This is the second book in a trilogy describing human endeavour to colonise another world and contemplate escape from the solar system. Earth\'s failure to arrest adverse ecological trends catapulted a new space age to the highest priority.A fragile foothold was established on Mars during the first book - Initiation. The sequel deals with the fallout of human reaction to the discovery of another life form, and the schism which develops between the two planets. There had been such an emotional and promising beginning.A second discovery on Mars throws the tenuous relationship into potential meltdown. Ruthless \'entrepreneurs\' on Earth complicate matters by flouting directives regarding the new life form known as The Continuance. Further investigation of the second discovery sends a very sobering message to Earth.