by Candy Rae
CHAPTER 1 (Northern Continent)
The WCCS Argyll entered the atmosphere, heading towards the soft flat area designated as the landing site.
“Prepare for landing.”
The klaxon gave two sharp toots.
Commander Stuart MacIntosh flicked the toggle on his console that turned the thrusters over to manual control. His fingers moved over the keypad. The ship descended, heading towards the soft marshy ground. Tension mounted.
The reversing thrusters fired. The manoeuvre was not as effective as it would have been in deep space; the thruster-units were not designed to operate in above zero atmospheres but they did slow the Argyll down. Before the engines had a chance to stall, Stuart pressed the yellow button warning the engine room that he needed that bit of extra power for the landing manoeuvre itself. Petty Officer Jim Cranston reacted at once.
Both men’s index fingers had been hovering over the improvised landing buttons. The Commander nodded. Two fingers pressed down. They heard the engines responding, labouring mightily to keep the ship in the air long enough to achieve her landing trajectory.
* * * * *