CHAPTER ONE

  2116 A.D.

  Mars

  Robert Marlow’s eyes darted around, finding nothing but an expanse of blackness. He struggled against the encroaching panic, his heartbeat thudding in his chest. It wasn’t his eyes that were the problem—it was the damn suit. The chill of the Martian cave gnawed at him, like he’d just stepped onto the summit of a distant, icy mountain. Over his com system, his android assistant’s voice rang out, a blend of urgency and fear.

  Her voice, rapid and alarmed, came through the comm: “Hang on, Robert! I won’t let you slip away!”

  He still couldn’t see, but M.I.R.A.’s presence was unmistakable—bumping and scraping against his helmet as she tried to help. While he struggled in the dark, M.I.R.A. navigated the darkness with ease. Androids like her had been built to see in total darkness—a standard feature by this point in time.

  Robert gasped, his lungs screaming for oxygen that wasn’t there—or was too thin to be of any help. He drew in shallow, panicked breaths, inhaling his own exhaled carbon dioxide. Confusion and panic intertwined, like vines ensnaring his thoughts. In his turmoil, he flailed, collapsing to his knees, helpless. Something coiled around him—an arm perhaps—restraining him. His lungs seemed to ignite—fire consuming his chest, then racing through his veins, but abruptly, the pain dissolved. A strange calm overtook him, and through it, the face of his wife, Cora, surfaced in his mind—vivid and tender. Then, a solitary thought crystallized: I’m going to die, and I won’t be able to say goodbye to Cora.

  Then, a blessed eruption of light! Heaven? No—the helmet lights. And there was air! He gasped, sucking in air like water breaking through a dam. M.I.R.A. had fixed whatever was wrong.

  His vision cleared, and there she was—bathed in the glow of his helmet beams. Her hair, the color of honey, gleamed in the artificial light. The remnants of her desperation lingered in her eyes. She offered a weak smile, followed by a nervous laugh, before enfolding him in a hug. “Are you alright? You gave me quite the scare.”

  His eyes remained blurry, his body still adjusting to the sudden revival of his systems. “You have a rather tight grip,” he said, trying to sound casual despite the adrenaline still pounding in his chest.

  “Sorry. I got a bit carried away,” she admitted, releasing him.

  He nodded. “Understandable.”

  He cast his eyes around, attempting to make sense of the recent events. “What happened?”

  Her fingers tapped gently on his helmet, a rhythmic beat. “The main control board glitched; probably from that fall a few days ago. Nothing looked broken, but it must’ve knocked something loose. I deployed nanobots to patch it temporarily, but you’ll need to switch to the spare helmet aboard the Charon once we’re out. The fix is holding for now, but it’s not permanent.”

  He reached for her. “Think I can stand?”

  Nodding, she offered her arm, and they worked in tandem to hoist him upright. M.I.R.A., stronger by design, bore most of his weight. He wobbled slightly as he found his footing, struggling to keep his balance. Loose rocks and uneven soil made the ground treacherous—a single misstep could spell disaster for his helmet. He concentrated on maintaining his balance, shifting his gaze from side to side as they navigated the rugged ground.

  As they climbed, M.I.R.A. suddenly paused.

  “Wait…” she said, turning her head sharply.

  Robert glanced at her, breath shallow from the effort. “What is it?”

  “I saw something—just for a second. A faint outline… humanoid. It flickered and vanished.”

  Robert scanned the shadows ahead. “Another crew member?”

  “No,” she said slowly. “It wasn’t solid. More like… a glitch. Like a ghost.”

  Robert forced a shaky chuckle. “Don’t tell me the cave’s haunted.”

  “Possibly just an anomaly in my visual sensors,” she said, though her eyes lingered on the space where it had appeared. “Still… I’ve seen something like it before.”

  As they neared the cave’s last ledge, their comms crackled to life with a familiar voice—tinged with a light German accent. “How’s it looking in there?”

  “We’re on our way out, Kolman,” Robert replied, his voice tinged with exhaustion. “This cave’s a bust. Might’ve held water once, but it’s long gone.”

  “His suit failed. He nearly died,” M.I.R.A. said dryly.

  Robert rolled his eyes. “It was close. I owe her for that one. There’s an issue with my helmet electronics.”

  “The main control board glitched,” M.I.R.A. clarified. “It malfunctioned. I deployed nanobots to patch it as a temporary solution. He’ll need the spare helmet on the Charon.”

  “Got it,” Kolman acknowledged. “I’ll have it ready for you. ETA?”

  “We’ll be out in a matter of minutes. Thanks, Kolman,” Robert answered.

  Kolman’s voice crackled through the comms, “Glad you’re both all right. And don’t worry, I’ll say nothing to Cora. She doesn’t need to know about this little adventure.”

  They walked in tandem, M.I.R.A.’s longer strides naturally outpacing his. He caught up. Their eyes met—his gratitude clear, though he struggled to find the words.

  He finally spoke, “I owe you more than just thanks,” he began, his voice wavering more than he intended. Clearing his throat, he continued with more determination, “Thank you, M.I.R.A.—not just for today, but for everything you do. Always.” Relief washed over him, having voiced something he felt deeply.

  Her eyes glinted, and her lips curled into a radiant smile. A touch on his back followed, a warm reassurance. “You never have to thank me. But I’ll accept it. Just remember—protecting you is part of my code.”

  He knew her jest, her attempt to lighten the moment. But he couldn’t help himself. “You and I both know it goes beyond programming.”

  She winked. “Of course it does. Now, let’s get out of this cave. Don’t worry, I’m not planning on going anywhere.”

  Exiting the cave, they negotiated through the rocky terrain around the entrance. Emerging from the darkness, Robert’s attention was immediately drawn to the sky. Above them, the Martian atmosphere was tainted by a faint upper-atmosphere dust storm, creating a peculiar visual display. The pale blue sky bore the marks of a freshly cut peach smeared with streaks of orange and red, as if the fruit’s juices had spilled and scattered. It was a common sight on most days, but today it held a unique allure. Robert was thankful the dust storm was mild; they had certainly experienced worse. On some days, the sun barely broke through the dust-choked atmosphere, plunging Mars into near-darkness. Although the planet received far less light than Earth, the blinding brightness after the darkness of the cave momentarily stung Robert’s eyes. His helmet’s adaptive technology recognized the strain and gradually dimmed the brightness, allowing his eyes to adjust.

  A short distance away, Kolman stood beside their six-wheeled rover—a bulky, white vehicle with a blue stripe and the name CHARON stamped along its side. The vehicle stood as a testament to Mars’ challenging terrain, its nearly meter-tall tires giving it an imposing stance. The rover’s side door was open, and a small trailer was hitched to it, bearing a peculiar, wheeled contraption that almost filled the trailer’s entire space.

  Kolman waved energetically as they approached, casually leaning against one of the massive tires. Robert and M.I.R.A. quickened their pace, the distance between them vanishing. “Spare helmet’s ready,” Kolman informed them.

  “Perfect. Thanks,” Robert responded, his voice laced with a mix of relief and renewed confidence.

  Kolman’s concern, as any best friend should, prompted him to check on Robert’s well-being. “You holding up?”

  Robert met Kolman’s gaze. “I’ll manage,” he said, the memory of the cave still in his voice. “It wasn’t pleasant, but I’ll be alright. Thanks for asking.”

  Kolman gave a thoughtful nod, his concern evident. Then with a slight grin, he added, “So…was that worse than the bat incident?”

  Robert let out a dry laugh. “Let’s just say I’d take bats over suffocating in a cave any day.”

  “Noted,” Kolman said, still grinning.

  M.I.R.A. walked past the men without missing a beat, urging them on. “Move along, gentlemen. Let’s not dawdle.”

  Robert smirked, and Kolman gave M.I.R.A. a mock salute. “Yes, ma’am.” Robert chuckled softly as he boarded the rover behind M.I.R.A.

  As the last one in, Robert’s hand found the control panel on the interior wall of the rover’s left side. Activating it, he watched as the panel illuminated with options. He tapped the button, and the door rolled shut with a mechanical hiss. The next command initiated pressurization, a soft hum filling the air. Finally, a series of green flashes signaled the successful pressurization before the panel went dark.

  “All set,” Robert announced, turning to his companions. His hands moved to disconnect his helmet from his suit, twisting and lifting it off with practiced ease. He flipped the front section forward, detaching it from the top. It came away smoothly. Kolman followed suit, the tall engineer needing to crouch slightly to accommodate his height.

  Inside the rover, the spacious interior accommodated them comfortably. The long L-shaped bench stretched to a smaller one at the rear, almost long enough to recline on. Swiveling seats flanked both sides of the front, where Robert settled into the driver’s seat. Each seat featured brackets to securely house helmets during travel while allowing easy access in case of emergencies. Behind the driver’s seat, M.I.R.A. had already made herself comfortable, engrossed in browsing the Extranet—an activity she often indulged in during their journeys. While her attention was divided, she never truly disengaged from her surroundings, always attuned to what was happening around her.

  Robert smiled faintly at her. “Wish I could browse like that.”

  A dry laugh escaped him as he addressed the navigation screen. “I think we’ve got time for one more scouting run.”

  Kolman’s query came from the passenger seat, “Heading west?”

  Robert’s nod was audible in his response. “Yes—the one we discussed last night. It’s visible on the topo maps. We’ve got a few hours left before we have to head back. Should be enough time to check it out.”

  Kolman’s nod was eager, a shared understanding of their routine. “We can always make a note of anything promising and return later.”

  After countless cave surveys, they had honed their approach. The success of their operation depended on a complex interplay of factors, with weather conditions being a crucial element. Even with a calm day like today, there was a finite window for exploration before the elements forced them back.

  Robert operated the semi-transparent screen in front of him with practiced ease. The screen lit up, revealing a topographic map riddled with color-coded marks and paths. His fingers danced across the screen, conjuring several options. With each touch, the map revealed new layers of information: routes they had previously taken, notes on past destinations, optimal paths to return home or to other colonies, and more. Green circles marked caves suitable for colonization, while red X’s indicated unsuitable prospects—forming a visual history of their exploration.

  Gesturing to the southwest, an unmarked area on the map, Robert drew a circle with his finger. The map zoomed in, the circled region expanding to fill the screen. His fingers traced another circle, magnifying the map even further. Soon, they zoomed in on a rugged plateau with a steep slope and jagged outcroppings.

  “This looks promising,” Robert said, tapping the screen. “It seems like a good place to start searching, with potential formations present. Can’t confirm a cave from here, but it’s as good a lead as any.”

  Kolman leaned in, examining the map closely. “Indeed. The terrain suggests an ancient river bed leading directly into that hill.”

  Robert’s fingers tapped an option—route from current position—and fed in the coordinates. A green circle labeled go appeared next to a red circle marked abort. A single touch on the green circle activated the navigation. Gripping a joystick situated between his legs, Robert gently pushed forward. The Charon surged ahead, smoothly navigating the rugged terrain. The rover’s advanced sensors scanned the environment, automatically slowing it down whenever an obstacle loomed. As they cleared the outcropping that marked the previous unsuitable cave site and settled onto level ground, Robert pressed another button—autopilot—and relaxed in his seat.

  “Here we go,” he announced with palpable enthusiasm.

  The Charon rolled on in silence. Robert’s thoughts slipped back to the moment he nearly died. Grateful to be on the move again, he couldn’t help but contemplate the myriad of dangers that Mars presented—challenges that went beyond those of Earth, such as airflow, heat regulation, and the constant threat of pressure loss.

  Unsettled by these thoughts, Robert’s attention was quickly diverted when Kolman broke the silence with a mischievous grin. “Remember a couple of years back when I tripped and fell?”

  Robert blinked out of his thoughts. “Who could forget that?” he said, then chuckled. “You managed to crack your faceplate. I didn’t think that was possible.” He turned to M.I.R.A. “Thank goodness for your speed. Without you, Kolman could’ve been in real trouble.”

  Kolman gave Robert a light slap on the knee. “True—but thanks to our little lady,” he winked playfully at M.I.R.A., “I came out unscathed.”

  M.I.R.A. tilted her head. “Little lady?” Her tone was flat, but the warning was unmistakable.

  Kolman covered his mouth in mock offense, his grin still visible. Robert chuckled quietly, shaking his head.

  Turning toward M.I.R.A., Robert clarified, “He’s just kidding.”

  “He better be. I am not little,” M.I.R.A. said with a sly smile.

  Kolman raised a brow. “You know, I never asked—why M.I.R.A.?”

  M.I.R.A. tilted her head, clearly surprised. Robert shared the sentiment, joining the conversation. “Yeah, none of us ever thought to ask about it. We just accepted it as your name. Is it an acronym?”

  M.I.R.A. nodded. “Mars Integrated Robotic Assistant,” she replied. “I didn’t choose it. Jake Nolan made it up to impress someone.”

  “Jake Nolan?” Robert inquired.

  “My primary designer,” M.I.R.A. confirmed.

  Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation.

  Robert nodded. “The acronym fits, but you’re way more than just an assistant. Still…it works.”

  Kolman chuckled. “It does have a nice ring to it.”

  A firm nod accompanied M.I.R.A.’s response. “That’s why I kept it. I find it aesthetically pleasing, despite my disagreement with its nomenclature. Most people drop the periods in casual use—MIRA is easier to say.”

  “Exactly,” Robert affirmed.

  Kolman chimed in, aligning with their sentiments. “Agreed.”

  Their chatter filled the rover’s cabin as time passed. After an hour, they reached their destination. When the Charon came to a halt, they secured their helmets, ready to disembark. Robert and MIRA wasted no time in exploring the area, while Kolman prepared the primary tool for the mission—the Geophysical Surveyor Model 531 3D Topographical Imager. The surveyor was old but reliable—clunky, a little scuffed, but still their best tool for finding caves.

  A few minutes later, Robert returned. “Let’s start here, heading west for about a hundred meters.”

  Kolman nodded in agreement, his excitement evident. “Sounds like a plan.”

  Guiding the surveyor to the starting point, Robert set the machine in motion. Its radar topography system projected a wood grain-like pattern on the screen, horizontal lines weaving across the display. Robert engaged the drive wheels, propelling the surveyor forward. The pattern shifted, lines alternating in spacing, indicating varying layers beneath the surface. As the soil lines scrolled off to the left, new ones appeared on the right.

  The first pass yielded no results. The surveyor moved approximately two hundred meters west before veering south for ten meters. It then retraced its path eastward, followed by another southward movement. The process continued, creating a grid that spanned a hundred meters in width. After an hour of meticulous scanning, they persisted, extending their survey another hundred meters west before once again turning south. Progressing for nearly an hour more, they were near the end of the grid when a sudden anomaly appeared on the radar.

  “We might have something here,” Robert proclaimed.

  Kolman scrutinized the screen, sharing in their excitement. Glancing at Robert, he inquired, “Could this be it?”

  “If this initial reading is accurate, we might be looking at a substantial discovery.”

  Extending their survey slightly further west, they initiated the scan once more. After a few passes, the radar confirmed it—there was a massive open space beneath them. The radar revealed rocky layers and a vast empty void—about thirty meters deep on average.

  Robert stared at the screen, wide-eyed. “That’s massive.”

  Kolman shared in the excitement, considering the challenges this presented. “Sealing an area this large will require significant effort. Let’s hope it’s worth it.”

  The prospect of uncharted waters intrigued Robert. “Indeed. It would be incredible if there’s water down there.”

  With the survey complete and the unexplained readings etched in their minds, the team began their journey back to their home cave. The cave’s entrance, marked by rows of solar panels on motorized platforms, lay ahead. A small building—their garage— stood nearby, and beyond that, a descending slope led to the entrance of their cavernous dwelling.

  Robert parked the Charon, and as they disembarked, he uploaded the surveyor images to MIRA. Meanwhile, Kolman handled the Charon and surveyor, plugging them into the recharging station. Once the equipment was secured, they closed the garage door and moved on.

  As they crossed the solar panel field, MIRA’s excitement was palpable. “This discovery is incredible! Can you even imagine what might be inside that cave?”

  Robert shared her enthusiasm. “I know—it’s mind-boggling. But we’ll have to wait until next time to find out. Tomorrow is planting day, and we can’t miss that.”

  Their journey continued, and soon they reached the entrance of their cave, a substantial metal door labeled Mars Cave Terraform Project 1. Beyond the door lay their home—a refuge against the harsh Martian environment. After Kolman ensured the area was clear, he opened the door, revealing the inner chamber.

  As they stepped inside, the door sealed behind them. A control pad next to the entrance caught Kolman’s attention. Pushing a green button labeled compress, he initiated the sequence to equalize the pressure with the cave’s interior. A hiss of oxygen filled the room, and after a few minutes, the red light shifted to bright green. Kolman turned the wheel on the inner door, granting them access to the heart of their cave home.

  The interior was a juxtaposition of natural Martian rock and carefully designed human spaces. The main room was well-lit by thin plasma lighting panels, mimicking daylight while conserving energy. The air carried a faint, earthly scent that welcomed them.

  Beneath the benches in front of lockers, Robert and Kolman began removing their spacesuits. The intelligent fabric of their thermal undergarments regulated temperature, keeping them comfortable as they transitioned into jumpsuits. Each one featured white stripes down the sleeves and legs—an unusual yet functional design.

  They exited the locker area and followed a narrow passage that sloped deeper into the rock. Around a bend, the modular cargo tram awaited—its squat, boxy frame still bearing the scars of its past life hauling Martian ore.

  Inside, canvas seats hung from the ceiling on swiveling mounts, designed to keep passengers upright during the steep descent. Kolman dropped into one, his boots braced.

  “One of these days we’ll retrofit a cushion into this thing,” he muttered.

  Robert tapped a recessed panel near the door. The tram jolted, then locked into the overhead cable system with a mechanical clank. Moments later, it began its descent—steady but steep. Red guide lights flicked past the narrow windows as the vehicle rumbled down into the depths.

  “Despite the long hours,” Robert said as they rode, “the work’s not over. Tomorrow’s planting day.”

  Kolman nodded. “Critical to our survival. Every leaf we grow helps keep the air breathable.”

  “And edible,” Robert added. “I still can’t believe we get to say that on Mars.”

  MIRA observed their routine, her AI mind processing every detail. “You both work tirelessly for the good of this cave and its inhabitants,” she said, her voice carrying a touch of admiration.

  Robert smiled, the fatigue of the day easing with MIRA’s words. “It’s a team effort, MIRA. We’re all in this together.”

  As they moved toward the living quarters, Kolman added, “And your contributions are invaluable, MIRA. You’re an essential part of this team.”

  MIRA’s electronic eyes lit up with pride. “Thank you, Robert. Thank you, Kolman. Working with you both is always a pleasure.”

  They entered their living quarters and prepared for a well-earned rest. Tomorrow would bring the demands of planting day—a task that held the promise of sustenance and hope for growth in their Martian sanctuary.

  Takuma Ryoichi, the team’s Chief Botanist, greeted Robert as they entered the hydroponics area. His warm smile and affinity for plants made him a valued and familiar presence. Dressed in green, Takuma mirrored his love for nature, and his deep connection with the plants under his care was evident in every interaction.

  The hydroponics garden stood as a living testament to Takuma’s skill. The vibrant tangle of vegetables and herbs, sustained by a delicate balance of flora and aquatic life, painted a picture of serenity—one that belied the stark reality outside. Micro bees—ingenious synthetic pollinators introduced after real bees failed to adapt—flitted throughout the garden. Their work was critical to maintaining the cycle of life on Mars.

  Takuma’s Japanese heritage showed in both his appearance and his gentle voice, marked by a noticeable accent. “Hello, gang. How did it go?” he asked, his voice tinged with curiosity.

  Kolman headed off to freshen up, while MIRA excused herself to run diagnostics. Robert stayed behind to brief Takuma, whose enthusiasm was practically radiating. Robert’s excitement was palpable as he conveyed the day’s success. “It went great! We still need to review the surveyor’s readings more closely, and then we’ll brief Aric tonight.”

  Takuma’s interest was piqued. “Something interesting, I take it? ‘Great’ isn’t a word you’d use lightly.”

  Robert’s enthusiasm was contagious. “Biggest one we’ve ever found. It’s massive—but something about it feels off.”

  Takuma’s eyebrows arched in curiosity. “Strange, and big? How big are we talking?”

  Robert’s eyes sparkled with excitement. “Big enough that we couldn’t finish surveying all of it before we had to go. We’ve never come close to something this massive. Most of the caverns we’ve encountered are either slightly larger or smaller than our home here, or they’re so small that they’re not worth the effort. But this one—it’s at least town-sized, maybe even city-sized, if our initial readings pan out. We need to go back and confirm what the surveyor’s data was showing us. The readings were definitely unusual.”

  Takuma leaned in, intrigued. “Unusual how?”

  Robert leaned in slightly, lowering his voice. “Some things on the cave floor were reflecting back odd signals—almost as if they were artificial. And the formations…some were so straight and organized that they couldn’t be natural. It’s as if there’s something down there that we’ve never seen before.”

  Takuma’s eyes sparkled with intrigue. “You think it could actually lead to something big?”

  Robert nodded, his excitement still evident. “Exactly. We’ve been working hard for years to build a life here on Mars. But if we find something significant, something truly significant—something that might offer clues about Mars’ past or its future potential for colonization—it could be a game-changer.”

  Takuma’s jaw dropped open, his imagination painting vivid scenes of a vast subterranean forest in the cavern Robert had discovered. His excitement was palpable as he exclaimed, “I can’t wait to hear more about it! This is really exciting. Let me finish up here—I was just picking a few vegetables to go with dinner. Silvana is making Tilapia tonight.”

  Robert’s eyes gleamed with anticipation. “Ohhh! I can’t wait for that—I love Silvana’s Tilapia!” He had always been fascinated by her culinary skills, often playfully claiming she must have been a renowned sushi chef in a past life.

  In the kitchen, Silvana and Verusha moved in sync as they prepped dinner—fluid, practiced, efficient. Robert and Takuma entered, their conversation seamlessly blending with the energy of the space.

  As they walked through, they encountered Kolman, who had a mischievous glint in his eye. “I’m going to freshen up now before we eat,” he announced, hinting at the upcoming conversations.

  With warm greetings, Cora embraced Robert, enveloping him in a hug that spoke of their deep connection. Their hug lingered, ending in a kiss. Quiet moments like this were their anchor. Cora’s raised eyebrow—prompted by Robert’s prolonged gaze—was met with a simple explanation: “Later.”

  The team gathered, united by their shared purpose. Silvana—her eyes alive with curiosity—turned her attention to Robert and Cora. Dressed in vibrant purple, she was the epitome of vitality. Silvana wasn’t just an exceptional chef—she also held a Ph.D. in Computer Science and a stack of tech degrees to match. Her agile mind was evident in both her work and her faith, which deterred her from exploiting her formidable computer skills for personal gain.

  Verusha, standing beside Silvana, blended polish with practicality—a rosy complexion, short blonde hair, and eyes that missed nothing. Her blue jumpsuit complemented both her complexion and her piercing smoky gray-flecked blue eyes. The short blonde cut framed her face simply, a testament to her practicality despite her outward appearance. Armed with a Ph.D. in Chemical Sciences and a Master’s in Applied Engineering, she possessed the mechanical and chemical expertise needed to keep the cave’s complex systems operating seamlessly.

  Takuma placed the vegetables on the counter beside Verusha, and her Russian-accented gratitude followed. “Thank you, Takuma,” she said, her voice warm—a reminder of the international tapestry that bound the team.

  Robert chose his words carefully, balancing hope with caution. Past experience had tempered their optimism, but this discovery held unprecedented promise. “We will see. I’d like to be optimistic—but we won’t know for sure until we’re back inside. If it has water, we’re most likely in business—assuming Kolman can seal it. If not, we may still be able to use it for a mass storage facility. Whatever we stash there would be well protected.”

  Silvana paused mid-prep. “This is a big deal. How soon can you find out?”

  Robert sighed quietly. “Not until after tomorrow—we’re scheduled to help with planting and maintenance.”

  Verusha’s pragmatism surfaced. “We can manage the workload. If Aric agrees, you can check out the cave tomorrow.”

  Verusha’s suggestion prompted a thoughtful expression from Robert, who considered the logistics. “We can talk to him right after dinner, see what he says. If he gives the green light—and if you’re all sure—we’ll prepare.”

  Everyone nodded. No hesitation. Robert’s gratitude was evident as he acknowledged their support. “Thank you all. You’re the best team I could ask for.”

  Dinner buzzed with conversation—everyone energized by the day’s discovery. As they enjoyed the feast Silvana had prepared, the team’s thoughts occasionally strayed to the unknown culinary experiences that might await future Mars settlers.

  The post-dinner gathering in the main lab was a nightly ritual. Everyone gathered around as Robert initiated the call. The screen illuminated, revealing Aric Tamrat, Chief of Mars Operations, situated at his console.

  Aric appeared on screen, calm and professional as always. Born in Ghana, and raised in London, his crisp British accent and steady demeanor lent authority to every word. “Hello, Robert, and hello to everyone else too! I don’t normally see the whole crew—to what do I owe this pleasure?”

  Robert’s tone was respectful. “Hello, sir. How are you this evening?”

  “I’m well. Thank you. I trust all is well there too? No injuries or serious issues?” Aric’s concern for their well-being was evident.

  “We’re all fine, sir. Better than fine,” Robert assured, his voice steady.

  “Good. What’s going on then?” Aric’s relaxation was palpable.

  Robert’s words carried the weight of the discovery. “We found a massive cavern today on our scouting trip. It’s southwest about fifty kilometers.”

  Aric’s curiosity was piqued. “That’s near Site 17, correct? The one that wasn’t right for development. Too small, if I remember?”

  “Yes, sir, but further west. It’s huge. We couldn’t even map it fully—and MIRA found the entrance,” Robert explained, his excitement hard to miss.

  Aric’s astonishment was palpable. “You weren’t able to fully map it? How big are we talking about?”

  “At the time we stopped, we estimated at least two hundred and forty thousand square meters. But MIRA suggested it could be closer to five hundred thousand square meters, given the distance to the entrance,” Robert elaborated.

  Aric’s reaction was visceral. “My God—that’s massive. What’s it like on the inside? Did MIRA see anything worth noting?”

  “We don’t know yet, sir. MIRA didn’t have time to explore. There were strange radar readings, though. I’ll upload them now,” Robert offered.

  Aric leaned back in his chair after reviewing the data on his screen. “What’s your hypothesis about these strange readings?” he queried.

  Robert hesitated, contemplating how to articulate his intuition without sounding rash. “Well, sir…” he began cautiously, his mind working to find the right words.

  Aric sensed Robert’s uncertainty and reassured him, “Just tell me what you think, Robert.”

  Collecting his thoughts, Robert’s gaze moved, as if mentally rearranging the pieces of a puzzle in his mind. “In all honesty, sir, my gut feeling is that whatever we’ve stumbled upon down there isn’t indigenous to the cave. Some of the images just seem too purposeful, too artificial. Kolman shares my sentiment.”

  His words hung in the air, leaving a trail of curiosity and confusion among the members who hadn’t been part of the morning’s exploration. MIRA and Kolman exchanged relieved glances, grateful that Robert voiced their shared assessment.

  MIRA stepped closer to the screen, commanding attention. “I stand with Robert on this, sir,” she affirmed, her voice steady with conviction.

  Kolman’s earnest voice followed suit. “I’m in agreement as well, sir. This doesn’t strike me as an ordinary Martian cave. And I believe that MIRA and I should emphasize this assessment.”

  Aric’s thoughtful silence filled the void, his mind grappling with the implications. Finally, he spoke, his tone measured yet resolute. “Give me a moment to examine your data.”

  His fingers danced across his console, swiping and tapping. As images scrolled on the screen beside him, he studied them intently, concealing his emotions. A range of emotions flickered across his face as he absorbed the details, his lips pursing in contemplation.

  Then, with a mix of self-assuredness and surprise, he posed a question to himself, “Is that a wing? An aircraft wing?” A beat later, he answered his own query, “No, that can’t be… But what is it, then? And what does the rest of this signify? I can see why this has you all intrigued.”

  A unanimous silence followed, everyone recognizing that direct answers required hands-on exploration. Aric’s gaze returned to the screen. “Clearly, this warrants further investigation. What’s on the agenda for tomorrow? I assume everyone’s busy?”

  Robert responded promptly, “We’d like to shift a few tasks. Tomorrow’s set for planting and maintenance, but we’ve got a plan for that. Verusha, Silvana, and Takuma are confident they can manage everything here independently, allowing Kolman, Cora, and me to explore the cave. We’re also requesting MIRA’s presence, despite it being a deviation from recent protocols. We’ve explored without her assistance before.”

  Aric rubbed his chin thoughtfully, considering the proposal.

  Verusha jumped in with determination. “Sir, we have it covered here.” Silvana and Takuma echoed her sentiments.

  Taking in their collective resolve, Aric nodded slowly. “This situation can’t wait, and if you’re all confident about handling things in the colony along with MIRA’s support, I’m granting the exception. MIRA can stay behind to assist. However, I have one condition, Robert—I’m joining your exploration. We should take Cora with us for immediate medical attention if required. I’m eager to witness this enigma firsthand. Given my lack of agility, I trust Cora will ensure I stay on my feet. So, can we aim to set off at eight A.M.?”

  Robert agreed with a nod. “That works for us, sir. Thank you.”

  “Excellent,” Aric affirmed. “Meet me at eight sharp. Bring extra O2 tanks and food for each of you. I’ll manage my own supplies. We’ll eat aboard Charon. Plan for a twelve-hour mission—double our usual duration.”

  A smile tugged at the corners of Robert’s lips. “Thank you, sir. We’ll be there, eagerly.”

  “Tarah,” Aric bid them farewell, tapping his screen to end the call. As the display transitioned to standby mode, Robert turned to the crew.

  He faced them with determination. “Our plan is set. Let’s prepare for tomorrow. Cora, you and I will assist Silvana and Takuma. Kolman, walk Verusha through your maintenance procedures.”

  Turning to MIRA, he continued, “Tomorrow, you’ll support Takuma and Silvana in the garden. Cora, Kolman, and I will revisit the cave. I’ll also need you to help with planting.”

  MIRA responded eagerly, “Of course, I’ll do my best.”

  Robert addressed the entire team with renewed energy. “Alright, let’s get to work.”

  As the evening waned, the team prepared themselves for the upcoming day, eager for the mysteries that lay ahead. Amid preparations, Robert recorded the day’s events in his journal, the significance of the discovery not lost on him.

  Cora’s voice gently broke his concentration. “You have a busy day tomorrow. You should get some sleep.”

  Robert closed his journal, acknowledging her with a smile. “You’re right. Tomorrow’s a big one.”

  Side by side, they retired for the night, sharing a quiet moment of anticipation for the next day’s expedition.

  Portals to the Past: A Forgotten History.