Mars chapter one

The weakest of us died of radiation from the unrelenting rays of the Sun and lack of protection from the magnetic poles.

A few died from the weakening of our organs, due to the lack of gravity on the trip out. Their frail bodies couldn't withstand even the landing.

Upon touchdown those who could sing and dance, did it in celebration of mankinds achievement! It wasn't until days later that reality set in and we realized that we were in a fight for our lives before we ever left Earth's orbit.

As we were assured the pre-base was set and the automated systems where functioning well. We weren't abandoned. We weren't set up. This was Mars and we volunteered.

It's easy to say that the arrogance that boarded the ship upon departure was eerily absence upon our disembarkment. That is, except for me. Never arrogant in my supremacy. But arrogant nevertheless. No, I was always looking for something, a way out. I needed a place to find my moment and volunteered for that moment one planet away. Even while reminiscing that moment today I still remember the enthusiasm from one of our teams Botanist and self-appointed spiritualist Sayana. As we watched her husband unload down the ramp to our new home dome.

"We can only die once Director. We might as well get as far as we can go before then!"

Then she all but bounced to help her husband. Such an undefeatable spirit. But that is most likely why she was chosen. I was remarked at how she was even younger than my own daughter back on Earth. Yes, remembering back to that day. We can only die once. And look how far we've gone. 

Now that same spirited woman is Chief Botanist and teacher in the first Martian school. And by the looks of it her children will be carbon copies of the original. Never one to accept someone's lay down and die operation. One of my biggest supporters and I've been lucky to have her on the team.

Gazing out from the vista of the Dome, on to the reddish landscape I know that my moment is there. But yet I go on to see how far I can go. Maybe that's why I was chosen...

~~~~~

My eyes have seen the darkness my eyes have pierced the pit. My eyes have seen the hopelessness and all the things to it.

To time my eyes were open and in my eyes have seen no sun. My eyes have seen fake love and betrayal from some.

But now my eyes are closed and I dream of sunny days. With my eyes shut tight the thought of hope in so many ways. Without looking to see a universe of adventure now open to me.

Just how far can I go, when I cannot see.