Mars Horizon is a story about the real science, infrastructure, and logistics needed to leave the planet and establish a permanent Martian base. On the other hand, it's also about corporate greed and government overreach, the frailties of the human condition and the price to be paid in blood and treasure for daring to believe in impossible dreams. But most of all, this is an American story-rooted in science speculation and not just fiction; these events will occur and in our lifetime. Once the right technology matures, commercial enterprise fueled by an indomitable spirit will lead the way, and one day we will look up at the red planet and realize that we are driven to explore the universe not just as an adventure but as a homecoming.