 According to Ron, what motivated him and Val to join the Geigs?
The planet itself was tough enough—barren, desolate, forbidding; enough to stop the most adventurous and dedicated. We knew the pay was poor, but we had felt it a sort of obligation, something we could do as individuals to keep the industries of radioactives-starved Earth going. The geiger kept up a fairly steady click-pattern, but never broke into that sudden explosive tumult that meant we had found pay-dirt. I wished there was some way of turning the weary, bedraggled girl at my side back into the Val who had so enthusiastically suggested we join the Geigs. The Geig Corps preferred married couples, working in teams. It had been spun on us only a short time ago, I realized.
 desire to maintain their present way of life
 desire to maintain their present way of life  monetary compensation  opportunity for a new life on Mars  heroic reputational status upon returning to Earth