SpaceX4

Elon Musk watched the monitor as SpaceX4 neared the International Space Station. It was unprecedented — two separate NASA teams stranded, radio silent.  The first crew had vanished without a trace five weeks ago. Now, a second pair of astronauts had met the same fate. 

Commander Reynolds docked carefully. “Still no response,” she murmured. The airlock hissed. The team moved in.

 

The ISS was eerily still. Reynolds glanced at the control panel. “Where’s Vanessa and Carter?”

Then, movement.

Two figures turned in their seats. Humanoid. Their skin shimmered, shifting between deep red and green. Their eyes, liquid black, reflected the team like a mirror.

 

One of them spoke, voice resonant. “The others have transcended.”

Reynolds caught her breath, "Where are they?

The other Martian raised a hand. “Not where. When.”

 

Behind them, the main viewport darkened. Earth flickered. For a second, it looked . . . frigid, ancient.

Then the station’s power cut out.