Alejandro Detweiler, young and idealistic, anxious to explore the Saturn System, enlists in the Guard. On his first trip in space, his ship is unexpectedly diverted to Janus, the Prospector's World, to investigate a mysterious death.
As the circle of violence spreads, Alejandro struggles to defend the residents of this rebellious community, then his crewmates, and finally, himself. Left on an isolated satellite, he must choose. Face a ruthless mob, or attempt a daunting escape. To complete his mission, perhaps he must do both.