I went outside, into my last day on Mars.
I have conquered thee, Malann-and the victory is thine! Rest easy on thy starry bed. G.o.d d.a.m.ned!
I left the jeepster there and walked back to the Aspic, leaving the burden of life so many footsteps behind me.
215.
I went to my cabin, locked the door, and took forty-four; sleeping pills. : But when I awakened I was in the dispensary, and alive.
I felt the throb of engines as I slowly stood up and somehow made it to the port.
Blurred Mars hung like a swollen belly above me, until it dissolved, brimmed over, and steamed down my face.
216.
165