The engine was whining, a terrible metal-on-metal noise that only seemed to be growing. The T-bird lost altitude and Chase felt it lurch as it fought against Gordani's mental commands. The wild pitch of the engines dropped suddenly as they were throttled back and the LAV's flight stabilized. Freid's grip on Chase's arms loosened. He looked up as she pushed the goggles clear of her face, which was bruised, battered, and streaked with sweat. She smiled. "Did you hear him?"