\u201cHow bad were our losses?\u201d<\/p>\n
At the other end of the comm channel, Izra Dargan grimaced. He looked no worse for wear except for a cut above his eyebrow and some soot on his face. \u201cSix pilots and almost a squadron\u2019s worth of fighters. Ten more wounded to varying degrees and another squadron\u2019s worth of starfighters damaged, but repairable.\u201d<\/p>\n
Indy grimaced, massaging her forehead just above her knitted brows. \u201cCarlos hasn\u2019t let me know how bad it was for the GDF contingent.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWorse than it was for us, but it\u2019s not my place to say. I\u2019m sure he\u2019ll get you the full report after phase two.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cPhase two,\u201d Indy echoed, half in question. \u201cRight. Of course. Phase two.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHe has Slate held in reserve,\u201d Izra said. \u201cDon\u2019t worry.\u201d<\/p>\n
Because my brother is wholly incapable of taking care of himself.<\/em> \u201cI\u2019m only worried because<\/em> Slate\u2019s in reserve.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIf it turns ugly in there, Indy, he\u2019s got to have someone reliable to lead the cavalry that isn\u2019t him.\u201d<\/p>\n She winced, know it was the truth. Besides, Slate\u2019s good for close-quarters, but against this? No. This isn\u2019t his forte. I\u2019m sure that Carlos has men and women that are better suited to combat in the corridors of whatever the hell those motherships are than my big brother the urban commando.<\/em> \u201cOf course. What happened to your face?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMy X-wing was one of the ships that\u2019s damaged but repairable. I lost my forward displays in the middle of the fight. Luckily, I speak astromech.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLuckily indeed.\u201d Her lips thinned. \u201cHow\u2019d the rest of Lightning do? And Eagle?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cEagle\u2019s fine\u2014three wounded, but one of the X-wings is a total loss. Corsem and Mary are flying a CAP right now with some of the GDF flights. Lightning\u2026well. I\u2019ve got a few letters to write.\u201d<\/p>\n The words hit her like a physical blow. She swallowed bile and winced. \u201cIzra, I\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s okay,\u201d he said softly. \u201cThey fought hard and died well. That\u2019s all we can ever ask, right?\u201d<\/p>\n Except we always hope that they\u2019ll come home instead.<\/em> She shook her head slightly. \u201cWish them luck,\u201d she said. \u201cThe ones that are involved in phase two.\u201d<\/p>\n Izra nodded. \u201cI\u2019ll relay the message, Admiral. Was there anything else?\u201d<\/p>\n She hesitated. I imagine telling them to step lightly and be careful is a little late at this juncture.<\/em> \u201cMay the Force be with all of you, Wheels.\u201d<\/p>\n His voice softened. \u201cRoger that, Admiral. Hope Leader out.\u201d<\/p>\n The comm shut down in time to glance up and see her recently appointed and erstwhile XO enter Operations, Alex Grentarii<\/a> at her heels. She arched a brow slightly. \u201cI didn\u2019t think you\u2019d be making it in today, Jan. Not with everything that\u2019s been going on\u2014and your early morning visitor.\u201d She straightened, cracking her neck with a slight wince. \u201cCome on. I\u2019ll brief you on what you\u2019ve missed in my office.\u201d<\/p>\n She headed for the corridor off of Ops. \u201cI\u2019ll be in my office if something comes through, Tinian.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cRoger that, Admiral.\u201d<\/p>\n ~ Erin<\/p>\nShare this:<\/h3>