"Okay, two minutes till we reach Nepleslia," John announced over the intercoms, keeping at least one hand on the controls at all times, "I'll try and take it in nice and slow... I hope everyone has strapped in safely, just in case..."
Meanwhile, in the showers, Luca and Hitori had decided to have a little snuggle. One thing lead to another and... Use your imagination, damnit!
Nepleslia was in sight. John got a radio call from a control tower. He activated his headset, "Hello?" He answered.
"BZ5-019, zis is the IPG," Nostrovia's distinctly Slavic voice was on the other end of the line, she paused for a moment, "Luca?"
"Sorry, Luca's not here at the moment," John filled in the blanks for the agent, "This is his pilot, John. What can I do for you?"
"Mr. John, land at your base, and ve'll debrief you quickly. Ve have a medical crew on hand, and... as requested," She sighed, "A crew is on standby to repaint your ship. Zey seem to know you."
John half-smiled, "That wouldn't happen to be Nina, would it?"
"Da."
"Small world..." He mumbled to himself, steering the ship into atmosphere and beginning descent, "I'll be down in a sec. Over and out."
The ship rattled somewhat as it begun to fall further into atmosphere, burning up. Everyone was (hopefully) strapped in to ensure maximum comfort.
Burning up more as it came in, further, further and further. The base was in sight. The ship begun to slowdown as the ground, and the small base got closer and closer. The big ship would barely fit in the yard, possibly spilling onto the fence. But, with careful manoeuvres, and Valo's help, some time taken...
And the decision to land outside the yard... Touchdown!
"Did you feel that?" Hitori asked Luca. The lovebirds were having bit of recovery after their intensely prolonged snuggle, getting their clothes back on.
"Yeah!" Luca replied, red-faced and getting his pants and singlet back on, "I think we're home!"
With time, John was able to open up the back ramp of the ship, allowing everyone to disembark. He locked up and moved outside. Mel, Mitch and Sebastian had followed suit, with Hitori appearing after them.
Jim, Crane, Anna, Laeliel, Nostrovia, Nina and her builder-maids, and a ship repair crew and painters were there to greet them.
"You're okay!" Anna leaped into Sebastian's arms, "Please, don't do that again!"
"Great timing, I was just about to cook up a feast!" Crane doffed his chef's hat to Vincent.
"You're here!!" Jim exclaimed, but noticed a lack of sideburns amongst the crew, "Where's Luca?"
"Da, vere is your captain?" Nostrovia agreed, asking the same question.
