Chapter 5When the shuttle settled down ontheice just ten yards from the entrance, it was still cold onSandeling.Nothing had changed on the landscape. The ice structures lookedlikedaggers stabbing the cold heart of the planet. The howl of the windhad changed into a more subdued sound, almost like a song, but asongyou might hear at a funeral. I put on my goggles and thanked theshuttle pilot.
“Any time, major,” he said. “Iwon’t take off until you’re safely inside.”
Lt. Alvarez met me when the door slidopen.
“Status is unchanged, major. We’vehad one more wall wailing since you left. Nothing more.”
“Get the multi-color treatment too?”
“Yes. But nothing ominous,” shesaid.
“Good. I hope that continues. Ireally like that phrase. But nothing ominous.”
I joined Cajun and the Panther as theyst
