“Yes, from a greater distance,” his father answered. “Then it will look more like a comet to you.”
Several days later, Jill came running into their compartment, looking concerned. “Father, I saw some of the passengers going forward into the pilots’ roost. They stayed there a few minutes, then came out, and some more people went in. What do you suppose it’s all about?”
“I have an idea the commander has a treat for us,” her father replied with a knowing grin. “We’ll get our turn. Just wait.”
Their chance came shortly later. The Kentons and Randy were summoned forward, and they entered the pilots’ roost.
“Want to see something?” the commander asked. “Look out the forward window.”
They spoke first to the pilots they had met before, then peered out the window. Ted’s breath came fast. Poised regally against the backdrop of stars was a gleaming red-orange globe. It was the planet Mars, their new home.
CHAPTER SEVEN
Invisible Menace
The Kentons studied the red planet in silent awe. Beneath the thin cotton of atmosphere, they saw the crisscross markings of the canals that had baffled Earthmen for many years. Two small globes hovered in the deeps beyond. They were the two moons, Phobos and Deimos.
Randy unconsciously shoved forward ahead of the Kentons. “Isn’t it beautiful!” he murmured.