Tell el-Mukayyar – Contact“Sixty seconds to landing,” said Petri, showing no emotion. “Descent velocity constant. We’re about to slow down for the final approach to the docking system.
“Short-range sensors activated,” replied Azakis. “Landing area on screen... Now.”
The image of the sandy terrain, still far away, appeared before them.
“What are they?” asked Petri, who had noticed a series of small structures near the docking system.
“It would appear to be a human settlement.”
“So they're expecting us,” said Azakis, who was worried. “As soon as we get within range, they’ll discharge their entire arsenal on us, you’ll see.”
“Colonel.” The squadron leader’s voice resonated from the radio speaker. “The radar is indicating a rapidly-approaching unidentified object. It’s making a vertical
