The Helix was created to revolutionize the way we communicate. But even the purest of intentions can spawn terrible evil.

Lithia Boson never wanted to join some grand rebellion against evil; she just wanted to escape from her abusive aunt Petra and take her little brother Bobby with her. But when the United Planets of Earth find out that the lone passenger on her little cargo ship is a rogue agent from the U.P.E. with knowledge of exactly how deep the government's control of society goes, she isn't given a choice.

Far from home and with no one she can call on, Lithia must turn to a group of ragtag freedom fighters and refugees for help--but who can she really trust when they are the reason her life stands in ruins and she doesn't even know where her brother is?

Out among the planets of the frontier, Lithia is caught up in events far bigger than her--events she doesn't really understand--but Lithia has always been a survivor. To rescue her brother, Lithia will find the strength she never knew she had and go further than she ever thought possible.