Polaris has long been known for its waterfalls which are regarded as the tallest, most extensive falls in the known galaxy. For millennia, Polarans have relied on the falls for hydroelectric and mechanical power as well as temperature and humidity control. Entire cities are built behind the falls, and on the surrounding cliffs.
Over the last few centuries, though, the falls have begun to dwindle. Rolling blackouts have become the norm of the last few decades as power plants struggle to keep up with demand. Until recently, no one really understood why.
It was eventually determined that over the centuries, Polaris had wasted a great deal of its water on its space program, dumping waste water into space rather than return it to the planet’s cycle. By the time the effect was detectable, it was too late to reverse it.
This ecological disaster might have been averted if Polaris had come to the Union for aid, but pride caused their leaders to attempt to cure their ills in secret. They created an alliance with the Bhetangu, an alien race from beyond the boundaries of this galaxy. The Bhetangu promised to help them find alternate power sources in return for aid in hunting down and destroying an ancient enemy, the Jhelin.
The alliance proved to be far less beneficial than they had hoped, and it plunged the galaxy into war.
I’d love to see those waterfalls