The pilot, against all good sense, was still wrestling the stick despite its near-unresponsive state. His copilot had the unenviable task of damage control.

“Staff Sergeant. Seeing as you’re still here, I need Door 1 open.”

“Door 1, door 1, door 1. Got it. Jammed, lieutenant.”

“Nothing you can do?”

“Primary hydraulics are offline and I used the secondary tank to cool Engine Three before it blew anyway.”

A particularly heavy jolt swayed all four suits on their feet. “Very well. As your commanding officer, I’m telling you that the evacuation is complete and, therefore, so is your duty. Initiate a secure data wipe and release the reactor core safety interlocks.”

“Aye, sir. Done.”

“Now get yourself out of here.”

The pilot cabin evacuation system was readied, and in his moment of hesitation I overrode it and forced the ejection myself. Then it was eight rounds at the locking points of the bay door before I charged at it with nearly a tonne of powered armour.