Mom's dead and dad's in jail. Sixteen year old, Palmer Mangrum has been shipped as an indentured servant to the backwater planet, Nero. On this gel-like water planet, they farm a type of squid for it's unique minerals. He made a friend on the trip from Earth, Brandt, ex-military cadet. Now, he is also an indentured servant with shuttle flying experience. They gravitated to the oxygen bar, A Little Soul. It reminded Palmer of home. Hometown bar rivalry explodes. The planet catches fire. What will happen to them? To his siblings, Kenley and Denae?