The orphan daughter of a spacefaring clan, Yan has always felt out of place. She's alone among her extended family; among her classmates at the Academy, she's too much of a spacer; among the normal population she's a dangerous power user. Though she ekes out a happy life among her friends, her whole world is turned upside down upon graduation from the Academy, when she's offered an apprenticeship with the leader of the Empire, Aymon Sandreas.

Yan is a very sensitive person: tender and cries easily. She's constantly seeking out a connection with others, and she's willing to completely give herself up to get it. In a pinch, and when someone else is in danger, Yan is an excellent problem solver, and she is ready to take charge.

Sylva has been Yan's best friend at the Academy since they both arrived there as children. She's headstrong, smart but distractable, and the worst power user that she's ever met. Although she's insecure, selfish, and impulsive, Sylva's care for the people she loves will drive her across the galaxy.

The Academy is a school, run by the Imperial government, where most sensitives (people who can use the telekinetic/telepathic power) are sent to be trained in theology and leadership. Children are sent there at age ten, and graduate into their apprenticeships at age twenty. 

Yan, Sylva, Kino, Sid, and Aymon all attended the Academy, as did most other sensitives in the Empire.

The Academy is located on Emerri (planet), in Yora (capital city), also known as the Imperial Center.

Emerri is the capital planet of the Empire. The Academy and Stonecourt are both located here in Yora, its capital city.

Yora is the capital city of the Empire. It is located on the planet Emerri and contains both Stonecourt and the Academy.