In 2041 Earth experienced the single most momentous event in recorded history—first contact with an alien civilization. The Cottohazz was a stellar commonwealth of five peaceful, starfaring species led by the Varoki, the inventors of the jump drive which made interstellar travel and commerce possible. In 2064 the nations of Earth joined the Cottohazz as full members, the Sixth Race.
Seventy years later the Cottohazz is recovering from its first interstellar war, fought between four Earth nations—forming the Outworld Coalition—and one Varoki nation, the uBakai.