Chapter 2 - The Journey

 Upon reaching the top of the structure, the room came slowly to a halt. From the sides of the room a curtain began to extend towards the shuttle, as it did so, the night sky that had been visible either side of the ship became obscured. The curtain had created a walkway through to the entrance hatch, which was now clearly visible at the other end. The space that had been created now went through the sterilisation process. As the crew waited they could feel themselves becoming more and more impatient, this time the purple lights seemed to last for an eternity. The glass panel that had formed the front wall of the room was now silently lowered. The only barrier remaining between them and space was the door which was about to open before them.

 A feeling of excited anticipation seized them. It was the type of feeling that at one time or another we have all experienced, the kind of feeling one gets when one walks into a new house for the first time, or sits behind the wheel of a brand new car. As they made their way onto the flight deck of the shuttle, the first thing that struck them was the newness, the cleanliness, the smell, and the small confines in which they would be working. All of these factors somehow heightened the adventure and excitement.

Mary stood, poised at the edge of the door, “In you go Mary” said Captain Daniels. He was to be the last crew member to enter the shuttle, it was his responsibility to lock and secure the door. Mary reached up and made a grab for the ladder, actually getting into the shuttle was a problem all of its own. Although she was physically fit, she had always found difficulty traversing the short distance between the hatch, and her workstation. This was a task that was confounded even further by the present angle of the shuttle, and gravity itself. However, once they were in orbit the weightlessness of space would eliminate these problems. Captain Daniels effortlessly clambered into the cabin and was now lying on top of the ladder. Reaching through the rungs he pulled the door closed and pulled down on the triangular lever which activated the locking mechanism. The sound of heavy bolts falling into position could be heard, followed by the hiss of the entire cabin becoming pressurised. He then reached above his head, and in one swift movement had pulled himself into his own position. 

They had now reached the point of no return. They were sealed in the capsule, and the next time they would leave the shuttle they would be on Epsilon Omega.

 The crew, now firmly secured into their seats, began to methodically press buttons on the consoles in front of them. As they did so, each section of the cockpit illuminated and sprang into life, the communication systems came on line.

 “T minus fifteen minutes and counting, all systems show green”

 By this time there was no inner excitement felt by the crew. To anyone observing the activities now in progress, it would appear that no attention was being paid to any of the communications being made between mission control and themselves. This, however, was not the case. As each of them went through their final checks to ensure that their stations were operating correctly, their senses were working in overdrive, every sight and every sound was being digested, and nothing was missed. From the very second that the door had been secured, the ground crews had been working feverishly to remove all of the superstructures that had been supporting the shuttle, and now it stood alone, towering into the night sky. It was indeed a monument to modern technology.

 “T minus twelve minutes. All ground staff to vacate the area, repeat all ground staff to vacate the area”

 With this announcement all of the people who had been working around the base of the shuttle got into their support vehicles, and a stream of headlights was seen driving away from the area. Within two minutes, there was no one there. The shuttle stood alone, floodlit, in an eerie silence. The scene inside the cockpit was a complete contrast. The countdown operator had just announced that there was only ten minutes before lift off. Mission control went into its final check sequence. Five minutes later, Daniels opened a communication channel to control

 “All checks finalized and completed, everything on board 1472 Alpha reads A,OK and we show green at all stations. “We are entering final preparations and waiting go, over” “Roger that 1472” Came the reply. With this captain Daniels turned his attention to the crew and instructed them to prepare for take off. Complying with his orders, they secured all safety harnesses attached to their seats, and placed their heads into the contoured headrests. With all of the checks and preparations now completed, the crew lay motionless in their seats and awaited the inevitable.

“All final checks and preparations complete, all systems show green, we are ready for go and counting from 15... 14... 13... 12... 11... Ignition... 9... 8... 7... All systems still read green...5...releasing docking clamps ... 3... 2 ...1 ... we have lift off at 1400 hours, 1472 Alpha is clear of the launch pad and on her way, we have go, good luck to you all”

 Over the speakers, the crew could hear cheers and celebrations from mission control as they seared through the night sky towards space. As the beast rose into the night, they could feel their faces being pulled and contorted under the immense G forces that were being exerted upon their bodies. Through the roar of the engines they could hear the sound of the operations back at mission control.

 “Vector calculations are now complete, opening window sub sector Alpha 92, grid 74.”

 With this conformation, the series of satellites that orbited the planet, systematically begun to shut down creating a window through which the shuttle would pass. Within seconds the craft rolled over and passed through the unseen portal. Ground control then re-activated the grid to seal the window. Everyone on the ground and indeed around the world watched via television as they ascended through the patchy cloud cover and disappeared from view. After a few minutes the only evidence left of the shuttle was the tell tale plume of smoke arcing off into space.

Before departing for Epsilon Omega, mission control had scheduled them for two orbits of the planet; these were to be made under the guidance of the computers back on the ground. This gave the crew chance to sit and look through the window and marvel at the sight of their world passing by below them. Positioned around the globe was a network of sophisticated satellites, each one interlinked and interdependent of the next. All of them were travelling in a precise geostationary orbit five hundred miles above the planets surface. This network had been in place since the sun of the planet had turned supernova. It had been a time when the future of the planet was in jeopardy. The resulting affect of the stars collapse was to throw them into deep space, placing it on an elliptical orbit of immense proportions. Many hardships ensued, tidal waves, hurricanes and finally an ice age set in. during the time between the holocaust and the installation of the first network, which had been patchy at best, the satellites that they had managed to launch gave only minimal coverage for the planet. As time progressed and technology advanced, the system was updated regularly. The network was, in time redesigned and upgraded to cover many purposes, not least to provide an atmosphere for the stricken planet. At the heart of each satellite lay a nuclear reactor which provided each unit with enough power to create ample light and heat to sustain the, now artificial atmosphere. The weather for the planet was now controlled through the vast computer network housed within the offices of the meteorological centers around the world. Now, thankfully the only thing that was necessary to maintain coverage was an ongoing program of maintenance and replacement.

 In recent years, problems had begun to return to the planet. At first scientists believed that the fault lay with the network that had for so long, protected them. However, extensive research had revealed that the source of their meteorological and geological discrepancies were the direct result of a slowing in the rotation rate of the planet itself. To correct the problem it had been decided that a radical new addition the network had to be introduced. The space facing side of each unit had been fitted with a directional neutron particle beam, which when activated, gave the planet the propulsion it needed to maintain the optimum rate of spin. It had also been found that the newly upgraded system now yielded unexpected benefits that were of extreme interest to the Alpha division. This was planetary defence. Another reason for the existence of the Alpha division was to minimize the effect of space debris entering their atmosphere and falling to the surface. This problem had until recently been the main course for the loss of many lives each year. With the advent of the particle beams, this was no longer a threat. By aiming the beams at the oncoming obstruction they had found that it was quite easy to destroy it before it posed any real threat. This was a function that the network was called upon to perform at regular intervals due to the orbit that they now occupied. The main function for Alpha had always been to prove it’s capabilities for repelling any attack from life forms, although this had never been called upon. On the surface, of course the network was all but taken for granted, it was not until you were in orbit around the globe, could you appreciate the sheer magnitude of what it was that provided the basic necessities of life.

 The shuttle was now in orbit, with its topside facing towards the planet. All of its movements and functions were being closely monitored from the ground. The final checks on the thousands of sensors which were housed in the outer shell were also being carried out. These would be the last major system checks that would be required before departure. Having now completed two orbits of the planet, it was time for them to begin their long journey to rendezvous with Epsilon Omega, Daniels contacted control.

“This is 1472 Alpha to control, over.”

 The time had come for him and his crew to assume control of the vessel.

 “This is mission control, everything shows green, you are now cleared to break orbit. To the crew of 1742 Alpha we wish you good luck. Over and out” Captain Daniels addressed his navigator,

 “Mary, plot and lay in a course to intercept Epsilon Omega” 

Mary had already calculated the point at which orbit would be broken and the interception trajectory necessary, and with a few clicks on her terminal fed it into the navigation systems. Because there is no right way up in space it was a relatively simple matter to break orbit. The trajectory of the shuttle leveled out and it gracefully dipped away from the planet. Once they were clear of the gravitational pull, everyone could relax. They all released the safety harnesses that had held them securely in their chairs, and began to float freely around the cabin. The only person still in his place was Captain Daniels, as he was busy setting the auto pilot that would guide them for the next four days. Having done this he proceeded to join the others, who by this time had made their way into the sleeping area. His last task was to extinguish all unnecessary lighting. As he closed the door he took one last look into the cockpit. The red glow that emanated from the single light set into the roof, coupled with the illuminations given off by the constant flickering of the control panels gave it a serene almost simulated quality. He closed and secured the door.

 The crew was now on route to rendezvous with Epsilon Omega, and with all of their preliminary functions completed, they now had time to relax before preparing for the bulk of their journey.

 J.D, Mathew, Watkins and Travis Wheatley, chose to watch the television monitor. They were still in transmission range of the networks and were still able to receive live broadcasts from the surface. J.D. was almost childlike in his reactions when he had realized that they were in time to watch one of the more popular light variety programs on channel 6.

 “Oh the great presto he has got to be the best magician ever”

When she realized what the choice of viewing would be Mary groaned. Although she was interested in magic, she did at times find that the airtime devoted to it by the television companies a little overpowering. As J.D. Mathew and Travis settled themselves in front of the screen, Anne and Mary busied themselves preparing drinks.

 The pilot and co pilot had elected to sit near to computer terminals and were now each becoming engrossed in two totally different ROM publications. The captain had selected to further his knowledge of the martial arts and meditation techniques, whilst Marius Hatch was passing his downtime studying the technical data and specifications of the ship in which they were now travelling.

 Mary and Anne passed out drinks amongst the crew and then retired to the back of the cabin and began to become more acquainted with each other. It was the first real chance they had had for any form of social communication and they had both been looking forward to this time.

They had been en route for approximately two hours when Captain Daniels had decided that it was time for them to get into their sleeping modules. Each of the crew began to busy themselves securing all loose items that were free floating around the cabin. Having done this they proceeded to strip down to their underwear and stow their overalls in their personal lockers. One by one they harnessed themselves into their modules and closed the glass covers. With the closure of each cover came a hiss as each one was hermetically sealed. As the seventh and final capsule was secured doctor Anne Homer opened a small door which was set at the head of her capsule. When it was opened it revealed a small control panel. She then proceeded to activate the system that would flood each module with the odorless gas that would trigger their endorphin release. Within minutes all seven of them were asleep.

 As they slept, the onboard computer began to systematically shut down all nonessential functions including life support, these systems would not be needed as each individual capsule housed its own. Finally all lighting was extinguished. Their lives were now dependant on the computer and on ground control. The shuttle was now in almost complete darkness and silent. The only noise that could be heard was the deep quiet rumble of the engines as they continued to power their way towards their destination.

Somewhere in the history of every civilization, there were documented cases of people who possess certain uncanny abilities, abilities which seem fantastic and implausible, yet however preposterous they appear to be, they were the basis of a technique which had enabled long haul space travel to become reality. During the early days of space travel, the agency had found that although the craft they were using had the speed and capabilities to travel from asteroid to asteroid, the crews were becoming over fatigued by the duration and the conditions of extended space travel. Consequently, upon arrival at a new asteroid, exploratory work that had been planned was being severely hampered, and very basic mistakes were being made due to the emotional and physical state of the crews. To overcome these problems, scientists began looking into all avenues to find a way to induce a prolonged sleep status within a crew member, allowing him or her to awaken at their destination refreshed and alert. Their search for the answer had led them to a tribe of people whose ancestry spanned many, many millennia. Their way of life was based solely upon the belief that they and they alone controlled their minds bodies and their destiny. Through the almost total devotion they had towards their lifestyle, they had perfected an art of meditation that had allowed them to develop a technique of self induced coma. The more practiced amongst them could vary the length of their sleep state at will, slowing down all of their metabolic functions to an absolute minimum for survival. Whilst in this state other members of the tribe would take their lifeless bodies and lay them upon a ceremonial alter in the middle of the village to await their return to the redivivus or the rebirth. To the scientists this was very impressive, but at the same time it was impractical to expect that any astronaut would be able to master this feat of self control that had took these people many lifetimes to perfect. The real breakthrough had come when the tribal elders had agreed to a small research facility being set up within their village with the express intention of studying this phenomenon. After many years of intensive investigations, the elusive secret had been uncovered. It had been found that the tribesmen had developed the ability to stimulate their brain into producing certain endorphins, which, once released into their systems, effectively closed down all non essential functions. The most surprising finding was that the endorphins detected were not unique to the tribesmen; they were in fact present in everyone, albeit in a dormant state. Armed with their findings, the scientists returned to their laboratories to develop ways to utilize their new found knowledge. It did not take long, however, for them to realize that they only possessed half of the key, and that it would be many years before they could take advantage of this technique. 

The next step had proved to be the most dangerous, and the most sensitive. It was research that had been conducted behind closed doors, a top secret project that had been kept from the media and the public for fear of the impassioned response that it would provoke. 

It had produced, within its volunteers, a most unwanted side effect. During the efforts to produce a trigger mechanism to release the sleep endorphins all of the experiments had resulted in either the death or comatose state of its subject. The basic problem had come about due to the initial success of the ‘operation trigger’. Everyone connected with the operation had thought that it would be a simple pharmaceutical problem. Thanks to the tribesmen, the project researchers had been able to produce a derivative of a plant that was indigenous to the mountain regions. The drug that had been produced from the hyssop plant had proved highly effective in triggering the desired release. The real problem was that once the trigger device had stimulated the brain, the gland responsible continued via self stimulation, to produce the endorphin. Consequently, the facility had been filled with wards full of sleeping patients. What was needed was a second drug. to halt the production and allow the body to cleanse itself and revive the subject.

 The second reviving drug had been discovered quite by accident. The agency had always taken great care when selecting the guinea pig volunteers who would receive the treatment, however, on one occasion one of the volunteers had not been screened correctly. He was the only one ever to have been taken into the program who still had a living relative. The relative, who had been thought dead, turned out to be the man’s brother.’ He had been working for the government and had been involved in covert operations; working in such environments had facilitated several changes of identity, much to the extent that his true identity had all but been lost. Upon returning to civilian life, he had felt the need to try to pick up some of the pieces of his former life, and by using his connections within the various government departments, he had discovered that he was not the only member of his family and further than that his brother had been placed in the program by the hospital that had been treating him. Having left the world of espionage he now found himself doing the same type of work for himself. His investigations had led him to the research establishment of the space program, where by now his brother was incarcerated and comatose in the overcrowded observation ward. Using the skills he had gained during his time as an undercover operative, he had decided to mount a rescue bid to save his brother. His prowess in this field had allowed him to slip in and out of the facility and execute his rescue virtually unnoticed. Carrying his lifeless brother, fireman style, he cautiously made his bid for freedom. He had barely cleared the perimeter fence when the alarm was raised. Bundling his brother into his getaway vehicle he sped away in the direction of the city. He was aware that they were being perused, and what ensued was a cat and mouse game of capture and evasion. Finally they had found refuge in a perfume warehouse on the outskirts of one of the industrial zones. The rescuer and his charge had found a place to go to ground, and there they lay in a storage hopper of raw materials. It was uncomfortable, but it was, for the moment, safe. The decision had been made for them to stay here, in hiding, until the coast was clear for them to move on. They had been there several hours when, unseemingly, the life began to return to the unconscious brother. The other having researched the condition, knew that this was not possible. But there it was, happening before his eyes. His thought turned for a while to all of the other patients he had seen lying in the ward, and in that instant he knew that if the others stood any chance of recovery they had to return, regardless of the consequences he may have to face.

 After the furore of their return had died down and investigations were complete, scientists had finally found the missing part to their puzzle. The antidote was held within the raw materials of the perfume.

They sped silently through the blackness of space towards their target. The automatic guidance system would be operative for the next four days. It would hold them to a course which was almost a complete replica of the orbit on which their own planet was travelling. By journeying ahead of the planet, they would in effect create a time span as their planet came into and out of range of Epsilon Omega. This window would allow for vital surface research to be carried out before the shuttle would have to take off and assume a trajectory that would allow them to catch up with their departing home world.

It had been four days since they had departed from home, and during that time the shuttle had travelled through the vastness of space under the control of the on board navigational computer. In the darkness of the flight deck it had continued to make minor adjustments in the guidance of the craft ensuring that, when the crew returned they would be exactly where they expected they would be. The entire craft was still, dark and silent. The engines continued their dull roar. The crew slept.

 1472 Alpha was a new generation space vehicle, the first of its kind. It was able to travel at speeds greater than had ever been achieved before. This was largely due to the breakthrough of anti matter reactor engines which afforded greater power output and incredibly reduced fuel payload. Consequently, they were now travelling faster than anyone had ever travelled before.

 The dark, silent, serenity of things came to an abrupt end as the entire shuttle sprang to life. Oxygen circulated around the vessel, environment controls began to heat the cabins and lighting systems flickered to life. It was time for the crew to be revived. Each of the seven capsules was flooded with the antidote gas, and all of the locking restraints which had held the crew stable and the glass covers were released. One by one the crew experienced their own ‘redivisus’ and before long they were all awake, and ready to resume their journey.

 When they had all been fully revived, they proceeded to take a meal and to freshen themselves before the real purpose of their mission was to begin.

 Mary had been busy calculating all of the variables required for the approach, the landing and subsequently the take off. For her, this would be the most important part of her personal mission.

Having completed her brief, she contacted Captain Daniels 

“Captain, this is Mary. I’m ready with my results now”

 The captain informed the rest of the crew who spun their chairs around to face the circle of monitors which occupied the centre of the command deck. As Mary began to address her colleagues the monitors displayed the simulation she had created.

 “Right, this is our present position, in two hours we will be taking up orbit around Epsilon Omega. Here is our planet which is now three days behind us, at its present speed it will pass through this system and be out of range in ten days. This gives us a maximum time on the surface of six days and seven hours precisely. I can’t, at this moment, say where we will be landing, not until the captain and Mr. Hatch have evaluated the terrain and the predisposition of the planet. All of my figures are based upon the information thus far, obtained by J.D”

The crew’s attention now turned to the geologist, J.D. who now leaned forwards in his chair.

 “The system we are now in is one of nine planets orbiting a single sun. The one that we are interested in is this one, third out. I estimate that the system is some four and a half billion years old, and completely stable. I have been observing Epsilon Omega and by calculating its rotation around the sun, in conjunction with its axial rotation rate, it would appear that, because of the size and mass of this planet in comparison to our own, we share a similar time scale. Now, when our planet passes though this system, it will pass between the orbits of the fifth and sixth planet and avoid this asteroid belt here. As it makes its pass both the largest planet and the ringed planet will be on this side of the sun, allowing safe passage for the home world. It is fortunate that the third planet is the only one that seems capable of supporting life. Projected interference reports suggest that the distance between Epsilon Omega and passage orbit will result in only minor disturbance to this system”.

 As each of them outlined their findings the monitors were displaying the various points that they were making. Mathew Watkins was the next to report.

 “Taking into account the density and mass of this sun in direct comparison to that of our former system, the size of Epsilon Omega, its distance from the sun and the intensity of the sun, its reasonable for us to assume a similar distribution of the temperate zones we will encounter will be much the same as we would find on our own planet. At present we are not close enough for me to produce an accurate assessment of the atmospheric condition present on the planet, but, from long range, it would appear that this will be a place that will well suit the needs of life as we know it to be. If you look at the weather systems now in progress, you will see several large windows of non clouded activity, I would suggest that if, at closer inspection these areas are free from turbulence or wind systems, that one of these areas would be ideal for a landing attempt”.

 Captain Daniels acknowledged all of them and turned the briefing over to Marius Hatch.

“What I am proposing now, will ultimately decide the type of landing we will be affecting. I propose that once in orbit we will complete three circuits around the globe, eventually, using the flight path that I have recommended, we will have successfully quadrated the sphere giving us a complete panoramic view of the terrain. Once we have evaluated the potential for landing sites, we will then be in a position to choose the method by which we will touch down”. The captain then addressed everyone,

 “Does anyone have any objections to any of the reports made, or do any of you have anything to add”

 No one spoke,

 “O.k. then, Mr Hatch, please make ready your orbital path, and Mr Watkins, prepare to fire a series of probes through the atmosphere as we make our passes. As we can plainly see there does not appear to be any form of satellites in or above the outer atmosphere and as yet the only radio emissions detected are all of a natural occurrence. Well so far it seems that we shouldn’t have any problems here so let’s get to it”

 As they neared the planet, everyone was carrying out their duties in clockwork, precise fashion. Mary had fed into the computer the flight path given to her by Marius Hatch and was preparing to take them into their first orbit when she heard J.D.’s voice.

 “Oh oh Captain, we seem to have a little problem”

 “Go ahead J.D.” He said. “Well, I’m not sure but the surveillance and infrared cameras have detected signs of civilisation down there and it seems to be….”

He pressed a few buttons on his console to confirm what he had found,

 “....quite widespread and fairly advanced” Mathew Watkins interrupted.

 “Yes sir I can also confirm that” 

Captain Daniels turned to his co-pilot and instructed him to send a message back to ground control to inform them of their findings. Having done that, he called another conference. Everyone once again turned to face the centre.

 “Unfortunately we now have a dilemma on our hands. Because we now have a first contact situation with a race that has, we assume, not yet even mastered basic communication or transmission skills, our entire mission must take on a radically new dimension. Because we believe in a policy of non interference, it is imperative that we are not visually detected during the landing or take off. I can show you the options that are now open to us. This is option one. We approach from a high orbit and take a direct descent path to the surface, however, if we take this option, to minimise detection we would have to travel at approximately twice the normal approach speed and would need three times the landing strip length that we would normally require. Moreover, upon landing we would have to find a way to camouflage the craft as to avoid its discovery. Because of the time factor involved this would obviously be a last choice situation.”

 Hatch fidgeted in his seat before outlining the second option.

 “Option two is equally as risky. I am now authorized to release a part of your briefing programme that you have not yet seen. Please pay particular attention to the simulation that you are now about to watch. I will talk you through it. This is a touchdown method that, up until yet, has not been tried. Captain Daniels and I have simulated this type of landing on numerous occasions, but this will be the first actual attempt. Firstly it will require our navigator to select a suitable site. The parameters for this site are held within her document brief. Having decided upon the ideal place we will then place 1472 into high geostationary orbit above the site and commence descent. The descent will take the form of a descending spiral, utilising a circumference of fifteen point three miles. As we approach the surface, the spiral will, under computer guidance, change course to match the axial rotation of the planet. At the point where we pass through the magnetosphere into the exosphere all engine power will be placed on standby, effectively cutting all propulsion. The remainder of the descent will be an unpowered glide. The only time that the engines will be used will be for course corrective purposes. The attempt will take place on the dark side of the planet, whilst the area around the landing site is experiencing their night time phase. On a spiral descent there will be less likelihood of any life forms witnessing our arrival. The second phase of option two is another innovative manoeuvre. The actual landing will take place in one of the seas of this planet. During the final circuit of the descent spiral this craft will perform a yaw manoeuvre, thus bringing the wing horizon to an angle of forty five degrees to the level state. This will have the effect of allowing the wing surfaces to become hydrofoils, enabling us to continue our course sub aquatically. Once under the surface, navigation would switch to sonar detection to find us a suitable resting place. This option is the one that the agency prefers. However, the final decision rests with the captain”. The captain sat and considered the options, and for the few moments he took over his deliberations, everyone sat, all eyes fixed firmly upon him, awaiting his decision. He knew that aborting the mission was not an option and that he had to choose the best option to ensure success. Finally he raised his head, regarded each of the crew and announced his decision.

 “Taking into account the non interactive policy, I don’t see much choice. We will have to go with option two. Mary, take us into orbit and scan for possible landing sites. Apart from that people, its business as usual”

 At this, everyone resumed their position and duties. During the orbital phase a series of meteorological probes were shot through the atmosphere. The information that was relayed back had confirmed that the atmosphere was well within acceptable parameters to sustain their needs. They had all breathed a sigh of relief at the prospect that they would have no need for the breathing apparatus that they had half expected would, as usual, hamper progress on the surface.

 All of the monitoring and surveillance systems were operating the navigation station and within the space of an hour, Mary had at her disposal a complete topographical display of the entire surface and was now selecting possible landing sites. She was taking into account that, where there are signs of civilisation, it would be more than probable that an area of such demographics would yield greater rewards for the mission.

 She had selected nine possible locations, but the one she favoured most, was the one which lay thirty two point eight degrees inside the northern hemisphere. It was a small inland body of water situated in an area which offered both desert and vegetated regions. The probes had confirmed that the current temperature in the region was above what they were used to, but it was well within the prescribed comfort zone.

Mary had fed the complicated data for the descent into the navigation computer, and they had all secured themselves into their seats. She had positioned the craft in its final orbit. The cabin crew silently went about their business; no one spoke, each of them held certain trepidation towards the impending attempt.

“Twenty seconds to inception” Hatch said. 

They could feel their tension levels rising, apprehension was at fever pitch as they physically felt the craft veer off into the descent. 

“Manoeuvre commitment confirmed” 

They were now irrevocably committed to the landing pattern.

 The shuttle had completed three circuits of the dark outer atmosphere and had begun to enter the exosphere. All of the sensors on the outer shell of the craft were busy collecting all possible information they could, about this alien environment. They were now firmly under the influence of the gravitational forces of the planet and it was at this point, that the engines were cut. The action of switching the engines to standby seemed to create an audible void. The familiar deep rumble had now been replaced by virtual silence. They were gliding unpowered through the night sky. As they fell through the various atmospheric layers Mathew Watkins shouted out the different attributes he was discovering. At the same time each of the crew was in turn reporting from their respective stations in much the same manner. This had the effect of creating a highly organised cascade of vocal information exchanges concerning the descent and their present surrounding.

 “Thermosphere confirmed”….“altitude 270.5”….“life signs stable”….“hull temperature rising”….“heat shield holding stable”….“spiral adjust on line.. .now...”…“mesosphere confirmed”... “Altitude 53.9 levelling out to fifteen degrees”.... “Hull temperature stable”

 “Shields stable”…“detecting moisture at altitude 49.1”...“stratosphere confirmed”…“altitude 30.4” “target located and locked in…now”…“life signs show stable”…“troposphere confirmed”... “Altitude 9, 8.5, 8, initiating yaw manoeuvre, impact in 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1,”

As the shuttle crashed through the surface of the water, all of the crew were violently jarred in their seats. The impact had been much worse than any of them had anticipated, but once they were submerged, everything went into slow motion as the inertial dampers bought them to a full stop.

 After a few moments Mary had managed to recover from the splash down and, having switched to sonar was now busy scanning for a suitable place for the shuttle to rest for the next few days. It was not long before she had located the ideal site. Confirming her find with the captain and the co-pilot, she inputted the information into her terminal and with a triumphant final stab at the controls, leaned back in her seat and left the two officers to begin the final phase of the landing.

As they descended through the black waters, the visibility through the cockpit windows was nil. It was as if the window surface had been blacked out. Travis Wheatley leaned over his control panels and activated the outside lighting systems. As soon as he had done this, their field of vision was instantly extended to allow them to see everything picked up within the beams of the lights. It was a whole new world, a strange, silent, aquatic theatre of which they were now a part. As they went deeper and deeper, Travis was feverishly typing at his terminal, making as many notes about this environment as he could. His terminal was time linked to cameras positioned around the shuttle. He would revise these later to make a more detailed study. As the captain guided them through the waters to their resting place, everyone sat and marvelled the wonders they were now witnessing. The deep blue exterior played host to a myriad of different life forms, each of them of interest to Wheatley, who was becoming agitated by the intense rush of information, he wanted to slow things down in order to have more time to collate all of the data he was receiving. Unfortunately for him, the descent rate had been predetermined and was now near its end. In the final moments of their descent, Captain Daniels bought the craft to within six feet of their resting place. Hovering over the ledge they had selected. This was the last stage of the landing procedure. The co-pilot announced that it was time to create the moorings that would hold them firm for the duration of their stay. At the flick of a switch, six, six foot bolts shot from around the shuttle’s underside with such force that they embedded themselves into the igneous rock that made up this plateau. Each of the bolts was attached to cables which led back to the craft. The winches began to pull them into the rock and before long they were securely anchored into position. “Craft secured at 0200 hours all system checks complete, good job everybody” said the captain.

 All engines were cut and everyone sat back and breathed a sigh of relief. As they looked through the windows into the calm waters, they could see that they had come to rest on a plateau that led to a vast precipice that fell away into the dark abyss below.

All of the excitement connected with the landing was abating and they were now finding time to reflect upon what they had just achieved, and upon where they now were.

They had finally reached their goal, and now they were actually on Epsilon Omega, ready to begin their great adventure.

Chapter 3 - A Brave New World