i 'd spoken out loud again and shook my head . he stopped , but did n't face her . but mostly , he could think about the engine and why it was being so stubborn . she did n't ask if i saw anything . and this is where we need you . probably had perimeter defenses that took you out before you knew what hit you . he straightened his stance , sucking in a couple quick breaths . `` sky signals , '' was the brief reply . 