This hard science fiction novel covers a span of twenty years in the lives of the Martian colonial founders and their children as they make the very rocky transition from a privatized establishment to one under the control of the five major space nations on Earth who must answer to bureaucrats, voters, and taxpayers. This leads to revolt and eventually armed conflict as Earthers send forces to liberate Mars from the armed colonial terrorists who have taken over and hold planet hostage. Suggested for mature audiences. Strong language, light sexuality, military conflict.