Recorder's Log
By Tom Rooney, 8th Grade

April 5th, 1997-At last, spring is here on the Red Planet. Although we have calculated the climate to be no worse than that of Charleston, the utter desolation of the place makes it even less hospitable. Other than the sparse groves we have found, the land is a barren plain of winds, rock and dust; with various mountains, valleys, ridges, and craters. To date, we have located 305 groves of plant life in the 1,000,000 square miles charted by our cartography unit. In the past 5 months, the discovery of vegetation has been a rare, chance sighting. The groves seldom exceed 4 acres in size. The interior of these small Martian forests are an abundance of life, teeming with vegetation. They are protected from the harsh winds by a barrier of solid trees. After 20 minutes of searching today by botanists and zoologists alike we have finally had our first encounter with animal life since we left Earth. Each grove appears to be inhabited by a tribe of 1 foot tall, ape-like creatures. They seem to be a primitive but intelligent race covered from head to toe in short, dense fur. They attempted communication using gestures and grunts. So far, no communication has been possible. Although these creatures appear harmless, our commander has ordered the guarding of our encampment to be increased to 6 sentries.

June 20, 1997-Today has proven to be the most successful in terms of scientific breakthrough. For 45 days, scientists have tried to study the Martians. Finally, our linguist has managed to communicate with these creatures. Among other things, we have found that they call themselves quiggles. Much like the Indians that the Europeans found, the quiggles have an extensive oral history. They claim to have inhabited the groves for "500 cycles." We assume it was 500 years since they decided to record the time but they wouldn't specify. Tribes seem peaceful, although they have told stories about battles where they charge several miles to the next grove and bop the occupants with there wooden clubs. They have told us many other things that I have determined were not necessary for the personal log of a clerk and should be just filed in the lengthy official report of our expedition. It has been 8 months, 20 days into our trip and many of us are feeling the longing for home that comes with its absence. Our 100 man team is scheduled for return in 3 months, 10 days. When the day comes we will board our spacecraft, the Colonist, and head for our home planet. It is a day that we all look forward to.

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