CHAPTER 1: RED HORIZON

20 February 2143

The day he left was dark and cold, perfectly fitting his mood.

Mark Harrison wanted to leave. He had poisoned his life on his own home planet with so many bad memories and regrets that the prospect of spending four years on the cold and lifeless Mars seemed like the sweet salvation that he had feverishly sought. He did not tell any of his few living relatives about his departure – he did not want to hear from them. He did not have a family to miss him, or friends to think about him. He was completely alone in a world populated by ten billion human beings, and he had long ago admitted to himself that he preferred his solitude.

There was only one thing in the world that kept his will to live. Yet, this cherished treasure was threatened, and he had only one thing to do, if he wanted to save it... He kept repeating to himself that working on Mars would be exciting – he used to dream about flying in space and adventure when he was kid. That time was long ago, and harsh reality had successfully suffocated the previous dreams and aspirations.

Heavy snow had covered everything in sight, slowing down the bus's movement towards the Spaceport terminal where the "Shadow Dancer" was being prepared for launch. The host on the radio show that played from the speakers made unenthusiastic efforts to cheer up his listeners among the major annoyance of the unexpected snow.

Harrison held a thin folder in his hands – it contained all documents needed for his departure and arrival on Mars. In less than twenty-four hours, he would be the newest security officer at Mars City, bound to stay indoors for four years. He had heard that it was possible to walk outside on the surface of Mars, yet that was described as an unpleasant experience. Some of the marines that returned from UAC Mars Base told stories of the Sergeant in command there, who punished marines by sending them to patrol outside for a week.

Thomas Kelly... Mark had heard a lot about him – a man with strong will and principles and a very good commander, although a little too dedicated to his profession. The Sergeant said the truth in his message – there were no former marines, just as there were no former policemen or physicians. The professional training these people received marked them for life. The same was valid for marines, humans trained to operate as machines – without emotion, without mistakes.

Some time ago, Mark Harrison made a mistake, misled by his emotions.

The memories and guilt followed him like his own shadow, and he hoped he could escape from them by going to Mars. At least his solitude protected him from the compassion of his peers. He did not want compassion, never asked for it. He did not need it.

"Mark Harrison? We checked your traveling arrangements and everything seems in order. You will be allowed to get on the ship after half an hour. Until then, we suggest you go to the café, it is warm in there."

The clerk closed his folder and headed in the said direction. Harrison could do nothing else but follow him – the wind blew the snow into his face, and his fingers had changed their color to pale blue. He went indoors but did not take anything to eat or drink because his stomach felt sick. Just half an hour more... then he would have his chance to run away from the shadows.


"All passengers and crew, this is Captain K. Bruuk speaking. We will be lifting off in less than two minutes, and I want everyone on this ship in their anti-grav seats, unless you wish to arrive on Mars with all bones in your body broken. I will need you to keep your seatbelt fastened until we get into outer space. Also, the ship is going to shake violently – hold you teeth fillings tight so that you won't lose them. Finally, I would expect you to check the leaflets with instructions about the rules and emergency procedures of this ship. Thank you, and have a nice flight with the "Shadow Dancer." Captain Bruuk out."

Harrison had already fastened the seatbelt and read the leaflets. He had passed through all this many times in the simulator. He was trained to ignore the thought that this time the flight was real. There had not been any significant accidents since the regular flights began, yet most emergency situation simulations predicted the death of no less than 90% of the crew and passengers in case of a hull breach or engine failure. Mark did not care about the risk. He would not care even if a hull breach appeared right under his nose...

Mark decided that he would do his best to suppress the depression once he reached UAC Mars Base, and if he failed ad the shadows kept lurking in his mind, he could always take a stroll outside... without a breathing mask. He was constantly told that he was not guilty about anything, but something deep inside him just knew better.

He pressed one of the buttons beside the seat, and it assumed the position for sleeping. The long flight was going to be completely boring, and he did not intend to spend it staring at the wall...


21 February 2143

The signal sounded through the ship several times, waking up everyone. Mark Harrison reasoned that arrival was close. He glanced at one of the observation monitors and saw Mars hanging ominously in the space in front of the ship. The red planet was very close, and so was Harrison's new job. He was sure he could do it – just four years, and then back home to finish what he started last year. The former marine frowned and forced himself to forget, at least for these four years ahead, all thoughts about the unfinished business he left behind on Earth.

"We can see you on the long-range scanners, "Shadow Dancer," the optimal landing route should now be displayed on your navigation system screen. Take it easy and have a smooth landing."

"Roger that, tower. UASV "Shadow Dancer" ready to land, estimated landing time – sixteen minutes. We are glad to be back... in one piece," Captain Bruuk's voice sounded in response. He let the messages from the UAC Mars Base control center through the ship's central announcement system, as the most solid proof that the ship had arrived in one piece.

Mark Harrison sighed and looked at Mars once again. His new life waited for him there, as well as all unknown challenges that he would inevitably face. The ship approached the hangar entrance, and dived into its unknown depths...