the polaris are a race of technologically, and in some cases telepathically, advanced humans who broke away from the colonial council in 480 nc. the first expedition that ventured in the direction of the north star was arranged by kerrell polaris, who died three days before it was started. over the next century, the polaris encountered the wraith, a space dwelling race of creatures that can utilize hyperspace. nearly all encounters the polaris had with the wraith ended in bloodshed, which is what initially fostered the polaris' isolationist ideology.