The ship continued to plummet towards Earth, now slowed due to Howlite's efforts.  The antigravity system kicked back on for a brief moment but ultimately became non-functional.  Now that the ship was in a vertical as opposed to horizontal position, the wind resistance also helped slow its descent.  

Chromite was very relieved to see that there was another reliable defender in the form of Moonstone, who had managed to pull Paraiba Tourmaline to safety, and that the other gems on board were generally responsive to her order to seek cover.  Ivory was one of the better positioned gems being stuck to the floor with her sand.  Pyrite, too, helped assure Chromite with her quick response.  

[color=darkgray] I'm terribly sorry, head scientist Moldsvite.  Something must have gone wrong with the ship.  Please try and stay safe under your shield until we reach the ground. [/color] Chromite said.  

If Chromite had a heart it probably would have skipped a beat at seeing Chryosparse looking out the window with no apparent regard for the imminent danger.  [color=darkgray] "Chryosparae, what in the universe are you doing?!  Astro, Larimar, please focus your attention on protecting them if you can!  I can answer any questions you have later![/color]. 

With any luck the two gems who had offered to use their abilities to help others would be able to act quickly, because the ship crashed about four seconds after she had made her request.  Thankfully Howlite had managed to direct them into a marshy area.  They landed with a great [i]SPLOOSH[/i] and the ship simultaneously made waves and left a sizeable crater.  The force was reduced enough that even the softer gems on board weren't in danger of any permanent damage, but the force threw Chromite upwards so hard that her tough body became embedded into the ship's ceiling.

After it was all over, Chromite spoke over the sound of the electrical currents of loose wires and a small fire that had started.  [color=darkgray] Everyone, status report!  Are any of you injured?  Can... can anyone help me down?[/color]