crew were waiting for him to give the word. 'Fire retro-rockets and
slow to mark one.' he ordered.
'Slowing to mark
one,' came the immediate response from the ship's navigator. 'Gravity
reading registered at two. This is now programmed in and will be
compensated for accordingly.'
Renshaw studied
her console for a moment then turned towards Johnson with concern in her
voice. 'Energy readings fluctuating higher, Captain.'
Johnson nodded slowly, 'Maintain scan. Inform me of any that go over the safety margin.'
Renshaw almost looked offended. She was well aware of what Johnson thought of her. 'Of course!' she snapped.
Johnson ignored her. 'Alright!' he bellowed, 'Take her down!'
The Victory
slowly started to descend through the uncompromising atmosphere of the
planet. Incongruously it stood out amongst the clouds, and made itself
even more obvious by leaving a thick, black vapour trail in its wake.
Despite all its clumsy features it performed a graceful turn in the sky,
so that its engines were facing the ground. Now, using its
retro-rockets, the great form began to lower itself once more, like a
giant trying to find room for its feet. On the bridge the reports to the
Captain were flowing quick and fast.
'Standard descent speed obtained.'
'Hull stress reading at fourteen.'
'Engine heat steady.'
'Ground surface scan commencing.'
Johnson leaned
forward in his seat and studied the map being displayed on his VDU.
Rather than geographical features, it showed energy concentration
points. The point which held his interest was shown to be some distance
away. 'I want to land as close to that energy source as possible,' he
grunted, 'I don't want to walk very far if I can help it. According to
the probe there should be a place suitable in section D82.' He raised
his voice 'Check it!'
'Landing zone confirmed in section D82,' replied the navigator.
One of the pilots leaned over, 'If you'll let me have the exact co-ordinates I'll re-plot the course descent.'
The navigator touched a control, 'You have them now.'
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
t
was a large, oblong structure. A fully functional spacecraft designed
for interplanetary travel of almost unimaginable distances. The very
front of the craft was flat, shielded by heavy armour which clad the
frame in a vice like grip. A small observation window looked out from
the bridge, the only pinprick of light to escape into the cold
nothingness of space. Along the top, bottom and sides of the hull was
puckered by turrets and laser cannons, all deactivated for the time
being, but waiting opportunity...
