The planet of Zephyr has a proud tradition of maintaining independence from the Solar Group and the Republic. In the Steeple Hills of Zephyr, the Non-aligned Ishiguro Clan maintain a Planet School called Highwitch, and on a long shoulder of rock above the complex of buildings stands "The Prism". The Prism is an artistic creation which acts as a spiritual focal point for Highwitch. It is built from artfully cut synthetic stones, bowls of molten resin and sacks of shocked crystal pearls procured from the thermal vents in the higher reaches of the Steeple Hills and it is continually evolving and growing, designed to cast coloured light over the buildings when the fierce dawn light of Zephyr breaks over the Steeple Hills.