In the NASA’s hall for the press conference set silence. There were six people excepting Patrick, and they were under the deep impression from what they saw and heard.
Patrick, who made the report, felt satisfaction while watching the impressions which appeared on their faces. Even the chef looked thoughtful, as if he was sleepy. No wonder! Not every day you have to hear such news. On a distant planet Mars the unknown transmitter was broadcasting using for this purpose the federal’s encoded frequency.
All present in the hall were waiting for the speech of Roy Steinberg who was the assistant of NASA’s director.
‘Can be it an error maybe or not?’ With a timid hope in his voice he asked, running his tenacious gaze of those who were present in the room.
Every man under his gaze was lowering his head, or was looking around. None of the specialists in the conference hall had more or less clear explanation.
‘I see.’ Roy Steinberg said. ‘And you are the men who are going to send the expedition on Mars. Late! Somebody already did it!’
Head of the department of space’s researches who supervised the Martian’s projects, Denials Kowalski squirmed in his chair, coughed softly. Thus, he expressed his disagreement.
‘Roy... sorry… sir. There is no country in the world, which have had technology for mission to Mars, spacecraft with the crew on board. There must be some misunderstanding. We’ll find out what is going on. We will clear the situation.’
‘When? When the Martians arrived to us?’ Steinberg replied sarcastically. ‘Okay. Did you have any consultations with FBI? The unknown transfer still uses their frequency. It’s another inexplicable mystery. Why does it use the frequency of the Federal Bureau? Do they have there one of their agent who was lost among the Martian’s channels?’ Steinberg again joked sarcastically.
None of those who were presented in the hall did not dare to smile, only Patrick as the hero of sensation, the discoverer of the signal allowed himself a grin. He felt an inexplicable satisfaction because he, the young and till today unknown scientist, put on the ears such a reputable organizations as NASA. And though he did not personally broadcasted from Mars, but he felt as if he was directly related to the unknown transmitter.
It seems that some of the people gathered in the hall, and to tell the truth all of them, who were present in the room, suspected that Patrick simply plays tricks on them. But no one of them could prove it. Thus it would be much easier. No one would have had to wrestle one’s head with an unexplained puzzle. But they couldn’t check his words with a lie detector check; he says the truth or lie to them. Also they couldn’t show him that they don’t believe him. On the other hand, to make all situation looks authentically he would have to reprogram the satellites and transponders operating in the Martian’s direction. One person without help couldn’t make it, unless he has an accomplice. But what's the point? Kowalski did not see the sense.
‘I think how to formulate our query to the Federal Agency.’ From afar he began on. ‘We can not just simply call the FBI and say that our stations recorded on Mars transmitter operating at their coded frequency. They will not understand us.’
‘Agree. But in which way we can formulate a query that does not cause the misunderstandings of federals? But at the same time get them to check all their secret transmitters and frequency?’ Steinberg looked at Kowalski with a look as if his job was to ask the riddles to the head of the department, to which Kowalski could not find a clear answer, the only thing that he didn’t mark the time whereas he was figuring out the new riddles.
‘Everything is fine with this.’ Kowalski said with satisfaction. We’ll tell them that we caught a signal, but not put them on notice that the signal goes from Mars. Let they have all checked with their frequencies. Maybe they have some kind of failure or attack by hackers.’
‘Well, why not,’ said quietly Nick who was sitting next to Nick Patrick, ‘w all put our hope only for hackers. We can’t figure out anything else.’
‘In case if they find out that they have everything in order in their organization, but for example they have a missing agent…’ continuing Kowalski.
‘Of course, flew on a mission to Mars, and there lost his secret transmitter! Where is he himself now? Where is the missing agent? Had already departed from Mars, forgetting about his transmitter? Probably he was somewhere in a hurry? I’d like to know where. To Jupiter? To Pluto?’ Could not resist, interrupted him Steinberg.
On the faces of those who were presented in the conference hall appeared smile. The current situation in its seriousness looked both comical.
‘We won’t hurry with our conclusions. It passed not much time since we’ve got the signal. While the FBI will proceed their own investigate, we’ll meantime thoroughly study the situation with the transmitter. Um, we need fresh ideas.’ Kowalski began to think, waiting at the same time when the junior researchers, justifying their title of bright minds, will give him such ideas. He was not wrong.
Nick Stone raised his hand.
‘There is one idea, sir.’ He nodded at Patrick Dotson. ‘Patrick tells them.’
Patrick straightened his shoulders, looked around at the assembled people. A few pairs of concentrated eyes focused at him.
“Steinberg got gray eyes. Never noticed it before.” Suddenly he thought.
‘The idea is,’ slowly, thinking about each word, Patrick began to speak, ‘as you all well aware, in an area where the transfer is carried out, a few years ago conducted researches the Martian’s station Incredible. After fulfilled its entire program, the station was devoted to conservation. Some units are still in operation, some failed at the end of researches. The most serious damages of station were inflicted by the Martian’s hurricane named Magda. Then about the station, if I may say so all forgot. Only by a happy coincidence, the location of station is in about a quarter miles from the radio source. If we could able to activate the station and pass the coordinates of the object, it is possible that Incredible gets his own way there, and resolve, I hope all the puzzles. Put everything in its place. The ground there is flat and solid. I think the stock of nuclear fuel is quite enough for a little trip. Plus, if necessary, the station can get the auxiliary power from the solar panels. Although, I would not count on it after so many sandstorms which station endured. Everything should turn out well. Plus the weather on Mars at that time is conducive to such idea.’ Patrick paused. In words really, all should turned out well.
In the meeting room for a moment set silence. Scientists who listened to their young colleague, already mentally traced all the way, which the station should overcome. Many of them knew the map of that place almost by heart.
Steinberg weighing in mind all the “pros” and “cons” gave the green light for the operation, which immediately called Zero M.
The scientists began to leave the meeting room. Nick and Patrick had got upcoming challenges to activate the Martian’s station and reprogram the onboard computer. Not the easiest task if take into the consideration that huge distance which separates the plateau on Mars and space’s research center.
But another way out, the scientists have not seen.

* * *

Paco slept with a deep electronic sleep. No, Paco was not a living creature. So the designers of the Martian’s station jokingly dubbed the Incredible during assembly and adjustment of components and systems in the laboratories of Space’s Agency. The name “Paco” stuck to it and programmers in a joke even created a software file that explains to the space’s station that she was not a dead pile of iron, stuffed with chips and computers, but almost alive, with a conscious being. Scientists while doing so subconsciously were preparing for a possible meeting, if not with the Martians, but with the other civilizations whose representatives could easily meet Paco on Mars. Mars is not like a Central Park in New York. No one in the world knows what is happening on its surface, when the people do not see.
NASA’s scientists wanted in some way to humanize the machine, making it more intellectual, more “alive”. That at a meeting with the aliens looks in their eyes on a certain technological level. Therefore the Martian’s station very well “knew” that officially she is called Incredible and not officially Paco. If one could say so, a friendly body to everyone!
Paco has got memory and memories of his childhood. Yes, yes, do not be surprised. Developers of Paco were his parents, it was written in its files. Paco even had hobbies. He loved music! Paco didn’t like pop he preferred rock, especially the Queen. His favorite song was We Are the Champions. In the old days, when Paco had just arrived on Mars, he during his research he often switched on in the full volume the composition of this once very popular band in his homeland. It was strange and unusual to hear among the Martian’s silence the rock chords created in a completely different world.
But imagine the following scene. It’s evening. In the cold, gray Martian’s sky begin to light up the stars as far away as in the sky of the Earth. The only difference was the much smaller Sun and two satellites, which in turns simultaneously were visible in the sky of Mars or both disappeared and monotonous landscape for thousands of years. But here, in the vast area suddenly was appearing a tiny dot. It moves. Then the ears hear the sounds of music. It’s Paco who was riding in the Martian’s twilight on a plateau, entertaining himself and the ghosts of ancient Martians by earthly music.
In the days of his youth, Paco was in a great demand. He drilled the surface, took the samples of rocks and atmosphere, and watched the seismic activity of the planet was looking for traces of ancient artifacts, almost continuously conducted video and photography of the Martian’s landscape. Well, is it possible to list all, what he carried out in accordance with his program? Of course not. But then the day came when it was over. The research program was carried out and Paco had been forgotten. No, Paco, of course, does not turn into a lifeless heap of metal, but its electronic eyes are not so keenly saw, its antenna sometimes were failing to transmit information. And his heart, a nuclear reactor was not burning as hot as before. Paco, obeying the command from the distant Earth has activated the sleeping mode.
But then came the joyful day when people reminded about him again. Had deploying the solar cells, activating a nuclear reactor, checking all programs and fixed damages, Paco moved on rode across the plain towards the place where the map indicated. He again was in a demand. The distant Earth needed him.
Paco turned on the music. In order was only one loud speaker. For Paco was enough that. But for the people, who were sitting in the remote control center, was a big success that Paco heard them at all, activated, was obeying to their commands and was able to move around.
NASA’s scientists who gathered in the control center held their breath were watching with the attention for the movement of the station. For space rover to overcome two kilometers, was not an easy task even on Earth. What to say about such a walk on an alien planet. There could happen anything. It could fail reactor, break chassis, unfocused the video cameras. Paco could just fall into a pit or get stuck in the crack.
Subconsciously all who were watching the station were waiting for some kind of trouble.
But Paco overcame almost half separated him and the object of research distances and all went well. On the big screens of the Control Center always was visible a picture transmitted from Mars in real time, however, with some delay because of the huge distances. Most of the scientists who were present at the Control Center were busy with a hard work. They could not afford themselves idly admire the progress of the rover on the big screen. Everyone was looking at the computer’s monitor located on his desk. In the Control Center gathered everyone who had anything to do with the creation of Paco.
It was necessary to monitor the parameters, temperature, fuel consumption, check the map and to adjust the route. Paco also had to handle the local maps of Mars inherent in his onboard computer. But the detailed maps of Mars did not exist, and before to pass the next few meters, Paco had to study the map, and if it was not, then examine of radar’s data. But usually he did both. There was just a program that simultaneously with the movement of the rover was creating a detailed map of the area on which Paco rode. The aim was not only to have a map of the area, but if it would be necessary, Paco could return back using its own traces to the starting point. If such need arises in the automatic mode, without correction from the Earth. And such a need could arise very easily. For example, they could loose communication that could easily happen at such a huge distance. Paco in a similar situation could use created by him maps, and easy find his way back.
To the object left no more than two hundred meters. The tension in the Mission Control Center of NASA has increased to the utmost. And so it happened. Someone of scientists who was sitting in the audience hall saw created with the hands of Max and Jennifer pyramid! It is impossible to describe in words what happened then. It seemed everybody got crazy… surprised shouts, whoops. Through the hall, like surf passed and seized hum and noise of voices. At first, smudged and unclear, with the approaching to the object, the picture on the screen became increasingly clear, gaining clarity and sharpness. There could be no doubt; Paco was approaching the Martian’s artifact. Just there was a source of signal for the Earth!
‘Lord! Pyramid! I see the pyramid!’ Nick Stone cried out, jumping up of his chair. ‘Impossible. Incredible!’
‘Where? Where? I do not see!’ jumping up of their seats, dissatisfied asked those who have not yet had time to consider in a vague outlines of distant images of the Martian the pyramid.
But no one heard them. No one showed. No one explained. People literally got numb. Not hearing each other, with chained to the monitors and screens looks. Something indescribable was going on there, something that was beyond their understanding.
But then Paco almost came close to an unexpected object and stopped his movement in just three meters from the pyramid. His cameras began to scrutinize the artifact from top to bottom. Had been activated the analyzers, scanners, photo-video cameras. The clearest images were immediately encoded and dispatched through the antenna to Earth in the NASA.
‘Is it possible that the Martians really existed?’ exclaimed some one of scientist. ‘Do they also build the pyramids? But where is he transmitter? I can’t see it.’
Paco immediately got a new order. He has to find with its scanner the transmitter.
Everyone cherished the tiny hope that the transmitter if it really existed fell off from any station which were on Mars before. For example, from Paco, though he has never been in this area. Perhaps he himself rode here at a time while nobody on the Earth was interested in him. Although all well were aware that this is impossible. Paco could not by itself, without an order goes where he wanted. Only in the case if his computer was damaged and Paco, if one may say “go crazy.” But Paco was in his mind.
There also existed the version that the transmitter could got there from some Russian’s station. But even if this is so, why did it use the FBI’s frequency?’
In short, there were a lot of puzzles but even a single clue. But the most important thing was that in that area had never been the Russian’s stations.
Scanners of Paco carefully probed the walls of the pyramid. Flashed up laser and strolled over the rocks. Using the spectrum, the analyzers of station conducted an express analysis. There were nothing special, ordinary Martian’s rocks. Stones like stones and nothing more! Nothing! Zero! Transmitter was not there!

Some of the scientists suggested that the transmitter can be either inside the pyramid or below the pyramid. In principle, Paco was equipped with quite powerful drills, so that if necessary he could drill both a pyramid and the stones of which it was made. But in NASA’s control room there was another idea. Explore the pyramid on the other side. It was strange that no one thought about it before.
Paco got another order. He began gently move around the left side of the pyramid. The image on the monitors and screens also began to change. Everyone froze in anticipation.
Paco drove around the pyramid and stopped. On the rocky wall, on a gold chain was hanging down Jennifer’s locket. What happened in NASA when the image of locket came from Mars on Earth was impossible to describe. There was a dead silence. All scientists who were in the Control Center were shocked. No one of them had expected such turn of events. But, gradually people began to come to life, to cope with their emotions and continued to work with even greater zeal. Paco was receiving new commands one after another. He at first recorded the object using photo and video cameras. Then he explored using the ultra and infrared radiation.
He also measured the level of radioactivity. In the end, stretched out his metal hand and carefully took off the necklace from the pyramid. The lenses of his cameras focused on the unusual thing. Necklace slightly was swaying in his shiny metal clamps, but in NASA urgently was trying to find out what it was a locket, who the manufacturer. Also year of realise and where it had been sold. That is to extract from the necklace all possible information.
Absorbed, if one can apply this definition to the soulless machine by studying of the locket, Paco did not notice that behind him appeared a strange creature. But even if he saw the creature, he still didn’t know how to react. In the catalog of living creatures, put into his memory by the programmers, there was nothing similar.
One must pay tribute to programmers. While creating a registry of living beings, they have listed the names and images of all existing animals on Earth, including long-extinct dinosaurs and even legendary creatures. Green men were also familiar to Paco.
But the creature that was behind Paco had no analogues in the catalog. But it was perfectly familiar to Max and Jennifer. If they were now on Mars, then without any hesitation would recognize in it a plarm! Exactly, the same sinister creatures with whom they fought so fiercely on Phobos. The alien seemed appeared from nowhere and curiously studied primitive, from his point of view vehicle. As before the plarm’s head was divided into three sections of black color, each of which was decorated with red, the size of the apple eyeball. Narrow rectangular body was smooth, like polished, was rocking on two thin limbs of dark color. Hands with four fingers, as if were separate from the body, moving in the yellow slots. The creature in some way looked like an insect, although the alien wasn’t the insect.
Next to the first plarm appeared a second one. He was differed from the first by color of his limbs. From the shoulder to the elbow, one could see the green light stripe, which at times faded, disappearing almost completely. Frozen motionless behind Paco plarms for some time were watching for his activity. Satisfy their curiosity, plarms looked at each other. In the hand of one of them, a subject appeared suspiciously like a weapon. There was a flesh of scarlet beam. With a tiny thread the beam seemed only slightly touched Paco, but the mechanical hand which held the locket shone with a white fire, broke off and fell on the ground. Plarms could destroy the primitive construction with one shot, but decided to prolong the pleasure. The second beam melted front wheel Paco. Paco lost his balance, tilted to the left side.
In the NASA saw that there was something wrong, but could not find an explanation. Plarms were out of reach of Paco’s lenses and in NASA could not see them. Scientists have decided that failed the energy source that’s why the station lost its ability to coordinate the movements. It is a pity, of course. But the most important things Paco did. He found the artifact and the transmitter. They’ve got enough of information to precede more detailed investigation. They could already say goodbye to Paco. In the end – it’s just a machine created by human’s hands and nothing more.
Paco, too, did not understand what was happening to him. On-board computer, analyzed all damages has decided to leave the dangerous place. Paco began to turn around. Broke out and immediately went out, several multi-colored beams simultaneously. The first melted his lenses, thereby blinding Paco; the second one destroyed the transmitting antenna. The third, most powerful beam cut Paco’s body into two parts.
Paco has ceased his existence.
Plarms didn’t have personal names as is customary with us humans. This does not mean that plarms were all alike and were not individuals. Between themselves plarms perfectly know each other and recognized each other. It is known that among Europeans too common misconception that the Chinese are all alike. But the Chinese are very good at recognizing each other. Also was with plarms. Maybe for a human being they all looked the same, but not for the plarms themselves. They were different. Using the human being’s analogy we can call the plarms whom destroyed Paco – Tio and Tao.
Had destroyed the station, plarms, instantly forgot about it, and deployed a luminous substance, which gleamed with yellow, white and red dots. It was a map of the Galaxy. Plarms carefully began to study the plexus of galaxy’s systems and stars. They were looking for something.
Using again the human being’s analogies they were by the nature of their activities, something like scouts. Their ship was involved in a battle with the Creator, who was known for Max and Jennifer as Tondor. Plarms for a long time had been in enmity with the Constructors, although they were much inferior to them in power. They hadn’t enough power to compete with Constructors. But do minor troubles, they could. Like a mosquito biting an elephant or a tiger. The same thing was with plarms.
But, in the last battle everything went not as usual. In the course of battle were intervened the two primitive biological creatures. The creatures were so primitive that they even could not fly in outer space without a space craft. They were not able to quickly regenerate the lost body’s parts, and generally had the restrictions of their biological existence.
The fact that such weak, worthless creatures stood in the way of powerful plarms and destroyed several of their ships together with their crews put the survived in a battle plarms in their righteous indignation, from their point of view. The definition was purely human’s. Plarms did not experience such emotions, but we knew well that all beings in the Galaxy should know their own place and not stick out into space ahead of their time. There was a universal law of Universe for all civilizations, and break it, no one was allowed.
From their experience, plarms knew that Constructors sometimes choose on one of the planet underdeveloped both intellectually and technologically beings, and train them, giving in their disposal their own ship, weapons and everything they need. Then release. Plarms knew the beings that intervened in the course of events on Phobos, did not return on their home planet, and went to the open space on the ship of Constructor. Plarms decided to hunt down them and destroy the impudent creatures. Earthlings should pay for their insolence.
Plarms actively were searching for Max and Jennifer.
 

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