David D. Levine’s story, “The Wreck of the Mars Adventure” takes place during the reign of William III, specifically in May 1701 when the accused pirate William Kidd is pardoned by the King himself.
There is, of course, a catch. Kidd must accompany a much younger man to Mars in order to view the landscape. If Kidd returns, he gets a full pardon. Unfortunately, the trip takes longer than they planned and they land on Mars, rather than viewing it from afar.
The story provides an interesting perspective on Mars and its inhabitants.
This short story is the third in "Old Mars", edited by George R.R. Martin and Gardner Dozois.
“THE WRECK OF THE MARS ADVENTURE” - 'Old Mars' Anthology#3
