Joan Vail is the paramour of Greg Zhor, a member of the copper-skinned Rihns, a peaceful people descended from the aboriginal Martians and the first terrestrials from Earth to settle on Mars. Zhor rose to prominence due to his research in atomic energy. The Rhins lived in harmony with the pure-blooded humans until a mechanic named Karragon realized his ability to manipulate the people through his oratory skills. Karragon became dictator of Mars. His followers were called Thelists. He encouraged the Terrestrials to hate the Rhins, and Zhor is demoted to a test tube cleaner by his bigoted Thelist superiors. He’s also forbidden to see his fiance Joan Vail. As revenge, Zhor plans to assassinate Karragon during a speech, but he’s halted by Vail. She convinces him to direct his energies towards the design of weapons for use against the Thelists. Zhor and Vail are discovered together by Thelist Storm Guards. Zhor is sentenced to the radium mines of Phobus, Vail to the looms in the great mills of Mercis. While working the mines, Zhor takes on a leadership position with the prisoners. He plans a breakout, which introduces Mark Victus, Bar El, the elderly Zoab (who looks like a thin “Santa Claus”), and the ill-fated Hensic.
Description Joan Vail is the paramour of Greg Zhor, a member of the copper-skinned Rihns, a peaceful people descended from the aboriginal Martians and the first terrestrials from Earth to settle on Mars. Zhor rose to prominence due to his research in atomic energy. The Rhins lived in harmony with the pure-blooded humans until a mechanic named Karragon realized his ability to manipulate the people through his oratory skills. Karragon became dictator of Mars. His followers were called Thelists. He encouraged the Terrestrials to hate the Rhins, and Zhor is demoted to a test tube cleaner by his bigoted Thelist superiors. He’s also forbidden to see his fiance Joan Vail. As revenge, Zhor plans to assassinate Karragon during a speech, but he’s halted by Vail. She convinces him to direct his energies towards the design of weapons for use against the Thelists. Zhor and Vail are discovered together by Thelist Storm Guards. Zhor is sentenced to the radium mines of Phobus, Vail to the looms in the great mills of Mercis. While working the mines, Zhor takes on a leadership position with the prisoners. He plans a breakout, which introduces Mark Victus, Bar El, the elderly Zoab (who looks like a thin “Santa Claus”), and the ill-fated Hensic.
