The Stain On Her House

The Stain On Her House is the second story in the first Orphans of Mars book, Earth Colony. It introduces Nerrine and touches on the death of her wife, Garaka, and the rest of Garaka's expedition. Along with Eyes in the Dark, it was originally published as Journey Into # 12.

Nerrine at first desires to be ritually murdered for her cowardice. Ress argues for her life, for reasons not immediately apparent. Kellin suggests they need a radio device that Garaka's party took with them in order to warn the White City that Earth's native life is hostile. Nerrine leads Jarissy to the site of the massacre in order to retrieve the radio, and decides after the adventure that she wants to live.