Prologue

Elshara Galaxa was the fifth planet that orbited the fire orb of Proxima V in the Spider Nebula. In turn It was orbited by four water bearing moons that from a distance looked like shining droplets of silver and when approaching from one of the many galaxy jump tunnels the first travellers called them the tears of the gods, as it was said that they were often moved to tears knowing that they had returned safely home.

A constant stream of water barges automatically shuttled in long lines from the moons to Elshara as around the equatorial circumference the silver spires of Arc Galven hung rotating in perfect synchronicity as protector and gateway above the planet. Her space docks were crammed with the trade galleons, merchant barges and the dark menacing shapes of Brotherhood war craft, whilst down through the light blue water laden atmosphere close on a billion inhabitants spread across the green life bearing southern hemisphere. In stark contrast the northern hemisphere lay clothed under a permanent dark shroud of thunderclouds and isolated behind the mighty spirit wall the population stood at zero and had been since the division of Elshara two hundred generations previously.