The aged captain shouted back from the controls, “We came under fire from the planet on our approach.”
Loud cackling noises were coming from the ship.
Audrey shouted once more, “Did you provide the security clearance?” She could see a red and blue planet looming large, and flashes of yellow light trying to hit the spaceship.
“Of course I did. You need to prepare for a crash landing.”
For a moment, time seemed to stop. Her heart was pounding, sweat dripping down her brow. “Brona, inform the troops to prepare for a crash landing.”
Her eyes narrowed. “What about you?”
Audrey pressed a button on the underside of her control panel. Magnets bolted the chair to the floor, and extra safety straps wrapped around her. “I’ll be more fine than anybody else. Now go.”
Brona sprinted out.
“Do you have any preference as to where to land?” the Captain asked.
“Yes, somewhere relatively flat and close to where that firing is coming from.”
The ship began to shake as they entered the atmosphere. Audrey tried to control her breathing. There was still a chance that she might yet survive and have a further chance to serve the Emperor.
The front of the shop was now turning a bright white.
Mark's Writing Corner 