The hit ruptured the boat's hull and caused a small explosion. With a number of vital systems disabled, including the primary control processor, Rodchenko had to wrestle with the manual backups as the Impala hurtled to the ground. A cacophony of alarms scolded her, and the g-forces mounted as she slowly pulled the crippled boat out of its dive and lifted the nose clear of the horizon. Altimeter: 150. Rodchenko allowed herself a smirk of satisfaction - cut short by the sound of a new alarm: the reactor failsafe was engaging. The Impala shuddered as the thruster cut out; Rodchenko's remaining instruments went dark; the clamouring alarms fell silent, and with the hum of the drive gone, the only sound was that of the wind rushing past the hull. Rather too quickly for Rodchenko's liking, the nose began to dip and the expanse of the desert filled her field of vision. With no power, there would be no g-cushion; this landing would be rough- or fatal. Rodchenko fought to hold the boat at a passable landing attitude until the last second before bracing herself for the impact... Lt Rodchenko: Poser (but rendered in Carrara) Impala II, Medset, terrain and effects: Carrara Postwork: Corel Photo-Paint 8 Script and Direction: Me