Chapter 1: The Descent As the Artemis IV lander touched down near Shackleton Crater, the dust rose like ghosts in slow motion. “Landing confirmed. Welcome to the dark side,” Ethan said, his voice steady through the static. The sun was barely visible beyond the jagged peaks. The terrain shimmered under faint starlight. Temperatures dropped to -230°C. This was a place where light had never touched rock. They deployed the L.T.R.—a massive, silver-white rover glinting under the stars. Its headlights pierced the eternal night. “LTV systems green,” Jason reported. “Power stable. Radiation shields holding.” Sara placed her gloved hand on the