We Went to Mars. They Never Told us What's at the Pole.

Mars grew larger in the viewport, a rusty orange sphere swelling against the black canvas of space. I'd seen countless images and simulations during training, but nothing compared to the real thing. The planet looked both inviting and alien, it's dust storms visible even from this distance, swirling across the surface like ghostly fingers. Commander Gordon, we're on final approach.

ETA to orbital insertion, 48 minutes. Landon's voice came through my headset, precise and measured as always. Copy that, Lieutenant. Keep me posted on any deviations. I pushed away from the viewport and made my way back to the command module.

The MTV Hermes had been our home for 18 months now, a carefully designed habitat that represented the pinnacle of human engineering. 6 modules connected by a central hub, rotating to create artificial gravity that kept our muscles from wasting away during the long journey between worlds. I pulled up the classified briefing on my tablet, scanning through the information for what felt like the 100th time.

The file was labeled Artifact X1, containing images from the automated probe that had made the discovery at Mars's northern pole six months ago. The grainy photos showed something partially buried in the Martian soil, an object with unusual properties that defied initial analysis. The accompanying data suggested it wasn't natural to Mars, which was why we were here.

What the briefing lacked in details, it made-up for with urgency. NASA and the Department of Defense had fast tracked our mission, cutting corners I didn't want to think about. Whatever was waiting for us at the pole had powerful people very interested. I looked up from my tablet and watched my crew at work.

Five of the best minds Earth had to offer, each selected not just for their expertise but for their psychological profiles. Supposedly optimal for long duration missions with high stress elements. Doctor Jacqueline McCoy sat hunched over her workstation, Auburn hair pulled back in her typical tight bun. As our lead scientist, she'd been given the most comprehensive briefing on the artifact, and she guarded that information like a dragon with treasure.

Her green eyes darted back and forth across her screen as she reviewed her notes for what must have been the 20th time today. Finding anything new in there, Jacqueline? I asked. She looked up, her expression momentarily annoyed at the interruption. Just ensuring my extraction protocols are airtight, Commander, we won't get a second chance at this.

I nodded and moved on. Something about her intensity had been bothering me lately, an edge that went beyond professional focus. Lieutenant Landon Park stood at the navigation console, his clean shaven head reflecting the blue light of the displays. His military background showed in his posture, back straight, movements economical, uniform impeccable. Even after months in space, he was monitoring our approach vector, making tiny adjustments to our trajectory.

How's our fuel margin looking, Landon? 8% above minimum requirements, Sir. The orbital insertion burn is well within parameters across the module. Dr. Doris Wagner and Doctor Dale Williamson were engaged in a spirited discussion about extraction methods.

Doris, our geologist, gestured at a holographic model of what we thought the artifact might look like. Once fully excavated, the surrounding regolith will be unstable, she said, tucking a strand of black hair behind her ear. We need to account for potential collapse during extraction. Dale adjusted his wire rimmed glasses. What if we use the vibration dampeners from the secondary drill?

We could modify them to create a temporary support structure that could work, Doris admitted. Let me run some simulations. Their collaborative approach was exactly what I'd hoped for when selecting the team. I wish Jacqueline would integrate more with the others instead of working in isolation. At the communication station, Brian Morales was performing his hourly check in with Mission Control.

His fingers moved quickly across the controls, compensating for the increasing time delay between Mars and Earth. Houston confirms weather patterns are stable at base Olympus, he reported, looking up at me with a quick smile. The dust storm in the northern hemisphere is moving S away from our landing zone. Good news for once, I said returning his smile.

I settled into my command chair and pulled up the pre landing checklists. The familiar routine of verification and cross checks helped quiet the knot of anxiety in my stomach. 18 months of travel and now everything would happen in a matter of hours. As I worked through the lists, I kept glancing at Jacqueline.

She'd move to a corner workstation, angling her screen away from the others. When Dale approached her with a question, her response was clipped, almost dismissive. Dale retreated with a puzzled look, returning to Doris's side. I made a mental note to address this with Jacqueline after landing. Whatever her reasons for secrecy, we needed cohesion as a team.

The landing itself went more smoothly than I dared hope. Despite a dust storm that kicked up during our final descent, Landon guided the Lander down with precision. The craft settled onto Martian soil with just a slight bump, barely enough to rattle the equipment. Touchdown confirmed, Landon announced. All systems nominal.

A brief cheer went up from the team. 18 months of travel and we'd made it. I allowed myself a moment of pride before focusing on the next steps. Nice work everyone. Let's run through post landing checks and prepare for transfer to Base Olympus.

Base Olympus had been constructed by automated systems 2 years earlier, a series of interconnected habitats and labs built into the side of Olympus Mons. It would be our home for the next 8 months as we studied the artifact and conducted other research. The transfer from the Lander to the base took most of the day.

By the time we'd moved our essential equipment and personal items, everyone was exhausted. I called the team together in the main hub for a brief meeting before we settled in for our first night on Mars. I want to congratulate everyone on a successful journey and landing. I began, looking around at their tired but excited faces.

Tomorrow we'll begin preparations for the expedition to the Northern Pole. Doctor McCoy will brief us on the extraction protocols. Jacqueline stepped forward, tablet in hand. I've prepared individual briefing packets for each of you, specific to your roles in the extraction. You'll find them on your personal servers.

Brian frowned. Wouldn't it be more efficient to review the complete protocol as a team? I'd like to understand the full picture, not just my piece of it. Jacqueline's expression hardened. The information has been compartmentalized for security reasons.

You only need to know your part. Security reasons? Brian's voice rose slightly. We're the only humans on the entire planet. Who exactly are we keeping secrets from?

The tension in the room thickened. Dale and Doris exchanged uncomfortable glances, while Landon maintained his neutral expression. The protocol comes directly from Mission Control. Jacqueline said firmly. If you have concerns about security measures, you can take them up with Houston.

Brian, look to me. Clearly expecting support, I felt caught between maintaining chain of command and addressing A legitimate concern. Let's compromise, I said after a moment. Jacqueline, can you prepare a general overview that gives everyone the big picture without compromising the security details? She looked ready to object, but finally nodded.

I'll have it ready by morning briefing. And Brian, let's respect the protocols that have been established. I'm sure there are good reasons for the compartmentalization. Brian didn't look convinced, but he nodded. Yes, Commander.

I dismissed the team to get some rest, but the exchange left me uneasy. As everyone filed out, I caught Jacqueline by the arm. A word, please. When we were alone, I kept my voice low. I need this team working together smoothly.

Whatever you know about the artifact that the others don't, I need to be sure it won't affect our mission cohesion. Her green eyes met mine steadily. The artifact is potentially the most important discovery in human history, Commander. The Protocols exist to protect its integrity and our safety. I understand that, but this team needs to trust each other.

Secrets create divisions. Some information is restricted, even from you, Commander. Those are the orders. Her tone softens slightly. But I'll try to be more collaborative.

I wasn't satisfied, but I let her go. This wasn't a battle worth fighting on our first day. Later that night, after the others had gone to sleep, I sat alone in my quarters recording my daily log. Day one on Mars Surface complete. Team performed exceptionally during landing and transfer procedures.

Some tension regarding information sharing protocols will monitor situation. Expedition to northern poles scheduled to begin in three days, pending equipment checks and weather conditions. I paused the recording and reached for the small photo frame I'd placed on my desk. Julie smiled back at me, her blonde hair catching the sunlight in our backyard on Earth.

The picture was taken six months before the accident, before the drunk driver who took her away from me. I ran my thumb over her face. Three years had passed, but the pain still felt fresh some days. This mission was supposed to be my way forward, a new purpose, a reason to keep going when everything in me wanted to give up after she died.

I made it to Mars. Jules. I whispered to the empty room. Wish you could see it. I placed the photo back on the desk and finished my log entry.

Personal note first night on Mars. The gravity feels strange, Lighter than Earth, but heavier than our artificial gravity. On Hermes, the base is quiet except for the constant hum of life support systems. It's hard not to think about how far we are from home and everything we left behind. I ended the recording and looked out my small window at the Martian landscape bathed in pale Starlight.

Somewhere to the north lay the artifact, the reason we travelled so far. Whatever it was, I couldn't shake the feeling that it would change everything. I pulled the Rover to a stop at the base of a small Ridge. The Martian landscape stretched out ahead of us, a vast expanse of rust colored terrain under a pale pink sky.

3 days of driving through this desolate wilderness lay ahead before we'd reach the northern pole. Systems check complete. Jacqueline said from the seat beside me, her eyes fixed on her tablet. Environmental readings normal. Dale leaned forward from the back seat.

Ready when you are, Commander. I glanced at the second Rover through my side mirror. Doris sat behind the wheel with Landon and Brian beside her. She gave me a thumbs up. Bass Olympus, this is Rover one.

I said into my con. Final departure check complete. We're heading north now. Copy that Rover one, Came the automated response from our base systems. Safe travels.

Next scheduled check in at 2000 hours. I engaged the drive system and our six wheeled vehicle lurched forward, kicking up a small cloud of red dust. Rover 2 followed close behind as we began our journey across the Martian surface. The artifact extraction protocols are clear. Jacqueline said, not looking up from her tablet.

We'll need to establish the habitat first, then begin excavation using the Sonic drills. I've packed extra vibration dampeners. Dale added. The regolith at the pole might be more unstable than our initial reading suggested. I nodded, keeping my eyes on the terrain ahead.

The Rovers were designed to handle Mars rough surface, but I still needed to navigate carefully around larger rocks and sudden dips. What do you think we'll find? Dale asked. After a few minutes of silence. Jacqueline finally looked up from her tablet.

We know exactly what we'll find, Doctor Williamson. The probe images were quite clear. Images don't tell the whole story, I said. Whatever this thing is, it's not natural to Mars. That's why we're here.

The first day of travel passed without incident. We stopped every few hours to stretch our legs and check the Rovers, maintaining radio contact with Base Olympus at regular intervals. By nightfall, we'd covered nearly 100 miles. We set up our temporary camp between the two Rovers, using their bulk as a windbreak against the occasional Martian gusts.

The thin atmosphere meant the winds weren't powerful, but they carried fine dust that could work its way into equipment if we weren't careful. How's everyone holding up? I asked as we gathered around the portable heater in our pressurized tent. Fine. Doris said, rubbing her hands together.

Near the heat. Though I'll be glad when we reach the site and can set up proper quarters. Brian nodded in agreement. The sooner we get there, the sooner we can see this mysterious artifact for ourselves. Just remember the protocols.

Jacqueline said sharply. This isn't a sightseeing trip. I caught Landon rolling his eyes behind Jacqueline's back, and I shot him a warning look. We needed to maintain team cohesion, especially out here hundreds of miles from our base. The second day brought the first signs that something wasn't right.

We've been driving for about four hours when Dale suddenly grabbed my shoulder from the back seat. Stop, stop the Rover. He shouted. I hit the brakes, the vehicle sliding slightly on the loose soil. What is it?

Dale was staring out the window, his eyes wide. Don't you see them? The trees? I followed his gaze, but saw only the empty Martian plains. Dale, there are no trees on Mars, but they're right there.

He insisted, pointing frantically. A whole forest of them, just like the Pines back in Colorado. Jacqueline turned to face him. Doctor Williamson, you're experiencing A hallucination. There's nothing out there.

Dale blinked several times and rubbed his eyes. But I they were so real. He looked again, and his expression changed to confusion. They're gone now, I radioed. Rover 2.

Doris, Everything OK over there? There was a long pause before she answered. Commander, this is going to sound crazy, but I think I just saw an ocean. An ocean? I repeated.

Yes, like we were driving along the California coast. Blue water as far as I could see, but it's gone now. I felt a chill that had nothing to do with the Martian cold. Everyone stay alert, report any unusual sightings immediately. But remember, Mars has no oceans, no trees, nothing but rock and dust.

Whatever you think you're seeing isn't real, it's just exhaustion, Jacqueline said dismissively. Long hours in the Rovers unfamiliar environment. The human mind plays tricks when it's tired. Maybe, I said, not entirely convinced. Let's take a 15 minute break.

Everyone out, stretch your legs, clear your heads. As we stood outside in our Eva suits, Brian approached me privately. Commander, I didn't want to say this over the comms, but I've been hearing things. What kind of things? He looked embarrassed.

Children laughing. I know it's impossible, but it sounds so real. I nodded, trying to hide my concern. Noted in your log. We'll monitor the situation that night as we set up camp again.

I stepped away from the group to record my private log. Day 2 of Expedition to Northern Pole. Multiple crew members reporting sensory hallucinations. Visual and auditory. No apparent pattern yet, but increasing in frequency as we approach the artifact site.

Doctor McCoy suggests exhaustion, which is plausible, but I'm not convinced. I paused, debating whether to include my own experience. Professional integrity one out. I also experienced A brief visual hallucination this afternoon for approximately 10 seconds. I saw our old apartment in Houston, the 1 Julie and I shared before her accident.

It was so vivid I could see the yellow curtain she hung in the kitchen window. The vision disappeared when Doctor McCoy spoke to me. I closed my log and rejoined the others, keeping my concerns to myself. We needed clear heads for what lay ahead. The third day brought us to the pole.

The terrain grew more rugged as we approached, with ice formations mixed with the red soil. The artifact site was marked by automated beacons placed by the probe, guiding us to a shallow depression in the ground. There it is, Jacqueline said, pointing ahead. Her voice held an excitement I hadn't heard before. We parked the Rovers and began unloading the habitat modules.

Working together, we assembled the pressurized structure that would serve as our base for the excavation. Despite the strange experiences of the past two days, everyone performed their duties efficiently. Habitat established and pressurized, Landon reported. After running the final checks, Environmental systems nominal. Good work, everyone, I said, let's get some rest.

We'll begin excavation at O 700 tomorrow morning. Came with a sense of anticipation. We suited up and gathered the excavation equipment, including the Sonic drills and containment devices specified in Jacqueline's protocols. Remember, I said as we prepared to head out, safety first. No one touches anything without proper protection.

We follow the protocols to the letter. The excavation site was exactly where the probe had indicated a small depression in the Martian soil, with unusual readings coming from about two meters below the surface. Begin with a surface grid. Jacqueline instructed 1m increments. We need to map the exact dimensions before we start digging.

We worked methodically, mapping the area and then carefully removing the top layers of soil. The Sonic drills made the work faster than traditional digging, breaking up the compacted regolith without damaging what lay beneath. By midday, we had reached a depth of just over a meter when Brian's drill hit something solid. I've got something here, He called out.

We all gathered around as he carefully cleared away more soil, revealing a smooth, reflective surface. Proceed with extreme caution, Jacqueline said, her voice tight with excitement. Over the next hour, we gradually exposed more of the object. It was unlike anything I'd ever seen, a crystalline structure about 1m wide, with what looked like liquid flowing within its solid form.

As we remove the last of the soil covering it, the artifact began to emit a soft blue glow. Remarkable, Dale whispered. It's like it's alive. Jacqueline stepped forward, reaching toward it with her gloved hand. Stop.

I grabbed her arm. Protocol. Doctor McCoy, no direct contact. She looked at me, her eyes bright behind her helmet visor. Of course, Commander.

I was merely going to scan it. Use the remote sensors. I said firmly. No one touches that thing until we know more about it. We spent the next several hours documenting the artifact, taking readings and images from every angle.

The flowing movement inside never ceased, creating patterns that seemed almost purposeful containment time. I finally said. Let's get it secured for transport back to base. Following the protocols, we carefully placed the artifact into a specially designed container with built in sensors and stabilizers. The blue glow remained visible through the containers transparent sections secure and ready for transport.

Landon reported after running the final checks. Good, I said. We'll break down the habitat and head back to base Olympus first thing tomorrow. That night I found it hard to sleep. The container with the artifact had been secured in Rover 1, but I couldn't shake the feeling that something had changed since we'd unearthed it.

The hallucinations had stopped, but a new kind of unease had taken their place. I must have finally dozed off, because I suddenly jerked awake, sensing a presence in my small sleeping compartment. When my eyes adjusted to the darkness, I saw her. Julie was sitting on the edge of my bunk, looking exactly as she had the morning before her accident.

Her blonde hair caught the dim light from the status panel, and her blue eyes watched me with the same warmth that they always had. Julie. I whispered, my heart pounding. She smiled, but didn't speak. I reached out to touch her face, but my hand passed through her as if through smoke.

Her image wavered, then faded completely, leaving me alone in the darkness. I sat up, her breathing hard. It had seemed so real, more substantial than any dream. I could still smell her perfume, that vanilla scent she always wore. Sleep was impossible after that.

I lay awake until the alarm sounded, signalling it was time to begin our return journey. As we packed up the habitat, I noticed the others seemed distracted, avoiding eye contact with each other and with me. Finally, as we were loading the last of the equipment, I pulled Doris aside. Did anything unusual happen last night?

I asked quietly. She hesitated, then nodded. I saw my father. He died when I was in college. He was just standing there by my bunk, looking at me.

Anyone else experienced something similar? I asked when we gathered for a final briefing. One by one, they admitted to their own visions. Landon had seen his childhood dog. Brian had seen his brother who lived in Texas.

Dale had seen an old girlfriend. Only Jacqueline remained silent. Doctor McCoy? I prompted. Did you experience any unusual phenomena last night?

She shook her head. No, Commander. I slept quite soundly. Unlike the rest of you, I appear to be unaffected by these hallucinations. Something in her tone made me uneasy, but I had no reason to doubt her.

Still, as we boarded the Rovers for the return journey, I couldn't help wondering why she alone would be immune to whatever was affecting the rest of us. With the artifacts secured in Rover One, we began the three day journey back to base Olympus. I kept glancing at the container, watching the blue glow pulse gently like a heartbeat.

Whatever this thing was, it wasn't just some ancient relic or natural formation. It was something else entirely, and I couldn't shake the feeling that by bringing it back to our base, we were making a terrible mistake. I woke up to the sound of Doris screaming. My eyes snapped open and I rolled out of bed, grabbing my jumpsuit from the hook on the wall.

The screams came from the mess hall, raw panicked sounds that made my stomach drop. I yanked on my boots without bothering to tie them and ran down the corridor. The scene in the mess hall hit me like a punch to the gut. Dale had Doris pinned against the wall, his hands wrapped around her throat.

Her face was turning red as she clawed at his fingers. She's one of them. Dale screamed, spittle flying from his mouth. His eyes looked wild, unfocused. I saw her changing in her sleep, her face.

It wasn't human. Landon and I moved at the same time, grabbing Dale's arms and pulling him off Doris. She collapsed to the floor, gasping for air. Now get off me. Dale thrashed against our grip.

You don't understand. They're infiltrating the base. The artifact brought them here. Dale, that's enough. I twisted his arm behind his back, forcing him to his knees.

Doris is your colleague. Look at her. Doris coughed, rubbing her throat. What the hell, Dale? Her voice came out raspy and broken.

Dale's eyes darted around the room, settling on Doris with a mix of confusion and fear. I saw, I was sure I saw. He blinked rapidly, his breathing slowing. Oh God, Doris, I, Landon, help me get him to the Med Bay. I said, maintaining my grip on Dale's arm.

We need to sedate him. Landon nodded, his face pale. What's happening to us, Commander? I didn't answer, I couldn't, but I knew it had started after we brought that damn artifact back to base. After we secured Dale with restraints in the Med Bay and gave him a mild sedative, I headed to the communications module to update Houston on our deteriorating situation.

The door wouldn't open when I pressed my palm against the scanner. Brian. I called, knocking on the door. I need to send a priority message to Houston. No response, but I heard movement inside.

I tried again. Brian, open the door. That's an order. They'll hear us. Brian's voice came through, barely above a whisper.

The voices from the stone, they're listening to our transmissions. I pressed my face closer to the door. Brian, we need to contact Earth. Dale just attacked Doris. The situation is escalating.

No, His voice rose sharply. They're waiting for us to call home. That's how they spread through our words, our thoughts. I can hear them in the static. Through the small window in the door, I saw Brian hunched over the communications console.

Multiple screens showed active transmissions. He was broadcasting something. What are you sending, Brian? Warnings. Patterns they can't understand.

I'm trying to jam their signals. He looked up at me, his eyes red rimmed from lack of sleep. The artifact is broadcasting, Commander, can't you hear it? I tried my override code on the door panel, but Brian had physically barricaded the entrance. Equipment cases were stacked against the door from the inside.

I'll come back for you. I promised, knowing I needed to check on the artifact first. The lab was at the opposite end of the base. As I approached, I noticed the lights flickering slightly, a power fluctuation that shouldn't be happening with our redundant systems. The lab door was ajar, blue light spilling into the hallway.

Inside, I found Jacqueline standing over the artifacts container. The protective casing had been partially opened and her bare hand pressed against the crystal surface. The blue glow pulsed up her arm in vein like patterns. Jacqueline. I said quietly, not wanting to startle her step away from the container.

She didn't turn around. It speaks to me, Teddy. It knows things. I moved closer, careful to keep my distance from the artifact. What kind of things?

Everything, the past, the future. Her voice had a dreamy quality I'd never heard before. It's been waiting so long, millions of years in the ice, waiting for minds to connect with. Take your hand off it now. I kept my voice firm, authoritative.

Jacqueline finally turned to look at me, her eyes unfocused and dilated. It showed me what happened to Julie. The mention of my wife's name hit me like ice water. What did you say? Your wife, the drunk driver, the artifacts showed me.

It knows everything about us, Teddy. Everything we've lost, everything we want back. I grabbed her arm and forcibly pulled her away from the container. She fought against me with surprising strength. No, you don't understand.

She clawed at my face, drawing blood. It needs us. It can give us what we want. I slammed the container shut and engaged all the locks, then dragged Jacqueline toward the door despite her violent struggling. You're making a mistake, she screamed.

It shows us. It shows you specifically, Teddy. I managed to get her to the Med Bay where Dale was now sleeping. After sedating Jacqueline, I secured her to the second bed and stepped back, my hands shaking. Doris stood in the doorway, watching the bruises on her neck had darkened to purple.

We need to abort the mission, I said, wiping blood from my cheek where Jacqueline had scratched me. Whatever that thing is, it's affecting everyone's minds. Not everyone, Doris said quietly. You seem OK. I laughed bitterly.

I'm seeing my dead wife in my dreams every night. I'm far from OK. What's the plan, Commander? Secure the artifact, Contact Houston and prepare for emergency evacuation. I checked the restraints on Dale and Jacqueline one more time.

Can you stay with them while I try to get Brian out of communications? Doris nodded. Be careful. He was talking about voices all day yesterday. I spent the next three hours trying to convince Brian to open the communications room door, but he remained barricaded inside, broadcasting what he called counter signals to block the artifacts influence.

Eventually, I had to give up and focus on preparing the evacuation protocols without Houston's input. That night I fell into an exhausted sleep in my quarters, only to dream of Julie again. She sat on the edge of my bed, more real than ever before, the scent of her vanilla perfume filling the room.

You need to listen to Jacqueline dream. Julie said, stroking my face. The artifact can bring me back to you for real, not just in dreams. I reached for her hand, feeling the warmth of her skin against mine. You're not real.

I could be. Her smile was exactly how I remembered it. All you have to do is bring it home. The base alarm jolted me awake, its piercing whale cutting through the quiet night. The emergency lights pulsed red, casting eerie shadows across my quarters.

I grabbed my sidearm from the lock box under my bed and ran toward the lab. The corridor seemed to stretch and contract as I ran, my heart pounding in my ears. When I reached the lab, the door was wide open, the room bathed in that sickly blue glow. Brian lay on the floor, a pool of blood spreading beneath his head.

His eyes stared sightlessly at the ceiling, his mouth frozen in a silent scream. Jacqueline stood at the artifact container, which was now fully open. She cradled the crystalline object in her bare hands, the blue light pulsing up her arms and across her face. What have you done? I raised my gun, pointing it at her.

What needed to be done? Jacqueline's voice sounded different, deeper, with an odd resonance. Brian tried to stop me. He wouldn't listen. Put it down now.

My finger tensed on the trigger. It will take us home, Teddy. She smiled, but it wasn't her smile. Julie is waiting for you. The dimension of my wife's name again made my hand waver.

How did you get out of the Med Bay? Where's Doris? Sleeping. They're all sleeping now. Jacqueline stepped toward me, the artifact pulsing brighter.

The artifact has waited millions of years for minds like ours. It feeds on memories, emotions. It can make them real again. You killed Brian. I steadied my aim, a necessary sacrifice.

He was interfering with the connection. She took another step forward. Lower your gun, Teddy. You don't want to hurt Julie, do you? For a split second, I saw Julie's face superimposed over Jacqueline's, a perfect, heartbreaking illusion that made my breath catch.

You're not her. I whispered, then lunged forward to grab the artifact. Jacqueline moved with inhuman speed, swinging a metal case at my head. Pain exploded across my temple as I crashed to the floor, my guns skittering away across the smooth surface. My vision blurred, the room spinning around me.

Through the haze of pain. I watched helplessly as Jacqueline stepped over me, carrying the glowing artifact toward the airlock. Blue light pulsed around her like a second skin, illuminating her path as she walked away. Julie. I mumbled, reaching out as darkness closed in around me.

The last thing I saw was Jacqueline turning back, her face shifting between her own and my dead wife's, a terrible smile spreading across her features. Then everything went black. I woke up with my head pounding and the taste of blood in my mouth. Red emergency lights pulsed overhead, making the lab swim in and out of focus.

Brian's body lay a few feet away, a dark pool spread beneath his head. I tried to sit up and nearly blacked out again. Julie, I whispered and caught myself. Not Julie. Jacqueline, the artifact.

I pushed myself up, using a nearby table for support. My legs felt like rubber, and the cut on my face had crusted over with dried blood. The artifact container sat open and empty on the lab table. I stumbled to the door, catching myself on the frame. The corridor stretched ahead, emergency lights casting everything in a hellish red glow.

The alarm had stopped, but the lights continued their silent warning. Doris. I called out, my voice rough. Landon. No answer.

I made my way down the corridor, one hand on the wall for balance. The Med Bay door was open and I looked inside. Dale's restraints hung empty from the bed. Jacqueline's too. Shit.

I continued down the corridor, checking rooms as I went. The mess hall was empty, chairs overturned from whatever struggle had happened. Then I heard a low moan from behind the kitchen counter. Doris lay on the floor, a nasty gash on her forehead. Blood had matted in her black hair, and the bruises on her neck had darkened to an ugly purple.

I knelt beside her, checking her pulse, strong but rapid. Doris, can you hear me? Her eyelids fluttered but didn't open. She was alive but unconscious, and I couldn't leave her on the floor, so I gathered her up as gently as I could and carried her to the Med Bay, laying her on one of the empty beds.

I cleaned the wound on her head and applied a pressure bandage from the medical supplies. I'll be back. I told her, though I knew she couldn't hear me. I needed to find Landon and Dale and Jacqueline. I needed to find the artifact.

The command center was at the opposite end of the base from the lab. As I approached, I could see the door was sealed, but through the small window I caught a glimpse of movement inside. Landon. I called, tapping on the glass. Landon, it's me, Open up.

Landon's face appeared at the window, his eyes wide and unfocused. He'd barricaded himself inside, just like Brian had done with the communications room. Commander. He said, his voice muffled through the thick glass. They're everywhere, in the walls, in our heads.

Landon, I need you to open the door. We have to secure the base. He shook his head frantically. Can't let them in. They want in my head.

Like Brian, like Dale. What happened to Dale? I asked, pressing closer to the glass. He went outside, said he had to, said they were calling him. Landon's eyes darted around the room.

They're in the air, Commander, in every breath. He held up his oxygen filter, the one we all wore when the bases air quality dropped below optimal levels. It was standard equipment, filtering out the fine Martian dust that occasionally made it through the ventilation system. Landon, put your filter back on. I said slowly, trying to keep my voice calm.

No, no, no, he muttered. That's how they get in through the filters. I figured it out. Landon, listen to me, you need oxygen. Put the filter back on.

But he was beyond reason, backing away from the door, still muttering about voices and signals. I couldn't get to him through the barricaded door, and I couldn't waste more time. I had to find Dale and Jacqueline. I went to my quarters and grabbed my sidearm again, checking that it was loaded. Then I headed for the airlock.

The status panel showed that Airlock 2 had been cycled recently. Someone had gone outside Dale, according to Landon. But where was Jacqueline? And more importantly, where was the artifact? I checked the Rover Bay next.

Rover 2 sat where we'd left it after returning from the pole, but Rover One was gone. I ran to the control panel and pulled up the Rover tracking system. The blinking dot that represented Rover One was moving away from the base, heading north back toward the pole. Jacqueline had the artifact and she was taking it back where we found it, or somewhere else entirely.

I grabbed an Eva suit from the storage rack and started putting it on my movements quick and practiced. I take Rover 2 and go after her, but first I needed to check on Dale. The external storage Bay was accessed through airlock three. I cycled through and stepped out onto the Martian surface, the familiar crunch of regolith under my boots.

The storage Bay was a separate structure, connected to the main base by a short walkway. I opened the outer door of the storage Bay and swept my flashlight across the interior. Equipment, cases, spare parts, extra oxygen tanks, all the overflow that wouldn't fit in the main base. And Dale. He was slumped against the far wall, his Eva suit intact but his helmet visor open to the Martian atmosphere.

His face was frozen in a rictus of peace, eyes open but clouded over with frost. He'd removed his helmet deliberately, like Landon removing his filter, but more final. I closed his visor gently and left him there. There was nothing I could do for him now. Back inside the base, I checked on Doris again, still unconscious, but her breathing seems steadier.

Then I went to the command center door. Landon, I'm going after Jacqueline. She took Rover One in the artifact. There was no response. I peered through the window and saw him slumped in a chair, his head lolled to one side.

The filter lay on the floor beside him. Landon. I pounded on the door, but I knew it was useless without the oxygen filter. He'd slowly suffocated while I was outside checking on Dale. Half my crew was dead, Brian in the lab, Dale in the storage Bay, and now Landon and Jacqueline was headed back to the pole with the artifact that it somehow caused all this.

I returned to the Med Bay to check on Doris one more time before leaving. To my surprise, her eyes were open, tracking my movement as I entered. Commander. She whispered, her voice raw. Doris, thank God.

I moved to her side, checking the bandage on her head. How do you feel? Like I got hit by a truck. She tried to sit up, winced, and lay back down. What happened?

Jacqueline has the artifact. She's taken Rover 1 and is heading north. The others. I shook my head. Brian, Dale, Landon, they're all dead.

Doors closed her eyes for a moment, absorbing the news. When she opened them again, they were clear and focused. We have to destroy it, she said. The artifact? Yes, it's it's not just an object.

It's alive. Somehow it gets in your head. She touched the bandage on her forehead. Jacqueline did this. She said the artifact needed her to take it home.

I'm going after her. I said, Can you walk? Doris nodded and slowly sat up, swinging her legs over the side of the bed. I'm coming with you. You're injured.

You can't face her alone. Doris cut in. You saw what she did to Brian, what the artifact did to all of them. We go together. I knew she was right.

Whatever Jacqueline had become, whatever the artifact was doing to her, I couldn't handle it alone. We suited up and took Rover 2, following the tracking signal from Rover 1. Jacqueline had a head start, but the Rovers all had the same top speed. We'd catch up eventually. What do you remember?

I asked Doris as we drove across the Martian landscape. After you took Jacqueline to the Med Bay, I checked on Dale. He seemed calm, sedated. I went to help you with Brian, but on the way I ran into Jacqueline in the corridor. Doris touched her head wound.

She shouldn't have been able to break free of those restraints. She had help, I said grimly. The artifact, It's more than just hallucinations, Doris said. It's like it learns from us, uses our memories, our emotions. I thought of Julie, how real she had seemed in my dreams.

The vanilla perfume, her voice. I've been seeing my wife, I admitted. Julie. She died three years ago. I saw my father, Doris said quietly.

He's been gone 10 years now. It felt so real. We drove in silence for a while, the Martian landscape rolling by outside the Rover windows, red dust rocks and the occasional small crater. The tracking dot for Rover One was getting closer there. Doris pointed to a plume of dust on the horizon.

Rover One. I pushed our Rover to its maximum speed, closing the gap. As we got closer, I could see Jacqueline had stopped at a small Ridge, not the pole yet, but heading in that direction. I pulled up alongside Rover 1 and saw Jacqueline inside, the artifact glowing blue in the passenger seat beside her.

Her face was veined with the same blue light, pulsing under her skin like a network of tiny rivers. And stay in the Rover, I told Doris, grabbing my sidearm. If something happens to me, get back to base and send a warning to Houston. Be careful, she said, her hand briefly touching my arm.

I cycled through the Rover's small airlock and stepped out onto the Martian surface. Jacqueline watched me approach through Rover One's window, her expression unnaturally calm. The blue light beneath her skin pulsed faster. I tapped on the window, gesturing for her to open the airlock. For a moment I thought she would refuse, but then she nodded and hit the control.

The outer door slid open. I stepped inside, cycled through, and removed my helmet once the pressure equalized. Jacqueline, I said, keeping my sidearm ready but not pointed directly at her. What are you doing? Taking it home, She said, her voice carrying that same odd resonance I'd heard in the lab.

It's waited so long, Commander, Millions of years buried in the ice. What is it? I asked, inching closer. The artifact sat on the passenger seat, it's crystalline structure glowing with blue light that seemed to reach toward Jacqueline. It's a traveller, She said, stroking the artifact with 1 blue veined hand.

A collector. It feeds on memories, emotions, consciousness. It was dying when we found it starving, but now it's awake again. It killed my crew, I said, my grip tightening on the sidearm. They weren't strong enough, Jacqueline said dismissively.

Their minds couldn't handle it. But you can. It shows you specifically, Commander. It saw you through me, through all of us. Your grief for Julie makes you perfect.

I raised the sidearm, pointing it at the artifact. Step away from it, Jacqueline. Her face hardened, the blue veins pulsing more intensely. You don't understand what this means, what it can do. It can make her real again.

She moved with that same inhuman speed I'd seen in the lab, lunging for me before I could fire. We crashed against the Rover wall, my sidearm clattering to the floor. Jacqueline was stronger than she should have been, her hands closing around my throat with crushing force. I brought my knee up hard into her stomach, breaking her grip, and followed with an elbow strike to her jaw.

She staggered back but recovered quickly, blue light flaring under her skin. We grappled in the confined space of the Rover, crashing against control panels and seats. Despite her enhanced strength, I had the advantage of size and training. I managed to pin her against the wall, one arm twisted behind her back. It's over, Jacqueline.

I gasped, out of breath from the struggle. The artifact stays here, You don't understand. She hissed, still struggling. It needs us, it's been alone for so long. I found a restraint kit in the Rover's emergency supplies and bound Jacqueline's hands behind her back, then secured her to one of the seats.

She continued to struggle and curse as I examined the artifact. Up close, I could see the liquid inside the crystalline structure moving with purpose, almost like it was watching me. The blue light pulsed and rhythm like a heartbeat. It feeds on us, Jacqueline said, her voice calmer now on our memories, our emotions, our consciousness.

It consumes what makes us human and gives back echoes, reflections. Julie. I said yes, and the others loved ones. It learns from what it consumes, creates from what it takes. She looked at me, her eyes glowing faintly blue.

It's been waiting millions of years for mines to consume, and now it's found us. I secured the artifact in its container, though I didn't fully close it. I wasn't sure what would happen if I cut off its connection to Jacqueline completely. Then I returned to Rover 2 to check on Doris. I've got her, I told Doris as I climbed back into our Rover.

And the artifact? She says it feeds on consciousness, on memories. Is that what happened to the others? Doris asked. It ate their minds, I think so.

Or it drove them to destroy themselves. I described what Landon had done with his filter, what Dale had done with his helmet. It makes you see things, people you've lost, but they're not real. What do we do now? We destroy it, I said firmly.

We take it back to the pole and blow it to hell. Doris nodded, her face pale but determined. I'll help you. We transfer Jacqueline to Rover 2, keeping her restrained and under watch. Then I drove Rover One with the artifact secured in its container, while Doris followed in Rover 2 with our prisoner.

The journey back to the pole took several hours. As we drove, I began to see Julie again, Not in dreams this time, but sitting in the passenger seat beside me, looking as real as she had in life. I could smell her vanilla perfume. It's trying to reach you, Jacqueline had warned before we separated.

It knows you're the key. Don't listen to what it shows you. But Julie looked so real. She spoke to me, her voice exactly as I remembered. You don't have to do this, Teddy.

She said, reaching out to touch my arm. I could feel her, actually feel her hand, warm and solid. We can be together again. All you have to do is bring it back to Earth. I kept driving, trying to ignore her, but she became more insistent, more real with every mile.

By the time we reached the pole, she was solid enough that I could touch her face, feel the texture of her hair. I've missed you so much, I whispered, my resolve weakening. We set up a small base camp at the pole, near where we'd originally found the artifact. I retrieved the explosives we brought for rock sampling from Rover 2 storage compartment.

They would be enough to destroy the artifact, I hoped. Doris watched over Jacqueline while I prepared the charges. Julie followed me, becoming more real by the minute. Please don't do this, she begged, tears in her eyes. I can come back, Teddy.

We can have our life together, the life that was stolen from us. You're not real, I said, but my voice lacked conviction. She felt real, looked real, smelled real. I can be, she promised. The artifact can make it happen.

It can bring me back permanently. I placed the charges around the artifact container, which I'd set on the ground, a safe distance from the Rovers. My hands shook as I worked. Julie knelt beside me, her presence so familiar that made my heart ache. All you have to do is bring it back to Earth, she said.

Think of all the people that could help, all the lost loved ones that could return. I hesitated, my finger on The detonator. What if she was right? What if the artifact could bring her back? Teddy.

Doris's scream broke through my thoughts. I turned to see Jacqueline had somehow broken free of her restraints again. She had Doris in a chokehold, the blue veins on her arms pulsing as she squeezed. I ran toward them, but Julie grabbed my arm. Let them go, She said, her voice suddenly different, colder, harder.

They don't matter. Only we matter. I looked into her eyes and saw something alien there, something that had never been part of the real Julie. You're not her. I said, pulling away.

You're just an echo, a reflection. I tackled Jacqueline, breaking her hold on Doris, who fell to the ground, gasping for air. Jacqueline fought with that same inhuman strength, but this time I was ready for it. I managed to subdue her, pinning her to the ground. It's too late.

She laughed, blue light pulsing beneath her skin. It's already inside you, inside all of us. I looked back at the artifact, at the charges I'd set. Julie stood there, more real than ever, her arms outstretched toward me. Please, Teddy, she called.

We can be together forever. For a moment, I almost believed it, almost wanted it to be true. But then I remembered the real Julie. Not this perfect simulation, but the woman I'd loved. The woman who died three years ago.

Goodbye, Julie, I said, and press The detonator. The explosion ripped through the Martian silence, a bright flash followed by a shockwave that knocked me off my feet. When the dust settled, there was nothing left of the artifact but scattered crystalline shards, already turning dull and lifeless. Julie was gone, and Jacqueline lay unconscious beside me, the blue veins fading from her skin.

Doris helped me to my feet, her face dirty but relieved. Is it over? She asked. I looked at the crater where the artifact had been at the lifeless shards scattered across the red soil. Yes, I said.

It's over.