When it rains...

Bloody hell! I don't know how much worse things could get! If you all remember my last letter, then you know that i was stuck on the moon for a few days, bloody sick as a dog. I recovered, thankfully, but not long after i took off, I lose a bloody thruster and secondary engine when I collided with stray space junk! So i've been stuck on Mars for the past week and a half trying to repair the ship, which is also turning into more trouble than it needs to be. Bloody parts are near impossible to find on this planet, and when i was finally able to locate them, they nearly emptied my pockets! All the bloody trouble aside though, I do enjoy the "red planet." Its amazing that after so many years, we finally discovered life up here. What's more amazing is that it has been here about as long as earth has, and possibly even longer! Who would have thought that the real "life" on the planet was never on the surface, but underneath it? Brilliant if you ask me. The intricate tunnels and pathways, the vast cities, the amazing architecture. And the "martians," as they were labeled for so many years. They are nothing like the portrayals of the 20th century. These "martians," - actually called Mierdens - look quite similar to us. The greatest difference is their skin tone is a grayish red, and they do not have any hair on their bodies. Aside from that though, they are just like us in size, shape and stature. As for intellect, they are bloody brilliant! Skilled craftsmen, scientists, farmers. They've come up with creations that we would have never thought of! And I have the honor of having befriended one of these great minds in Grib-nor. Grib-nor is one of the key developers in the ported tunnel ventilation system that is now being used in the tunnels and pathways between cities. As we travel from the small town of Nydor, where he lives with his wife, Zurba, he explains to me how by studying the ruins of Gordran and the ancients, he was able to analyze and improve on their systems. Speaking of Gordran, I need to remind myself to return to Mars, so that I may visit the city of the ancients. Again, with everything that was going wrong with my ship, I was unable to visit the beautiful city remains. I've seen them before, with my parents, as they were chosen to assist with the excavation of the southernmost part of the city. Ah yes, i remember that excavation. The southern area had just been uncovered and with it came a whole slew of new and unknown artifacts and discoveries to be made. My parents and I were even part of the dig team that found the Mierden scrolls, detailing the early history of the civilization. It was a great discovery, and my parents received great honors for assisting in the find. Bloody hell, i'm almost tempted to turn around and explore the city! No. I need to keep pressing forward. I'm already on my way towards the asteroid belt, and will be hopefully exploring the caves on Nomprel soon enough. My journey continues, hopefully without any more major chaos, illnesses or damage. Farewell Grib-nor, Zubra. I will return soon, my Mierden friends. Sir Baxter.