Hope Not Abandoned

Book excerpt: The year is 2071. Mars has come a long way since the first MS-4 mission landed on the Martian surface back on August 26, 2033. What was once a small outpost on a desolate planet, has become a thriving home to more than one hundred thousand Martian residents. Our neighboring planet is now a spaceport for a continuous flow of supplies, equipment, and human resources. Not just anyone comes to Mars. The United Space Program only encourages the best people in the fields that will help Mars to become a second home. The excitement on Mars comes with a price that the USP did not consider. Tensions are rising back on Earth as selected populations are moving to Mars. Bitterness and resentment begin to set in where collaboration and engagement once were. The USP is under tremendous pressure. Concerns begin to surface about Mars becoming more independent. The USP is going through volatile changes that may be a detriment to the cause. A charismatic new leader takes over the council, but his intentions are not clear. Akeria, a well-established United Space Program board member and pioneer on Mars, is distracted away from this uncertainty when she stumbles upon evidence of an unusual find beneath the Martian surface. She dispatches a crew made up of her most trusted family and friends. One of the leads on this mission is Akeria's daughter, Kathy. Growing up under the strict eye of her mother and trained under the spotlight of the USP, Kathy begins to create her own path as an adult. As a daughter, she is just now getting over the pressures of living under her mother's shadow with her husband's help. As a masterful pilot, Kathy believes her skills will do more than build a new home. As a friend, Kathy looks to Abby, a lifelong best friend, to be there for her. Now, this eager group of adventurers set out to face this unknown. Together as one. Together with hope.