Pit Stop
Posted on June 17th, 2015 by Kathryn Harper

Matching the erratic movements of a starship to execute a combat landing was no easy task, but a constant link between the fighter’s computer and the helm console on Atlantis’s bridge assisted the craft’s tired pilot. Commander Kathryn Harper managed to bring Boudica to an abrupt halt on the deck and opened the canopy as the Mustang was immediately swarmed by deckhands. She raised her visor and turned her helmet to one side to disengage the lock ring, freeing the helmet and allowing her to shake her sweat-matted mop of red hair free. The cool, relatively fresh air was a welcome change from her flight suit, and although Kate wasn’t claustrophobic, the helmet was certainly confining and she was eager for a few minutes without it.

“Port-side actuator is malfunctioning, shields are almost drained, and of course, I am out of microquantums, as usual,” she said to Deck Chief Galen as he climbed the ladder to hand her a towel and a nutrient drink, which she gratefully accepted.

“Then we’re gonna need a few minutes to pull that actuator, ma’am.”

She dried the exertion of constant G-strain from her face with the towel and then looked at the Chief. “Do what you must.”

The Chief paused a moment, seeming to notice her ragged countenance as what might be concern momentarily lingered on his prematurely weathered face. “Maybe you could grab a few minutes of shuteye while we work, Commander.”

“Perhaps.” Galen disappeared down the ladder, leaving her alone in the cockpit. Kate uncapped the nutrient drink and gulped it down without tasting it. She had already lost four pilots, and another two had been shot down, but had managed to eject in time. The remainder of her people were out in the middle of the largest battle she had ever seen, trying to stay alive. How could she sleep at a time like this?

“Commander? Commander Harper. Firefly!”

Kate’s eyes flew wide as she jerked awake with a gasp. After a moment for her mind to clear its fog away, she asked, “How long was I asleep?”

“Fifteen minutes, ma’am. The actuator is repaired, you are re-armed, and your shields are as recharged as I think you’ll wait for them to be. Good hunting out there.”

“Thank you, Chief.” She replaced her helmet and locked the visor down as the Chief left. While the canopy lowered, Kate looked out the bay door and could see that the battle still raged, as expected. How many hours had they been fighting? Of course she could always bring up a clock, but at what point did it cease to matter?

The cockpit repressurized and the Boudica shot out into space to rejoin the fray. At least this time, Kate didn’t need a stimulant, thanks to the brief nap.