In the distant future, as mankind discovers life on other planets, it needs soldiers to defend its colonies and outposts across the stars. In order to increase the number of boots on the ground, criminals are offered the opportunity to serve in the place of incarceration. But as wars wage on and more soldiers are needed, small-time crimes are given long-term punishments.
Valuable time is slipping away as Samara, Grace, and the other drop ship crash survivors make their way through the alien-filled Marland Market and come face-to-face with enemies of the prison from Halleran's past. Every second they waste puts them in danger of being "punched out."