Back on Earth, at ZamCorp Base 4, the Marsians and Earthians had begun to revel in the festivities. Camping tents lined the open space just thirty meters from the towering city walls, their vibrant colors adding to the jubilant atmosphere.
Hogs, goats, rams, chickens, and even fish—perhaps brought from Mars—sizzled over open flames, their rich aroma drifting through the crisp air. The scent of fresh meat being grilled mingled with the laughter and chatter of both civilizations, a rare moment of unity after winning the battle.
At the heart of the celebration stood one of the largest tents, spanning a hundred meters by a hundred meters. A grand stage stretched across its northern edge, bathed in a kaleidoscope of lights. Earthian performers dazzled the audience with breathtaking acrobatics, weaving magic into their movements, their silhouettes dancing against a backdrop of shifting shadows.