From the introduction: Space held such hope for humanity. A fresh start. A chance for old grievances to wither and die. Quantum Gate Networks let humanity push deeper into space. Advancements in nano-technology saw the creation Proto-crafters. Fabricators that are able to use mass and energy to constructed entire buildings in minutes. This, combined with advancements in artificial intelligence and bio-engineering, allowed humanity to colonize countless planets. Governed by the Earth Empire, humanity entered a golden age of peace and prosperity.