David Brennan arrived on Mars as a convict nine of Mars's years ago. His past still haunts him, but so does his responsibilities. The memory of his long dead companions and friends fills his nightmares. He will have to choose between his fears and the future of Mars. Life in the City of Opportunity is not easy. Strikes cripple the building programme and new people are needed to replace the expertise lost to Mars's accelerated degenerative disease. A new leader is needed to not only lead the City, but also inspire a new generation of pioneers.