Author: Sandy Samson
Cover Artist: Anastasia Rabiyah
Genre: Science Fiction, Mainstream
Length: Epic Novel 150,294 words
ISBN: 978-1-936165-37-7
Release Date: 4-1-2010
Heat Level: Sweet
Violence

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Tragedy inside mankind’s first outpost on Mars triggers political intrigue, betrayal, murder, and the ultimate triumph of courage over greed.
Glenn Station broadcasts a desperate call for help and then goes silent.  A rescue crew sets out on the long journey to Mars, but mysterious accidents and injuries throw the operation into chaos.  The pilot, John Hellman, soon concludes that someone on Earth has planted a traitor in their midst.  As panic mounts among his shipmates, he struggles to identify the deadly phantom force that is slowly killing off his crew.
Back on Earth, John's wife Marie heads up the government lab studying peculiar artifacts from the red planet.  When she uncovers the frightening truth behind the Glenn Station disaster, she realizes that the future of humanity may be in her hands.  But the danger she now faces is far different from what she ever expected.  A cabal of nationalistic zealots has taken control of the mission to Mars, and they are determined to destroy anyone who threatens their hold on power.  Marie’s only hope is to match wits with the player at the heart of the game, a ruthless renegade who will do whatever it takes to win.
John and Marie Hellman are a world apart, yet together they are fighting the deadliest threat that mankind has ever seen.

EXCERPT:

“I have something to tell you,” she said. “Something very important.”
He nodded.
“John, I know Sarah Carpenter has a reputation for being, well, difficult.”
He smiled.
“It’s probably hard for you to accept that she’s commanding this mission.”
“Mine is not to question.”
She leaned over him and whispered. “Can I tell you a little secret? Just between you and me?” She grinned sheepishly as she said it.
“Whisper it in my ear. Slowly.” He smiled back and turned his head.
She put her mouth to his ear and whispered, “I think she’s a brass-balled bitch.” She stood up as he snorted, and continued out loud. “But you know what? Some very bright people picked her, and I think they picked the right person for this job.”
“Could be. After all, they had only two weeks to put a crew together. Real commanders don’t grow on trees.”
“John, this is important. I’m serious. You may not understand. Just please believe me.”
He nodded his head in agreement.
“She’s in charge of this mission. You’re at the controls, but she gives the orders. It’s important that you follow every order she gives. You may not always understand why she’s doing something, but you need to do what she says anyway, no matter how you may feel about it. Do it for me, okay?”
He swallowed. “She’s the commander. I obey orders. That’s my job, right? Besides, if that’s what you want, that’s what you’ll get. I’ll do it for you.” He squeezed her hand as he said it.
She leaned over him one last time and kissed him on the lips. Then, she whispered, “I love you. Come home soon.”