In a future where Mars is a tourist destination, a man named Herb believes he has memories of a past life as a Martian. He is accompanied by his wife, Dotty, who is increasingly worried about his mental state. During a tour of ancient Martian ruins, Herb expresses his conviction that he once lived there and is determined to find proof of his past. Despite Dotty's pleas to let it go, Herb's obsession grows, leading him to believe that buried evidence of his past exists in the ruins. As the tour progresses, Herb's behavior becomes more erratic, prompting concern from a covert observer, who is tasked with monitoring tourists for signs of mental instability. This observer, a government agent, recognizes Herb's condition as a form of insanity that can manifest when individuals confront remnants of an ancient civilization. The agent fears that Herb's delusions could lead to dangerous consequences. The group visits a massive dome, a well-preserved structure from the Martian civilization, which Herb finds particularly stimulating. The agent notes Herb's increasing agitation and suspects he plans to return to the dome to uncover something significant. After the tour, the agent discreetly alerts security to keep an eye on Herb. Later, Herb and Dotty leave the hotel, and the agent is ordered to follow them. They head to a cemetery-like area where Herb believes he can find the proof he seeks. The agent, aware of the potential danger, decides to approach them under the pretense of being interested in their quest. As night falls, they begin to dig, and Herb uncovers a strange object that he believes is a weapon from his past life. In a tense moment, the agent intervenes just as Herb activates the object, which emits destructive energy, causing chaos and destruction around them. The agent manages to subdue Herb and secure the object, but not before witnessing the devastating effects it has on the environment and on a fellow agent. After the incident, the agent reflects on the implications of the discovery. He understands that the ancient Martians may still have influence over the present, using individuals like Herb to access their lost technology. The agent's mission is to contain the threat posed by these remnants of Martian civilization, ensuring that humanity does not fall victim to the dangers they represent. The story concludes with the agent grappling with the reality of the Martians' legacy and the ongoing challenge of understanding and controlling the powerful artifacts they left behind. The tension between the past and present, as well as the potential for ancient knowledge to resurface, underscores the narrative's exploration of memory, identity, and the consequences of uncovering forgotten histories.
By Robert Silverberg · First published 1999 · Genre: Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Psychological Thriller