With a sure hand at the helm, the Scout 'Loki's Mirth' slipped into the great canyon that held the remote outpost of Mol Khiheris. Their destination almost in sight, the sense of anticipation and adrenaline grew in the cramped bridge compartment of the small vessel. "Still no response?" asked Merritson. Atronis shook his head. "Not so much as a dog's fart. Atmospherics aren't that bad; they must have some kind of technical hitch." The skipper motioned out the viewport. "Well, they've got power at least; somebody was kind enough to light the field for us." Fenzin and Brinjaetta came onto the bridge - or more correctly, crammed in behind the other two - and peered out the window. "Gear checked." said Brinjaetta, indicating the enviro-helmet under her arm. "Anyone home?" "No idea" replied Merritson, his hands passing over the controls, "but I guess we'll find out soon enough." Brinjaetta glanced round to see Fenzin methodically check the barrel, receiver and clip on his gauss pistol. Satisfied, he slipped it back into the holster, and looked up to see her watching him. Fenzin shrugged nonchalantly. "Just expecting the unexpected." At that moment, 'Loki's Mirth' banked, and Merritson started the final approach. The crew's attention was fixed on the glowing lights of the landing field, as they rose up to greet the descending vessel. Who - or what - would be waiting to meet them? Scout (based on the legendary Type-S from Traveller) created in gmax; terrain: Terragen; postwork done with Corel Photo-paint.