The survivors

"The Survivors" by T. D. Hamm is a science fiction tale set on a desolate Martian plateau, where a small team of explorers face unimaginable challenges after their ship is destroyed and their survival hangs by a thread. Following a devastating accident that claims the lives of two crew members, the remaining four, Bradford, Canham, Palmer, and Rodriguez, embark on a perilous quest toward the Martian Polar Cap, desperately seeking water and safety. As they battle dehydration, psychological breakdowns, and deadly Martian creatures, the group diminishes through tragic sacrifices. The story builds to a climax as the final survivor stumbles upon a mysterious, vibrant oasis, revealing the planet's startling secrets and presenting a bittersweet resolution to their struggle while introducing an ominous turn for future Martian expeditions.