A sharp ping from Shores’s station told her the ALA loading crew had received her message and was on standby. At least she didn’t have to worry about a midair collision between the freighter and a shuttle trying to make orbit.
But that was only a slight comfort.
Bringing the flaming transport down to pad fourteen meant it would come in dangerously close to the snow condition no-fly zone. But Shores had been right. All the eastern pads were full.
“Freighter Espellia, you are authorized to begin an emergency landing on pad fourteen. You may begin your descent when ready.” Frans winced as she realized what she’d said, using her automatic cadence.
“We’re already descending!” Captain Richars snapped.
“Understood,” Frans added. “I just meant—”
Suddenly a new voice cut across the communicat
