More than two centuries have passed since the famous Israeli artist and scientist Adva Avni developed the Martian manna plant. Its flavor and nutritional content live up to its heavenly name. Genetically engineered to thrive in the harsh Martian environment, manna will not grow anywhere else. Manna has made Mars the richest planet in the solar system, but has done nothing to help the dwindling population of Earth.
Earth has become the Inner City of Sol System. The technocracy has long since abandoned the polluted and radioactive wastelands to build cities in space and settlements on planets, moons, and asteroids, leaving the remaining Earth inhabitants behind to fight with each other over the scarce leftovers.
One of those inhabitants survived a primitive childhood in the toxic Miami swamplands to become a veteran of the Jovian-Martian War, a top member of United Nations Special Intelligence, a master of disguise and martial arts. On a clandestine mission to the center of the Jovian Alliance, he comes to the aid of a collection of children who follow him halfway across the solar system, their numbers increasing at every turn. The children call him Uncle Luke.
Only one man can save Earth. And Uncle Luke doesn't even know the job is his.