Once again Tom Corbett and his unit-mates had embarked on a mission for the Solar Guard.
CHAPTER 2
"Stand by for touchdown!" bellowed Captain Strong's voice on the big spaceship's intercom.
"Control deck standing by," replied Tom.
"Corbett," Strong continued, "you may take her down as soon as you get clearance from Venusport traffic control."
Tom acknowledged the order with a brisk "Aye, sir!" In a few moments he received permission to touch down on the newly colonized planet. Then, turning his attention to the control board, he requested a ground-approach check from Roger.
"About two miles to touchdown, Tom," reported Roger from the radar bridge. "Trajectory clear!"
"O.K., Roger," said Tom. Glancing quickly at the air speed and rocket thrust indicators, he flipped a switch and sang out, "Power deck, reduce thrust on main drive rockets to minimum!"