Cheryl’s in trouble. I need you to get to her position and provide cover. Can you do that?”

  “Roger that, Captain. I’m on my way,” Nicky responded, her voice steady despite the chaos around her.

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  Cheryl’s hands trembled as she fought to keep her 302 steady. The fuel leak was getting worse, and she knew she didn’t have much time. Her thoughts drifted to Nathan, and she felt a surge of determination. She wouldn’t let his sacrifice be in vain.

  **********************************************

  As Nicky’s 402 approached, she could see Cheryl’s 302 trailing smoke. She manoeuvred her ship to get within visual range, activating the beaming technology to lock onto Cheryl’s transponder. The little grey ship stopped as if hanging by an unseen hand on a thread. Small puffs of what appeared to be steam, were emitted from the several vectoring nozzles, placed about the ship’s hull and wings, positioning it with pin point accuracy.

  “Commander, this is Davis. I’ve got you covered ma’am. Let’s get you back to the Invincible,” she said over the comms.

  “Thanks, Nicky. I owe you one,” Cheryl replied, relief evident in her voice.

  With a precise beam, Nicky transported Cheryl from her damaged 302 to the safety of the 402. Davis left her seat, handing the ship over to her co-pilot; she made her way to the rear of the ship, greeting Cheryl warmly. Her main concern was if the commander was injured. She wasn’t, other than her pride.

  The 402 made its way back to the Invincible, dodging enemy fire and weaving through the chaos of the battlefield. Elle watched their progress on the screen, her heart pounding with every second.

  “Come on, you can do it,” she muttered under her breath.

  **********************************************

  Finally, they reached the safety of the Invincible’s hangar bay. The dropship touched down with a jolt, and she let out a shaky breath. They had made it.

  Elle rushed to the hangar bay, her heart racing. As Cheryl walked down the rear cargo ramp, Elle enveloped her in a tight hug.

  “Thank God you’re okay,” Elle said, her voice choked with emotion.

  “Thanks to you and Nicky,” Cheryl replied, her voice equally emotional. “We’re not done yet, though. We’ve still got a battle to win.”

  Elle nodded, determination shining in her eyes. “Then let’s get back out there and finish this.”

  As Cheryl turned to leave and order the last two squadrons into the fight, Elle grabbed her by the arm. “Cheryl, I’m so sorry about Nathan. He was a great officer and a good friend. We all feel his loss deeply.”

  Cheryl’s eyes softened, and she gave a small nod. “Thank you, Elle. Nathan was the best of us. We’ll honor his memory by winning this fight.”

  With that, Cheryl headed out to rally the 76th Squadron RCAF "Mudrakers" and the 102nd Fighter Squadron USAF "Thunderheads," ready to lead them into the fray.