9
The single point of light in the shuttle's canopy window split apart into a million little stars and a single planet that seemed to grow from out of nowhere. From this angle, he approached the planet's night side with only a crescent of blue ocean showing.
Agent Ben Lorani sat in the pilot's chair, dressed in black pants and a matching sweater. His dark hair was parted in the middle and hung to the nape of his neck. “Palisa Air Traffic control,” he said into the radio.
Pressing his lips together, Ben looked up through the window. “This is Leyrian Intelligence Service shuttle 2031,” he said. “Requesting clearance to land at the Belorinak Air Field. Please confirm.”
“Confirmed, 2031,” a man replied. “State your business.”
Ben closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He bowed his head,
