The Colonies

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ALPHA CENTAURI

ALPHA CENTAURI is approximately 4.37 light years from our sun, making it by far, the closest star system to our own. In 2110, a potentially habitable planet was discovered and efforts were made to begin colonization of that world. At present, it takes 10.3 Earth years (8.5 of which are spent in cryogenic stasis) to reach the colony on Alpha Centauri B (or "αB"). ALPHA CENTAURI B is smaller than Earth with only two primary continents. It is closer to its sun, making the day/night cycles shorter and more dramatic. A typical "Centaurian" day cycle lasts 16 hours in total with the length of light and darkness fluctuating depending on the seasons, but with its days never lasting more than 10 hours. The climate is mostly mild and hospitable, similar to that of Southern California in most regions of the planet. Distinctive landscapes and vegetation include large grey brown rock formations that cover much of the southern continent, as well as tall, leafy red trees. In was is most closely approximated to the summer months, the trees bear edible fruit. It is seedy, and similar in appearance to pomegranate. Food successfully introduced into the environment from Earth include cows, chickens, pork, and certain types of fish. Corn, carrots, potatoes, cabbages and lettuce have also had successful transplants. The infrequency of rain, however, makes tomatoes difficult and costly to produce. Individual colonists are currently beginning studies on more varieties of plant life. As of January 6th 2214, there are currently 8,000 inhabitants of the ALPHA CENTAURI with an expected capacity of 50,000 and transports from the Sol system leaving biweekly. LUNA colony After the completion of all significant scientific research, the LUNA colony refashioned as a vacation spot for Earth's privileged classes. While there are still active resorts, a very fashionable nightlife, and amusement parks, the desired exodus from the Sol system has left the LUNA colony without its typical customers. It has, in turn, developed other enterprises. In addition to the frivolity, there is also a very active criminal element to the colony. If you need to obtain something less than legally from Earth, this is the place to do it. You need a transport to or from OLYMPUS and don't want anyone asking questions? There's probably someone in one of the LUNA colony's many less than reputable establishments who can arrange it for you. For the right price, of course. That being said, it isn't a place of anonymity. The colony is small and in small towns everyone talks. They take care of their own and mostly turn a blind eye, but don't trust that they'll extend the same courtesy to outsiders. MARS colony Prior to the discovery of ALPHA CENTAURI B, MARS colony was humanity's next best thing to Earth. It's warmer, smaller, and in under-terraformed regions of the planet it can still seem like the barren wasteland it once was. That being said, the populated areas of the planet are virtually indistinguishable from certain regions of Earth. There are three main cities, and it possesses the largest human population of any of the colonies (αB) included. Commerce exists here largely as you might imagine it would in any large settlement. There are shops, restaurants, schools, local branches of government, a police force. There's even a university or two so that children brought up on the MARS colony might continue their education. Not everything within the colony is perfect, however. There's is a small but vocal portion of the population which would see the colony declare its independence from the Earth government. That group in turn developed into the ANTILLIAN rebels, who operate out of the Asteroid Belt. Strategically, MARS colony is important as it the last Earth-controlled outpost prior to the OLYMPUS station. More than that, however, the Asteroid Belt offers it a natural protection from CETEA attack. It is, in all candor, one of the safest places in the known universe. TITAN colony There's nothing to see here anymore. The TITAN colony was attacked in 2183 and all of its inhabitants were killed. TITAN is considered uninhabitable at this point. No efforts are being made to reclaim it.