Red Horizon (The Martian Fanfiction)

Chapter 13

SOL 23

The next morning, Mark was up early, his mind already buzzing with the steps they needed to take to make his potato farm a reality. Olivia, still resting on her makeshift bed, watched as he moved through the Hab with renewed purpose. There was an energy about him that was almost infectious, a determination that seemed to fill the space as he gathered tools and equipment for the day's work.

"You're really doing this, huh?" Olivia called out, her voice a mix of amusement and admiration.

Mark paused by the door, flashing her a grin that practically radiated confidence. "You bet I am. Time to show Mars what a real botanist can do."

Olivia couldn't help but chuckle, even though her ribs protested. "Just try not to get yourself killed out there. I'd rather not have to stitch you up again."

Mark gave her a mock salute before slipping into his suit and heading out to start the first task on his list: cleaning off the solar panels. Olivia watched him from her position, eyes tracing his movements through the dusty window of the Hab as he maneuvered over the uneven Martian terrain. The storm had left a thick layer of dust coating everything outside, and the solar panels were no exception. Clearing them was crucial if they wanted enough power to support their upcoming greenhouse project.

The work was slow and methodical, but Mark didn't seem to mind. He wiped down the panels with deliberate care, ensuring that every inch was cleared of debris. The sun was rising steadily in the sky, its pale light casting long shadows across the red landscape. From where she lay, Olivia could only watch and offer silent encouragement, her leg and ribs still keeping her grounded for the time being.

Once the panels were clear, Mark made his way back inside, pulling off his helmet and taking a deep breath before he started rearranging the Hab's interior. The space was already cramped, filled with equipment and supplies that had been meant for seven people. But if they were going to turn part of it into a makeshift greenhouse, a lot of it had to be moved around to make room.

Olivia could hear him muttering to himself as he worked, moving bins and tools, rearranging the cramped quarters into something that resembled a functional workspace. His movements were quick and efficient, and she couldn't help but feel a pang of envy watching him, wishing she could help instead of being stuck on the sidelines.

After what felt like hours of listening to the sound of equipment being shuffled around, Mark paused, letting out a low groan. Olivia's head shot up, concern flashing through her. "You okay over there?" she called out, craning her neck to see him better.

Mark appeared from behind one of the larger storage bins, clutching his side. His face was pale, his usual grin replaced by a grimace of pain. "Uh... I think I might have pulled something," he admitted, his voice tight.

Olivia narrowed her eyes, immediately suspicious. "Let me see."

Mark tried to wave her off, clearly not wanting to make a big deal of it, but Olivia wasn't having it. She gestured for him to come closer, her expression firm. "Mark, get over here. Now."

He sighed, hobbling over to her with an awkward gait. "It's fine, really. Just a little—"

Before he could finish the sentence, Olivia tugged his shirt up, revealing the stitches from where she had patched him up after the storm. The area around the wound was red and swollen, a fresh trickle of blood seeping from where the stitches had split.

Olivia narrowed her eyes, her concern rapidly shifting into irritation as she saw the blood seeping from Mark's side. "Idiot," she muttered, shaking her head. "I knew you were going to overdo it."