Mars, the year 3525. In a vast expanse dominated by reddish hues and gleaming cities sprawling across the terraformed plains, Jack and Kael landed at the main station of the Red Planet. Their journey had taken only three hours, thanks to the new Hyperwave interplanetary transport ships capable of reducing distances by exploiting preconfigured gravitational routes.
The orbital station on Mars was strategically located near one of the largest interdimensional portals in our galactic sector. The Argon-9 Portal connected the Orion Arm of the galaxy to other distant regions, serving as a vital commercial gateway for advanced civilizations. Looking out the ship's windows, Jack admired the complex dance of vessels traversing the space around the portal, their lights creating a spectacle that seemed to defy the laws of physics.
As they disembarked from the ship, a slightly denser air than that of Argos Station filled their lungs. The scent was subtly different—a combination of damp earth and artificial sterility. The main city, Marena Prime, was a prime example of interstellar engineering. Floating streets were adorned with bioluminescent plants, while the shining quartz towers reflected the light of a pale sun in mesmerizing patterns.
"So, Mars," Kael said, reclining in the first chair he found at a nearby café. "Not bad, Jack. But what's this about the aurora you kept mentioning?"
Jack smiled, finally sipping on some Earth-origin coffee.
"The aurora borealis on Mars is a result of the planet's terraforming process, a project that began nearly 800 years ago. You see, Kael, when Earth was on the brink of ecological collapse, terraforming Mars became a priority. It was a massive operation led by the largest corporations of the time."
Kael raised an eyebrow, curious. "Go on. I'm sure it's a story of disaster, like most things humans create."
Jack laughed lightly. "In a way. The process started by bombarding the poles with nuclear bombs to release carbon dioxide trapped in the ice caps. It was both awe-inspiring and terrifying. The explosions generated massive amounts of water vapor and gas, which helped form a dense atmosphere. It took nearly 200 years for the air to become breathable without special equipment. But this entire process had an unexpected side effect."
Kael rested his chin in his palm, looking at Jack with genuine interest. "The aurora borealis?"
"Exactly," Jack continued. "The radioactive residues and magnetic particles released during the terraforming combined with the new artificial magnetic field created to protect the planet from solar radiation. When charged particles from the solar wind strike the atmosphere, the result is this incredible light show."
Kael gazed out the café window thoughtfully. Although it was daytime, he could imagine what the Martian sky looked like at night, adorned with bright hues of green, violet, and gold.
"Fascinating," he said. "I have to admit, you humans are good at finding solutions to the problems you create."
Jack laughed again, then leaned back, looking at the café's transparent ceiling that revealed the pale Martian sky of the day.
"You're right, Kael. But everything you see here is the result of centuries of work. And, to be honest, many mistakes were made along the way."
Kael's gaze turned inquisitive. "What about you, Jack? Do you make mistakes? Why are you on Argos? Don't you have family on Mars?"
"I do. A younger brother. The rest are either dead or missing," Jack said, staring blankly at his nearly empty cup of coffee.
"Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to—"
"It's fine. In short, our parents died in an accident, and our grandfather raised us on a farm on Mars where he had retired. I was eight, and Kai was six. We lost the farm in a lawsuit with a large corporation. Apparently, we didn't own the patent for the seeds we grew, or something like that. They used us as an example for the other pioneer farmers on Mars. I took a corporate job to support my brother's studies and keep us afloat. There weren't many options on Mars."
"What happened to your grandfather?" Kael asked, surprised.
"He disappeared after I got the job. No one knows what happened. It's too early in the day, and I don't have a drop of alcohol in me to tell the whole story. Maybe another time—and you can tell me why a Rysal is on a human station."
"You're right. I need some alcohol for stories like that too," Kael said, gazing distantly.
During their vacation, the two explored Marena Prime, discovering specialized workshops, bustling markets full of exotic goods, and parks where vegetation from other planets created a unique landscape. In the evening, they ascended an observation platform to admire the Martian aurora borealis in all its splendor.
The following night, Jack and Kael visited a famous locale in Marena Prime known for its vibrant atmosphere and the diversity of species that frequented it. The dim lights shifted hues in sync with the music, and the air was perfumed with aromas of intergalactic plants.
Kael, looking around, suddenly seemed captivated. In front of them sat a Rysal woman with intense turquoise skin, long silver hair styled in an elaborate updo, and large, luminous eyes that emitted a subtle glow. Her name was Lyris, and her presence exuded a hypnotic elegance.
"She's prepared for the Saraya Covenant," Kael said quietly, pointing to a complex pendant Lyris wore around her neck.
"What does that mean?" Jack asked, curious.
Kael gave an enigmatic smile. "It's a sacred ritual for procreation. In our culture, the covenant is made to create offspring, but the bond between parents is temporary. I'll be involved for two Earth days, after which I can choose whether or not to remain in the child's life. It's our way of maintaining balance."
Jack watched the scene in silent fascination as Kael and Lyris exchanged a few words in their dialect. The ritual took place in a private area of the venue, involving a ceremony with pulsating lights and a ritualistic dance in which the two synchronized their movements to perfection. When they returned, Kael seemed both more relaxed and more solemn.
That night, Jack, Kael, and Lyris sat at a secluded table, each enjoying a drink. Conversation flowed naturally, and Lyris, with a warm and calm voice, asked Jack:
"How do humans cope with monogamous bonds? From our perspective, such a connection is an immense responsibility."
Jack smiled, sensing a challenge in her tone. "Monogamy is complicated," he admitted. "For some, it's a source of stability and security; for others, it can be a burden. I think it depends on the balance between partners. But honestly, our culture has a high percentage of relationships that don't work out."
Kael, sipping his translucent drink, added, "In our culture, relationships are more fluid. The Saraya Covenant, for example, allows us to assume only the basic responsibilities. There's no pressure to stay involved if it's not beneficial for us or the offspring."
Lyris looked at Kael with a subtle smile. "Still, I'm curious, Kael. I didn't expect to find a suitable partner so far from our galactic sector. What do you intend after these two days? Will you stay involved or choose to leave?"
Kael hesitated for a moment, thinking deeply. "I think I'll choose to stay involved for a while. There's something about the bond I feel now that makes me want to explore this path."
Jack, observing the exchange between the two, realized that bonds, regardless of culture, had their own complexities. Ultimately, he raised his glass and said, "I think, no matter our different ways, we all seek the same thing: meaning, a connection. Cheers to your choices, whatever they may be."
The next day, Jack spent time revisiting memories of his hometown, brought up by an unexpected notification about his apartment on Mars. Owning a modest two-bedroom apartment in a residential complex, he realized his prolonged absence required him to rent it out.
In a nearby office in Marena Prime, Jack met with a Xerithian alien renowned for their expertise in creating and managing contracts. The figure was impeccably dressed in a metallic gray suit, their gray skin reflecting subtle highlights under the artificial light. Their deep black eyes radiated calm authority.
"Jack Done," the Xerithian said, introducing themselves. "My name is Mithros the 14th, and I'm here to offer solutions for managing your property."
Jack listened as Mithros presented a detailed contract for renting the apartment to a human family from Phobos.
"The Kavanagh family will pay a fair monthly rent, and all details are included in this document."
Jack signed, impressed by their professionalism. "Thank you, Mithros. I've never seen such dedication to detail."
"It's in our nature," Mithros replied with a small enigmatic smile. "If you need further assistance, you know where to find me."
Jack left the office feeling more at ease. That afternoon, Jack headed to his brother Kai's farm on the outskirts of the city. The air grew cleaner, and the reddish landscape was dotted with carefully adapted agricultural crops suited to Martian soil.
"Brother! What a surprise!" exclaimed Kai, a sturdy man with rough hands but a warm smile. "What brings you here?"
Jack hugged him, laughing. "Kai! Did you manage to buy this patch of land?"
"This year I finished the payments, and the farm has been back in profit for three years now. Jack, how's your new project? I heard you've started manufacturing on Argos?" Kai's voice was full of enthusiasm and pride as he opened two cold beers.
"Wow, it feels like just last year you bought it. How long has it been since we talked?" Jack said, taking a sip of beer. "I have a plan, and I'll need your help."
"Six years I've been trying to catch you free, but every time you've been too busy with work."
"Working for an interplanetary corporation consumes you and absorbs everything. It was hard to leave. But I knew you had finished the payments, and I was beginning to forget who I truly was and why I was there."
"At least you managed to leave Octocore Corp. Grandfather would have been proud to see you trying to discover new things and skills in such a distant place."
Jack gave a short laugh, but his gaze darkened slightly. "Grandfather would indeed have been proud. Remember how he taught us to survive any situation?"
Kai became serious, setting the joke aside. "Yes, I didn't fully understand until recently. The games and exercises with him taught us more than we realized. I wish I knew if he's still alive."
Jack sighed, looking at his hands. "And yet, we're still here. The third generation of Martians, heirs of the first explorer's guild, though we ended up working for corporations as cogs in the machine."
Kai laughed, but his laughter carried a bitter tone. "Not all of us. You broke out of that system. You're no longer just an employee. You took control. And honestly, without your help, I wouldn't be a farmer or a landowner."
"Family first!" Jack said, lifting his gaze. "Have you found out anything more about our parents' accident?"
Kai looked at him silently for a moment. "Just that the project they were working on is a state secret. I've learned something else over the years. Grandmother's disappearance is linked to the same project, but I don't yet know how. Did you have any luck at the corporation?"
Jack's eyes widened. "Grandmother? Didn't she die on Mars before Grandfather took us in? That's what we were told. Octocore was just a surrogate firm for Orith Nexis; they were only used to sue us."
Kai nodded, saddened. "For so many years, I learned from some of Grandfather's old friends, former explorers who visited Mars, trying to find him. They helped me pay off the farm, saying it's what Grandfather would have wanted. From them, I found out Grandmother worked with our parents in the same laboratory."
"Could Grandfather have disappeared there too? We need to find out more about what happened."
"That's what I've been trying to do for so many years. All I know is the project was funded by the Interstellar Council and implemented by a Xerithian corporation. An attempt at cooperation," Kai said, clenching his fists.
"Great work, Kai! I'm sorry I wasn't present in recent years. Life at Octocore consumed me more than I realized. But now I'm back," Jack said, grabbing Kai's shoulder.
"We'll find the truth, Jack. Sooner or later, we'll find it. Until then, we need resources and connections," Kai said, grabbing Jack's other shoulder.
"That's why I left the corporation; it's time to uncover the truth."
"What have you planned?" Kai asked, taking a sip of beer.
"A new beginning," Jack said, taking another sip of beer. "First, I need some coffee beans. On Argos, they're a luxury commodity. There's only Cofit."
"No natural coffee on Argos?" Kai asked, astonished. "I'll help you with the seeds if you have an agricultural sector. But you'll need assistance."
Jack laughed and shook his brother's hand. "Thank you, brother. I might need your help soon. I'll invite you to drink the first cup of coffee."
"Promise? This year's season ended on Mars last week."
After a crate of beer and a night of stories, Jack and Kai said goodbye with a long embrace.
The next day, Jack and Kael decided to leave Marena Prime to explore the unique beauties of the planet. They rented an all-terrain vehicle adapted to the Martian atmosphere and headed toward the mountainous region near Olympus Mons, the tallest mountain in the solar system.
Along the way, the varied landscapes captured their attention: reddish deserts dotted with strange rock formations, fields of violet crystals sparkling under the diffused sunlight, and experimental terraforming colonies. Most spectacular, however, were the purple forests, part of an ongoing terraforming project. The trees, with massive fan-shaped leaves, subtly changed hues depending on the sun's position, creating a hypnotic chromatic display.
"These forests are a dream," Jack said, stopping the vehicle for a better view. "Have you ever seen anything like this?"
"No," Kael admitted, stepping out and approaching the edge of the road. "We Rysal don't have such experiments on our planets. Our nature is too well-integrated to consider altering it. Still… I must admit it's impressive."
A local guide, a man born on Mars, greeted them and explained that the purple forests were genetically engineered using DNA from Earth species and resilient extraterrestrial plants. The goal was to stabilize the soil, improve oxygen levels, and store as much carbon dioxide as possible from the atmosphere.
"If you want a panoramic view," the guide suggested, "head to the Valles Marineris Platform, a suspension bridge over the largest canyon in this solar system."
At the platform, Jack and Kael were left speechless. The view was utterly breathtaking. Below them stretched a canyon so vast that the horizon seemed to disappear into the mist. The lights of small cities at the base and the terraformed tunnels contrasted with the rugged cliffs and the deep red Martian soil.
"Sometimes, I wonder why humans insist on transforming places like Mars into something habitable," Kael said, leaning on the railing.
"I think it's in our nature," Jack replied. "We like to challenge limits. But you must admit, Kael, you're here on Mars, just like me. The unknown draws you too."
"Out of necessity more than curiosity. I was cast out of my family. We have so many rituals that I managed to break three at the same time."
"Ah, so that's how you ended up on Argos?" Jack asked, smiling. "A lover?"
"There were four. You'll get no more from me," Kael replied, smiling and gazing into the distance.
Continuing to admire the view, they eventually took some digital souvenirs and headed back to their vehicle. As they drove silently under the violet-gold sky of the Martian sunset, Jack felt as though each new experience reminded him of something important. Mars had offered him a different perspective on life, and the company of Kael and newfound friends only reinforced this realization.