CARA IV

There was the slightest of bumps as we landed and a brief shudder as the ship settled on the surface. About a minute later the exit door facing us slid back. Nils pressed a switch and a flight of steps emerged smottly and silently from just beneath his feet. Quietly we followed him down the steps and on to the ground. Nobody spoke as we looked round then formed a circle around our leader. Solemnly he knelt down and kissed the bare brown earth. On his knees he intoned these words. "Oh Lord, we ask Thy blessing on our mission. Guide our footsteps in all we do and help us make this barren place into a land fit for habitation. Amen."