Etherea had been a jewel of a world—peaceful, lush and beautiful--and with a technology the envy of the solar system. But, that was before they came. Aliens from outside the Aldane system, they pretended to come in peace and friendship. On the pretense of trade and peaceful exploration, they promised to share their technology, which was beyond anything anyone in the Aldanian system had ever seen, in exchange for produce from the Etherian harvest. The lush bounty of the Etherian soil was renowned for several systems over. Having giving up war and conflict generations ago, they were free to dedicate themselves to art and science. Experts in the science of botany, they were able to coax fruit from their soil that was astounding in both its size and taste. Many wished to trade with them, so they had no suspicions when these newcomers came with false offers of friendship and trade. Little did they know that these newcomers vast technical knowledge was the prize of conquer and slavery. These nomads traveled from system to system, conquering all that could not or would not resist them. In exchange for the peace and trust offered to them, they returned theft of their new “friends” technology and rape and destruction of their lands. To the people, themselves, they gave enslavement and death to those who would not bow down. The Etherians, with their dedication to peace and harmony, stood little chance of standing against such as these. In a short time, the lush green skirt of Etheria’s ecology was ragged and brown. The beautiful cities fell to ruin and decay after a short but thorough battle. Those few citizens who managed to escape both death and enslavement fled to the hills and wild places in hopes of being left alone. In this they were disappointed. Their conquerors never gave up what they took—not the knowledge and goods that they stole, and certainly not their slaves. The Etherians with their scientific knowledge and their physical beauty would fetch a hefty price on the slave market. Patrols were dispatched to bring back the escapees, preferably alive, but their captors were practical. Those who did not bow to their master’s will must be “made an example of”. Those who were found must be enslaved or killed; it was their choice. A few brave souls were determined to win back their land and free their people. Having been robbed of their technology and modern weapons, they rediscovered the weapons and skills of their ancients. They also rediscovered something that had been lost to their people for generations. They rediscovered hatred!