GOING DOWN
Over a year later and the Stargate Program was almost entirely devoted to exploration. Colonel Cameron Mitchell was now the leader of a squadron of modified F-302 fighters, able to use the Stargate system for travel. The squadron was currently on their final mission before returning to Earth.
"Ok boys, let's make this a good one," Cameron said into his mask radio, "We're heading bearing – 200, hostility ahead, ETA – 0940, Earth time. That's half an hour. Roll call then radio silence. Wolf Leader out," he listened to the six calls then there was silence. He had 13 men out today, under his command, against an unknown enemy with very little intel. Cam silently prayed to his grandma's God that they'd all get back, ending their six month tour with a no fatalities.
Cam unclipped his mask, "How's it going back there, Filson?" he called back to his navigator.
"Everything's check, Colonel, we're ready," Captain Phil Wilson, or 'Filson', was the youngest member of Wolf Squadron, on his first stint off-world.
"Good," Cam said and settled back for the flight, "So, Filson," he started conversationally, "Anyone waiting on you getting home?"
"Uh, yes, sir. My fiancée, Janey. We've been together for two years," Cam smiled to himself when he heard the smile in Wilson's voice, "And you sir?"
"A wife and son," he replied, "he's 18 months now. Looks just like his mother," he laughed, "With the attitude to match," Cameron smiled down at the small wallet-sized photo of the three of them he had stuck to his cockpit controls.
"Well I have to say, sir," Wilson replied, "It's great to have someone to get back home to,"
"Yes it is," Cam said with a wide grin.
…..
"Watch out, Biter! There's one on your tail,"
"I'm on him,"
"Good shot, thanks Skip,"
"My God, there's so many of them. They just keep coming!"
"Concentrate, Brains! No time for sight-seeing,"
"Two on your left wing, Fry, watch it,"
"Got one!"
"Boom, head shot!"
"Thanks, Biter. I owe you one,"
"Shit!…I'm hit!"
"Hang on, Woody…How bad is it?"
"Uh, bad…we're going down. Bailing out…"
"Shit…ok, eyes open, boys. Don't let them get a clear shot!"
"One coming right at you, Shaft,"
"I see him,"
"Watch out, looks like he's going for a collision,"
There was a massive crash and the 302 shuddered and lurched. Sparks flew from the controls.
"Shit! Bastard clipped my wing…losing stability – Filson?!"
"Uh…we've lost – approximately half the right wing and – 2 engines,"
"Shaft! You're leaking hydraulic oil!"
"Affirmative hydraulics loss, Colonel. It's bad,"
"I'm holding it,"
"No, sir, systems are shutting down all over the shop. "
Cameron continued struggling against the deteriorating controls.
"Sir!" Wilson sounded a little panicked
Cam threw his head back in his chair, "Nearest clear landing site?"
"Approximately – 50 clicks, sir. There's no chance we'd make it,"
Cam clenched his jaw and took a deep breath, "Ok, listen up, Wolf Squadron, I'm going down, repeat, going down. These guys are no match for us. Eyes open and watch each others' six. I'm bailing out," he paused, "It was a pleasure flying with you, gentlemen,"
There were no replies, but he wasn't expecting any, "Ready to eject, Captain," He pulled the levers above his head but all it caused was a muffled pop and a little puff of smoke. "Oh you have got to be kidding me. Eject failure, Filson. Any luck on your end?"
There was a pause and Cam heard a second ejection launch failure and closed his eyes.
"No, sir," came Wilson's small reply.
"Looks like we're going down with the ship,"
There was a short hesitation, "Yes, sir,"
Cam closed his eyes again, "There might be a small chance, Filson," he opened his eyes and raised his eyebrows doubtfully at the jagged mountains all around them, "Send a mayday signal. They'll find the wreck afterwards,"
"Yes sir," he hesitated, "It was an honour serving with you, Colonel,"
"You too, Captain," Cam spent his last minutes staring at the three faces smiling out at him from the controls, trying to ignore the grey rock he was aiming helplessly at.
