Tom adjusted his controls for the speed reduction, while keeping his
eyes on the teleceiver screen. He watched the planet grow larger before
his eyes, and the terrain become more distinct. He could see two large
oceans, the green-blue of the water reflecting the sunlight of Alpha
Centauri brilliantly. Nearer and nearer the _Polaris_ plummeted, and Tom
could begin to distinguish the rough outline of mountain ranges along
the horizon line. He switched to a larger view of the planet on the
magnascope that revealed a splendor rivaling the beauty of his own
cherished Earth.
"We'll be entering the atmosphere in a minute, Alfie," yelled Tom into
the intercom. "Stand by to give range for touchdown."
"Radar deck, aye," reported Alfie. "Range at present five hundred
miles."
"Power deck, check in!" yelled Tom.
"Power deck, aye," returned Astro.
"All set below?" asked Tom.
"All set," said Astro.
"Reduce thrust to minimum!" shouted Tom.
Deep inside the powerful ship, the roar of the mighty atomic rocket
motors began to fade to a deep growling purr.
"Control deck to radar deck. Major Connel, sir?"
"What is it, Corbett?" asked Connel.
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