It was, well I’m not a poet, it was beautiful. Beauty beyond description. I approached it, slowly, being cautious as we were trained to be. The air was thick but according to my sensors, it was breathable, a little tough on the lungs but had the right mixture to do the job right. I slowly removed my helmet and after a few moments of trepidation I took some deep breaths.

The air smelled like a new car, you know the scent, you buy the car, and inhale deeply to take in that smell. I once read that smell was caused by some of the most carcinogenic chemicals that existed on earth. I don’t know if that’s true, but it sure sounds like earth, always trying to kill us. That’s when I saw it, ripping me out of my terrabound memories. The rock was then my only object of affection and attention.

I removed my gloves carefully and reached out to it. As soon as I made contact, I fell into my dream state. I couldn’t explain it, I lack the vocabulary to express its nature and effects. The dream was pure bliss, falling but falling constantly into one beautiful scene after next. I was addicted, pure and simple.

I stayed past my launch date, touching the rock to fall sleep, dreaming of the elixir of sweetness it offered. I no longer wanted to share. I no long remember my missions. It was mine. No one back home could ever know. I would never tell. It belongs to me now. Only me.