The Colonisation of Mars

It is 2040 and the 'Race to Mars' is long over. A large group of 'expendable' senior scientists has been sent on a one-way trip to establish a permanent Martian colony. Eccentric recluse Sam Aiken shuns the soft life in the 'Tube'. With his quirky Rollagon AI he explores the polar caps, Valles Marineris, climbs 'The Face' and Olympus Mons, digs through the wreckage, cast-off equipment and graves of early explorers and finds an ancient Martian lifeform. Delusional, manipulated by unseen forces and tormented to the edge of madness he drifts aimlessly through the Mars of Bradbury, Heinlein and others in search of sanctuary. He uncovers instead the shocking ruse behind the Colony and the ultimate reason why he was spared.