It was a strange week. Time was divided between shutting down systems, eating what they had, exploring the area with the drone and robot dog, and doing little experiments they suddenly found time for. The day before departure, their encampment was all buttoned up. When they lifted off the next day, the heat would be left on automatic, to run as long as the solar array allowed. If it failed, any remaining plants would slowly freeze, but at least the fish were all gone.
In the morning, the procession of meat sacks clad in high-tech suits made its way to the Candle and climbed the ladder to the entry hatch. More ladders beckoned inside. The cabin wasn’t exactly a penthouse hotel room, but the little bit of elbow room it provided was nice. Kira guided them through procedures until everything was complete, except the decision to light the fire.
Kira said, “We’re at 30 seconds and holding, guys. Before we scoot, Bob has a suggestion.”
Bob said, “Here’s your last chance to send Mars a message, up close and personal. In a few words or sentences, leave this planet with whatever you want to say. Siggy?
“Mission accomplished. Mars, you’re a crafty bugger. You won this round, I salute you.”
“Antwon?”
“It was a tough gig, but we did it. So long and thanks for the atmosphere. Couldn’t have done it without that.”
"Staci?”
“You gave us a hell of a show. Hats off to you, Mars.”
“Bill?”
“You made us work hard for our sunshine. Someday it will get easier. Hope I can be around to see that. Bye for now.”
Bob said, “It’s been real. But I’m ready to go. So long, you would-be killer.”
Kira said, “My turn then. First, I couldn’t have asked for a finer team, and I’m so glad we stayed safe to the end. So thanks for not killing any of us, Mars. Candle 1 to Candle 2: We can’t see you from here, but our instruments tell us you’re nearly full of juice. Stand by for further instructions. I know you’ll be ready when they come back.” She continued. “Now, who's for liftoff?”
One by one, they replied in the affirmative, then she restarted the countdown. Half a minute later, the roar and the kick removed all their doubts as the rocket accelerated and left the ground in a cloud of dust. Higher and higher it went on a plume of carbon dioxide, water vapor, and fire.
Behind them lay a ghost plantation. A store with no customers. Ready until it wasn’t. And if there really were any Martian ghosts, they could infiltrate now. Without the laughter and the din provided by human inhabitants, there was little to make them shy away, save for the soft whir of heaters and the click of relays - until they broke or until someone returned.