The 6 suns of System 18 blazed down relentlessly on the reinforced aluminium hull of the Wombat Class cargo craft as it accelerated to maximum cruising speed. As it hit the first layer of atmosphere, the heat sinks situated all around the 200 metre long craft went into overdrive, keeping the temperature in the ship at a comfortable 24 degrees Celsius.
Captain Richard Glazing glanced at the holographic image of System 18A - the largest planet in System 18- and made periodic adjustments to the ship’s bearing.
“ETA 30 minutes gentlemen. Report to your stations, Station Supervisors conduct safety checks.”
The 26 man strong crew onboard the craft scrambled to their positions and got ready for landing. The cargo carried by A&P Mastodon- mainly food and a few heavy machinery parts – would take 2 days to unload. This would be followed by cleaning and securing of the cargo bays and another 2 days to load in the outgoing cargo. As the job of loading and unloading would be done mainly by machines, the men were looking forward to their 4 days of R&R.
30 seconds later, pleased with the course setting, Captain Glazing toggled on the autopilot and settled down for his morning coffee. He had done the Earth – System 18 run more than 200 times in his career with A&P and this was like a milk run.
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