Centuries into the future, Earth and Mars are in a period of relative peace. The trade of water and metals between the moons of the gas giants and the inner worlds developed into two major factions of space faring societies: Haulers and Pirates. While Haulers have close ties to Mars, Pirates respond to none.

This first installment of the HAULERS series witnesses the encounters that placed the MISSISSIPPI in a central position in the balance of power of the Solar System. It became the first crew to form an allegiance with both Earth and Mars.