The Malleus crew-their leader Alexis, former gladiator Sabrya, engineer extraordinaire Bradyn, and the upgraded droid Torg-aren't fitting into Sylvanus Colony. Facing prowling Imperials, a looming bounty by the powerful Bukshoga Qlan, and various other nefarious entities out for their blood, this side of the galaxy has become too hot for them. With a cargo ship without cargo, the crew plots a course to the farthest known reaches of the galaxy to become traders among the emerging colony worlds of the Orion Quadrant-a region under constant harassment from marauders. They soon realize they can offer the one thing the colonists need-protection. But when they upset the status quo and anger powerful entities who are already entrenched in the region, who is going to protect them?