Striking the Didonian atmosphere will complete the destruction of Asieneuve. Of the four boats, one has:
a no longer operative fusion generator;
energized accumulators;
two usable drive cones;
undamaged instruments and controls.
Survivors must remove armor to fit in the boat although Flandry stows three suits, mainly for their impellers. Having flown combat aircraft before transferring to Intelligence, he takes the pilot's seat. On first impact with the stratosphere, the boat leaves the ship. Flandry and his co-pilot brake velocity and avoid peaks and a hurricane.
They descend to the correct latitude on the largest continent but their initial velocity is in the wrong direction for their destination, Port Frederiksen. With accumulators drained, they must set down and cannot use tail jacks because the unharnessed men will be crushed if the gee-field gives way. Flandry aims for marsh instead of treetops. The landing disturbs thousands of winged creatures.
Next: an adventurous trek across a planetary surface.
1 comment:
Kaor, Paul!
The almost casual mention of fusion generators makes it plain Technic civilization has licked the problems still baffling our scientists as they try to find ways to make fusion nuclear power practical.
Ad astra! Sean
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