Since the other alien races in EV:O seem to be a hot topic, here's my theory on the history of the Strands.
Thousands of years ago, a race (we'll call them the Gadzair after their homeworld) developed hyperspace technology and began to explore the galaxy. Soon, the Gadzair discovered three ideal worlds for colonization: massive Zidagar and its moon Tumni, mountainous Azdgari and its three moons, Dames, Xarnes, and Veltes, and lush Igadzra. The Gadzair began to spread. The majority of the Gadzair moved to the northern colonies, their regional captial becoming Zidagar. The pre-Zidagar found time for leisure on their ideal planets, and soon developed a keen sense for art and drama. The pre-Igadzra were a hardy and self-reliant people, priding independence. Sometimes they carried this pride to a xenophobic level. The pre-Azdgari were explorers, and had a less-than-favorable choice of planets. Therefore, they had to be nomadic and opportunistic, making do with whatever they could find. After several centuries, the colonies began to solidify into three distinct factions (the modern ones we know today). The Gadzair decided that a new form was government was needed, one that fairly represented the interests of the colonies. So, they built the Council Station in orbit around Gadzair. Here at the Council Station, every major faction could be represented in a democratic manner. The Council Station worked for quite a long time. However, as time passed, new issues began to threaten the stability of the Strand nation. Another race had made contact with the Zidagar. The Miranu, as they called themselves, were a peaceful race, perfectly content with exploring they galaxy and interstellar trade. The Zidagar quickly saw the possible benefits of a relationship with the Miranu. However, the paranoid Igadzra believed that the Strands should rely solely upon themselves, not another race. The Azdgari sided with the Gadzair, who usually took a conservative viewpoint. This severly frustrated the Zidagar, who desired normal relations with the Miranu. This position was only aggravated when the Gadzair suggested a station should be constructed in the Kade system to prevent invasions from outside the Crescent.
The Igadzra consented, and the Azdgari, loyal to the Gadzair, built Crescent Station. This action caused the Zidagar to declare independence. What followed was a vicious civil war. The Zidagar launched a massive offensive against Gadzair, and before either the Azdgari or the Igadzra could respond, the Zidagar used their powerful phased beams to ravage the planet. Gadzair was totally destroyed. This further destabilized the war, as the Igadzra blamed the destruction of Gadzair on the Azdgari, whose warships arrived too late. The Igadzra attacked the Azdgari, and soon the war was a free-for-all. The Gadzair system became the main battleground, and soon the system was cluttered with the wrecks of destroyed warships. The Council Station still orbited the barren world of Gadzair, witnessing the terrible battle as the Strands waged war against each other. In a final act of authority, Council Station, through forces unknown, annihilated every ship in the system. The Station used the act as a warning to the Strands to never again use the Gadzair system as a place of destruction. However, the Strand War was not ended. The Zidagar penetrated deep into Azdgari space, forcing the Azdgari to flee from their homeworld. In their absence, the Zidagar released their foul biological and chemical weapons on Azdgari. A brutal Igadzra attack on their southern border forced the bulk of the Zidagar fleet to withdraw, and the Azdgari managed to retake their homeworld. They then relocated to the moons of Azdgari. The Strand War continued for centuries, until EV:O, where the storyline becomes your choice. So, that's my theory. I'd be interested to hear someone else's ideas.
Rabid_Penguin
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