The Martian Colonies

It has been 77 years (136 for Earthlings) since humankind began their aggressive colonization of the surface of Mars. Through the sacrifice and artifice of hundreds of fearless interplanetary pioneers, the first of the Great Domes were constructed, and so began the Martian Era.   As the initial cooperative efforts of earthly territories broke down, individual countries and corporations, and even the highly independent martian-born colonists launched their own expeditions. By the 34th year on Mars (64 on Earth), there were seven sovereign human settlements on the surface of the red planet, whose foreign policies ranged from altruism and cooperation to outright hostility. Over two-thousand settlers exist within the protection of their massive domes, supported by an unending fleet of tireless robotic laborers.   Upon the cracked surface of this cold, barren world, humankind has created water, oxygen, and vegetation. They have raised cities where only red sand and wind had been before. Wonders of engineering and science have been achieved. Their researchers have uncovered heretofore undreamed fortunes of knowledge.   Yet none can explain why martianborn children are prone to violent outbursts, or sing songs in a language unknown on Earth. Few dare to venture a theory to explain why so many settlers speak of seeing the ghosts of loved ones knocking on the outside of the domes. And it is only in whispers that they speak of the thing which was found in the mine. Only in whispers, or not at all.