Sol System

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Sol System

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The Sol System is the home system of the Human species within the Orion Sector. The heart of the Trans-Solar Federation and one of the busiest systems for commerce and corporations. Humans, Skrell, and other forms of alien travel throughout the system to reach the several important bodies inside. Its earliest development spans to the first century of human exploration amongst the stars, with important locations like Mars, Europa, and Pluto being colonized locations that slowly developed into important worlds for Trans-Solar Federation exploration, and the corporations active within.

Mercury (Sol I)

Mercury, the innermost planet of the Sol System, presents a harsh and barren landscape. The planet's surface is a testament to its brutal environment, heavily cratered and devoid of an atmosphere, constantly bombarded by meteorites and intense solar winds due to its proximity to the sun. Temperature extremes range from a frigid 100K to a blistering 700K during daylight hours, posing significant challenges for habitation.

Despite these harsh conditions, Mercury hosts a number of human-operated mining facilities, strategically located deep beneath the planet's crust. These facilities, housed within biodomes and reinforced subterranean structures, exploit Mercury's rich iron deposits, crucial to the Trans-Solar Federation's industrial needs. The materials extracted here are vital for the construction and maintenance of Earth and Martian colonies.

Life on Mercury is far from comfortable. The planet's population, estimated at around 10,000 TSF citizens, is primarily composed of miners and ecologists. These individuals live and work in a network of heavily fortified metallic bunkers, thousands of feet below the surface, equipped with continuous air conditioning and hydroponic systems for sustainability. The environment is tough and often bleak, leading to a high incidence of drug use among the workforce.

Trade is the lifeline of Mercury's settlements. Cargo ships regularly transport the mined ores and minerals to Mars for further processing, while also delivering essential supplies like water and oxygen to sustain the underground habitats. The workforce is predominantly engaged in mining (85%), with the remainder involved in construction, maintenance, and various administrative or ecological roles.

Given the planet's extreme conditions, workers on Mercury receive Hazard Pay, a financial incentive acknowledging the risk and difficulty of their jobs. This compensation, however, often does little to alleviate the sense of isolation and hardship experienced by those who call Mercury their temporary home.

Venus (Sol II)

Venus, the second planet from the sun in the Sol System, stands as a stark contrast to its neighboring planets. Roughly Earth-sized, it is the hottest planet in the system, with a dense atmosphere that creates an extreme greenhouse effect. An atmosphere primarily composed of carbon dioxide, traps heat to such an extent that the average surface temperature soars above 735K, maintaining a constant state of extreme heat.

These inhospitable conditions have led the Trans-Solar Federation (TSF) and other agencies to deem Venus unsuitable for colonization or extensive exploration. The relentless heat, coupled with the planet's volatile weather patterns, makes any habitation or long-term investment in infrastructure on Venus prohibitively dangerous and costly.

As a result, Venus remains devoid of any permanent TSF or alien settlements. Instead, the focus has shifted to Mercury, whose challenging yet more manageable conditions offer a more viable option for resource extraction and industrial activity. Venus, however, has not been entirely overlooked in the Sol System's economic landscape. Recognizing its strategic position, several plasma fuel stations have been established in orbit around the planet. These stations serve as critical refueling points for cargo shuttles and other spacecraft traveling within the Sol System, particularly those transporting metals and supplies within Sol.

Earth (Sol III)

Earth, the cradle of humanity and the esteemed capital of the Trans-Solar Federation (TSF), is a vibrant continental world teeming with life. As the birthplace of the human species, it holds a special place and pride for the human citizens within. Earth's climate is varied, and over millennia, humans have settled and colonized nearly every corner of its surface, making it one of the most thoroughly studied and understood planets in the Sol System.

By the 21st century, Earth faced significant ecological challenges. Rapid industrialization and population growth led to widespread pollution, with urban areas particularly afflicted by smog and toxic waste. This environmental degradation soon began to impact rural regions as well. In response to this crisis, the early Trans-Solar Federation spearheaded a movement to relocate heavy industries and their pollution for a cleaner Earth. This initiative involved relocating many industrial facilities to less developed worlds within the Federation's domain, such as Mars and Europa, emphasizing the preservation and rehabilitation of Earth's environment.

As the centuries progressed, the effort would be noticeable. By the 23rd century, Earth had successfully reduced its carbon emissions and pollution levels by 85%, a continuous and supported choice that would continue into the future. Today, Earth has transformed from an industrial hub into a lush, resort world. It has become a prime destination for vacationing and sightseeing, particularly for those not native to Earth. The planet's long history of space exploration and cultural exchange has fostered a rich tapestry of diverse alien species and cultures. Earth contains many settlements similar to the original species' homes and towns to foster their native culture planetside. Skrell, Tajaran, Vulpkanin, Unathi, and several other small communities exist on Earth as sub-societies preserving their beliefs and heritage far from home. While the TSF often encourages these interstellar migrants to embrace human customs, a dynamic blend of their original cultural practices with those of humanity naturally evolves over time to create something new.

Today, Earth stands proudly as the capital world of the Trans-Solar Federation, hosting numerous Federal buildings and offices, including all four levels of the Federal government, the United Earth Naval Academy, and the Solar Central Bank, among innumerable others. Earth’s lush biosphere continues to make it perfect for farming, and Earth remains a major food exporter, with American and Ukrainian grain being particularly widespread through the Federation. The most profitable industry on Earth, however, remains its immense financial and banking sector, which handles trillions of credits every year in glittering office spires across Earth’s cities.

Luna (Sol IIIa)

Luna, more commonly known by Earth natives as "The Moon," is Earth's only natural satellite, characterized by its barren landscape and crater-pocked surface, devoid of any indigenous life forms.

In the dawn of humanity's space colonization era, Luna was a primary target for the growing Trans-Solar Federation. Its close proximity to Earth and manageable size made it an ideal candidate for early colonization efforts, marking Luna as humanity's first extraterrestrial settlement. This initial success led to significant investment in Luna's development, including the construction of numerous biodomes, until Mars and its pivotal discovery of Phoron shifted the focus of space exploration.

As the TSF's ambitions stretched beyond the immediate confines of the Sol system, propelled by the advent of proto-FTL technology, Luna's role evolved significantly. From a bustling hub of colonization, it transformed into a central node for bureaucratic and governmental activities. The establishment of orbital shipyards, extensive military bunkers, and training facilities for TSF fleet officers and military personnel marked Luna's transition into a fortress world. This strategic shift was aimed at safeguarding Earth and other key assets within the Sol system.

The aftermath of the Cygni War brought about a significant administrative shift. Luna's officials orchestrated the relocation of several TSF governmental and bureaucratic facilities back to Earth, a move reflecting the diminishing influence of traditional nation-states under the expanding umbrella of TSF governance. Despite these changes, Luna has maintained its status as a fortress world, serving as an overseeing guardian orbiting Earth. Access to Luna is heavily regulated, with stringent vetting and authorization processes in place, primarily for TSF military personnel and contracted workers.

Mars (Sol IV)

Mars, known as the Red Planet, is the fourth planet in the Sol system. Its surface, covered in red dust, presents a stark and barren landscape. Temperatures on Mars can plummet to -160°F at night, yet reach a mild 70°F during the day. The planet's climate poses several challenges, including radiation exposure, frequent dust storms, and lower gravity, complicating construction efforts. Mars is orbited by two small moons, Phobos and Deimos, which are essentially asteroids and have not been deemed worthy of significant investment.

As the second celestial body colonized within the Sol system, Mars holds a pivotal place in human space exploration. Its early colonization, driven by its relative proximity to Earth and manageable climate, marked a significant milestone in humanity's quest to become a spacefaring species. The first biodome on Mars was established in 20XX, paving the way for Earth migrants to settle and expand on this new world. Over the next 50 years, Mars witnessed a proliferation of biodomes, each interconnected by an extensive network of subterranean trams and trains, facilitating surface transportation.

Mars's colonization coincided with the discovery of a revolutionary mineral, scientifically named Phoron but commonly referred to as Plasma. This discovery was instrumental in advancing power systems on Mars and furthering the development of Faster-Than-Light (FTL) engines. The ensuing "Plasma Rush" attracted a surge of settlers and businesses, eager to capitalize on this lucrative opportunity. This golden age saw rapid development, with biodomes, commerce, and cities springing up across the Martian landscape. The planet's commercial value eventually led to its designation as a freeport after the establishment of the Solar-Central-Compact, turning Mars into a tax haven for corporations and a bustling hub for traders and ships under looser regulations. This also led to institutions and colleges springing up around Mars offering trade careers for corporate employment and education. Not limited to, The Mars University, Martian College of Comedy, and Grand Red Library are all within Mars under their respective corporate backers.

The rise of Martian culture was marked by corporate influence and loyalty within the biodomes. Gang warfare, fueled by corporate allegiances, became prevalent, and Mars's freeport status made it a hotbed for illicit activities. Today, Mars maintains its freeport status, corporate-driven culture, and college intuitions as popular opportunities for those living or visiting the planet. Governance is overseen by appointed boards representing the corporations that own the domes. The TSF has increased its surveillance to ensure Mars continues to serve as a vital hub of commerce and economic activity.

Inner Belt

Within the inner ring of the Sol System lies the Inner Sol Asteroid Belt, acting as the marker for leaving the inner ring, the belt is home to several mining ships from corporations excavating and drilling within moving asteroids to harvest rich minerals and plentiful plasma reserves. Stations inside the belt float in sync to avoid any collision of future asteroids and act as refueling stations for shuttles leaving Sol Proper toward outer farther colonies in Sol or outside the system. The area of the asteroid belt is rather inhabitable as asteroids have been deemed too difficult to colonize, instead with functioning space stations to orbit within. Its clutter of rocks and debris makes it also one of the more popular areas to hide and sneak within Sol, thanks to the difficulty of transponder signals and detection being invisible to even the most experienced of pilots.

Jupiter (Sol V)

Jupiter, the fifth celestial body in the Sol system and a gargantuan gas giant, is over 90 times the number of moons and 1300 times the size of Earth. Its surface, primarily composed of hydrogen and helium, along with other gases, is uninhabitable due to extreme temperature fluctuations and its gaseous nature. This has led to colonization efforts focusing on floating orbital platforms and stations around Jupiter and its moons, rather than on the planet itself.

Initially, the Trans-Solar Federation considered Jupiter's moons as potential mining sites. However, the moons' limited surface minerals made large-scale mining operations impractical. Consequently, the TSF shifted focus, establishing satellites and beacons around these moons while designating Europa as the central governing body of Jupiter's Habitable Zone and Ganymede, a focus of industrialization. The moons, devoid of significant mineral wealth, became attractive to wealthy individuals and corporations, leading to the development of luxury villas and homes, akin to exclusive beachfront properties within the TSF’s jurisdiction.

Today, Jupiter remains largely uninhabitable. Its numerous moons, including Europa and Ganymede, have found unique roles within the Sol system. Europa has evolved into a prominent research world, while Ganymede has become an industrial world and trade hub, acting as a gateway between the inner and outer reaches of the Sol system. The smaller moons and micro-objects around Jupiter, with their limited resource value, have been sold off to affluent TSF citizens, entrepreneurs, and politicians, who maintain them as private estates or biodomes.

Europa (Sol Va)

Europa, a small yet significant moon orbiting Jupiter, stands apart from its siblings in the Jupiter Ring of Habitation. Its colonization has been uniquely geared towards exploring its enigmatic oceans and studying its atmospheric conditions. The dawn of Europa's settlement came before the construction of private biodomes on the other moons orbiting Jupiter, swiftly followed by the TSF's decision to claim Ganymede for their industrial benefit. The inaugural settlers were mainly human scientists, eager to unravel the secrets beneath Europa's thick ice sheets.

Over time, Europa transformed into a hub of scientific research and inquiry, exerting a kind of pseudo-governance over the Jupiter Ring. Its initial success led to the development of a functional port and a growing society. This new Europa Society, compact yet vibrant, placed a high value on marine research and harbored a near-fanatical fascination with the ocean depths. The moon's significance grew with the formation of the SCC, which brought an influx of Skrellian biologists and scientists. Collaborative efforts between Humans and Skrell led to the creation of underwater habitats, dotting Europa's vast oceanic expanses. While surface biodomes bore human-centric names, the underwater facilities were given Skrellian names, reflecting the predominant influence of Skrell engineers and scientists in these endeavors. Europa's status as a frozen oceanic world necessitated a surge in imports to support its expanding population and infrastructure, attracting corporate interests and a diverse array of species seeking opportunities.

However, the deeper ventures into Europa's icy depths unveiled a world of hostile aquatic megafauna. Efforts to establish a colony in the Far Depths were met with failure due to resource scarcity and logistical challenges, delineating the boundaries of safe habitation and curtailing further deep-sea expeditions.

Currently, Europa remains a beacon of research and discovery, predominantly inhabited by Humans, Skrell, and Drask, with smaller enclaves of other species. The underwater settlements, while cramped and challenging, continue to operate, housing communities that prefer isolation from the galaxy above. While surface biodomes on Europa are city-sized and contain more of a constant traffic of visitors and residents who come to Europa to sight see, as well as partake in possible studies and expeditions down below.

Saturn (Sol VI)

Saturn, the sixth planet in the solar system, shares similarities with Jupiter as a gas giant characterized by extreme temperature variations and a gaseous surface. Like Jupiter, its environment is inhospitable to colonization due to these harsh conditions and intense pressure. However, Saturn stands apart in its role within the solar system - not as a destination for luxury estates or private stations, but as a pivotal mining hub.

The true potential of Saturn lies not in its atmosphere but in the vast ring system encircling it, a stunning array of debris and meteoroids accumulated over millennia. Recognizing the potential wealth in these rings, the TSF speculated a treasure trove of valuable minerals like Uranium, Diamonds, and particularly Plasma, essential for the economy.

Prompted by this potential, the TSF spearheaded the development of orbital mining stations within Saturn's rings, mirroring the approaches used in the Inner Belt. The rings proved to be rich in plasma and ores, sparking a frenzy among mining corporations to secure lucrative contracts with TSF. To manage the intense competition and prevent resource poaching, the TSF implemented a system of space shares. Similar to land rights on Earth, these shares govern ownership and operations within designated areas of Saturn's rings, ensuring orderly exploitation of its resources.

In the present day, Saturn is a bustling center of mining activity. The majority of its spatial territory is under the control of various corporations operating in tandem with or directly for the TSF. Despite its economic significance, life on Saturn is challenging. The living conditions and facilities are often subpar, with many structures being hastily built or aging rapidly. Miners on Saturn, while recognizing the hardships, often joke that it's preferable to the scorching conditions of Mercury, as they can at least enjoy the serenity of the stars in Saturn's sky.

Uranus (Sol (VII)

Uranus, the seventh celestial body in the Sol system, stands as an ice giant, distant and detached from the system's central star. Its extreme climate renders it a world inhospitable to normal human living conditions. Instead, Uranus has become a site of interest for other species.

Uranus's primary value lies in scientific exploration and the extraction and purification of its water, a process that transforms it into a vital resource beyond Earth. As a significant producer of potable water, the planet plays a crucial role in the wider system's water economy. Additionally, Uranus has become a haven for migrating Drask clans, who have settled within its icy crust. These clans, granted sanctuary under specific agreements with TSF officials, maintain a non-interfering stance towards the TSF's scientific endeavors on the planet, focusing instead on their internal political dynamics. While there is rarely any sort of TSF presence, small outposts focused on scientific study and mining the frosted ice are present, but barely noticeable by most passing by.

Neptune (Sol VIII)

Neptune, the eighth celestial body in the Sol system, mirrors Uranus as an ice giant. Its composition, predominantly methane, and water, contributes to a harsh environment almost identical to Uranus in terms of habitability.. Despite its similarities to Uranus, Neptune has seen minimal human interaction or development within the Sol system.

Initially earmarked for resource exploitation similar to Uranus, Neptune's development was ultimately sidelined, with the focus shifting to its sister ice giant. As a result, Neptune now stands more as a celestial landmark than a hub of activity. It hosts a handful of research outposts and stations, but these contribute little to the broader objectives of the TSF.

Pluto (IX)

Pluto, once known as the ninth and farthest celestial body in the Solar System, holds the distinction of being the smallest and most remote colonized world with the Sol System. Its frigid temperatures, a result of its distant orbit from the sun, initially made it an unlikely candidate for colonization. However, driven by human curiosity and the allure of mining opportunities, Pluto became a pivotal site for the TSF. Marked in 2083 as the farthest point of human exploration, Pluto serves multiple roles: a launchpad for expeditions beyond the Sol System, a thriving mining colony rich in minerals, and a strategic anchorage for the TSF navy, second only to Luna's shipyards in size and capacity.

The surface of Pluto is speckled with biodomes and stations, predominantly under the control of mining corporations that ventured to exploit its resources. These companies, bolstered by TSF grants, rapidly developed the planet, creating a workforce that rotates between the inner and outer Solar System. Life on Pluto comes with its challenges, including hazard pay to compensate for the planet's treacherous terrain and extreme cold. The mines, buried under layers of dense rock, require extensive excavation, attracting a workforce comprising Earth and Mars expatriates, as well as those enticed by the lucrative hazard pay.

Living conditions on Pluto, however, are far from ideal. Many permanent residents endure substandard housing within overcrowded biodomes, which suffer from pollution due to industrial activities and mining operations. Pluto's inhabitants, often stereotyped as impoverished drug addicts living on the fringes of the Solar System, have crafted a unique cultural identity over generations. This is epitomized by 'Gutter', a language that has emerged among the Pluto community. Originally a tool to maintain privacy and a sense of belonging among locals, Gutter has since permeated beyond Pluto's mines. It is now commonly heard in the underbelly of the Sol System and greater space over the span of 400 years, from seedy bars and criminal gangs to coded exchanges over Gal Comm, serving as a linguistic veil for those who wish to operate undetected in the criminal world.

Kuiper Belt

The Kuiper Belt, the most distant landmark in the Sol system, stretches vast and wide, encircling the entire system like a colossal cosmic ribbon. It serves as the primary boundary for space travel, marking the threshold between the Sol system and the vastness of interstellar space. Due to its immense size, the Kuiper Belt shares many of the navigational and security challenges found in the inner asteroid belt. Its vast expanse makes it difficult for transponders to accurately identify smuggler ships, and the numerous stations scattered across it are often isolated and unregulated.

Despite being the furthest reachable point in the Sol system for over 400 years, the belt remains a largely ungoverned and lawless frontier. Stations within and around the Kuiper Belt operate without any formal protection, making them havens for those seeking refuge from the law or a base for more criminal activities. This lack of oversight has turned the belt into a melting pot of diverse and often conflicting interests, where the rule of law is replaced by the law of survival. Many ships leaving Sol toward other systems do not stick around and are quick to pilot as fast as possible out of the outskirts of Sol.