Kye Verex is trapped.

Due to a fluke of genetics, the decisions of the galaxy's elite, and a lack of finances, he's stuck on his polluted and noxious home world indefinitely. And it's slowly killing him.

Then his more fortunate sister returns one day, bringing the promise of salvation. Kelsey has always hoped to find the means to pull him out of his desperate cycle of survival, but it has taken years. Now, she has a plan, one that will cure his genetic condition and clear him for interstellar travel.

The catch?

He has to sign over his very existence ? and a portion of his humanity ? to Zylar Inc., the galaxy's most prominent and notorious corporation, in exchange for the necessary treatment. Is his cure worth the cost?