Hours pass, and the magnificent habitats come clearly into view. They are cylindrical in shape, with a constant stream of small vessels travelling in between them.
“Looks incredible, doesn’t it, Derek?” Maeve says, both of their eyes transfixed.
“It is. I read somewhere that we’re reaching the tipping point where more people will be living off Earth than on it. Crazy, really, and there’s a huge universe out there for us to colonize.” Derek’s eyes were wide with wonder.
“Incredible, we’d better dock you in place again. We’ll soon start to feel the effect of the Earth’s gravity.”
Derek began to sweat in nervous anticipation. This would be unlike anything he had experienced before.
Their ship descended between the habitats.
The ship shook. It was almost imperceptible.
Derek thought – It is beginning.
Then another shake.
“Don’t worry, Derek. The ship’s onboard navigation system won’t have any difficulties taking us in. Landing on Earth is routine, not like landing on the moon.”
Maeve smirked, and Derek found it odd how reassuring he found it to be.
The rattling increases with each passing moment. The viewport edges turn red.
“We’re going to the top of the second large island off that landmass. You can’t see the small island itself, yet.” Maeve shouted over the sound of the spaceship crashing through the atmosphere.