RETURN TO MARS

Sequel to Bova’s fact-based epic Mars (1992). The second expedition to Mars, backed by arrogant billionaire Darryl C. Trumball, will be led by mission director Jamie Waterman, Navaho geologist and veteran of the first expedition. Also going along will be Trumball’s brash son, Dex, two pilots, Doctor Vijay Shektar, and three additional scientists hoping to study the lichens on Mars. Jamie also intends to investigate the cliff dwelling he’s convinced he glimpsed on the last trip. Dex, backed by his father, is keen to exploit the commercial opportunities the trip provides (VR tours for on-line subscribers, tourism, and the recovery of the Pathfinder lander), while Jamie wants to keep Mars pristine and beautiful. Rivalries and sexual tensions mount. Dex recovers the still-operable rover vehicle that Jamie’s expedition lost in a dust-filled crater. Old Trumball blows his top, first when the VR equipment develops an intermittent fault, again when Dex insists on personally taking the hazardous trip to recover Pathfinder. Two scientists explore, with near-fatal consequences, the vast Olympus Mons volcano, discovering that the rocks are still warm. A dust storm threatens Dex’s Pathfinder mission. And Jamie must confront the likelihood that there is a saboteur within the group. The cliff dwelling turns out to be just that, complete with indecipherable inscriptions; the inhabitants died 65 million years ago after a meteorite impact. But can Jamie discover the saboteur and prevent Darryl C. Trumball from raping Mars? Absorbing and thoroughly satisfying: Mars fans will pounce, while newcomers will feel welcome too.