The message about Ylva’s death was like lightning from clear sky. Although she got over it in a second doe to being in her command mode, she knew it was going to be hell later. But for now she had hell to give to someone else. “Copy that.” she answered, “Investigate the scene, the labs don’t seem like being affected by collateral damage.” Right as she finished that, a loud shout from the sensors officer directed her attention at the battle: “Ma’am! They’re withdrawing!” 

Checking on the sensors, Kat saw much of the spacecraft head towards the remaining Ha’Tak. “Energy spike, they’re running. Beam cannons still offline.” Catherine’s fist slammed down on the table: “Damn it! Focus on the strikecraft, take down as many as you can!” she growled and switched her comms: “Zaken, Langford is now available for support. The enemy is breaking orbit. We gave them a good beating but the possibility is that they just might be done with what they came to do so be careful.” she notified the ground commander.

Kay’s voice came on over the communications. “Read you, and be ready to standby. Currently we have one injured, and a hostile, likely a sniper, preventing us from entering the building. We might need your help shortly. Over and out.” 

Meanwhile, Dey gave the order for the Ha’tak to pull out. It’s engines started to engage in an effort to hyperspace out, escaping to fight another day. As the Langford’s attention was fixed likely fixed on the ship’s current actions, Tonak’s communicator came online again and attracted Dey’s focus. She pressed the button to answer. “Tonak, I take it you’re ready for pick up now?” 

People had been going through the gate, which now shut down. “Dial Destiny.” With that he turned to everyone else. “As soon as the gate has finished dialing, go through. Everyone. Don’t risk hanging around between dialing the ninth chevron and this here bomb.” He gave Jonas a pat on the back as he began walking away, picking up an automatic rifle as he did so. He took out his communicator.

“Come round to the buildings other side, away from Langaran forces. It’s time for us to get out of here. We’ll pick up any stray operatives on our way out.”

Dey smiled and couldn’t resist a comment, one which almost sounded exhausted. “About time, could you’ve been any slower? I don’t think I’ve gone grey yet. Be careful, Ton. Things aren’t looking too good up here and I was forced to call the Ha’tak back, the only one left. That ship’s a piece of shit.” 

“You should of had this Dey, and quit the remarks. This whole planet has basically become a bomb and any second the Tauri will detect the power flow to the gate is going towards the ninth chevron so shit will be harder. Get down here soon while they are too distracted to pick up the disturbances from a cloaked ship entering the atmosphere.”

“Alright, alright.” Dey answered, her figure slouched farther into her seat and tone resentful towards her brother. “I’m getting, but try not to get shot. I don’t want really to play doctor again.” 

She set the coordinates within the ship’s destination and rotated her hand upon the ball like controls, her ship steered towards the planet’s surface where Tonak had requested. It was going to be a tight squeeze, or so she thought, as she lowered it onto the ground, safely away from Langaran fire. Once in position, she opened the cargo rear and let the men board.