Commander Nireem had seen the notes entered by Enaida and Aterga. Adnilla had also overheard conversations implying the Mamlaka intended to grab control after the landing. Her notes mentioned the phrase, “easier if Ecurben,” which caused the Commander to smile. He said softly to himself, “They don’t know Ecurben.”
Clouds had hampered detailed observation of the planet's terrain in many places. But the pilots now focused on three attractive locations. Radar mapping around three potential landing sites was in progress. So far, the officers had not observed any indication of intelligent life: no radio signals, no lighted areas at night, no satellites, no visible structures, nothing. That was good news.
Nireem had confidence that his officers would choose a suitable location to start their new life. They had decided they wanted the final line of descent to have a sequence of landing options. Then, if there was a problem using the first one, they could continue to the next. The pilots’ most significant uncertainty was the descent vehicles’ aerodynamic handling. As they neared the ground, they wanted the craft's altitude and speed suitable for a vertical set-down.
Gergin and Drachcirn had reoriented one of the ship's telescopes to photograph each of the selected landing zones in higher resolution. They had spotted herds of grazing animals and lakes near two prospective locations. Drachicrn commented on the difference the atmosphere made. On many planets, you could easily see large areas. Here, clouds and their shadows allowed only a piecemeal picture. Their survey showed a fantastic variety of surface features.
Nireem had decided to have two dress rehearsals for boarding the descent vehicles. It was a complex task to board 175 people on each lander and get them with their flight bags in the right seat and ready for reentry.
The Commander had months before identified the Mamlaka and other potential troublemakers. Yet, ironically, their physical conditioning scores were not high, and most would be unable to do much for several days after landing. Nireem doubted they had even considered that in their plan. But he divided them evenly between the two vehicles by leadership potential and physical condition.
The crew handed out cards to all the civilians. The card had their name, descent vehicle number, their order in line, and seat assignment.
The pilots had planned out every step in the boarding process. However, considering the Laka problem, the Commander added one safeguard. A crew member monitored each passenger's identity chip and checked it off the manifest as they boarded.
The seat assignments put the passengers in the poorest physical condition in the seats furthest from the exits. The physically able could move faster and, if necessary, help those behind them. The Advance Team was seated nearest to the exit doors.
Once each passenger climbed into their reclining seat, a crew member adjusted the foot pads and headrest. They showed where to place their feet and passed out the helmets they would wear on the descent. Then, they showed each traveler how to wear their helmet and secure their restraining straps.
The first boarding rehearsal went slower than expected. There was much grumbling about assigned seats. The Mamlaka were especially unhappy, believing they should have the seats nearest the front of the craft.
After the first boarding rehearsal, Enaida and Adnilla spent time in their passenger lounges. They were again observing the small groups in conversation.
Sirodee approached Enaida to talk.
“How did the practice boarding go?” Enaida asked.
“OK, I guess. I wanted to sit by my friend but couldn’t. So why do we have to have a certain seat?”
“It's complicated. The weight distribution has to be balanced, and each seat is adjusted to fit its occupant. We have to know who is in each vehicle. Some people will need to rest a while after landing. The boarding plan takes all of that into account. In space, having a precise plan keeps us safe.”
“But couldn’t you just make one little change?”
“Sirodee, there are nearly 300 passengers. So, every change means reworking the seat assignments. And it will only take a short time from boarding to touching down. You can handle that.”
“I guess so, but I heard a Rabizut guy say he would be on the other lander.”
“Who was that?” Enaida asked curiously.
“I don’t know. He's a close friend of one of the Mamlaka. They probably have some special deal.”
“You heard the Commander. No class distinctions. We treat everyone the same.”
“Enaida. The Commander can say what he wants, but we know the Mamlaka are always in charge.”
Enaida smiled. She understood. Back on Tridon, that had been the way it was. But they were no longer there, and Commander Nireem was changing that. Sirodee then saw a friend and moved off.
Seeing Salguodir talking animatedly, Enaida slowly drifted closer. She casually looked around, taking care to turn her head by him. It was enough for her microphone to pick up “…take out Ecur...” Then swiveling back, she caught “…pistol in my...” The words sent a chill through her.
Enaida spent the rest of the afternoon in the lounge. She had several passengers ask her questions. One wanted to know if they could take their flight bags, and another asked when they would leave orbit. There were a few more complaints, but she heard nothing more about plans to make trouble.
The Second Practice Two Days Later
The Commander had given the senior medical specialists instructions for the travelers second boarding practice.
In Lounge Module Two, Adnilla got the attention of her passengers. She had waited until everyone was up for the day.
She explained, “The Commander has scheduled the second boarding practice to commence at two this afternoon. This practice will be exactly like the boarding for our flight to the surface. But today, we will board both descent vehicles simultaneously. You will be in a crowded passageway, so keep in line and in the assigned order. Be here at 1:30.”
Then she got into the specific instructions.
“Everyone has boots in their flight bag for use when we land. Wear your boots. Bring your flight bag with you. Bring your seat assignment card and keep it handy. Do everything exactly as if this was the actual departure.”
She paused to let everyone absorb her words. Then she continued.
“Take seats here in the lounge. I will release you in groups. You must line up in the order specified on your seat assignment card. For those in the first vehicle, stay to the right; for those in the second, stay left.
Passengers from four modules will be merging. Check to be sure you are in the correct order. Check the person in front and the one behind you. The order is important!
Are there any questions?”
No one said anything.
“The crew will record the time from the start until everyone is buckled in their seat. Keep quiet. Keep moving. If this doesn’t go efficiently, we will need to do another practice run.
Above your assigned seat is a net to hold your flight bag. Pull down one side and place your flight bag inside. A cord passing through a lock is on the left front of your overhead net. Pull tight on the cord to hold your bag securely.
Then buckle yourself in your seat. Make sure your feet are on the pads in the leg spaces and not hanging off to the side.
Remember, timing is critical for reaching the desired location. Be here ready to go no later than 1:30.”
The senior medical specialist in the other three passenger modules gave similar instructions.
Enaida watched as her passengers assembled in the lounge. It was the first time they had worn hiking boots designed for rough terrain in over a year. The boots felt bulky and clumsy compared to the stocking-like foot coverings used in space.
Hearing the command to start, the medical specialists began sending small groups of passengers forward in their assigned order. Then, as the lines moved forward, they released the next group. The process continued until everyone was in the line to board.
This time, the passengers were more aware of the surroundings. The soft blue panel lights created a welcoming ambiance. Up front, they noticed the entry to the flight crew's compartment.
Crew members helped as needed. Then, as passengers buckled into their seats, little circles turned green on a display screen up front. It let the pilot see which seats were not secure.
Retepin stood facing the seated travelers in the first lander and said, “The boarding is still slower than we want, but much better. More experience stowing flight bags will fix that. But there is something more serious to address first.”
He paused and looked up and down the rows.
“Several passengers boarded who don’t belong here. You know who you are. We know who you are. You had seat assignment cards that didn’t belong to you. We didn’t stop you this time since it would have interfered with this practice run. Next time, you will be arrested and not allowed to land.
Now, let's work on stowing flight bags. Everyone unbuckle, stand up, and remove your flight bag. There is a release button where the cord comes out of the locking mechanism. Press it to loosen the netting. Don’t leave your seat. Remain standing and wait for my command!”
Retepin watched as the rows of passengers retrieved their bags. There was some confusion and a lot of mumbling, but soon everyone stood quietly waiting.
“OK, now we will repeat the process of stowing flight bags and buckling in. Go!”
This time, it went much smoother. No one needed help, and soon, everyone was seated, and the monitor showed all the seat restraints were secure.
“Excellent! Retrieve your flight bags and wait for the command to exit the craft.”
After everyone had left, Retepin and Ecurben made their way to the Crew Galley to compare notes.
“Did you have passengers who boarded pretending to be someone else?” Retepin asked.
“Yes. We have the names and warned them of arrest if they tried it again,’ Ecurben answered.
“Same here. The Mamlaka must have planned a switch. They didn’t think we would read their chip identifiers.”
“Retepin, How did your practice go?”
“Better than I expected. There was a lot of fumbling, putting flight bags in the overhead nets. But, I think they are ready,” he concluded.
“We had some who didn’t line up in the correct order. That caused congestion in the aisles. When we go live, I will start boarding a few minutes earlier than planned.”
“Also, next time, we need two armed crew members to hold anyone who doesn’t belong. Since we will only be launching one vehicle, there will be more room in the passageways,” Retepin added.
“I’ll tell the Commander we are ready for his order for the first launch,” Ecurben said.
Everything for reentry and descent to the planet's surface was progressing well. The navigators and pilots had studied the primary landing zone, which met all their criteria. Further along, the final flight path was a backup landing site. A few days earlier, the pilots had run several flight simulations and identified the orbital coordinate for initiating separation from the New Dawn. All that remained was the Commander's order.