Independence — Gerald W. Driggers

Life on Earth is becoming more difficult as the 23RD century dawns. The Alliance of nations that established the settlements on Mars has dwindled in number as economic woes spread. Emigration to Mars has ceased. Rare elements on Earth critical to governments and industries are being depleted rapidly, and Mars is becoming an indispensable source. Rivalries are reborn between nations and companies, and as always, there are those who stand ready to capitalize on the situation regardless of the cost. The first generation of those born on Mars are faced with critical decisions that will determine the future of their planet and the way of life that they take for granted. With eight settlements and a population barely over 50,000 (many of those babies and children), the Martians are seriously outnumbered and out gunned. As always, however, their strength lies in their people, and the unique bond that has developed with computational intelligence. But bloodless revolutions are rare, even on Mars. The road to independence is never easy, no matter what planet you are on!