32
The lids of the Torpor Tubes slid back and the crew of the Sir Isaac blinked as the light in the stasis area returned to its regular level. The subdued lighting reverted to its normal brightness all over the ship – it had been dimmed whilst the sophonts were running the ship.
Familiar planets and moons rushed past as the space-cruiser decelerated in anticipation of entering Earth 1’s orbit. Finally, the blue sphere with its swirling cloud cover came into view.
The tension returned to the crew, accompanied by a relief that they had, at least, arrived at one of the Earth’s.
The silence was interrupted by an incoming transmission. This was it – the last stage of their journey. Were they about to enter Earth 2’s orbit? It wouldn’t be the end of the world if they did – at least they woul
