It’s been five hours. To some it might not seem a long time. In truth I suppose it isn’t. My team and I have just spent the last few days surveying this red planet. A dust storm kicked up of such magnitude that all instruments failed, and you couldn’t see your hand at the end of your arm. It’s saddening how much we rely on technology. Without it, it’s almost as if we’ve forgotten how to think for ourselves. All our savvy, all our expertise, and we couldn’t even find our way back to our shuttle.

We lost two men to the storm. That shouldn’t make you think poorly of these men, or their skills. They were among the best I have seen in their field. We were prepared. It just completely overwhelmed our preparations. Nature does that. You think you’re in control, and then you realize how woefully inadequate you really are.

I am still blowing dust out of my nose. Still coughing it up from my lungs. Of course I had a full respirator on. It didn’t matter.

The only respite we’ve had is stumbling upon this cave. It has provided us shelter from this storm. There doesn’t appear to be any end in sight. It gives me time to think; time to contemplate. I question if the Elders really see the things they prophecize to see. I wonder if me being here, on this infernal planet, is a complete waste of time, or if the promise of the prize will justify the cost.

Orders are orders. Duty is duty. Two men lost. It’s been five hours.