Trouble on the Red Planet; Aumrill

Richard stirred in the bed with the voice of Donna speaking into her communication device.

“Yes, this is Donna Silver and to whom am I speaking?”

“This is Commander Lester Reynolds of Hill Air Force Base, in Utah. It seems that we have a Colonel Johnson here and he with his men materialized out of thin air. This occurred around 0100 hours. Colonel Johnson reports that ‘Martians’ interfered with the mission. Will you explain how this was accomplished?”

Donna hesitated before answering. “Ah, Sir, I can’t explain any of the actions of ‘the Martians’ I know as little or as much as you at this point. I am relieved to hear that the Colonel and his men are unharmed though. I had witnessed that the Martians caused the disappearance but I don’t know what process was involved. I and the Robert A. Heinlein have been attempting to contact all channels to Earth up to this point; to no avail.”

“Yes, Ms. Silver we have had some kind of radio black-out up to this moment. We had not been able to contact anyone in Mars Space including the Jonathon Swift which I have just received a report that the Captain has been trying to contact Earth Station since the occurrence. Is there a way possible to contact the ‘Martians’ in an attempt to resolve this issue?”

“There is no way of directly contacting the ‘Martians’; however it was inferred by their announced leader ‘Aumrill’ that we would be monitored closely for as long as we occupy this space.”

“I see,” said the Commander. “It would be assumed that ‘the Martians’ have already received the message.”

“Yes, Commander and it may also be assumed that ‘the Martians’ have already anticipated the concern,” Donna assured unequivocally.

“I see, Ms. Silver. I will hold a meeting with the other authorities and advisors and will post you on the corollary.”

“Understood Commander; I will be waiting for the word.”

Richard returned from taking his morning shower and was still towel drying his hair when Donna turned to him. “Richard what do you think they are going to construe?” she asked sincerely.

“I believe that they will have no choice but accept the fact that the Martians are in complete control of anything that has to do with Mars,” he answered with conviction.

“Yes, I think we are at the mercy of the Martians,” Donna said in defeat.

“Hey, you sound like you think it’s a bad thing.”

“I just don’t know where we’re going from here. We have been totally dependent upon supplies from Earth and now we are being controlled by a race we know absolutely nothing about.”

“Donna, Donna, Donna . . . Isn’t it about time we were independent? It seems that the Martians are offering us just that. They are more than capable of sending us back to Earth without notice. They not only haven’t asked us to leave they are allowing us to stay without interfering with us. Yes, the authorities of Earth have supplied us with everything we need to do our work but haven’t they also been demanding. We not only pay taxes but some of the expectations are stifling and impede our progress.”

“Hold on! Don’t you think that it’s reasonable for the protection they provide? I mean they’ve provided us with everything we need but food and water and we are producing those on our own.”

“But, Donna are you forgetting the hard work and struggle to get this far. And we are producing our own oxygen as well. Sure in order to establish bases and colonies we needed their help. It’s my opinion though that they aren’t that nurturing in fact they are demanding. We’ve returned every favor they’ve provided and still they want more. What the Martians are providing is an alternative and asking very little in return.”

“But, Richard, don’t you feel the slightest bit of loyalty to Earth, after all it is where we’re from.”

“I’m not being disloyal I’m just thinking for myself and you do remember how Colonel Johnson accused me of playing games; I’m a little resentful of that.

“Yes, well Richard, everyone that’s heard of you knows how stubborn you are. Hell, even Ms Matthews tells everyone how single minded you are. Oh, that reminds me; she called just before you woke up. She and Mr. Perry want to know if you want to have lunch this afternoon and suggested that make we could all go for a walk this afternoon.”

“I’d like that. I haven’t seen Maurine in a while and I’d like ask Mr. Perry his opinion on some things I’ve been contemplating.”

“Contemplating? Richard you’re up to something again. You, never talk to me about the things you are about to do.”

“Well, if you really want to know . . .”

“Never mind,” she interrupted, “I really don’t want to know.”

Later Donna and Richard met with Maurine Matthews and Brad Perry in the dining area of the facility. Maurine Matthews was a young looking woman for one in her seventies and was as energetic as one half of her age though her hair was stark grey. She was especially excited to see Richard; whom she often referred to as her problem child and was the person that originated his nickname Mr. Incorrigible. She learned to trust Richard with his stubborn demeanor many years before as she realized his profound honesty and his adherence to friendship.

“I’ll be damned, Richard,” she began. “You don’t look any older than you did the last time I saw you,” she said smiling broadly.

“Well, it’s only been four years,” he told her.

“It’s been more like six,” Donna reminded him.

“Oh, let’s not get tied up in history,” Maurine said sharply. “I’m glad you’re up and about. You gave us quite a scare yesterday. I couldn’t even imagine you being that rigid, as stubborn as you are.”

“I really had no idea what had happened to me physically,” Richard told her. “As far as I was concerned I was travelling.”

“Travelling? You were suspended in one spot; how did you suppose you were travelling?”

“Well, it was like I was flying, or drifting, but it was more like I was being towed and Aumrill was leading the way.”

“Hmmm?” Thomas Bradley Perry interjected. “And where did she carry you off to?”

“That my friend would take a few weeks to explain,” Richard told him. “The Martians are bound by neither time nor space. It would seem that they’ve overcome many dimensional boundaries.”

“Yes, apparently so considering the demonstration they gave yesterday,” Brad agreed. “To transport those men through all those parsecs of space and considering the fact that Earth had emerged from the other side of the Sun just eight hours ago makes it even more unordinary.”

“Are you suggesting that the Martians zapped them through the Sun?” Maurine asked.

“I’m not suggesting anything; they did in fact get around the Sun some way since it was directly between Earth and Mars at the time.”

“Are you talking about astral projection?” Donna asked.

“No, actually what happened to Richard was more like astral projection. What happened to Colonel Johnson and his men was more like the teleportation of matter.”

“But hasn’t that been considered impossible by latter day physics’?” Donna questioned.

“Not impossible but highly improbable nonetheless; however it is the best explanation since we know nothing of the Martians methods.”

“Or their motives,” Maurine volunteered.

“Oh, their motives are quite clear,” Richard insisted.

“I would tend to agree,” Brad said.

“These two seem to understand each other,” Donna said

“Yes, well I for one don’t understand their motives,” Maurine contested.

“Well, it’s really quite simple,” Brad said.

“Okay,” Donna prodded, “so why did they do it.”

“They don’t like conflicts,” Brad and Richard said in harmony.

The four looked back at each other in amazement at the response. After a few moments Maurine took a deep breath then looked over at Donna. “These two not only understand each other they’re equally insufferable.”

“They don’t call him ‘the incorrigible’ for nothing,” Donna volunteered.

“Well, I have to ask,” Maurine said. “So how is this avoiding conflict? And it’s all pretty perfunctory if you ask me.”

“Perfunctory? There’s nothing perfunctory about the Martian action at all. They simply put the children to bed without supper and told them they would have nothing to do with their shenanigans.”

“That’s the way I see it too,” Richard agreed.

“And if I were thirty years younger I’d kick your ass back to Earth without using a spaceship,” Maurine retorted.

“And if you were a Martian you wouldn’t need one,” Richard said sardonically.

“Okay, you two this is getting nowhere,” Donna interrupted. “In a way Maurine I agree with you but on the other hand I have to relent. After all how do we argue with eons of evolution and technological advancement? “

“Oh, but we do have a choice here,” Richard suggested.

“And what choice is that?”

“We could pack our things and leave Mars to the Martians or we can stick around and learn enough from the Martians to visit Alpha Centaurus within our lifetime.”

“Now that’s an interesting notion,” Brad said.

“And how do you know the Martians aren’t listening in on us right now?” Maurine inquired.

“So what if they are. There are some things that even the Martians can’t control.”

“And that is?”

“The way we express ourselves, for one.”

“Donna while these gentlemen talk their man stuff. Could you walk me through the facility?”

“I’d be happy to do that the thick headedness is getting to me as well. Gentlemen if you’ll excuse us.” The women exited the dining area.

“There are some things I’d like to talk to you about Brad; that is if you have the time.”

“Well, Richard, what do you think I can help you with?”

“You seem to be intuitive on some things.”

“So I’ve been told.”

“What would you say if I told you that there is a metallic structure one hundred miles or so from the Cydonia region?”

“Well, first of all I’d have to ask you; how do you know? That area hasn’t been thoroughly explored.”

“Well, that’s the last place Aumrill took me to before she brought me back here.”

“Hmmm, have you told anyone else about this?”

“Well, the only person I’ve been able to talk to a length about this is Dave.”

“I see, well I was just wondering why that hasn’t been buzzing around the facility?”

“Mainly, because they’re too busy buzzing about how I was frozen stiff for just about an hour.”

“Okay, so why do you want to tell me about it.”

“You seem to have an open mind about weird stuff like this,”

“Well, thanks; I think.”

“Okay, so let’s suppose the structure actually exists. What would it signify?”

“Well, usually a structure, a building or otherwise would be built to contain something. So, how large of a structure are we talking about?”

“About eight feet square on both ends and about sixteen feet long.”

“Well, it’s probably housing for some kind of devise, I’d say.”

“Hmmm? It never occurred to me that this would be the case. What made you think that?”

“Well, the one by two dimension, it almost sounds like housing for a generator or something. I would assume though that a generator is a mundane analogy for something as sophisticated as the Martians are capable of building.”

“Yes, so would I but I think you’ve hit on a possibility of what this structure intended. Whatever is inside this thing it would probably be performing a vital function for the Martians after all Aumrill said that it would help me understand their cities.”

“There is another possibility that this thing could be merely a storage shed for parts of many other things but that is less likely.”

“Why would it be less likely it seems to me it’s as viable answer as the other?”

“Now you need to think Richard, Aumrill brought you there for a reason. Now wouldn’t it make more sense to show you something that has a specific purpose than something that holds miscellaneous items?”

“You’re making this sound like a Chimp and a banana test.”

“Well, isn’t it? I think the Martians are testing to see just how long it will take for you to figure this riddle out. It also suggests that the Martians have a plan that they hope you’ll figure out as well.”

“It certainly feels like the Martians are toying with me sometimes but this is their planet. If I’m going to continue to live and work here in an effort to learn about them then it would be appropriate to accept their breadcrumbs.”

At that moment Richard’s portable communication device beeped. Recognizing Donna’s signature he answered. “Hello, Donna. What’s up?”

“Aumrill is in my office and she wants to go over with you some important issues regarding ’Earth Central.”

“I’m on my way.”

“I’m going with you on this one,” Brad insisted, “this should prove to be interesting.”

“Come along. It will be interesting, no doubt,” Richard agreed.

The two men walked into Danna’s office to find Aumrill speaking with both Maurine and Donna. Upon their arrival Donna suggested for the use of more space another room should be used. Aumrill acknowledged this and said, “Very well,” then teleported the meeting to the Biocontainment field.”

“I am sorry that you feel like you are a Chimpanzee in a cage Richard. There are certain things that we must have you learn on your own. Nonetheless that is not the reason I have asked for your presence,” Aumrill explained.

Donna volunteered a comment since Richard was apparently speechless. “Aumrill is suggesting we have leaders and representatives of ‘Earth Central’ teleported here for an interplanetary summit. She feels that an explanation is in order giving that this is the first real contact we’ve had with them.”

Richard cleared his throat and responded. “Well, I would tend to agree in that they are like a fish on a hook in this situation and just as confused. I’m honored that you feel that my opinion is valuable. I can only suggest that Commander Reynolds and Colonel Johnson should be invited since they are personally involved. It should be assumed that the Presidents, Vice Presidents, and Prime Ministers of the nations will be sending Secretaries and Advisors in their places.”

“You seem to be wise in the matters of governance, Richard, I will organize the meeting the order of your suggestion. We of Mars conduct our affairs quite differently than you of Earth and it will be generations before a complete understanding and connection will be made.”

“And shouldn’t the Martians have more of an understanding our ways?” Maurine volunteered a question.”

“We of Mars do understand the ways of Earth governance but have advanced beyond the concepts and did so countless millennia ago and we are not asking for compliance we are informing of how concordance will avail as long as you occupy Mars.”

“Well, Maurine, I could have told you that this might be the case,” Brad volunteered a comment.

“Yes, well I didn’t come here to argue Brad I came here to observe and question. You and Aumrill haven’t been introduced. Aumrill meet Thomas Bradley Perry; he’s sure to be among the most interesting creatures you’ll ever meet.”

“Hello, Aumrill, I’m pleased to make your acquaintance.”

“And likewise to you Mr. Perry, I am pleased to meet you.”

“If I may I will impose upon you a question.”

“Yes, you may.”

“What month and year were you born?”

Slightly amuse Aumrill smiled. “We are accustomed to a different calendar, Mr. Perry, but when I was born Phobos and Deimos were in opposition and Mars was in the fourth house.”

“Hmmm, that is interesting;” he responded thoughtfully, “but that would make you close to two hundred years old.”

“That approximation is correct sir and I would say you are remarkably astute but we have other matters to deal with at present.” She turned to Donna. “If you will address the proper authorities in a chosen number of days and have them assembled in a decided location on Earth we will teleport them upon notification.”

“As you will, Aumrill,” Donna replied.

Aumrill simply vanished at that given moment.

In a week from that time Commander Reynolds and Colonel Johnson along with an assortment of Secretaries and an armed escort were assembled at Safeco Field in Seattle Washington awaiting teleportation to Mars. Witnessed by Heads of State, some dignified spectators, a television crew, and eighty-five percent of the viewing population of Earth the Commander, the Colonel, and Secretaries vanished; leaving behind the armed escort and the weaponry held by the those in the party simply fell to the floor. The spectators were left with gawking amazement.

Meanwhile the anticipated arrival of the party was met by Aumrill, Donna, and their invited guests. The Commander was in a rage. “What is the meaning of this?” he stammered. “Where are our weapons and our escort? Answer me! Why were we disarmed?”

Aumrill was unaffected by his outburst and responded calmly. “You were informed that such things are not needed nor are they allowed. We will conduct the meeting as planned,” she stated further.

“But, now Miss Aumrill we are accustomed to holding these formal meetings with our security present.”

“I need not remind you sir that we are on Mars and not on Earth. I assure you that you and your party are in no danger. We are here to discuss with you the terms of your occupation of our planet. You will conduct yourselves accordingly.”

The Commander lowered his voice and spoke in a calmer tone. “Aumrill you must understand we can’t leave ourselves unarmed that would be virtual suicide. We must be prepared in case someone attacks us.”

“No one will attack you here and you will not attack anyone. This is the Martian way. If you choose to remain on Mars for your studies and occupation you must abide by this ordinance or you will leave Mars. Should there be those who choose to remain it would be outside of your influence.”

“In other words you are telling us that we have no authority on Mars to govern our own people?”

“That is essentially correct Commander. You are however free to move about as you please as long as you do not bring destruction to the planet nor bring harm to the living.”

“How do we know that you’re not performing a sham to cover-up some elaborate scheme to imprison us?”

“Well, sir the question you propose actually answers itself. We are capable of doing just that but if that were our intentions we would not be having this discussion. The actuality would simply be that you would be our captives. We are not the kind to enslave. We are builders rather than destroyers and if we simply did not want you here you would simply be deterred away. We would not discuss it with you nor explain it the action would simply be.”

“Now you’re telling me that you’re not going to offer an alternative and that we should comply with your wishes.”

“I am telling you that if you do not comply you will not be here and will have no way of getting here. I am not in the custom of telling by asking but it seems to be the way of your language. How is it do you think we brought you here?”

“I can’t pretend that I’m not curious as to the method or device you used to bring us here today but be as it may I don’t have the slightest idea of how you brought us here.”

“Well, stick around Commander, observe, and listen we will teach you the ways of peace and tranquility.”

“There’s no need to discuss this further Commander,” Colonel Johnson interjected, “if you argue too much with this one you’ll find yourself back on Earth before you can say the word ‘maybe’ and hopefully you’ll end up near a restroom.”

“Huh?”

“Never mind Commander, I’m convinced that when you’re on Mars the Martians will do as the Martians do. I think what Aumrill is trying to say is that as long as we’re not offensive to them we can stay and they won’t interfere.”

“You are learning Colonel,” Aumrill agreed. “Now we will get along with our lives.”

“Now, hold on,” Reynolds protested, “I’m not finished yet . . .”

“It’s no use,” Johnson said calmly, “the Martians have us dissuaded. We can only push the issue for so long before they cut us off. We really don’t have any authority here.”

“I suppose you’re right. It’s kind of like arguing with the air.”

“Yes, we may as well give up, after all what they are asking us to that we weren’t already doing. We came here to explore this planet and the only thing different is that it’s already inhabited and we couldn’t fight them if we wanted to. We should just revel in the thought that they don’t even want to fight at least not the way we know how.”

“Well then what are we doing here?”

“You thought it might be a good idea to persuade the Martians and I thought we might have a chance but the Martians are set.”

“Well I suppose it’s time to go home? We have nothing to do here.”

They grouped up the Secretaries and told Aumrill they were ready to go back to Earth and it was done.

Brad was talking to Aumrill about his knowledge of astrology and she was mildly interested. “Aumrill if you’ll just sit down I could explain in more detail.”

“Martians do not sit down unless we are tired and I am not. You may sit down and continue talking and I will stand.”

“The closest I can surmise is that you’re a Pisces. You have all the traits except that you are steadfast in your reasoning.”

“Maybe that is because knowing is better than believing. One does not need a map when you know where you are.”

“In other words, if I really knew I wouldn’t use astrology as my hobby?”

“On the contrary Mr. Perry, one must search before one could know.”

“I was right, you are a Pisces.”

“If you insist but for that you would need to compare the Martian calendar with the Gregorian calendar to make a clear determination.”

“So you have studied Earth culture in depth, haven’t you?”

“Yes, Mr. Perry and we have been studying you for a very long time.”

Donna, Richard, and Maurine had been walking around the Biocontainment field for a while and decided to go back to the facility. “Aumrill would you like to go up to our facility and have something to eat?” Donna had asked.

“Actually I have duties to attend but I certainly enjoyed my visit and Mr. Perry we will need to continue our talk on another day. And then she vanished without further adieu.

About three weeks later on a Wednesday at four thirty A.M. Richard was still sleeping when his portable communication device beeped. Donna stirred in her sleep. “Just who in hell could be calling you this early in the morning?” she asked sleepily.

“Dave!” Richard answered quickly and snatched the device.

“A little early for work aren’t you Dave?”

“That’s not funny; why do you keep reminding me of that day?”

“Something’s I just can’t resist, besides its two thirty in the morning where you are. What’s up?”

“An Expedition Class rough-duty jet that is full of fuel and ready to Rock-n-Roll.”

“So you pulled it off. For how long are they allowing us to use it?”

“Well we have it today, tomorrow, and possibly a little on Friday depending on when I get a call.”

“Great! When can we leave?”

“I can be there in about two hours. Will you be ready by then?”

“Yes, I’ll be on the landing strip waiting for you.”

“Okay, just make sure you pack enough food for the both of us for three days. There are no stores where we are going.”

Richard didn’t waste time he gathered a few clothes and stuffed them into a bag. When he walked out of the shower Donna was waiting outside of the door. “And where do you think you’re going without telling me?” she asked in a agitated tone.

“Oh Dave and I are going to explore the region east of Cydonia.”

“Well, something that big and you didn’t even bother mentioning it?”

“At the time that we set this up it was an iffy notion. We didn’t know if we could requisition an Expedition class jet and there was the thing between the Martians and Earth Central.”

“Oh and now you’re just going to buzz right out and breeze right passed me without even a word?”

“I am going to talk to you but I need to throw some things together and get ready for the trip.” He brushed passed her and headed for the door.

She rushed passed him, embraced him, and burst into tears. “Richard let me help you get your things,” she sobbed.

He dropped his bag and squeezed her.”

“How long are you going to be gone?” she asked attempting to stifle her tears.

“I’ll be back sometime on Friday or late Thursday. I’m sorry that I’m in a rush but this came about suddenly and we only have use of the jet for a couple of days.” They broke their embrace and walked beside each other.

“I’ll make sure you have everything, but make sure your communication device is fully charged.”

“Are you trying to be my mother?”

“No, I just don’t want you to go. It’s not easy when you just run off like this. I was hoping to have a dinner with just you and me and it was going to be a surprise, but we all have our work to do.”

A short time later Richard and Donna was standing on the landing strip in their pressure suits watching a “V” shaped craft fly in from the east. They watched it yaw and then level off no more than twenty-five feet away where it hovered; vibrating the ground. Sand flew up from the runway as it slowly lowered itself to the ground. No sooner than it touched down Richard approached it and then he hurried up the narrow steps on one of its three landing legs. Richard was stepping inside when Donna’s voice came through his helmet speakers, “Hurry back, you incorrigible sleuth.”

“I’ll be back before you know it,” he answered then hurriedly sat in a take-off seat and fastened the belt. “I’m ready Dave,” he said as he settled in.

There was a shrill whistling sound as the craft lifted up again. As soon as it was aloft the outside hatch automatically closed and the cabin pressurized. As soon as Richard saw a green light on the pressurization panel he removed his helmet and took a deep breath as if to test the air. He set his helmet inside a helmet locker and stowed his bag next to it in a small baggage compartment. He stood up and examined the two bunks on either side of the chamber and thought ’These things are really equipped.”

Shortly a hatch opened up overhead and Dave called down, “Are you going to stay down there all day or are you going to come up here and keep me company?”

Richard scurried up to the pilot coupe and settled into the seat next to Dave. “Thanks for getting this together. You know this is truly remarkable.”

“Not really, the supply stewards owe me so many favors that they gave me the first available jet.”

“Weren’t they the least bit curious about why you were requisitioning it?”

“No, I’m sure they assumed that I was going out to the copper mines again. It’s not exactly a routine but it happens often enough, besides there would be no problem anyway it just would have taken longer to explain.”

“Good, because this may take a couple of days and we still may not find it.”

“Aumrill didn’t supply any more clues when she spoke to you I suppose?”

“She wouldn’t even give me the slightest hint as to whether I was assuming the location correctly. She is really testing me. On one hand I’m flattered that she expects so much from me and on the other hand I’m gritting my teeth because she could very well just show me where it is.”

“Well Richard she’s the boss and she’s going to make sure you work for it. You should be happy that she chose you for the task. She could just very well have ignored you, you know.”

“That’s not a bad way of looking at it Dave, I appreciate that you are paying attention.”

They watched the ground below them roll past as they flew in a south easterly direction. At first the terrain was monotonously mountainous but then it leveled out into plains that stretched over to the horizon. The ground was a drab rust color as was most of Mars spotted with a variety of jagged rocks and an occasional mound. As they flew the hour of the day rapidly changed and they could see the Sun creeping westward and it was now in the ten o’clock position. After a time Richard had Dave set down on area of scattered rocks. The two men put on their helmets and then one after the other went down the narrow steps to the ground.

“Let’s take some elevations,” Richard suggested.

“It’s your gig but why do you want to take elevations.”

“I’ve just got a hunch, but here’s something peculiar about these rocks and they don’t look natural.”

“Hey, you’re right. Why didn’t I see that before?”

“Well, I’m an archeologist and I subconsciously look for things like that.”

Dave opened a compartment on the side of the craft and retrieved a sturdy tripod and Richard pulled out a measuring rod. Dave setup the tripod and Richard attached a transit to the mount. Richard began taking readings while Dave positioned the measuring rod. After about forty-five minutes Richard stopped and went over his mathematical figures. “It’s just as I thought this a site where a building once stood and judging from the leveled area it was a pentagonal building,” he said.

“How do you know it was pentagonal?”

Richard showed him the crude drawing he had made. “When we started taking elevations I noticed that this area was unusually level and then I had you go until I found another area that was not so level. I determined that the leveled area had an area of approximately one hundred yards in diameter. When I started measured end-to-end I noticed it had five sides.”

Richard then walked to the far end of the leveled area and it was slightly elevated with a jumble of broken stones off to the side. “This is probably where steps once led to the entrance,” he suggested. “And unless I’ve missed my guess,” he turned around and then pointed in the opposite direction, “Cydonia is about eighty-five miles due west.”

“And you’d be really close because my s=Vt tells me that Cydonia is eighty-seven miles due west.”

“Do we have a fractal generator on board the plane?”

“Of course, the miners use them all the time.”

“Okay Dave we’re going to make a thirty-five mile zigzag sweep from this site.”

The two men stowed their gear back into the plane and shortly were airborne again. Dave and Richard watched the scope as it sketched out the terrain below. It attached to every mound and rock formations below. The task was monotonous and easily tiring. After about four steady hours Dave was ready for a break.

“Richard we need to stop for a while. I’m getting double-vision and it’s about time we stopped to eat.”

“Okay, Dave this is wearing me out too. We’ll touch down and take about an hour.”

“Hallelujah! I knew you would break for reason.” Dave was just about to switch off the generator when he said, “well I’ll just be damned; Richard do you see what I see?”

“Hey! Is that a one by two rectangular object directly below us?”

“Yes it most certainly is and I think I know where you want me to touch down.”

Dave landed the craft some twenty-five yards from the object. The two men stared at the object silently for a few moments.

“Richard I have renewed faith in your instincts. We found that son-of-a-bitch and we still have about two and a half hours of daylight left.”

“Hell I’m as surprised as you are Dave. I expected we would still be at it at this time tomorrow.”

“You have some kind of radar Richard. You know this isn’t the first time you’ve done this. You have a magnet for land formations and have an uncanny sense of distance and direction. You are the perfect archeologist.”

“Enough of that Dave, let’s break-out the grub and eat before we head out and study that thing.”

“Amen! I’m starved; we haven’t eaten since we left the facility.”

The two men took their time eating and relaxed for a few minutes before replacing their helmets. At which time they climbed out of the craft and Dave opened another tool compartment. Richard brought out the tools he would need. He walked over to the object and measured it. Sure enough it was eight by eight feet square on both end and sixteen feet long. Richard logged the data into his portable memory device.

“There’s the directional icon we were looking at on your laptop,” Dave pointed out.

“Yes and the indicators are on the opposite side the way Julia predicted.”

“She’s another one with instincts. When you two get together you are downright scary.”

“Julia has an intuition when it comes to abstract communication. Well Dave it seems that my instincts have their limitations.”

“Why do you say that right now Richard?”

“I’m stumped; I don’t have any idea what this thing is. I know that it’s ancient even to the Martians but it’s remarkably well preserved. Who knows what kind of agent they used keep this thing intact for thousands of millennia or what it holds inside. This thing is made of iron sheeting and it should be dust by now. And there are no openings that I can readily determine.”

“Just a moment Richard I’ve just thought of something.” Dave went back to the craft and detached something from its side and power wheeled it back to the object. Richard finally recognized it as a power lift. “Get on board Richard let’s take a look on the top of this thing.”

“Dave you’re a true friend.”

“Well you’ve looked at everything but the top and bottom. So let’s take a look at the top.” If we don’t find anything we’ll go back to the plane and get an attachment that’ll allow us to lift this thing up.”

Richard climbed into the bucket of the lift and Dave set the control. They stepped onto the top and walked across the top. “There doesn’t seem to be anything impressively different up here either,” Richard said.

Suddenly there seemed to be a vibration noise that was coming from nowhere but seemed to be everywhere. But it wasn’t really a sound it was more like an energy wave and it was not felt nor was it heard but was inside the head. The noise seemed to make a tone that was (eewha . . .) and it sustained a little more than a second. Richard noticed that it was affecting Dave too.

“Richard, what seems to be happening?”

“I don’t know Dave but this is very strange. I’ve never experienced this kind of thing before.”

They became silent for a moment and they were fully aware that the Sun was approaching the horizon in the west. The energy wave happened again but it sustained about five seconds this time.

“Dave let’s get down from here. This is just a bit eerie.”

“You’ll get no argument from me. I’m right behind you.”

In a few moments they were standing on the ground and the Sun was disappearing behind the horizon and the temperature was rapidly dropping. The heating mechanism in their suits would compensate so there was no immediate concern of freezing. The actuality was that they would soon be in total darkness had Dave not remotely turned on the flood lamps of the plane.

They stood there a moment with the light piercing the inky darkness.

“What do you make if it Richard?”

“I don’t know but I’ve got a haunting feeling that something is about to happen.”

“You too, huh?”

At that moment their attention was drawn to the center of the sky. They could see nothing but were acutely aware that something was out there. The energy wave had returned and it was more intense and longer lasting (eeeeewhaaaaaa . . .). The two men’s eyes were fixed on the same point in the sky but saw nothing but darkness. The energy was now most intense and constant. And emerging from the dark sky there appeared an oblong diamond shaped object.

“Hell, what is that thing Richard?”

“You think I know? I’ve never seen anything like it before.”

The object began emitting colored lights in the full range of the spectrum and was moving in closer. They stood watching the object in an almost hypnotic state until it appeared hovering over the rectangular iron box. It remained suspended for about thirty seconds about fifteen feet above the box when the box began to rise from the ground. Inside the box area was a lighted platform with a panel of controls and lights.

“Well I think we should go in and take a look,” Richard suggested.

“Okay, you first, I’ll follow you,” Dave responded reluctantly.

Richard walked onto the platform and eyed the control panel intensely with Dave close behind. Dave was looking around with dubious curiosity. Richard looked over at him and smiled. “I’ll be damned this is an elevator,” he said with surprise. He then reached over and pressed a switch.

The rectangular box lowered itself back into its place.

“Richard what in hell are you doing? We could get stuck in this thing.”

“Relax; we’re going to talk to the Martians.”

“I hope you’re right because this thing is closed tighter than a drum.”

At the moment whirring sound filled the small room and they were moving downward a fantastic rate leaving the rectangular box in place. The whirring sound was steady for about two full minutes then showed signs of slowing down.

“Well I think we’re almost there,” Dave said with the sound of relief.

“Yes I think you’re right.”

“That was the longest two minutes of my life,” Dave said looking at his watch.

The platform stopped with a mild hum and a door slid upward opposite the control panel.

Aumrill was standing directly outside the door, smiling. She had two teenage girls on either side of her. The two men removed their helmets. “Come in Richard and Dave, we have been expecting you.” The girl on Aumrill’s right seemed to be no more than thirteen and the other on her left was no more than sixteen.

“These are my daughters; they wanted to see what Earthmen looked like up close and they were not present when we had temporary guest.”

The two men followed quietly behind Aumrill and her daughters who were quite fascinated with the two Earthmen staring them up and down as they walked. They shortly came into a room and a door slid closed behind them. Aumrill walked over to a wall where a panel slid open. She reached in and brought out two bananas. She handed one to Richard and to Dave. Dave stared at the banana wide eyed and Richard laughed heartily.

“I am happy to know that you have a sense of humor,” Richard said.

“We are your friends Richard and we are here to help but you must know that to be your friend we must allow you to discover on your own otherwise you will become stagnant. You did very well in finding the doorway into our world and until you learn the secret of teleportation that is how you will enter.”

“I need to ask you Aumrill,” Richard said. “What was that object that moved down from the sky?”

“You on Earth may consider it a power plant but for our purposes it is much more than that. It is an energy director and amplifier and it supplys us with all of our energy needs. Most of the time you will not see it and we only introduced you to it only to let you know that it exists. Now follow me I will show part of our world. Another door slid open on the other side of the room Richard and Dave followed her through it. The two girls went off by themselves and Aumrill led Richard and Dave down a corridor and then into a large room. There were men inside doing chores with devices that were not familiar to either of them. The men didn’t speak to anyone and were unaffected by the others entering the room. The peculiarity was striking.

“This is our supply room and the men you see are organizing the lockers,” Aumrill said.

“That’s really odd,” Richard said. “They don’t seem to be doing anything but walking around with those instruments and the instruments appear to be doing nothing.”

Aumrill looked back at Richard. “The devices are telepathically controlled and the objects they are moving are not actually in this room.”

Richard tried to speak to one of the men and he merely glanced back at him for a moment then continued his work.

“Our men do not understand your language they only speak the language that has been spoken on Mars for countless millennia. They are intelligent to a degree but they only learn simple tasks.”

“But Aumrill you are very intelligent and can do remarkable things. Why are your men so different?”

“That is our nature it has always been on Mars that we the women are the providers of knowledge and industry and the men take care of our basic needs. We do not know why this is it just simply is.” Aumrill said something to one of the men in the native Martian language and the man responded immediately in their language then he went back to his work.

“It will take you a long time to understand us Richard. That is why I am happy to show you our world because I know will learn in time. We are a simple race really although it appears to you we are not. We have developed our natural abilities and are technologically advanced by your standards but we have weaknesses and vulnerabilities. Unlike the humans of Earth we have learned to accept our limitations in order to outgrow them. You may think that we are all powerful at first glance but we are not, we are merely learned. We make mistakes and we struggle with or wisdom so in many ways we are no different than you.”

“You do know that Earth central has plans of developing Mars for its own purposes,” Richard told her.

“We understand Earth central more than Earth understands itself. Yours is a history of domination and submission and ours is a history of equality and freedom.”

“But Aumrill, how do you explain the condition of your men? Isn’t that a form of domination and submission?”

“We do not dominate our men they are free to live and grow within their means. They are physically and mentally as our nature has intended them.”

“Have you ever wondered what your world would be like if your men were more aggressive.”

“Your question is at the center point of the differences of Earth and Mars. The very essence of your thinking comes out in your language in that there must be domination and submission and we of Mars hope to teach you an alternative. Your Earth has a unique advantage in that the men and women are capable of functioning independently of one another and we admire that. It is your need for destruction that we will not tolerate. I have been telling you this since our first meeting.”

“Yes you have Aumrill and I am sorry that I questioned you. You see I’ve always been disturbed by mans destructive nature.”

“You need not apologize for questioning. That is how you grow to understanding.”

“Don’t you think it’s time we started back, Richard?” Dave suggested. “We could keep this conversation going for years and come to no conclusion.”

“Or a lifetime,” Aumrill agreed. “I will walk you back to the door.”

Before the platform door closed Aumrill handed them their bananas. “You do not want to forget these,” she said smiling.

Richard laughed as door closed and the platform began to rise and the two men replaced their helmets.

“What’s with the bananas?’

“It’s a joke between me and Aumrill. I’ll explain it to you on the way back to the facility.”

As soon as the plane leveled off Dave began eating his banana. He looked to the seat next to him and Richard was snoring loudly.

Dave landed the plane on the airstrip outside the facility and Richard opened his eyes sleepily. He saw Donna in her pressure suit waiting just outside the plane.

“What’s she doing? I told her not to wait up for me.”

“She cares about you, you dumb lug.”

“Are you hungry? I heated dinner for you,” she said while they watched the plane take off then disappear into the night.

“It’s almost midnight but I’m hungry anyway.”

“Good! We’ll have the dinner I planned for us.”

They sat at a small table in Donna’s quarters and ate the fried chicken she had prepared.

“I’m glad that it didn’t take as long as you anticipated.”

“So am I, but in one way I’m disappointed.”

“And why is that?”

“I went in seeking clarity and found it but now I’m confused about some things I thought that I understood.”

“Confusion comes sometimes just before understanding.”

“Hmmm? I’ve never thought of it that way.”

“Where would you men be without women to guide you?”

“That’s a good question. Maybe our daughter will have the answer to that one.”

“I hope so.”

“With the help of the Martians we may come to some long awaited conclusions.”

They finished dinner and went to bed.

The next day was a slow one. Everyone was off-duty and Bob had arranged with Donna to put on a show on the holo-stage. Bob and Dana had devised a show by using holo-performers to play bass guitar, rhythm guitar, and drums. Bob would be playing lead guitar and vocals. Dana would be playing keyboard and backup vocals.

It was six o’clock in the evening and Richard was already seated next to Donna. The crowd was still settling in and the audience were arranging themselves in their seats. Bob was helping setup the stage with the three halo-musicians in still motion. Shortly Bob approached the microphone and gave a signal; at which time the holo-musicians became animate. The drummer tapped out a few bangs on the drums and went into a standby as the bass player strummed out some quick notes then went into standby. “Well as you all know,” Bob began, “Dana and I were professional musicians before we joined the ‘space program.’ It’s always been our plan to put on show for you guys but with all the setbacks and equipment failures we had to push back our plans a bit. A few times it looked as though the mission would flop but of course with the Donna’s patience and guidance we were able to accomplish some remarkable feats. Now, in the ‘bad old days’, we used to mimic the bands of our favorite era, formerly known as ‘the 60’s’. Somewhere in there was a band who did a number of songs that we like and from that repertoire we’d like to dedicate a song to Donna and our recently acquired friends from underground.”

Having said this he began strumming his guitar and then began singing these words:

“I woke in the morning

Saw ancient shadows unfolding

Like dark flowers from the ground

The Sun rose in solar flares

Blinding my very sight

I turned to hear the voice of wisdom calling

Confusion overcame

And I became a wanderer

Hoping to make a difference

Beneath the shadows lay the

bones of an ancient soldier

The dust of the years fell aside

And I saw the madness that lives within

The haunting has returned to feed

The spawning ground leaches evil

The world beyond, the world within

And the worlds to come are one world;

yet shattered

A nightmare wakening

divided in tumultuous thunder

The darkness and shadows split by

bars of light

The sky is one with death and

New life emerges from the shadows

With the promise of a new world

With remnants of the ancient embedded”

He performed this song with Dana singing harmony and interacted with the holo-musicians between vocals. After the song’s completion they performed several more sets then went down and mingled with the crowd. The crowd lingered for about an hour and there were a few tears and hugging because everyone knew that the project had been completed. It was now time to go on to another.

And seven months later Richard was standing in the infirmary holding his new baby girl. “What are we going to do now? The project is complete and you’ve pretty much dug up the most important bones of Mars.”

“I think I’ll build a school and teach archeology.”

“Now there’s a thought, but what am I going to do? The facility doesn’t need me anymore.”

“Well Julia will find plenty for you to do, won’t you dear?”

“She’ll keep you as busy I’m sure.”

“What do you think of moving to Chryse?”

“Well I guess you’ll be closer to Dave and it’ll be a good place to start your school.”

“Yes but what do you think?”

“I think we’ll move to Chryse and I’ll take a long vacation and spend some time with my daughter.”