Olympus Mons

A “miracle enzyme” enables carbon dioxide-oxygen conversion within the organism, opening the hostile Martian environment to colonization. After a quake, the aqueduct fails; waterless Burroughs Enclave teeters, may become a "lost colony." Former intel op and alpinist Jesperson and his work-partner Barnes lead a semi-suicidal trek up the volcano's heights in a desperate attempt to effect repairs. Less

An obscure biomedical researcher develops Bevvinase, the “miracle enzyme” capable of driving carbon dioxide-oxygen conversion within the organism, thereby opening the hostile Martian environment to permanent colonization. Decades later, Burroughs Enclave teeters on the brink of becoming a "lost colony." Former intel op and alpinist Jesperson, and his work-partner Barnes, are among the few hundred “Marsrats” (Mars-rationalized humans) dwelling within a pressurized, roofed enclave in the shadow of the immense Olympus Mons shield volcano and its aqueduct system, the sole source of essential water. A minor eruption and quake cause unknown damage to the aqueduct at the time when an earthly economic crisis is brewing, and absentee governance of the enclave is handed over to the U.N. Organization. Struggling against vigorous opposition in Burroughs, with homeworld aid unavailable, Jesperson and Barnes lead a semi-suicidal trek to the volcano’s heights in a desperate attempt to repair the aqueduct and save the enclave’s denizens.