The Mars Rover Curiosity was sent to Mars with state of the art artificial intelligence in 2012. It's been learning ever since. How long until it truly gets curious? The story is told, at first, as a series of conversations between two of Curiosity's human specialists. My apologies to the people who do this in real life. I am sure your job duties are far more complex than I can possibly reflect here, though I hope you see a little of yourselves in Rick and Mike. These chapters are dedicated to you. The story also serves as a bit of a prequel to The Astronaut's Mom, covering events beginning in the near future, and up through the early manned missions to Mars. There will also be a third story entitled, "Martian Dawn," which will explore what happens when the barren scientific Eden that Piper finds on Mars in 2038 begins to get crowded.

A mother struggles to deal with the fact that her daughter has chosen to participate in a one-way mission to Mars. Dedicated to my wife, all the foster children we've had so far, and the child that will someday grow up with us. Major Influences: The Martian, by Andy Weir, Red Mars by Kim Stanley Robinson, and the Mars One mission proposal. Note on technology: the materials science and radiation shielding that I mention in the course of the story are based on things currently under development or proposal. My other posted stories take place in the same universe. I welcome any comments or questions on each section, either from readers or other writers. Thanks

The first men and women on Mars, the brave pioneers who refused to wait any longer. This is the show that put the reality in Reality TV. Relive the highlights, from first landing in 2026, to the arrival of the "Aguila," in 2054. This DVD is only available from Mars Science Colony and Channel 8. (www.msc.com/gift shop/ and www.channel8/documentaries/mars/ ) Some chapters originally posted here will eventually be moved to a longer work called "Martian Dawn," the first two chapters of which are also posted here on WattPad.

Dawn is the first child born on Mars. Her entire world is one single habitat covered by a dome. The entire thing can be understood. She knows everybody on the planet and they all know and love her. Then the first really BIG colony ship arrives, and the population of Mars quadruples overnight. Her parents warn her to be careful--more people always means change. But when she becomes the victim of a violent crime, it will test everyone--her parents and teachers, her friends and associates. No one is quite sure how to to face the next chapter.