Vol. 1 of The Earth-Mars Chronicles presented the events, drama, and personalities surrounding the decision of an international Alliance to establish a large human foothold on Mars. Vol. 2 examined the people and events that carved out a new life in multiple settlements on the Red Planet. Now complex relations between Earth and Mars are unavoidable. Her name is Liu. She was one of the first born of the new breed of humans - Martians. She was different from the children born on Earth who migrated to Mars, and sometimes the "Earthers" and the "Marties" yelled at each other, but she never participated. Over time, Liu realized that the differences went well beyond the physical; she had a thirst for knowledge that was unquenchable. By age 15 there was nothing left to learn on Mars and she left for Earth-Mars University in Earth orbit. Thus began a period in the history of Earth-Mars relations that would ultimately be dominated by her name, even though those closest to her would never comprehend the extent of her powers. But, there was another name she would share history with; one that was known for his ruthlessness as much as his accomplishments - Jon Vander.