the mines of mars

When luputonium was discovered on Mars, all hell broke loose. Though they had bought and sold all the land on earth, the rapid commodification of another planet was a new experience for the human race.

But we're fast learners. Heluva fast when there's money to be made.

Then, as quickly as it was discovered, the source ran dry. Luputonium is fickle and responds to subtle changes in the environment. As more people moved in, the traces became ever more faint.

Now all that was left were the abandoned drills and husks of long tubing that once provided life support for the men who worked the mines. It wasn't long before the entire colony was inhabited by squatters.

The government of Earth considered storming the planet, but decided it wasn't worth the money.