One Way
The remains of the CAP hit the deck hard, abandoning finesse for speed. Repulsors flared at the last possible moment, softening the impact just enough to protect the heavy solar cells that serve as wings and emergency landing gear. The pilots knew there would be time later to maneuver into the docking collars of the overhead rails and climb out of their cramped cockpits.
They were the first squadron in the fight, and the last back to their ship, disengaging under the protection of volleys of turbolaser fire. Half their number were clouds of expanding shrapnel, dead buying time for other pilots to sortie; time for their ship to realize it was outmatched by the Rebel ambush; time to recall the fighter wing and prepare to run.
The oxygen masks on their helmets filtered out the smells of sweat, adrenalin, and fear. Their tense hands slowly relaxed on controls. Engine outputs were gradually dialed down. But not off. If the Rebels tracked their vector, there could be a fight at the end of the jump.
They stayed in their cockpits, waiting to launch again. Waiting to live, or to die.
Another
The remains of the squadron hit the deck hard, abandoning finesse for speed. Repulsors flared at the last possible moment, softening the impact just enough to protect the skids of the landing gear. The pilots knew there would be time later to maneuver to the edges of the hanger and climb out of their cramped cockpits.
They were the first squadron in the fight, and the last back to their ship, disengaging under the protection of volleys of turbolaser fire. Half their number were clouds of expanding shrapnel, dead buying time for other pilots to escape; time for their ship to realize it was outmatched by the Imperial forces; time to recall the fighter wing and prepare to run.
The open faces of their helmets did nothing to filter out the smells of sweat, adrenalin, and fear. Their tense hands slowly relaxed on controls. Engine outputs were gradually dialed down. But not off. If the Imperials tracked their vector, there could be a fight at the end of the jump.
They stayed in their cockpits, waiting to launch again. Waiting to live, or to die.
A/N: I had to do something with the new movie coming out. And now I'm probably going to disappear for year or two.
Partially inspired by blank101's Radio Tech and The Reporter, but those are better. They have actual plot.