A Martian Return (Part One) NR

I take the Aarwolf into deep space, shutting down the warp engines so we can slip past the hidden Orbital Line, a huge amount of hidden long-range AS (anti-space) guns that will eliminate any possible threat that shows signs of advanced technology. But there is no need, for as we approach the location of Mars, the scanners pick up random blips and objects. With a start, I realize that the UFOs are actually enemy battleships being ripped apart by the Orbital Line. But the problem was that there are battleships! The intergalactic uber-destroyers have never been seen or needed since the inception of Martian Home Republic, and the MHR Fleet and Army do not stand a chance against the huge ships. Fortunately, I am a quick thinker.

With expert piloting, I steer towards the location of the hidden hangar doors. And with a few scans of the area and a couple lines of code, the huge red Ecometal-infused doors open. The ship comes to a smooth stop on the polished landing platform, and the airlocks immediately open. I walk out first, ERR (energy repeating rifle) drawn, and for good reason. Everywhere I look there is evidence of an extreme battle! What worries me, however, is that there are NO bodies. I shudder as I recall tales of the dreaded Martian disease released from a biological weapons facility. There are many other tales of mysterious disappearances lately, and it could be any range of things. From flesh eating mutant space-slugs to invisible bandits. For the first time in a long while, I was scared. I was scared for my tribe, buried in the dirt, or maybe still walking the dark halls, scared out of their wits with guns drawn...