The President's Mars advisor, quantum physicist Dr. Kendo Tanaka, is found dead in a Northern California motel room. The administration knows it is the work of The Community, a clandestine organization determined to end Mars exploration. Reporter Rudy Ventana, with the help of Linda Rainwater, a White House aide, is asked to investigate Tanaka's death. Within hours of meeting, they find themselves in mortal danger, pursued by Community assassins. What dark secret is The Community hiding on Mars?