The Hectors, world-renowned inventors and adventurers of Somerset, England, have been forces of innovation and modernisation for more than a century. As pioneers of the Industrial Revolution, they have tested the boundaries of (among other things) steam power, combustion turbine engines, electricity, cavorite, and heavy elements. (The last of these fell in great quantity from the sky, in 1795, onto Yorkshire farmland that was subsequently purchased by the Hectors.) In the last years of the 19th century, the family have taken on many prestigious clients, including the Royal Navy. Specialising in designing, engineering and manufacturing HEC (Heavy Element Cell) -powered airships, the Hectors are amateur aviators who are madly passionate about flight. Their family motto is Ascendere. Lately, in the emergence of national super powers, many of their contracts have been for the development of armed and armoured craft. Since the passing of his father, Charlie Hector has taken over the family business. Not as ruthless as many of his predecessors, but no less shrewd, Charlie continues to govern Hector Limited skillfully, but still finds the time to have fun with developing gadgets of leisure. His latest project has been the Dragonfly - a flying motor carriage.