Spots 
John Carter moves through life untouched by time, maintaining a courtly presence while concealing deep inner torment. Longing gazes at the night sky hint at a secret world beyond human understanding. His sudden death leaves behind a sealed vault and a recorded account of extraordinary events.
FOREWORD
Dispossessed by war, two former soldiers turn to gold prospecting in the harsh southwestern hills. Striking unimaginable wealth brings both immense promise and deadly vulnerability in uncharted lands. When hostile forces circle his partner, loyalty forces an immediate ride into mortal danger.
CHAPTER I ON THE ARIZONA HILLS
Trapped inside a mountain cavern, a strange gaseous vapor freezes all physical movement while keeping consciousness entirely intact. Terrified pursuers flee from unseen cavernous noises, leaving the immobile soldier alone with his fate. Extreme mental willpower eventually snaps the invisible bond, pulling his spirit into open sky.
CHAPTER II THE ESCAPE OF THE DEAD
Awakening on a vast basin of yellow vegetation reveals a drastic shift in planetary gravity and air pressure. Ordinary muscular exertion yields wild leaps and clumsy landings until basic locomotion is relearned from scratch. Exploration uncovers a glass incubator housing grotesque six-limbed hatchlings under the alien sun.
CHAPTER III MY ADVENT ON MARS
Captured by towering green warriors, a prisoner enters the deserted plazas of an ancient alien city. These fierce nomadic captors live long lives devoid of soft sentiment, governed by violent customs and harsh survival. Left under the vigil of a monstrous multi-legged beast, basic survival depends on observing unfamiliar rules.
CHAPTER IV A PRISONER → CHAPTER V I ELUDE MY WATCH DOG
A ferocious fight erupts when violent subterranean apes attack inside the ruined city quarters. Choosing to stand and protect a beast rather than flee transforms a wild guard into an unshakable protector. Direct action in the heat of combat turns mutual reliance into lasting devotion.
CHAPTER VI A FIGHT THAT WON FRIENDS
Caravan movements rely on mental direction rather than bridles to control massive three-wheeled chariots and draft beasts. Newborn hatchlings undergo immediate communal sorting, distributed among women and youths without individual maternal bonds. Superior leaping ability earned through earthly muscles establishes instant prestige among the green chieftains.
CHAPTER VII CHILD-RAISING ON MARS
Flying vessels hovering over the deserted city face devastating marksman fire from concealed green warriors. Concentrated volleys disable steering mechanisms and gunners, bringing down an unmanaged airship onto the plain. Among the wreckage, green captors seize a red Martian princess, introducing a noble captive to the horde.
CHAPTER VIII A FAIR CAPTIVE FROM THE SKY
Claiming the arms and trappings of a defeated opponent grants higher warrior status within the green community. Intensive instruction in silent telepathy and spoken dialect unlocks conversations previously hidden from a stranger. Learning the language reveals that the beautiful red captive faces brutal public games rather than ransom.
CHAPTER IX I LEARN THE LANGUAGE
Stroking and gentle speech transform a ferocious watchdog into an intensely loyal companion who ignores traditional boundary limits. Rising through combat challenges places a foreigner into the council of green chieftains. Securing custody of Princess Dejah Thoris establishes a protective sanctuary away from malicious intrigue.
CHAPTER X CHAMPION AND CHIEF → CHAPTER XI WITH DEJAH THORIS
High chieftains acknowledge exceptional fighting skill while warning that escape attempts mean swift execution. The imminent threat of handing Dejah Thoris to a sadistic ruler heightens the urgency of planning a break for freedom. Moving into new quarters brings closer proximity to allies and deeper immersion in tribal rivalries.
CHAPTER XII A PRISONER WITH POWER
Taming vicious riding beasts through patience rather than brutal blows shocks traditional green warriors. Demonstrating reliable obedience on the march convinces chieftains to adopt humane methods across their entire cavalry. This leap in military efficiency earns high honors and formal recognition from the horde leader.
CHAPTER XIII LOVE-MAKING ON MARS
Unspoken devotion faces immediate friction when unfamiliar social etiquette causes offense to a proud princess. A lethal duel with a challenger forces a quick fight to protect rank and survival. Victory brings elevated status, but seeing Dejah Thoris bound in heavy manacles turns triumph into bitter resolve.
CHAPTER XIV A DUEL TO THE DEATH
Surviving a severe sword wound reveals the astonishing speed of Martian medical healing. A quiet evening conversation uncovers Sola's tragic origin as the secret child of forbidden parental love. Hearing of her mother's execution exposes the hidden capacity for deep feeling buried beneath green warrior stoicism.
CHAPTER XV SOLA TELLS ME HER STORY
Crossing cultivated canal zones under cover of darkness avoids detection by hostile red armies. Infiltrating the headquarters of Tal Hajus reveals a monstrous ruler gloating over helpless captives. A desperate bid to rescue Dejah Thoris ends in disaster and capture by a far more bloodthirsty horde.
CHAPTER XVI WE PLAN ESCAPE → CHAPTER XVII A COSTLY RECAPTURE
Awakening in enemy dungeons reveals captors who decorate their armor with human skulls and dried hands. A bitter argument over captive rights sparks an unyielding bare-handed duel between rival chieftains. The brutal killing of the ruler instantly elevates a relentless tyrant to command over the horde.
CHAPTER XVIII CHAINED IN WARHOON
Sharing a subterranean cell with a red navy officer reveals that Dejah Thoris likely reached safety. Thousands of bloodthirsty captors gather in a vast sunken amphitheater to watch captives battle wild beasts. Mutual trust between prisoners turns a death sentence into a coordinated stand for survival.
CHAPTER XIX BATTLING IN THE ARENA
Wandering starving across barren sea bottoms leads to a surprise reunion with faithful Woola. Reaching a massive windowless structure exposes the secret pumping station that generates breathable air for the entire globe. Entering through heavily armored airlocks reveals a sanctuary maintained by precise telepathic codes.
CHAPTER XX IN THE ATMOSPHERE FACTORY
Traveling along agricultural conduits provides insight into planetary water distribution and ongoing war. News that an invading army besieges Helium forces a dangerous undercover mission into the enemy capital. Parting with a loyal companion becomes necessary to blend in as a mercenary scout.
CHAPTER XXI AN AIR SCOUT FOR ZODANGA
Eavesdropping inside the royal palace reveals Dejah Thoris agreeing to marry an enemy prince to save her people. Reconnecting with a trusted officer sparks a dangerous plot to break her free before the wedding. Stealing a small airship provides a precarious escape into the open sky.
CHAPTER XXII I FIND DEJAH → CHAPTER XXIII LOST IN THE SKY
Crashing into an active battle brings an unexpected chance to fight alongside Tars Tarkas once more. Disclosing Sola's true identity unlocks buried grief and honor within the stern green chieftain. United by shared purpose, they overthrow the tyrant Tal Hajus, claiming leadership over the Thark nation.
CHAPTER XXIV TARS TARKAS FINDS A FRIEND
Leading green warriors through breached palace gates interrupts a solemn wedding ceremony at the last moment. Crashing through ornate glass windows severs the golden chain intended to bind Dejah Thoris. Defeating the enemy ruler in sword combat leaves the hostile city open to full conquest.
CHAPTER XXV THE LOOTING OF ZODANGA
Combined air fleets engage in a massive aerial clash over the twin scarlet towers of Helium. Devastating small-arms fire from green warriors tips the balance against enemy battleships. Surrender brings an end to siege, opening the way for triumphant public celebration and grand union.
CHAPTER XXVI THROUGH CARNAGE TO JOY
Nine years of peace and leadership end abruptly when the planet's atmosphere plant suddenly fails. A desperate attempt to enter the sealed facility ends in unconsciousness as oxygen runs out. Awakening back inside an Arizona cave leaves a heartbroken soldier gazing helplessly at the distant red planet.
CHAPTER XXVII FROM JOY TO DEATH → CHAPTER XXVIII AT THE ARIZONA…
A mortal soldier steps onto a dying world to learn how honor survives across foreign stars.