[center][h2][color=orange][b]Adam Gilford[/b][/color][/h2][/center]


[i]<<[color=7e5e7f]Copy, Starstrike. Update tripped a lot of security measures. I read you, and we’re all fine. We’re supposed to return to hangar ASAP.[/color]>>[/i]

<<[color=#239C89]We read you, Starstrike.[/color]>> 

	Adam heaved a sigh in relief, hearing his allies' relatively relaxed tones meant things went as well as they could. He and the Starstrike had been out of their element trying to fight the two huge alien machines, and he was glad the others had got through the conflict without any major damage, even if he hadn't been able to help much. "[color=orange]Guess I'd better start requesting some heavier rounds in the spare magazine I guess.[/color]" He thought to himself out loud as the Starstrike plodded along, the rocking and shaking demanding effort to resist being jostled about.

<<[color=#239C89]We're heading out soon-- rally on us. ... Watch for the signal flares.[/color]>>

	The Starstrike's optics dutifully watched the horizon, marking the flares as they rose above the endless sandy hills to the right. With a quick course-correction, the Starstrike ended up close enough to the Ajax by the time Castle initiated a trans-atmospheric launch that he was able to maintain optical lock during his own takeoff. There was an issue for Adam, however.

	As the cockpit shook and rattled, Adam gasped and strained as the hard, barely restrained acceleration of his Orbital dragged him into the back of his seat. His arms burned with effort as he struggled to keep his hands on the controls. [i][color=orange]I never did like launch training.[/color][/i] he thought to himself as he quickly gained elevation. Once they were close enough he'd let up on the throttle, but for now he needed as much slack as he could get, lest he risk being sensor-blind in the vacuum of space.