They disconnected the lunar Bug and strapped into their acceleration couches in the command module while they fed data to the computer. Following its instructions they jockeyed the Apollo into the correct attitude for firing. Once more they orbited the airless satellite and at the correct instant the computer triggered the engines in the attached service module. They were heading home. With all the negative factors taken into consideration, it was not that bad a landing. They hit the right continent and were only a few degrees off in latitude, though they entered the atmosphere earlier than they liked. Without ground control of any kind it was an almost miraculously good landing. * * * * * As the capsule screamed down through the thickening air its immense velocity was slowed and the airspeed began to indicate a reasonable figure. Far below, the ground was visible through rents in the cloud cover. "Late afternoon," Gino said. "It will be dark soon after we hit the ground." "At least it will still be light. We could have been landing in Peking at midnight, so let's hear no complaints. Stand by to let go the parachutes." The capsule jumped twice as the immense chutes boomed open. They opened their face-plates, safely back in the sea of air once more. "Wonder what kind of reception we'll get?" Dan asked, rubbing the bristle on his big jaw. With the sharp crack of split metal a row of holes appeared in the upper quadrant of the capsule: air whistled in, equalizing their lower pressure. "Look!" Gino shouted, pointing at the dark shape that hurtled by outside. It was egg-shaped and stub-winged, black against the afternoon sun. Then it twisted over in a climbing turn and for a long moment its silver skin was visible to them as it arched over and came diving down. Back it came, growing instantly larger, red flames twinkling in its wing roots. Grey haze cut off the sunlight as they fell into a cloud. Both men looked at each other: neither wanted to speak first. "A jet," Gino finally said. "I never saw that type before." "Neither did I--but there was something familiar--Look, you saw the wings didn't you? You saw...?" "If you mean did I see black crosses on the wings, yes I did, but I'm not going to admit it! Or I wouldn't if it wasn't for those new air-conditioning outlets that were just installed in our hull. Do you have any idea what it means?" "None. But I don't think we'll be too long finding out. Get ready for the landing--just two thousand feet to go." * * * * * The jet did not reappear. They tightened their safety harness and braced themselves for the impact. It was a bumping crash and the capsule tilted up on its side, jarring them with vibration. "Parachute jettisons," Dan Coye ordered, "We're being dragged." Gino had hit the triggers even as Dan spoke. The lurching stopped and the capsule slowly righted itself.