CHAPTER THREE

  The Martian Cavern

  The rover, Charon, came to a halt outside the large dome building where Aric resided. Inside the rover, Robert, Kolman, and Cora waited, helmets on, ready to explore the Martian cavern. Aric emerged from his dwelling, carrying a spare oxygen tank and his lunch container. The team greeted him as he entered the rover, and after Robert re-pressurized Charon for helmet removal, Aric stowed his gear with the rest.

  “Good morning, everyone,” Aric’s cheerful voice echoed.

  They exchanged greetings and settled into their seats. Kolman slid his chair aside to let Aric join Robert up front, while Cora took the spot behind him.

  Aric’s excitement was clear as he grinned at Robert. “Alright, Robert—let’s go caving!”

  Robert entered the coordinates, and with the press of a button, Charon rolled into motion.

  The trip to the cavern took about twenty minutes. They stopped at the hill where Robert had retrieved MIRA. With helmets on, they disembarked—ready to explore the Marian underground. Robert assessed the hill’s slope, estimating it at around thirty percent. Kolman retrieved a rope from Charon’s storage and anchored it to an eye hook for safety. With the line secured, Robert led the descent, the others following close behind.

  At the base, they picked up MIRA’s tracks, which led to a dirt path winding deeper into the cavern. It opened into a wide chamber, its edges dotted with jagged rock formations. Piles of loose debris suggested recent seismic activity—or perhaps a storm. Robert navigated through the rocks toward the entrance, the team trailing behind.

  Once they regrouped, Aric expressed his intrigue. “This looks fascinating. I should do this more often—it feels like an adventure.”

  Robert nodded. “Absolutely. Every cave has its own story—that’s what makes it so captivating.”

  Their helmet LEDs lit the dim interior as they ventured deeper. The walls were unexpectedly smooth—unlike any natural cave they’d seen. The rocky floor gradually gave way to a surface as polished as the walls. It was unsettling. “These walls are too smooth,” Robert noted. “Almost like they’ve been carved. You won’t see this in natural caves.”

  Kolman, ever the engineer, pointed at the wall. “These spots don’t just look tooled—they’re perfectly flat. Nature doesn’t do that without leaving signs. It’s like the stone was cut with a laser—or beyond.”

  Aric caught on quickly. “Cora, head back to the entrance—just in case. If something happens, we’ll need backup.”

  Cora turned back without hesitation, secretly relieved. The cavern’s atmosphere stirred memories of past explorations—this place was different, and she felt it. Meanwhile, the men continued ahead, the passage widening and rising around them.

  A sudden glint caught Robert’s eye as his helmet light reflected off something ahead. He froze. The others halted too, their lights quickly converging on the source.

  “What do you guys see?” Cora’s voice crackled over the radio.

  “We’re not sure yet,” Kolman replied, “But we’ll find out. Let me go ahead a bit.”

  Aric quipped, “By all means, I’ll be ready to sprint back.”

  Kolman chuckled as they waited for Robert’s assessment.

  Robert carefully moved forward, prepared for any scenario. As he advanced, the reflection expanded. The others held their breath, waiting for Robert to make his discovery.

  As Kolman and Aric caught up, they saw what had left Robert speechless. An airplane lay partially buried; its tail jutting from the debris. The team stood frozen in awe at the impossible sight.

  Aric exclaimed, “How is this even possible?”

  From the entrance, Cora’s anxious voice crackled over the radio, “Tell me—what do you see?”

  “It’s an old airplane,” Kolman said. “Judging by the design, I’d say over a hundred years old. Definitely not something we expected to find on Mars.”

  Cora frowned, recognizing that casual tone Kolman often used when teasing. She hated being left out of the loop.

  “Thanks for the clarity, Kolman,” she snapped, assuming he was downplaying whatever they’d really found.

  The team gathered around the airplane’s exposed tail section. Robert’s voice was filled with awe, “This airplane—it’s incredible. The Union Jack and English writing? It’s surreal.”

  Aric couldn’t contain his astonishment, “The Union Jack? This changes everything.”

  Further examination revealed an airplane from a bygone era—silver-hued, with riveted steel or aluminum plating. Its damaged propellers hinted at some possible catastrophic event. The Union Jack flag on the tail stood out boldly, a haunting emblem of a different time. Aric could hardly believe what he was seeing.

  Kolman ventured his perspective: “What if someone made it here long before our first colonies?” Kolman said. “Could they have brought this plane, and left it behind—without telling anyone?”

  “No way,” Robert said. “Back then, Earth’s tech couldn’t even dream of space travel—let alone getting a plane to Mars and keeping it intact.”

  Aric hesitated. “Then what—Martians? But we’ve never found any signs of civilization here.”

  Cora’s voice crackled over the radio again. “None of this makes any sense. And the radar stated this place is massive, so how much are we talking about?”

  As the team deliberated, Robert affirmed, “This is undoubtedly a major discovery. Possibly the most significant of our time.”

  Remembering Cora’s question, Robert realized he’d forgotten the radar data. He moved deeper into the cavern, where more objects caught the light from his helmet.

  The duo carefully approached Robert, who stood among a stunning sprawl of wreckage. They were met with an array of boats and planes, a perplexing mixture that left them utterly baffled. The implications stunned them all. They were uncovering Martian secrets no one had ever imagined.

  Kolman’s astonishment was evident. “This can’t be real. It’s like a jumble of history crashed here.”

  Pointing out the different wreckage, Robert confirmed, “It’s a graveyard of boats and planes—different ages, different types.”

  Aric voiced his concern, “I hope this isn’t some elaborate prank or joke.”

  Robert dismissed the possibility. “No one could pull off something like this—not with what we’ve got today. It’s beyond anything we’re capable of. Some of these wingspans are wider than the cargo holds of the spaceships that bring us our supplies.”

  Impatient to witness the spectacle, Cora inquired, “Any signs of immediate danger? Can I come in?”

  Aric decided to err on the side of caution. “Yes, but be careful, Cora. Stay near the first plane. If anything happens, get out fast.”

  Cora ventured into the cavern and stopped short when she laid eyes on the airplane. The sight left her awestruck, and she proceeded with caution, aware of Aric’s request.

  The team continued further among the wreckage. Robert’s conclusion was sobering: “It’s like a time capsule—boats and planes from all over, all different eras.”

  The trio of men scanned the wreckage—a chaotic tangle of boats and planes, some stacked atop one another. As Robert stepped over a twisted railing, something on a corroded hull caught his eye.

  “EPERVIER,” he read aloud, the letters still faintly visible beneath the layers of Martian dust.

  He paused, the name tugging at something familiar.

  Realizing that Cora was itching to explore, yet safety came first, he called out, “Cora, can you head back to the entrance and access the Extranet? Look up the name Epervier. I’m sure we’ll find some others as we move through this mess. We need to know more about what we are seeing.”

  Cora acknowledged the request and made her way back, curiosity pulling at her as she began to search. Researching “Epervier” and other names that were called out, Cora discovered a pattern—all these vessels were said to be lost in the Bermuda Triangle. When she relayed what she’d found, she could sense the mounting astonishment on the other end of the line.

  Aric confirmed, “This is utterly bizarre.”

  Cora elaborated, “It’s as if all these vessels vanished mysteriously and ended up here.”

  Robert mused, “Maybe the Bermuda Triangle is a portal to Mars.”

  Kolman chuckled, “Now that’s a sci-fi plot.”

  As the research continued, they discovered that the airplane with the letters G-AHNP and another airplane with the letters NC16002 had both suffered the same fate—lost in the Bermuda Triangle.

  Cora relayed, “It’s like Earth’s forgotten past got dumped here—like a museum of the missing.”

  Aric reasoned, “But how did it all end up here? What could have caused this?”

  The exploration continued, revealing more vessels’ names — Cyclops, Witchcraft, and others, all with the same enigmatic fate — the Bermuda Triangle. Their journey through the wreckage only deepened their sense of bewilderment.

  Aric leaned in for a closer look at a boat precariously perched on top of an airplane. He cautiously stepped onto the airplane’s wing and began to ascend. But suddenly, with an unexpected shudder, the wing gave way beneath him. Aric hit the ground with a grunt, a jolt of pain lancing through his leg.

  Kolman and Robert, swift in their response, hurried to his side while Robert called out, urgency in his tone, “Cora, we need you here—now!”

  At the sound of Aric’s fall, Cora was already in motion. “I’m on my way!”

  “Okay,” Robert said calmly, “Just be careful—some of these surfaces are slick with dust.”

  Cora maneuvered through the wreckage, threading her way back to the site. She followed the pulsing beacon Robert had activated, weaving through the debris as it guided her like a breadcrumb trail.

  “This place is a maze of wrecked pieces,” she muttered to herself, frustration tinting her voice, “Where are you guys?”

  Robert’s attention had been fixed on Aric, gauging the extent of his injuries. He looked up suddenly, his helmet’s lights piercing the shadows as they found purchase on the cavern’s ceiling.

  “Can you see my lights?” he inquired, concern etched in his voice. “At the top. Look up.”

  Peering upward, Cora spotted the distant glimmer of his lights. “I see them. I’m not far away. Just need to navigate through this mess.”

  Minutes passed, and Robert’s voice echoed in her earpiece again, “Where are you?”

  Cora’s frustration broke though. “I’m coming!”

  “No, I apologize, hon,” Robert’s tone softened, “I mean, are you near anything recognizable? A ship or a plane you can identify? Something to pinpoint your location?”

  Cora scanned the wreckage, trying to get her bearings. “Let me see... I can make out what looks like a mid-2000s small jet, wedged between some kind of fishing boat and another plane with its nose facing me. The jet’s markings read G80063.”

  “Okay,” Robert’s voice held a note of recognition, “I think I know where you are.”

  Meeting Kolman’s gaze, Robert made a quick decision. “I’ll be back soon.”

  Kolman nodded, and Aric managed a feeble thumbs-up as Robert swiftly departed, determined to guide Cora back to safety. It didn’t take long to find her, and he pulled her in for a quick hug.

  “Stay close,” he urged, his voice gentle but urgent. “This place can be unsettling, I know.”

  Navigating back to their teammates, they discovered Cora had switched into her doctor mode, already tending to Aric’s right leg. She conducted a series of motor function tests, her skillful assessment concluded that there was no fracture, although she wanted to examine him more thoroughly back at Charon with the complete med kit.

  Turning her attention to Robert, she stated, “I’ll need you or Kolman to assist me in getting him back.”

  Kolman immediately volunteered, understanding that Robert’s exploration was crucial. They were conscious of the time, their current oxygen supply allowing for about two more hours of exploration. Efficiency was paramount, and their determination to unveil the secrets of the cavern remained undiminished. After emphasizing the need for caution, Aric made the call—Robert could continue exploring until lunch, then return for a tank swap, maximizing their data collection.

  It took nearly 20 minutes for the trio to navigate the maze of wreckage and reach Charon. With careful maneuvering, they eased Aric into the rover and pressurized the cabin. Cora and Kolman removed their helmets, assisting Aric in removing his foot bootie and leg covering.

  Cora examined Aric’s shin, her gaze meticulous. “The suit and jumper played a significant role in protecting you. There’s no sign of bleeding, but you’ll likely have substantial bruising. Your ankle seems to have a mild sprain as well. You’re fortunate.”

  “Thank you, Cora. Your presence is reassuring. Do you think it’s broken?” Aric inquired.

  Cora’s response was reassuring, “Given that you could put some weight on it during your exit from the cavern and there are no alarming symptoms, I don’t believe it’s broken. However, there might be a slight fracture. An X-ray will provide a clearer picture. It’s best to avoid putting weight on it until then.”

  Aric sighed, “That’s a relief, at least, even though I’ll probably be quite battered.”

  Cora smiled, “At least there’s a silver lining. You got lucky—no bleeding, but the swelling concerns me. I’ll apply cold packs, stabilize the leg, and give you something for the pain. But we’ll need to do a proper scan back at the clinic to rule out a fracture.”

  After retrieving the necessary items from the kit, Cora carefully applied the ice patches to Aric’s shin and ankle. Administering a pain reliever and other medications, she ensured his comfort. The tension eased as Cora worked with practiced care, her calm demeanor bringing some sense of reassurance to the moment.

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  “Thanks again—it really means a lot,” Aric said, shifting to get comfortable. “Maybe I should’ve left this adventure to the younger crowd…but the allure was too strong.”

  Cora gave him a reassuring smile, “Don’t worry. We’ve got this covered.”

  “And now you’ve seen it for yourself,” Kolman chuckled, “we won’t have to waste time convincing you that it’s all real.”

  Aric joined in the light-hearted exchange, “You’re absolutely right. Even after watching the video, I would’ve demanded to see it with my own eyes.”

  While their banter continued, Robert moved deeper into the maze of wreckage, often forced to find alternate routes or climb over debris. It was during one of these moments that he stumbled upon something strikingly different—a stone wall. This discovery stood in sharp contrast to the twisted wreckage he’d seen so far. Drawing nearer, he could make out more stone structures in the distance, interspersed with the remains of wreckage. Although the wreckage was less dense here, the stone structures seemed to multiply, forming the remains of what appeared to be an ancient city.

  The mystery of Mars deepened. Robert’s mind raced: Had beings once lived here? Could they have traveled to Earth, collected ships and planes, and brought them back? As he settled onto a low section of the stone wall, a profound sense of bewilderment washed over him. Nothing seemed to align logically. The cavern held the puzzle pieces of an enigmatic past. Who were these ancient inhabitants? Why construct a city underground? Why preserve these vessels of Earth? The absence of cars and other vehicles intrigued him. Was it related to the Bermuda Triangle, an easy scapegoat for disappearances? With more questions than answers, Robert recognized the cavern as an unparalleled discovery—even if its secrets remained elusive.

  A glance at his dwindling oxygen gauge prompted Robert to retrace his steps. The urge to share his findings with the others and enjoy a well-deserved meal drove him back. He embarked on the journey through the maze once more, his thoughts drifting to a disturbing sight he had noticed on a wooden ship—an eerie glimpse of what could be a human bone, partially visible above the ship’s rail. A mental note was made, a promise to explore it after lunch, contingent on Aric’s well-being and the group’s consensus.

  When Robert returned, he remained outside for a moment as Cora and Kolman focused on aiding Aric. Aric’s resilience was evident as he gingerly shifted weight onto his leg, aided by the ice patches and medication. Despite his determination, Cora’s medical instincts took over, voicing her concerns due to the lack of X-rays.

  Once Robert was safely inside and the cabin stabilized, the team sat down to eat, grateful for a moment of calm. Between bites of food, Robert casually shared the astonishing discovery he had made. “There’s a city in there,” he announced. The statement was met with an immediate and united chorus of exclamations from his companions, ranging from “What?!” to “Really?!” to “What do you mean, a city?”

  Undeterred, Robert continued between bites of his carrot, “It’s an ancient city as far as I can tell. Empty, though. There didn’t seem to be anyone inside. Unfortunately, I couldn’t gather much more information.”

  As expected, a flood of questions followed. They asked the same queries he had considered, as well as a few he hadn’t. None of the proposed explanations seemed to align with the mysterious city. Robert’s response was a mix of shared curiosity and uncertainty. “We might find some answers after lunch. I wasn’t able to fully explore it yet. All I can say is that it’s in ruins, very old, and appears to be in poor condition, like it has weathered significant seismic events.”

  Kolman’s enthusiasm was palpable, his eagerness tangible, “I’ve got to see this! Let’s head back!”

  Robert held up a hand to rein Kolman in. “That depends on Aric,” he indicated, turning his attention to their injured team member. “What’s your call, Aric? Are you okay with us going back in to investigate, or do you think it’s time to head back for a closer look at your leg?”

  Aric nodded, practical as ever. “We’re already out here. Let’s gather as much data as we can. Go on, but be cautious. Document everything. We need as much detail as possible to piece together this puzzle back at the dome. I’ll stay here.” He looked at each of them earnestly, “Just ensure your safety. We don’t need more injuries.”

  As they prepared to re-enter their helmets, Aric added with a smirk, “Oh, and one more thing.”

  Robert turned to him, awaiting his input, “Yes, Sir?”

  Aric’s smile was infectious, “Don’t forget to switch out Charon’s oxygen tanks along with your own. I’d like to be alive when you return.” Their shared laughter echoed in the cabin, a moment of lightness before the task at hand.

  Kolman reassured Aric, his tone lighthearted, “Don’t worry, Sir. We’ve got that covered. You just rest up until we’re back.”

  Cora hesitated, her helmet already on, but shelingered over the tank swap—her concern for Aric still visible. It was understood that once they re-entered the cave’s depths, communication with Aric would be lost. Aric, perceptive to her hesitance, urged her to go with the others. He promised to stay in Charon, using its interface to catch up on reading. Cora’s internal struggle was evident, torn between the desire to explore the city and the responsibility of tending to Aric. With gratitude, she changed her air tank, her parting words to Aric filled with reassurance.

  Leaving Aric behind, the trio departed Charon, with Robert once again leading the way. They navigated the maze until Robert reached the wooden ship he had in mind. Suddenly, Robert stopped and held up a hand. His voice sharpened with both caution and excitement. “Hold on a second, folks. I thought I saw a skeleton hanging over this ship’s edge when I came through earlier. I want to check and confirm.”

  “A skeleton? Seriously? That’s crazy but it might hold some answers,” Kolman said.

  Cora frowned, “Let’s hope it’s not a skeleton. This place is eerie enough as it is.”

  As Robert moved closer to examine the supposed remains, Cora and Kolman watched with bated breath. “Do you see that rail?” Robert directed their attention, “Just left of the broken section. See it?”

  Kolman acknowledged, “Yes, I think I do. It could be a hand, but it’s hard to discern.”

  Cora, ever the voice of reason, added, “It might not be a hand, though. It could be a play of light. The darkness in here distorts everything.”

  Robert moved closer, eyes locked on the possible discovery. The ship was nestled between a small airplane on one side and a smaller metal boat on the other. Assessing the best approach, he spotted a porthole slightly above the plane’s wing, partially embedded in the ship’s side. Turning to Kolman, he shared his plan, “See that? If you give me a boost onto the wing, I can jump to that porthole and pull myself up. From there, I can climb to the deck.”

  Kolman readily agreed, “Sounds like a plan to me.”

  Cora stepped closer. “Be careful, Robert. There could be sharp edges or jagged metal up there.”

  Robert reassured her with a grin, “I promise to be careful. I’m returning to you today. I love you.” He winked playfully.

  “I love you too,” Cora replied with a smile.

  Kolman provided the needed boost, allowing Robert to clamber onto the plane’s wing. He moved deliberately along the wing, wiping away dust with each step, his focus locked on safety. He paused, gauging the jump—he’d need precision to avoid a misstep. In a controlled motion, he propelled himself upward, gripping the edge of the porthole with both hands. The successful landing gave him a surge of satisfaction. He instinctively kicked against the hull, utilizing any foothold to help him ascend. The porthole’s frame and his helmet made visibility difficult. He stretched up to the deck above, his hands finding purchase, followed by his feet. With the deck solid beneath him, he felt a rush of accomplishment.

  Looking back at his teammates, he grinned and teased, “See? No problem.”

  Cora’s admonishment was layered with relief, “Just don’t get too confident.”

  Kolman’s amused expression was mirrored by Robert as they shared this familiar camaraderie. Robert scanned his surroundings, taking in his location on the ship’s upper deck, right above what could have been the Captain’s quarters. His gaze moved left, seeking a way to descend to the lower deck. Spotting a set of stairs on the right side, he called out with enthusiasm, “Good news, there are stairs!” Carefully making his way down, he could hear the ship creak slightly in protest as though awakening from a long slumber.

  Once at the bottom, Robert glanced ahead and to the right, confirming, “It’s definitely a skeleton. I’m going in for a closer look.”

  Cora’s inquisitive mind kicked in, “Is it human or perhaps alien?”

  Robert assessed the situation “Judging by the skull’s shape, number of limbs, fingers—and I’d bet a bottle of rum—it’s human. Probably a pirate. But this poses another question: what’s a human pirate doing here, on a ship, in a cave, on Mars?”

  Kolman’s response was both humorous and insightful, “If this were a pirate ship, that would indeed be an unconventional journey.”

  With a smile, Robert continued, “Well, it’s confirmed. It’s a human skeleton. But you’re right, this adds another layer of mystery to this already perplexing scenario.”

  Cora’s supportive response carried a hint of her medical professionalism. “We should return to this later—with the medical team. This deserves respect.”

  Robert embraced her, his voice soft, “I know. We’ll make sure it’s handled appropriately. But for now, let’s explore the city, shall we?”

  Cora’s enthusiasm was palpable, “Absolutely!”

  Following Robert’s lead, the team embarked on the exploration of the ruins. Kolman couldn’t help himself—his inner engineer took over, gravitating toward the structural aspects of each building. As he evaluated their architecture, he contemplated whether these constructions could be attributed to humans or if they bore the hallmarks of an unknown civilization. He shook his head in appreciation, “These structures are ancient, yet exceptionally well-made. The masonry work is truly remarkable. Look at how these blocks fit together. It’s beyond anything we’ve seen in Earth’s oldest architecture. However, despite the craftsmanship, I’m not sensing an alien influence.”

  Robert concurred, “It’s undeniably impressive. But the question remains: how did these structures end up here?”

  Kolman’s response was level-headed, “We’ll find out. This journey has only just begun.”

  Cora tilted her head, “If these structures aren’t alien...what if they were brought here too? Maybe this was a Martian base built using Earth ruins?”

  Robert considered the idea, “It’s plausible, but let’s think about it. Why would an alien civilization build this city, abduct people from Earth, and contain them here? It’s puzzling.”

  Cora speculated, “Perhaps they brought the ships and planes intact because it was easier to manage with people on board. Maybe they aimed to conceal the abductions, making it appear as though the vessels sank in the ocean.”

  Robert provided a counterpoint, “Interesting theory, but there’s a flaw. Look at this ship embedded in the building. Why would an advanced alien civilization build a city around damaged ships and planes? And why leave bodies behind, like the skeleton we found?”

  Kolman’s logical reasoning continued the thread, “The presence of these ruins contradicts the notion of an alien civilization. It’s as if they came from Earth as well, like the ships and planes.”

  Robert nodded. “Exactly. I believe this city was once on Earth. Something brought the city, ships, and planes here, regardless of who or what was inside them. There’s a clue here that could shed light on the situation. We have a limited time to find it, though, with only two hours left for today.”

  Cora pondered their approach, “So, we’re looking for anything that doesn’t fit the categories of ships, planes, or ruins?”

  “That’s the plan,” Robert confirmed. “We’ll recognize it when we see it. Let’s push further into the cavern. We’ve noticed that the further we venture, the more we discover. We might stumble upon the key to this puzzle.”

  As they continued their exploration, they traversed the city, following a pattern that seemed to lead towards a central point. Along the way, they encountered more skeletons, some clad in tattered garments from ancient times. Finally, they reached the heart of the city, where an ancient temple stood as a testament to the past. After a brief study, they pressed forward, venturing deeper into the cavern. Passing through various structures that appeared to be shops and homes, Kolman’s sharp eyes spotted something unusual in the distance, concealed behind a taller building’s back corner.

  Kolman’s excitement was evident, “Wait a moment!”

  As he led the way, Robert and Cora followed closely. Kolman’s sudden halt signaled their arrival at an astonishing discovery. Words escaped him momentarily as his gaze fixated on the enigmatic structure before them. Robert and Cora caught up, their reactions mirroring Kolman’s awe.

  Taking a moment to catch his breath, Kolman managed to say, “I think we found it.”

  Robert exhaled in awe, “And I would say that is evidence of either aliens or a higher power.”

  Kolman’s agreement was swift, “No argument there.”

  Cora’s light-hearted comment interjected, “And I thought the skeletons and wreckage were creepy enough!”

  Before them stood a unique temple, distinct from the one at the city’s center. This one was nestled into the cavern’s wall, a stark contrast in jet-black hue. Bathed in the light’s glow, it emitted an ethereal orange and reddish radiance, reminiscent of a sunset. A profound silence enveloped them as they stood in its presence.

  The gravity of their realization began to set in — this temple was not of human origin. The shared sentiment of wonder and trepidation mingled within Robert and Kolman. For Cora, the fear of the unknown seeped in as she contemplated the possibility of an observer, an entity beyond their comprehension, watching them from the shadows.

  At the entrance, two statues stood like sentinels, their forms ethereal in the half-light. These monumental figures, each more than three meters tall, radiated a soft, golden luminescence, casting intricate shadows upon the floor. They stood on either side of the entrance, an imposing gateway guarded by their enigmatic presence.

  In the face of the door, a series of four measured steps fanned out, an invitation to traverse the threshold. The statues held a humanoid resemblance, both a tribute to humanity’s form and an evocation of something more. The male figure, positioned on the right, exuded an air of strength and stoicism, while the female counterpart, on the left, emanated grace and elegance. Their stance, arms extended in a welcoming gesture, beckoned explorers to uncover the secrets within.

  Their ceremonial attire, a marriage of futurism and familiarity, clung to their stone forms. The female’s sheath dress was a tapestry of intricate design, an epitome of grace in an ageless fashion. Her male counterpart was equally adorned, his tunic a mirror of sophistication. It was as if these garments transcended time, remnants of an era that had left its echoes on the fabric of human civilization.

  “Look at their heads,” Kolman’s voice cut through the hushed reverence.

  Elongated skulls, a feature reminiscent of ancient artifacts and enigmatic depictions from Earth’s annals, crowned the statues. These heads, a testament to a forgotten narrative, merged the allure of history and the thrill of discovery. As if curated from centuries past, the statues evoked the feeling of a living museum, where the past and present converged—yet something about their gaze, frozen in stone, felt as if it followed the explorers’ every step.

  Cora’s voice, filled with wonder, painted the air, “They’re beautiful.”

  Robert’s thoughts echoed the sentiment, his gaze traversing the sculpted features. “Yeah, in a strange way. I wonder how they glow like that.”

  Kolman’s speculative input added another layer of contemplation, “A special kind of material, maybe?”

  Robert’s curiosity led him to step forward, entering the enigmatic structure without hesitation. Kolman and Cora followed, their sense of adventure outweighing any apprehensions. The room illuminated the moment Robert crossed the threshold, startling them with its sudden brightness. They found themselves in a spacious hallway, approximately five meters wide and thirty meters long. The walls were adorned with evenly spaced columns, constructed from a light-colored stone resembling polished granite. The stone emitted a subtle shimmer, its glow so even and intentional it seemed to watch them as much as illuminate the way. At the far end of the hallway, a door stood ajar, much like the entrance they had just passed through. Robert made the decision to turn off the external lights on his suit, an indication that he felt safe within this space.

  Kolman’s engineer instincts kicked in, and he inspected the doorway. Cora, ever the vigilant one, questioned his actions. He clarified his intentions, “I’m just checking if this door can close like a trap. But so far, it seems safe to proceed.”

  Cora nodded in agreement, appreciating the cautious approach. “Safety first.”

  Robert led the way across the hallway, half-expecting something extraordinary to occur. To his relief, nothing unexpected happened. He reassured Cora, “Don’t worry, it seems safe.” But he still couldn’t shake the feeling of unease, as if he was walking into a space of great significance.

  As he stepped into the next room, his surroundings burst into light once again. This time, they found themselves in a large room, approximately thirty meters square. A peculiar black stone ring structure with a short pillar, about waist height, stood at the room’s center. The ring was supported at four equidistant points, and suspended within its circle was a massive orb, its surface gently pulsating as it radiated a spectrum of colors. The faint hum of unseen energy filled the air, a subtle vibration tickled the soles of their boots.

  Robert navigated around the ring, his curiosity piqued by this enigmatic setup. The room seemed benign, a feast for the eyes rather than a cause for concern. He beckoned Cora to join him, her excitement evident in her expression.

  As Cora entered, she marveled at the sight. “It’s breathtaking.”

  Robert’s voice was filled with awe as he agreed, “Truly magnificent. It’s like something out of a dream.”

  Kolman’s more technical perspective chimed in, “It’s an astounding display of advanced craftsmanship. This technology is beyond anything we’ve encountered.”

  Robert’s attention shifted to the pillar in front of the ring, drawn by the indentation at its center that resembled a handprint, albeit significantly larger than a human hand. The imprint emitted the same golden hue as the statues outside. Without a second thought, he placed his hand into the indentation, half-expecting something extraordinary to happen. However, nothing did. The room remained tranquil, the orb suspended within the ring unchanged.

  Cora couldn’t resist trying it out herself, curious to see if the response would differ based on the participant’s gender. Her playful comment elicited laughter from both Robert and Kolman.

  Kolman joined in the interaction, “Maybe it’s just designed for Germans.”

  The banter among the team highlighted their camaraderie, a light-hearted contrast to the magnitude of their discovery.

  With Cora’s hand on the imprint, the room remained tranquil, unchanged. Robert’s turn of inquiry followed, “What does it feel like?”

  Cora’s response was quick, “It’s warm. The center seems to emit warmth.”

  Kolman’s voice carried a note of excitement, “I can’t wait to share this with the rest of the team.”

  Robert agreed wholeheartedly, “This is a scientific marvel. Our find could reshape our understanding of ancient civilizations.”

  Their excitement was palpable, yet a touch of caution remained. The room held an aura of mystery, with its suspended orb and handprint pedestal. Cora’s gaze shifted to the stone ring, her curiosity evident, “I wonder what the purpose of this structure is. What’s the significance of the orb?”

  Kolman’s engineering mind raced with possibilities, “It could be a communication device, a source of energy, or even a portal.”

  Robert’s musings added depth to the discourse, “I can’t help but feel that this is a piece of a puzzle, a clue that could unravel the mystery surrounding this place.”

  Kolman glanced at his suit’s time display, bringing a dose of reality into their exploration, “We only have an hour of air left.”

  Robert was jolted back to the practicality of their situation, “Right. Let’s get moving. We need to explore further.”

  Their steps retraced the path they had taken through the city and maze, their hearts heavy with the knowledge that they were leaving behind a remarkable discovery. Upon returning to the surface and the waiting Charon rover, they found Aric waiting for them, a mixture of concern and relief in his expression.

  As the team members removed their helmets and stepped into the rover, Robert’s words resonated with excitement, “You’re not going to believe this.”