Again the minutes crawled away. There was a faint jar, then a settling lurch. It was almost unexpected when it came. The jets fell silent.
Earth!
Matt found himself looking around at the strained faces. Hesitantly, he threw off his straps and stood up. Others followed suit. None of them, Matt realized, was anxious to be the first out.
It was a strange homecoming—certainly nothing like the one they had all planned before the silence!
"Well," said Matt, "someone's got to be first."
He made his way to the main port. Silent, and uneasy, they all trooped after him.
"What the hell!" said Matt with a sudden grin. He spat on his hands and began to unscrew the bolts.
There was a collective sigh from those behind as he kicked open the heavy port.
Only rain and blackness met his eyes.