"Warning! Warning!" calls out the navigation computer. Knowing that Jarren has his pale blue hands full piloting the battered freighter, Stripe quickly checks the console and identifies the source of the warning. The ship's trajectory has become too steep and the navigation shields are being overcome by the atmospheric friction. Stipe quickly passes the critical information to Jarren who brings the ship to a slightly more level angle, thankfully silencing the warning. The rosy glow outside the windows grows dimmer in response to the attitude change.

Hitting some pockets of cold heavy air as the planet's surface grows closer, the ship begins to buffet, mildly at first, then growing in intensity. For Jarren and Stripe ,strapped into the pilot and copilot seats, the ride grows increasingly jolting, but stays managable. For those in the cargo bay however, the situation becomes a little more exciting.

"Hold on A-18" says the protocol droid in a scolding, worried tone. A few blips and beeps respond as both the ASP and protocol droids enmesh themselves in cargo netting that is attached to the hull walls, in effect, strapping themselves in.

Ian seems relatively oblivious to the turmoil, somehow managing to weave his way behind the monkey-lizard as the ship is tossed about. Ian is muttering about ale, nuts, and blaster rifles the whole time. The Kowakian, newly-dubbed Ears, isn't quite as oblivious to events as Ian though. Its lighter mass is working to its disadvantage in the turbulence. It's being tossed around the cargo bay with surprised "WHAAAHA!"s as it attempts to lead Ian, the only creature that's shown any friendliness to it.

In a moment of calm, the monkey-lizard turns around and backs up a few steps to stabilize itself, then it makes a running charge at Ian, leaping just as the ship encounters more turbulence. It lands in Ian's arms with a soft thud and quickly embraces him in a frightened grip, seeking protection.

Having come down on the light side of the planet, which is easy enough since it is lit by two suns, Stripe and Jarren peer forward as the haze of distance clears and they can see the major land features below. With the engine's steady whine beginning to be interspersed with a disturbing popping sound, they have a choice to make since the ship is obviously not going to be able to stay aloft for much longer. Below is a grand mesa, stretching W to SE as far as you can see, devoid of standout features. To the north is a great dune sea, bordered on it's western flank by rugged mountains and canyons. The mesa, great dune sea, and a smaller dune sea to the NW all converge with the mountainous, canyon-laced area in the center. What appear to be settlements lie on the mesa plateau near the southern edge of mountains. You think it's doubtful you could make it to the settlement, but there would be a small chance. To the south and southwest is a extensive, rocky wasteland. Which way to go, they wonder?

Ian talks to himself with Ears clinging on in the aft cargo area as touchdown becomes more imminent, blissfully pulling back the camoflage tarp from the cargo containers. When the tarp comes off, a stash of half-eaten rations and water pouches is uncovered. The monkey-lizard looks pleadingly at Ian before braving the turbulence and jumping down on top of the pile. It cackles a little before scrambling around to find an unopened ration, then holds it up in offering to the long-haired, bearded human. It says in a twisted mimic of the protocol droid, "Absolutely fascinating!" and cackles mischiviously.

[OOC: Waiting to find out where you try to land before continuing.]