Olympus Mons Author:William Walling An obscure research cellular physiologist develops a "miracle enzyme" that allows carbon dioxide/oxygen conversion en vivo, within the cell tissue –- a radical innovation opening the hostile Martian environment to human colonization. Decades later, former intel agent and alpinist Jesperso, and his partner, Barnes, a black ex-football coach a... more »nd convicted felon, are among the "Marsrats" (Mars-rationalized, CO2-breathing humans) living within the pressurized, roofed crater of Burroughs Colony, south of the immense shield volcano and its vast aqueduct system -- the enclave's sole source of potable water. Earthly economic problems cause the giant conglomerate, Vonex Corporation, to officially "hand over" the absentee governance of Burroughs to the UN. When an earthquake damages the planet's water pipeline, Jesperson and Barnes must trek to the top of Olympus Mons to make repairs.« less