Tragically, all contact with this base has been cut off, and mysterious phenomena have been witnessed both on the surface and in the atmosphere of Mars. A hastily prepared research and rescue mission is on its way to the red planet, with a crew that has been changed from the one that had been scheduled to make the trip several months later. Here is where Cabral's knowledge of human nature is utilized very well. Even though they have trained together and have the typical astronaut's ability to perform complex tasks in a routine manner, Cabral lets each distinctive personality shine through. It is easy to differentiate them in their actions and speech patterns. The routine on board, as well as the mechanisms of the craft and its propulsion system is well described, convincingly as stated previously. I won't go into any further detail on the plot so as not to diminish the way Cabral introduces each new revelation. His descriptions of the Martian landscape and what is found at the base is exciting and suspenseful, as are the implications for humanity's future.