On the planet Zora, two societies exist: the Innocent, an advanced culture residing in domed cities, and the Civilians, who are compelled to live in the harsh desert wilderness. According to the Innocent's decree, any Civilian who commits a crime is forgiven if they are not brought to justice within three days. Civilian Jiron Amos seeks revenge against the villainous outlaw Timp Sharon, who murdered his parents, even though the three-day period has long since passed. Hoping to achieve his revenge by stealing the mecha Xabungle from the merchant Carrying Cargo, Jiron joins forces with a group of bandits known as the Sandrats and kidnaps Cargo's daughter, Elchi, who turns out to be sympathetic to his cause. Jiron's quest for revenge soon expands into a much larger conflict—one that will eventually see the Civilians rise up against the rule of the Innocents.