In our future worlds the Administration rules the Sphere of Humankind, the Games Board sanctions and funds wars and conflicts, and the Haulers' Collective roams the space routes like the caravanners of old.

Marko and his crew of fellow soldier-engineers are sent to investigate a largely unknown planet. When they encounter strange artefacts and an intelligent but aggressive squid species, they are forced to embark on a perilous journey far from the Sphere.

They will have to survive not only other alien encounters but also their own Administration's deadly manipulations.