Introduction

A relatively old system, there is very little to distinguish Gliese 295 from any other star of similar properties.  An indication of its age is its relatively low metal rating, and consequently its somewhat abbreviated planetary system.  Ices dominate this system, primarily in the form of numerous comets and a populous Oort cloud.  Those terrestrial bodies that are present are also characteristically of low density, indicating the paucity of silicates present that are needed to form terrestrial planets.

Indeed, the terrestrial planets that are present are dominated by surface ices and are relatively geologically inert.  Only the inner two worlds, Riss and Würm, have any abundance of heavy materials, but this is merely a consequence of their formation so close to their star, where icy materials would quickly be depleted.  In the normal course of events, such a system would likely have continued to be over-looked for standard colonization attempts.  However, the interstellar surveys performed during the League of Worlds have turned up many fascinating and unexpected results.  The Gliese 295 system held one such surprise -- a habitable world.  But, more than that, it held the key to the knowledge about one of the early Galactic races, often called the Ancient Four.