[i]What is he, some kind of magical jack-fucking-in-the-hat magician?[/i] 

What a pansy, but it seemed Chad would have some rabbit magic trick distraction instead of… something more accountable. At best, it probably gave Lyra one less thing to do. 
“Even with a three kilometer head start, things can and will go wrong,” countered Chad, remaining in his even-toned diplomatic voice. “I just hope your distraction is enough to keep anything that [i]does[/i] go wrong at bay.”

As the conversation over the plan of action continued back and forth, the airship, struggling but still afloat, made its way over a small mountain range. In the distance was the distinctive towers and spires of Koestace, the fortress capital of Astopol, and their staging point for their little raid on the mountainside prison.

“Well,” said Chad. “I think we should get prepared. And more importantly, out how to get this damn thing down without crashing in a fiery red fireball or drawing the attention of the entirety of the city's garrison to ourselves.”