May 12, 2643, three centuries after Earth's ancient astronauts' daring expedition into the unknown, Empress Isabella Whitlock boarded the fleet's flagship, Maleficent, for Planos. She was unaware that the planetary survey performed by the ancients and the recent one conducted during her first visit were flawed. June 13, 2643, thirty-two days after leaving Earth orbit, the Maleficent entered into a stable orbit above Planos. Three hours later, Isabella arrived at the high grassland homestead with the five children entrusted to her care. She excitedly awaited a joyful reunion with her cousin Jennifer and looked forward to a month-long vacation celebrating the inclusion of Planos as a sovereign world under the protection of the empire. During her visit, Isabella's itinerary included a wide variety of activities, but she did hope to see the incredible Planos sabercats and mammoths roaming the preglacial continent. She never imagined that her curious desire would innocently lead to a place where monstrous airborne creatures challenged the legendary myths of ancient Earth.
