The two men were strapped tightly into their seats at their stations. They had simulated the descent twice, practiced emergency procedures, but this time it was for real. Sullivan had his primary display set to indicate their altitude in miles both above the surface of Saturn and above the mysterious object. The captain manipulated the descent controls as Sullivan monitored, making constant small adjustments to keep the ship level. He also stood ready to activate the quick-rise mechanism, if they were needed.