In 2125 mankind populates Mars, harvests the metallic riches of the asteroid belt, and flings the ore-bearing asteroids back to smelters near Mars for processing. Mars' economic might grows daily as mining on Earth becomes uneconomic. The Martian Republic wins autonomy and begins to look to the stars - all the more so as Martian scientists on Phobos have developed the first practical teleportation technology, albeit with one major drawback. While preparing an asteroid for its trip in-system, Max Cody is wounded and repaired by aliens from another continuum. His repair brings him exotic capabilities, which he employs desperately as renegade ice pirates threaten the embryonic Martian Republic while their allies on the inside plot to take both Mars and Earth hostage. The only upside may be Max's budding relationship with his alluring navigator and colleague, Elaine Zhou. Can Max thwart the murderous plans of Suicide Sam, uncover the plot in time, and still protect his new love? Max wonders, too, whether he is up to this challenge.