Dreaming of a mission to found a colony on Mars, Chris Bridge finally gets his wish and receives confirmation funding for the initial voyage has been secured. The Mission Colonial is built in space and after twelve years in construction, with a global fanfare and much excitement, finally sets off on its historic journey with its crew of eight, captained by George Newey. While many problems have been anticipated and planned for, the expedition isn't as smooth or uneventful as the crew would have liked, proving frustrating and at times dangerous, even deadly. Communication with ground control is disrupted and the ship is cut off for weeks at a time. As the ship gets closer to Mars, the crew is disturbed by dreams - nightmares. They speculate about what might be the cause of the dreams. Is it the processed rations, the fresh food grown aboard, the recycled atmosphere or something unknown condition? Or is it Mars itself, warning the crew away? On Earth unforeseen trouble doesn't help and as it escalates, threatens to end the world let alone the mission.