The modern history of Herrod begins in 2325 when its illumination as viewed from the Hawking System increased dramatically, outshining the stars in that area of the sky.

Shortly after, it was uncovered that the luminosity was from a dyson swarm around the star having turned its attention to sending Aliyum machines to the Gas Giant Bruno in the Hawking System. It is believed that the swarm was focusing on sending smaller near-light speed objects first which kept the majority of its light not directly focused on the Hawking System, however after hundreds of years of this, a broader light beam started being used to propel larger craft towards the end of their journey.

Aliyums have not demonstrated an ability to move or communicate faster than light, so it is assumed that a signal from the first Aliyum arrival in the Hawking System sometime in the 20th century triggered the second wave. This would also mean the arriving aliyum machines are already hundreds of years old by the time they reach the Hawking System.