When her professor suddenly has to back out of a research trip, Avery Daley finds herself thrust into a post on a prestigious but high-pressure scientific outpost on Mars. She knows the pressure is on her to represent her program to the highest standards but soon finds her innovative ideas getting her into trouble with the outpost's director, all while struggling to adjust to being so far away from home. Avery learns how science and friendship can lead to hope, more science and more friendship, even with the toughest of adversaries.