Clear, gray sky of Mars, were dragged by the grayish clouds. Over head they still were thin, but on the distant horizon, the clouds looked almost black. The Mars’ hurricane was approaching.
Max and Jennifer were standing near the edge of the legendary Martian’s canal and looked around. How many people on Earth raved about Mars and space. How many people would give all in order to take their place. See what they were seeing now.
But Max and Jennifer got such an opportunity for nothing. They have not raved about Mars. They both did not dream to visit this mysterious red planet. For Max and Jennifer was quite enough their own mother planet – the Earth, their homeland, their cradle.
But then the destiny in the face of Tondor, for some reason chose them, for an unknown mission. The goal of this mission still remains the complete mystery to them. But they both knew perfectly well that not in vain Tondor forced them to take part in the battle on Phobos, and for some purpose equipped them with the protective suits. And he certainly sent them to the Mars not for an idle stroll among the red hills.
They went down by the same tunnel, but now without the support of Tondor. He stayed on the ship. Although Max had no doubt that if the need arises, Tondor at any moment could reach them. And that, frankly, reassuring him. Because, in spite of the protective suits, Max always thought that now could appear the Martians, or any other beasts, and nobody could save Jennifer and him. He, of cause believed in the power of protective suits, but who knows what could happens.
But Mars was deserted, like the millions years ago. Only the Martian’s wind drove in front of Max the Martian’s reddish dust with a gay, as if welcoming unexpected guests. Why, he is so long having not seen a single living soul on the entire planet. Since then, when in the last time the foot of the living creature went here, it seemed passed an eternity. But so it was. An eternity passed since that memorable Martian’s day, when died the last inhabitant of the red planet. Then it was not red yet. Then the planet was still fertile, although it is not the same as before in former times. It is then, burnt soil, weathered, acquired a red tinge.
And now, in the vast Martian’s expanses life reappeared. And the planet seemed to be immensely happy for that the long-awaited event. Rejoiced at the wind, the clouds rejoiced, rejoiced at the high, Martian’s sky.
Only Jennifer was not happy.
By her nature, she didn’t like the big, open spaces. When she got in such situation, she began to feel herself small and helpless like a little girl, and all that time she subconsciously was waiting for that somebody or something is about to attack her from behind. That’s why, since school’s years she couldn’t’ bare any kind of trips and picnics in the countryside.
At home, in the familiar to her environments created by the human hands, she felt herself much more comfortable. Similarly, it was on Mars. She involuntarily drew her head into her shoulders and was waiting for that something bad is about to happen to them. Worst of all was that they did not know why Tondor sent them this morning on Mars. He just simply said: “Go. It will be helpful for you.” But what exactly he meant under the word “helpful”, he did not explain. “It will be helpful if the Plarns or how he called them, will attack us again?’ grimly thought Jennifer, looking at unfriendly Martian’s sky. “I guess it’s going to rain.” she thought unexpectedly.
‘Max we can get wet.’ she said.
‘What you mean?’ Max didn’t understand.
‘I mean what I said. Can’t you see? The clouds gather.’
Max broke down and laughed.
Jennifer honored him with a surprised look.
‘I’m sorry, Jenny. On the Mars, there is no rain. There is no water, only sand and ice.’
‘Ah, really,’ Jennifer said, blushing a little from her own ignorance. Actually she heard something about Mars’ climate, but now she forgot everything. ‘Max, why did he send us here? What do you think?’
Max shrugged his shoulders. He himself thought on this issue. But nothing good came up to him.
‘Maybe it’s some kind of reward or bonus for our help in the battle. But maybe, it’s just a little trip to have a fun. After all, we spent a week or more indoors. Frankly speaking, I have no idea. But whatever you say, as for me it’s great to be on Mars. Only…’Max made a pose, ‘It's a pity that there is nobody around here to boast of. But when we get back home...’
‘Do you think we'll ever come back?’ seriously interrupted him Jennifer.
‘I think so. In the end, he treats us not bad. Nothing requires nothing forces us to do. He also did not conduct the experiments with us. Including the sexual, as some authors like to describe in their books, telling the stories about the people who were kidnapped by the aliens. Especially in your country, Jenny, where people like to write about such things, as if all the aliens are space’s gynecologists or freaks!’ Max enjoyed so much that so suddenly appeared in his head such a smart comparison that he repeated it again, as if tasted, and then laughed.
‘You're a fool, Max. And your comparison is also stupid. Though sounds funny.’ harmlessly said Jennifer also did not help smiling.
‘Then not a fool, if you liked it,’ argued Max. ‘I think he will soon let us free.’ seriously he added.
‘But why not today?’
‘Ask him, not me. I guess he wants to show us something else.’
‘You know, Max I've seen enough. I fed up or whatever they say at your place.’
‘That’s exactly what they say. Or they also say, to the eyeballs.’
‘I’ll try to remember. What we’ve got to do now? Maybe we need to find something or just stay here and wait?’
‘I don’t know. But why don’t really stand for a while and admire the beauty of this wild world. You just think Jenny, we're on Mars! On real Mars and we’re the first who got here. In any case it’s awesome. I think we should say some speech,’ but in Max’s head spun only one greeting to Mars: “Hello, great Mars. We are pleased to welcome you!” had he been alone, he would have done so. And maybe even jumped up and yelled some other greetings of joy and delight, which he hoped would be appeared in his mind. Yes, and run a race with the Martian’s wind. But right to him stood Jennifer, and he hesitated.
‘That's right.’ Jennifer agreed. ‘We must celebrate this event.’ she took out her cell phone.
‘Are you going to make a call?’ Max looked surprised.
‘You’ll see.’ Jennifer smiled. She switched on her cell phone, looked for something in the menu, then in the air of Mars sounded the song “We are the champion”, by the British band “Queen". It was so unexpected and beautiful at the same time that Max felt how his eyes were stung, but only for one second.
The spectacle was magnificent and unique. There were stood two small human’s figures in the middle of the vast, boundless expanse; wind, pursuing the reddish dust and the sounds of cheerful song, which broke and filled the silence of Mars. It was a thrilling spectacle. Max and Jennifer beside him with the phone in her held high hand.
She waved it over her head and also sang a song. And in her singing could be heard rather the resistance of the force, which against her will, threw her as far away from home then a greeting to Mars. Jennifer sang, and warm tears streaming down her cheeks. At this moment she was thinking about home. She wanted to go home.
‘Well done, Jenny. Good idea.’ said Max, when the song was over and another track begun. For Mars, it didn’t fit, but for the nightclub it was quite in the theme.
‘I always do everything in the best way. It’s a pity you don’t want marry me. Sorry, Max. I’m just joking.’ Jennifer dried her tears, but the phone did not hid, let him play on. Such she felt comfy herself as if she got back home again. Thanks God, or Tondor that the battery of her phone didn’t discharge.
Jennifer suspected that their phones were recharging from the purple bed where they slept as well as they both recreate themselves on the same bed. Though they even didn’t know if the object on which they slept and called it as a “bed” was really a bed, but not some kind of device or power platform. They didn’t know it for sure.
‘When we get back home, we get married. I promise you.’ said Max without looking at Jennifer and he thought: “If only we get back someday!” but he didn’t say it to Jennifer because he didn’t want to disappoint her more.
It was true; she kept her up with the latest strengths. Here's a song lifted her mood a bit up, so why spoil it immediately.
‘You know what,’ revived Max, ‘Let's build some token which confirms that we were here on real. I don’t know what exactly. Draw a pile of stones and write some inscription on it. We’ve got at my place, for example, a tradition to cut out our initials on the tree’s trunks. Or if you got in the cave you can write on the wall your name with the charcoal.’
‘But the mammoths I hope you don’t paint there, don’t you?’ joked Jennifer.
‘Mammoths? What mammoth?’ Max at first didn’t understand that she was joking at him.
‘Well, regular. You himself said, you draw with the charcoal in the caves. In the caves usually paints the scenes from hunting the mammoths.’ Jennifer looked at him with the cheerful eye. ‘As I see, you all there a complete barbarian…savages!’ Jennifer openly laughed at him.
Max laughed too. Jennifer has been in a good mood and it was wonderful!
‘Let's build a little pyramid. What you think, ah?’ he suggested. ‘We’ll gather a hip of rock and build a good pyramided, not to high of cause but for future explores from the Earth it would be quite good. I’m sure they’ll get crazy in solving the mystery of how the pyramided from the Earth got here on Mars! It would be funny!’ Max made a pose. ‘They for a long time will break their heads over the question, how many millions years ago the Martians built the pyramid founded by the first Earth’s expedition. And doesn’t it follow from their findings that the Egyptian’s pyramids on Earth actually also built by the Martians as well.
‘But I like more Stone Hedge then pyramids.’ thoughtfully said Jennifer. In the whole she liked Max’s idea.
‘Maybe you are right,’ agreed Max. ‘But the Stone Hedge doesn’t fit us. We should lift the rocks too high. I can’t do it as well as you. The pyramid is the best option for us. But if you insist…’ Max was looking at Jennifer.
‘I don’t care,’ she said. ‘Let’s do it.’ Jennifer looked around. There were enough rocks which they could use for their pyramid.
Max took off his jacket, rolled up his sleeves, spitted and remembering that time when he helped his father to build their own house in the country with the energy began to gather the Marian’s rocks in the one big hip. After a long period of inactivity, physical work was only pleasure for him and Max even began, not too loud sing a song under his nose.
‘What are you waiting for? Do help!’
‘What?’ Jennifer was surprised. ‘Do you want me to drag rock?’ she exclaimed as if he said something completely unacceptable.
‘What's wrong with that? At my place all girls in the country size do the physical work,’ argued Max. ‘They become only healthier and more beautiful and after the work in the bath! You can’t even imagine how cool it is! Oh!’ Max stopped for a moment, and with anguish in his eyes looked into the Martian’s horizon. As if hoping to see there his girlfriends and overheated bathhouse.
‘I’ll prefer to be a designer for your pyramid,’ said Jennifer. ‘And I do not like baths. I prefer shower.’
‘You don’t know the real life!’ thought Max, but said something else:
‘Shower? Not bad. How to put this rock, this way or that way?’ asked he.
“This way or that way,” repeated Jennifer. ‘What do you mean saying so? I don’t understand.’
‘At the bottom, like a foundation, lay the stones of one color or different colors?’
‘Different be better.’
‘I think so too,’ Max began to move from one place to another the Martian’s rocks. ‘Can you imagine Jenny what a priceless treasure these rocks are for the scientists? They probably, for each such cobble without any bargain would pay us a million. But we’ve got them here as many as we want! We can even build a house. Yea, it’s a good idea, to build the own house on Mars! What do you think? And when the first expedition gets here, we’ll meet them with the greetings. Well, we get enough of rocks till that time of various samples. Perhaps they’ll all die of surprise when they see us here. It would be awesome!’ Max’s own speech very amused him, and he wiping sweat from his forehead with his hand, carefully examined the Martian’s sky, as if the expedition was about to arrive right now.
Jennifer looked at him and listened to him with admiration. It simply amazed her how calmly Max treated everything what was happening to them. Even on Mars, he’s going to build a house. And she knew that if she would say said: “Do it!” he would built it. And meet the first guests as a generous host. Max, “the owner of the Mars” as he called himself, according to her opinion, was too quick and easy to get along in any situation. The main thing was that the situation as Max himself said: “Was more or less comfortable.” It’s meant he felt quite comfy himself even here.
Jennifer couldn’t do so and suffered greatly because she was cut off of her regular life style. Of course, Max’s optimism was very encouraging and helped her to stand against the situation in which they got, stopping her from falling into the dark of depression. But still, even to pretend that she was fine, she couldn’t. And as soon as possible, she would escape to Earth.
In an hour or two, Max said: “Done” and ceased to gather rocks. The pyramid was ready! Maybe, for somebody low, only about three yards high. But it looked neat and beautiful. That was a real piece of ancient Martian’s Arts consisted of several layers of different colors. Mostly it was gray and various shades of red and brick’s colors.
‘So, what do you think about it? Do you like it?’ Max said with satisfaction. ‘I’m a good fellow, or I’m not? What do you say? Ah?’ he with satisfaction paced around his creation, wondering what else is missing.
‘You are Jack of all trades!’ praised him Jennifer. And she was right; the pyramid has turned out really good. Real! Lacking only the master’s name, cut out on a stone or some other inscription. She told it to Max.
‘We’ll better leave on top your cell phone with a SMS, which says something like that: ‘Hello folks! How was your flight? We were here before you. This is our pyramid. Have a nice day, Max and Jennifer!’ Max was smiling. He looked very pleased. ‘What do you say, Jenny?

‘I don’t think that it’s a good idea. Besides I like my mobile phone and I don’t want leave it here.’
‘If you like, you can take mine.’ proposed Max.
‘No, we’ll better leave something else.’
‘Something else? What exactly, your bra?’ Max said and smiled.
Jennifer a little blushed, but she wasn’t angry at him.
‘Can you imagine, Jenny, what’ll happen when the first men arrive on Mars, and find on the top of our pyramid your bra? Try just imagining the expression on their faces. They just got numbed of surprise, and to the rest of their days will puzzle over what it means and how such a thing could get on Mars.’
‘But should we torture them after such a long trip? I know what we’ll leave.’ Jennifer lifted both her hands to her neck and took off the chain with a small angel. Then she gave it to Max. ‘Fix it somewhere on the pyramid. This will surprise them not less then my bra. I’m sure of it.’
Jennifer on that moment couldn’t even imagine what a crucial role in their future life will play her spontaneous decision to part with her locket, presented her by her best friend for her birthday two years ago. The decision which she made was very important, with far-reaching consequences if not a fatal…
When everything had been done, they at last time went around the creation of Max. The pyramid just perfectly fitted into the boundless Martian’s landscape, as if it stood under the gray sky for thousands and even millions years. And only one small thing, on the top of pyramid, which was made on Earth say that it wasn’t so. That the pyramid was created by human hands, by Max Polyakov's hands. The regular guy who at first went to study in the US and then, in the end, he found himself on Mars. The difference between these events lay in the fact that he went to the US on his own will, but got on the Mars by the will of another power. And the name of this power was Tondor!
After a short strolling around the pyramid, they decided that it was time to go back home. It’s meant, on board the Tondor’s ship. By that time they already got accustomed to call the alien’s ship – home, because their real home was too far away. On the way back to the tunnel, Jennifer picked up a flat rock, which size perfectly fit in her palm. What for, she didn’t know. She’s just wanted to do this. Perhaps it was as a souvenir.
As they approached to the entrance of the tunnel the Martian’s weather got worse. Angrily was blowing the wind, throwing the handful of the red dust on people, as if urging them quickly leaves that place, which soon becomes inhospitable for unexpected guests.
‘Farewell dear Mars!’ Max shouted, turning to the planet and waving his hand. ‘And you, our pyramid, too. I hope you will not soon be buried by sand. Good bye, maybe we’ll see each other again one day!’
“Perhaps now, he begins to kiss the ground, as it used to among the Slavs.” thought Jennifer, watching the eccentricities of Max.
But she was wrong. Max kissed nothing, though he felt in love with this deserted world. He loved it vast expanses, fabulous scenery, and the complete absence of people.
Of course, Max loved the company, got a lot of friends, but he didn’t want that people also pollute the Mars as well as the Earth when they get here someday. He didn’t want that they spoil its unearthly beauty.
He didn’t want to see among this greatness how the Martian’s wind together with the red dust will drive the candy’s wrappers and plastic bottles. Also, Max didn’t want that mysterious Martian’s canals have become a garbage dumps. He was sorry for this untouched beauty. And he was glad deep in his heart that will not soon come the day when people bring on Mars their way of life, and their garbage.
Although, maybe by that time people will become better, purer, their soul will be lighter and they will understand that they shouldn’t litter, where they are not true masters.
Indeed it wasn’t they who created the planets. Indeed it wasn’t they who created the world.
The unexpected influx of these philosophical thoughts very surprised Max. He decided that it was Mars which influenced so much on him: “Mars, I fell in love with you. You are beautiful. I will not allow anyone spoil your untouched beauty!” solemnly promised in his heart Max, and without looking back anymore, went along with Jennifer in a glowing tunnel.
Tondor’s ship was waiting for them.
 

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