A Martian Garden

When spaceship Numa went to Mars, the hundred plus colonists aboard knew the mission was dangerous. Upon arrival, they settled into a routine and carved out a home for themselves in the harsh Martian environment. As the New Rome colony took shape. The colonists started families – the first generation of human Martians. Then came Smokey Rescue Day – and everything changed. How long can beings evolved to thrive on Earth survive on an otherwise lifeless planet a hundred million miles away?

Fire on a space station is a serious problem. Every colonist has a role to play. Unfortunately for Porter, the cast on his leg prevents him from suiting up and assuming his normal emergency duties. Instead he finds himself deployed to help evacuate the nursery, shuttling children to the station's greenhouse. After several trips, he collapses. When he awakens, he discovers thirteen young children depend upon him for everything. He and his charges appear to be the only survivors. This adventure for adults and young adults explores the cultural implications of trying to survive in a unique and hostile environment while trying to recreate essential tools of civilization that were developed by billions of people over thousands of years.