Deep within the Verge lies Dranok, a planet of living crystal inhabited by the Xea. A humanoid race that has been at odds with the NCE since their first contact, yet have managed to let their influence be felt throughout the galaxy. Yet the majority of the empire is oblivious to the Xea influence and several organisations have unknowingly swung the battle in the NCE's favour. But not without the Xea finding out...