[h3]Macharian Space, 352 NE[/h3]
Nestled in the outer reaches of the Milky Way galaxy, among the areas of young stars and large gas clouds that were in a state of violent calm as they slowly followed their million-years rotation around the galactic center, was a rather unobtrusive system which little would note from the outside. A middle-aged star, approximately 2/5 of the way through its life cycle, sat as the anchor for twelve planets that lazily orbited. Most were gas giants, massive planets that dwarfed their brethren of rock and liquid. Of particular interest were the three middle planets, arranged so that they were almost sharing an orbit. Millions of years ago, the planets had passed near to each other, cataclysmic destruction rampantly advancing across the surface of all three. But according to calculations, such an event was not meant to happen for another several million years, at which time this system would likely be developed to the point of not worrying or devoid of life.

One of these planets, mainly green, blue spots few and far between except for a sizable area of water, was almost empty, the only sign of habitation being a sector of the largest continent several thousand miles in areas. Much of the territory was devoted to farming, while the inner reaches saw massive industrial factories consuming countless resources in the ever powerful march of economy. Four space elevators pierced the atmosphere, constructs of steel, tungsten, and titanium meant to last for decades if not centuries. Yet this, nor the similar planet slightly further inside the system, were the heart of the nation which controlled the territory. At the center of the nation of Machar, both literally and figuratively, was the planet Machar itself. A verdant world, covered in vast swathes of interconnected oceans, thrummed with life. At least, part of it did. A quarter of the world lay barren, stripped of existence as the humans of Machar consumed the materials present to propel themselves towards the stars.

Dozens of military stations circled the planet alongside just as many civil ones, along with hundreds of low orbit ships. Even with the advances in propulsion technology and cheaper manufacturing, such craft still limited themselves to those with at least a modicum of wealth. Truly unique were the space-bound vessels, hulks of metal rather angular and ugly in appearance; vessels of war were never made to be gaudy.

Life bustled to and for between and on the planets, ignorant of the universe prowling outside the confines of their star system. All it would take was a wayward traveler to stumble upon them to shatter their dreams.