James wasn’t the only one out on a survey when all hell had broken loose. He wasn’t the only one stranded after his rover had been smashed by the falling ice. He was, however, the only one who didn’t have a chance to contact Tombaugh Base.

Still, he considered himself lucky. James had found safety in the cave. From the cave, he watched as his vehicle was impacted again and again by the hail, until it was no longer recognizable.

That could have been me, he thought solemnly.

For some of the others who were also out surveying, it was.

James sat down near the cave entrance to rest. His body ached from the beating he took just getting to the cave. He could feel his body temperature dropping, and knew his suit’s climate regulator was struggling. He could see Tombaugh Base in the distance, and it was oddly comforting.

He leaned backed to wait; for the rain to ease, or for rescue, or…not.