Your future is only as bright as you make it.
The terraforming project on Mars is a joint effort between humans and Myans. As the Myans are hard at work on the planet, a few humans trickle in. Earth would like to open both work and immigration to Mars, but humans are resistant to the idea.
Earth proposes a broadcasted visit by six humans. To explore, learn, and entice other humans to visit the red planet before it turns green.
Rai applied to visit Mars, thinking she would be declined. She is a heritage child, one of many encouraged to find a husband among those of her 'race' as humans debate the topic of whether such heritage families should be continued. Living a sheltered life, with her family carrying certain expectations for her, all Rai wants is to escape.
Pode is not like most Myan males. He's not looking to please his adventure buddy, just wants to work, be left alone, and avoid the city. He's most comfortable at the controls of his ship, out on the barren land that is Mars.
Just what Rai needs.
It's the vacation of a lifetime, a chance to escape.