Shadow Fall (Star Wars: Alphabet Squadron, #2)

by Alexander Freed

He channeled weapons power, repulsors, life support, dampeners, everything but thrusters into his deflector. His boot was stuck to his rudder pedal and his toes felt like they were on fire, but he managed to fine-tune his vector for what he hoped was an optimal intercept course. “You got anything you want to say—” he began, but he didn’t finish the sentiment before white light filled the clouds. He perceived the missile and the brilliance of its burning trail for only a fraction of a second. The droid squealed; proximity alarms wailed; and the blaze of the missile was joined by the blaze of his deflector screen. He’d channeled all his power to the port side, and he rolled to starboard, simultaneously hoping that he’d made his move too early and that he’d timed it just right. There was a noise like a thunderclap and the Y-wing spun wildly through the air, nearly dislodging Nath from his harness. Sharp pain spiked down his left shoulder as he was tossed about. Vision was utterly beyond him, but what he didn’t see wasn’t bright—no explosion, at least.