Galactic Guide: Ferron System

As noted historian Ariel Rutte once wrote, “If the Sol System is the Empire’s heart, and Terra its head, then Ferron is the blood coursing through its veins.” When the system was discovered in 2460, few could have predicted how vital Ferron would be in driving the economy and expansion of Humanity’s burgeoning Empire for decades, or how far it would eventually fall from its former glory.

Ferron was discovered by Pali Laumet, one of the founding members of the Sol Astroexploration Society. Composed of extremely affluent adventurers who dedicated themselves to the search for new star systems, the S.A.S. can be linked to many jump point discoveries of the time. Laumet had been sailing the expanse of Croshaw for several months already, and low on supplies with a restless crew, was days away from having to return to Sol when his stoker, Darcy Ferron, noted that their quantum drive fuel calculations were off. Laumet, double-checking the figures, surmised that the extra burn-off was due to the pull of an unmarked jump-well. Sure enough, two days later, the crew would become the first Humans to jump to the system that Laumet graciously named after the perceptive Darcy, and upon his return, in the tradition of S.A.S, gifted the coordinates of the system as a philanthropic donation to Humanity.

After initial government surveys were complete, the system was declared an ideal candidate for settlement and opened to the public. Corporate and private interests sped to the system, eager to stake their claim. The ensuing battle for land and mineral rights grew so unruly that the UNE intervened and established a lottery to help arbitrate the disputes. After the first drawing took place, a myriad of loopholes and flaws were uncovered that had given some parties and companies unfair advantages which took years to be sorted. The government’s failed attempts at mediation served to highlight both the impotence and inefficiencies of the UNE as it struggled to cope with Humanity’s rapid expansion. Some historians theorize that the bureaucratic failings during Ferron’s lottery fanned the flames of reform that eventually lead to the dissolution of the UNE and the formation of the UPE in 2523.

Despite its troubled start, Ferron was already on the fast track to prosperity due to its wealth of natural resources. Before long, it was a bustling hub of mining and trade, and in 2529, the system achieved represented status within the UPE. Centuries of success followed as the system provided the materials necessary for Humanity to conquer the stars. In its heyday, Ferron’s population had grown enough to rival that of Sol and it was well on its way to becoming a political equal as well. But sadly, the system’s success would not last.

The first reverse of fortunes occurred in 2791 when Messer XI falsely accused the system of being home to dissidents. Fearful of the Imperator, numerous wealthy Citizens and Messer loyalists fled the system, taking large amounts of funds and clout with them. When the eventual military strike did come, it was only thanks to the legendary bravery of the members of Squadron 78 and their heroic unwillingness to kill civilians that major violence was avoided, but by then, the economic and political damage to Ferron had already been done.

The next blow would occur in 2832 when Shubin Interstellar announced profit losses for the first time ever in the system. The mining conglomerate cited the depletion of a major mine as the cause and noted that more site closures were expected to follow. This would prove to be Ferron’s death knell. Years of aggressive mining had taken its toll and the system by this time had been nearly picked clean. As fast as its rise to prominence had been, Ferron’s fall from grace would be even faster. Within a single decade, the population of the system dropped by nearly half and its economic health dropped even lower. Today, it is only a shadow of its former glory, the bones of a vibrant system that bled itself dry of resources for the good of the Empire.

While Ferron is far from an ideal destination for the casual traveler, the system has drawn its fair share of visitors attracted by its historical significance, as well as more adventurous prospectors hoping to find some remnants of valuable ore that may have been overlooked.

Ferron I
This dwarf planet sits closest to Ferron’s main star. Uninhabitable and lacking in resources, only the scientific community gives Ferron I much thought due to unusual and so far unexplained variance in its magnetosphere.

Ferron II
In any other system, this coreless planet would be just another dead world, but in the Ferron System it was a disappointment. Ferron II lacked both easily accessible minerals and the right conditions for terraforming, which thrust it into the shadow of its resource-rich neighbor, Ferron III.

However, tough times in Ferron have caused people to give the planet a second look. Many are hopeful that new advances in mining technology may eventually lead to the planet being able to turn some kind of profit.

Asura (Ferron III)
Once considered the system’s crown jewel, the vast reserves of valuable ores and minerals that were discovered during Asura’s terraforming process made it an economic and political powerhouse. During this extended economic boom, little thought was given to what would become of the world if the mines ever did run dry and only minimal secondary industries were established. Asura was a mining planet to its core, and for nearly four hundred years, every shred of planetary resource was dug up, harvested, refined and shipped away until there was nothing left.

Depleted into a shell of the planet’s former glory, the people descended into poverty. Nowhere is this better represented than in the rapidly deteriorating and crumbling infrastructure of the once great city, Tram.

With most of Asura’s land set aside for mining, the stunning industrial megalopolis of Tram became the planet’s financial and cultural center. Large factories, refineries and housing developments were interspersed with beautiful public parks. This visual harmony between nature and industry inspired 27th century poet Lelani Toan to describe Tram as —

Balance, beauty both created
Through industry of man which elevated
This random rock that within teems
Building blocks for a city of dreams

Now, life in Tram is considerably harder. Today, the city is mostly shuttered and abandoned, and its skies are a near permanent gray from all the toxins that the have been carelessly pumped into the atmosphere by heavy industry. Water is in constant demand as most of the natural supply has been equally contaminated. And as for the population that does remain, while some civilians still eke out a living with repair or refueling stations, criminal enterprise has surpassed any legitimate business as the main industry.

Visitors should be cautious when moving around the city as an ongoing police strike has considerably increased the chances of being accosted, particularly when entering the city’s parks — now a hotbed of illegal activity. Those looking for deals should visit one of the planet’s mining superstores where equipment sits gathering dust. Remember to take a trusted friend, co-worker or hired guard along. Criminal elements have been known to target guests who make significant purchases at local establishments.

Ferron IV
The swirling surface of Ferron IV is a beautiful sight that pilots have learned to enjoy from a safe distance. The gas giant’s thick layer of metallic hydrogen behaves as a giant electrical conductor, which can be severely problematic for a ship’s sensitive avionics. Bands of outlaws have been known to lurk on the fringes of the electrical field, waiting to prey upon malfunctioning ships.


Travel Warning
The lack of drinking water on Asura has led to vicious infighting between encampments around the edge of Tram. For this reason, it is highly recommended that all visitors stay within the center of Tram and avoid traveling to the outskirts of the city without local guidance.

Heard in the Wind
“How can we be expected to protect the people of Tram, when it’s the damn people of Tram who are killing us?” – Clair Slovonik, Former Tram Police Captain, Governors Council Meeting, 05.22.2936

“For Ferron to return to its former greatness, we must strive to resurrect its most valuable commodity — the industrious nature of its Citizens.” – Paul Dibly, Former Asura Governor, Re-Election Speech, 09.17.2912

Wie der bekannte Historiker Ariel Rutte einmal schrieb: "Wenn das Sol-System das Herz des Imperiums und Terra sein Haupt ist, dann ist Ferron das Blut, das durch seine Adern fließt." Als das System 2460 entdeckt wurde, konnten nur wenige vorhersagen, wie wichtig Ferron für die Wirtschaft und die Expansion des aufkeimenden Reiches der Menschheit über Jahrzehnte sein würde, oder wie weit es schließlich von seinem früheren Glanz fallen würde.

Ferron wurde von Pali Laumet entdeckt, einem der Gründungsmitglieder der Sol Astroexploration Society. Bestehend aus äußerst wohlhabenden Abenteurern, die sich der Suche nach neuen Sternensystemen verschrieben haben, kann die S.A.S. mit vielen Sprungbrett-Entdeckungen der damaligen Zeit verknüpft werden. Laumet war bereits seit einigen Monaten in der Weite von Croshaw unterwegs, und nur noch wenige Vorräte mit einer unruhigen Crew waren nötig, um nach Sol zurückkehren zu müssen, als sein Heizer Darcy Ferron feststellte, dass ihre Kraftstoffberechnungen für den Quantenantrieb fehlten. Laumet, der die Zahlen noch einmal überprüfte, vermutete, dass der zusätzliche Abbrand auf den Zug eines nicht markierten Sprungbrunnens zurückzuführen war. Zwei Tage später würde die Crew tatsächlich die ersten Menschen sein, die zu dem System sprangen, das Laumet gnädigerweise nach der scharfsinnigen Darcy benannte, und nach seiner Rückkehr in der Tradition von S.A.S. die Koordinaten des Systems als philanthropische Spende an die Menschheit überreichten.

Nach Abschluss der ersten Regierungsumfragen wurde das System als idealer Kandidat für die Ansiedlung erklärt und für die Öffentlichkeit zugänglich gemacht. Unternehmens- und Privatinteressen stürzten sich auf das System und wollten ihren Anspruch geltend machen. Der anschließende Kampf um Land- und Bodenrechte wurde so unbändig, dass die UNE eingriff und eine Lotterie einrichtete, um die Streitigkeiten zu schlichten. Nach der ersten Ziehung wurden eine Vielzahl von Schlupflöchern und Mängeln aufgedeckt, die einigen Parteien und Unternehmen ungerechtfertigte Vorteile verschafft hatten, die erst nach Jahren behoben werden konnten. Die gescheiterten Vermittlungsversuche der Regierung haben sowohl die Ohnmacht als auch die Ineffizienz der UNE deutlich gemacht, die mit der schnellen Expansion der Menschheit zu kämpfen hatte. Einige Historiker vermuten, dass die bürokratischen Mängel während Ferrons Lotterie die Flammen der Reform entfacht haben, die schließlich zur Auflösung der UNE und zur Gründung der UPE im Jahr 2523 führten.

Trotz des schwierigen Starts war Ferron aufgrund seines Reichtums an natürlichen Ressourcen bereits auf dem besten Weg zum Wohlstand. Bald darauf war es ein geschäftiges Zentrum für Bergbau und Handel, und im Jahr 2529 erreichte das System den Status eines Repräsentanten innerhalb der UPE. Jahrhunderte des Erfolgs folgten, als das System die Materialien lieferte, die die Menschheit benötigt, um die Sterne zu erobern. In seiner Blütezeit war Ferrons Bevölkerung so groß geworden, dass sie mit der von Sol konkurrieren konnte, und sie war auf dem besten Weg, auch politisch gleichwertig zu werden. Aber leider würde der Erfolg des Systems nicht von Dauer sein.

Die erste Kehrtwende erfolgte 2791, als Messer XI dem System fälschlicherweise vorwarf, Heimat von Dissidenten zu sein. Aus Angst vor dem Imperator flohen zahlreiche wohlhabende Bürger und Messer-Loyalisten aus dem System und nahmen große Summen und Schlagkraft mit. Als der letztendliche Militärschlag kam, war es nur dank der legendären Tapferkeit der Mitglieder der Staffel 78 und ihrer heldenhaften Weigerung, Zivilisten zu töten, möglich, schwere Gewalt zu vermeiden, aber bis dahin war der wirtschaftliche und politische Schaden für Ferron bereits entstanden.

Der nächste Schlag würde im Jahr 2832 erfolgen, als Shubin Interstellar zum ersten Mal überhaupt Gewinnverluste im System ankündigte. Der Bergbaukonzern nannte als Ursache die Erschöpfung einer Großmine und stellte fest, dass weitere Standortschließungen zu erwarten seien. Das würde sich als Ferrons Todesurteil erweisen. Jahre des aggressiven Bergbaus hatten ihren Tribut gefordert und das System war zu diesem Zeitpunkt nahezu sauber. So schnell sein Aufstieg zur Prominenz auch gewesen war, Ferrons Fall aus der Gnade würde noch schneller sein. Innerhalb eines Jahrzehnts sank die Bevölkerung des Systems um fast die Hälfte und seine wirtschaftliche Gesundheit sank noch weiter. Heute ist es nur noch ein Schatten seiner früheren Pracht, die Knochen eines lebendigen Systems, das sich zum Wohle des Imperiums von Ressourcen befreit hat.

Während Ferron weit davon entfernt ist, ein ideales Reiseziel für Gelegenheitsreisende zu sein, hat das System seinen gerechten Anteil an Besuchern, die von seiner historischen Bedeutung angezogen werden, sowie an abenteuerlustigeren Goldsuchern, die hoffen, einige Überreste von wertvollem Erz zu finden, die vielleicht übersehen wurden.

Ferron I
Dieser Zwergplanet liegt dem Hauptstern von Ferron am nächsten. Unbewohnbar und ressourcenarm, nur die wissenschaftliche Gemeinschaft gibt Ferron I viel Beachtung wegen der ungewöhnlichen und bisher ungeklärten Varianz in seiner Magnetosphäre.

Ferron II
In jedem anderen System wäre dieser kernlose Planet nur eine weitere tote Welt, aber im Ferronensystem war es eine Enttäuschung. Ferron II fehlte es sowohl an leicht zugänglichen Mineralien als auch an den richtigen Bedingungen für das Terraforming, was es in den Schatten seines ressourcenreichen Nachbarn Ferron III stieß.

Allerdings haben die harten Zeiten in Ferron dazu geführt, dass die Menschen dem Planeten einen zweiten Blick zuwenden. Viele sind zuversichtlich, dass neue Fortschritte in der Bergbautechnologie dazu führen können, dass der Planet in der Lage ist, eine Art Gewinn zu erzielen.

Asura (Ferron III)
Einst als Kronjuwel des Systems betrachtet, machten die riesigen Vorräte an wertvollen Erzen und Mineralien, die während des Terraforming-Prozesses von Asura entdeckt wurden, es zu einem wirtschaftlichen und politischen Kraftpaket. Während dieses ausgedehnten Wirtschaftsbooms wurde wenig darüber nachgedacht, was aus der Welt werden würde, wenn die Minen jemals austrockneten und nur minimale Nebenindustrien errichtet würden. Asura war bis ins Mark ein Minenplanet, und fast vierhundert Jahre lang wurde jeder Rest der planetarischen Ressource ausgegraben, geerntet, veredelt und verschifft, bis nichts mehr übrig war.

Die Menschen, die in einer Hülle der früheren Herrlichkeit des Planeten verbraucht waren, stiegen in die Armut hinab. Nirgendwo ist dies besser vertreten als in der sich schnell verschlechternden und zerfallenden Infrastruktur der einstmals großen Stadt Tram.

Da der größte Teil von Asuras Land für den Bergbau reserviert ist, wurde die atemberaubende Industrie-Megalopolis der Straßenbahn zum Finanz- und Kulturzentrum des Planeten. Große Fabriken, Raffinerien und Wohnanlagen wurden mit schönen öffentlichen Parks durchsetzt. Diese visuelle Harmonie zwischen Natur und Industrie inspirierte den Dichter Lelani Toan aus dem 27. Jahrhundert, Tram als -

Balance, Schönheit, die beide geschaffen wurden.
Durch die Industrie des Menschen, die den Menschen in die Höhe trieb.
Dieser zufällige Fels, der in uns wimmelt.
Bausteine für eine Stadt der Träume

Jetzt ist das Leben in Tram wesentlich härter. Heute ist die Stadt größtenteils geschlossen und verlassen, und ihr Himmel ist fast permanent grau von all den Giftstoffen, die von der Schwerindustrie unvorsichtig in die Atmosphäre gepumpt wurden. Wasser ist ständig gefragt, da der größte Teil des natürlichen Angebots gleichmäßig verunreinigt ist. Und was die Bevölkerung betrifft, die übrig bleibt, während einige Zivilisten immer noch mit Reparatur- oder Tankstellen leben, hat das kriminelle Unternehmen jedes legitime Geschäft als Hauptindustrie übertroffen.

Die Besucher sollten vorsichtig sein, wenn sie sich in der Stadt bewegen, da ein laufender Polizeistreik die Chancen, angesprochen zu werden, erheblich erhöht hat, insbesondere beim Betreten der Parks der Stadt, die heute eine Brutstätte illegaler Aktivitäten sind. Wer nach Geschäften sucht, sollte einen der Bergbau-Supermärkte auf der Welt besuchen, in denen die Ausrüstung staubt. Denken Sie daran, einen vertrauenswürdigen Freund, Mitarbeiter oder beauftragten Wächter mitzunehmen. Es sind kriminelle Elemente bekannt, die sich an Gäste richten, die in lokalen Einrichtungen erhebliche Einkäufe tätigen.

Ferron IV
Die wirbelnde Oberfläche von Ferron IV ist ein schöner Anblick, den Piloten aus sicherer Entfernung zu genießen gelernt haben. Die dicke Schicht aus metallischem Wasserstoff des Gasriesen verhält sich wie ein riesiger elektrischer Leiter, was für die empfindliche Avionik eines Schiffes sehr problematisch sein kann. Es ist bekannt, dass Band von Gesetzlosen am Rande des elektrischen Feldes lauern und darauf warten, von fehlerhaften Schiffen angegriffen zu werden.


Reisewarnung
Der Mangel an Trinkwasser auf Asura hat zu heftigen Kämpfen zwischen den Lagern um den Rand der Straßenbahn geführt. Aus diesem Grund wird allen Besuchern dringend empfohlen, sich im Zentrum der Straßenbahn aufzuhalten und nicht ohne lokale Führung an den Stadtrand zu fahren.

Im Wind gehört
"Wie sollen wir die Menschen in der Straßenbahn schützen, wenn es die verdammten Menschen in der Straßenbahn sind, die uns töten?" - Clair Slovonik, ehemaliger Straßenbahn-Polizeichef, Sitzung des EZB-Rates, 05.22.2936

"Damit Ferron zu seiner früheren Größe zurückkehren kann, müssen wir danach streben, sein wertvollstes Gut wiederzubeleben - die fleißige Natur seiner Bürger." - Paul Dibly, ehemaliger Asura-Gouverneur, Wiederwahlrede, 09.17.2912

As noted historian Ariel Rutte once wrote, “If the Sol System is the Empire’s heart, and Terra its head, then Ferron is the blood coursing through its veins.” When the system was discovered in 2460, few could have predicted how vital Ferron would be in driving the economy and expansion of Humanity’s burgeoning Empire for decades, or how far it would eventually fall from its former glory.

Ferron was discovered by Pali Laumet, one of the founding members of the Sol Astroexploration Society. Composed of extremely affluent adventurers who dedicated themselves to the search for new star systems, the S.A.S. can be linked to many jump point discoveries of the time. Laumet had been sailing the expanse of Croshaw for several months already, and low on supplies with a restless crew, was days away from having to return to Sol when his stoker, Darcy Ferron, noted that their quantum drive fuel calculations were off. Laumet, double-checking the figures, surmised that the extra burn-off was due to the pull of an unmarked jump-well. Sure enough, two days later, the crew would become the first Humans to jump to the system that Laumet graciously named after the perceptive Darcy, and upon his return, in the tradition of S.A.S, gifted the coordinates of the system as a philanthropic donation to Humanity.

After initial government surveys were complete, the system was declared an ideal candidate for settlement and opened to the public. Corporate and private interests sped to the system, eager to stake their claim. The ensuing battle for land and mineral rights grew so unruly that the UNE intervened and established a lottery to help arbitrate the disputes. After the first drawing took place, a myriad of loopholes and flaws were uncovered that had given some parties and companies unfair advantages which took years to be sorted. The government’s failed attempts at mediation served to highlight both the impotence and inefficiencies of the UNE as it struggled to cope with Humanity’s rapid expansion. Some historians theorize that the bureaucratic failings during Ferron’s lottery fanned the flames of reform that eventually lead to the dissolution of the UNE and the formation of the UPE in 2523.

Despite its troubled start, Ferron was already on the fast track to prosperity due to its wealth of natural resources. Before long, it was a bustling hub of mining and trade, and in 2529, the system achieved represented status within the UPE. Centuries of success followed as the system provided the materials necessary for Humanity to conquer the stars. In its heyday, Ferron’s population had grown enough to rival that of Sol and it was well on its way to becoming a political equal as well. But sadly, the system’s success would not last.

The first reverse of fortunes occurred in 2791 when Messer XI falsely accused the system of being home to dissidents. Fearful of the Imperator, numerous wealthy Citizens and Messer loyalists fled the system, taking large amounts of funds and clout with them. When the eventual military strike did come, it was only thanks to the legendary bravery of the members of Squadron 78 and their heroic unwillingness to kill civilians that major violence was avoided, but by then, the economic and political damage to Ferron had already been done.

The next blow would occur in 2832 when Shubin Interstellar announced profit losses for the first time ever in the system. The mining conglomerate cited the depletion of a major mine as the cause and noted that more site closures were expected to follow. This would prove to be Ferron’s death knell. Years of aggressive mining had taken its toll and the system by this time had been nearly picked clean. As fast as its rise to prominence had been, Ferron’s fall from grace would be even faster. Within a single decade, the population of the system dropped by nearly half and its economic health dropped even lower. Today, it is only a shadow of its former glory, the bones of a vibrant system that bled itself dry of resources for the good of the Empire.

While Ferron is far from an ideal destination for the casual traveler, the system has drawn its fair share of visitors attracted by its historical significance, as well as more adventurous prospectors hoping to find some remnants of valuable ore that may have been overlooked.

Ferron I
This dwarf planet sits closest to Ferron’s main star. Uninhabitable and lacking in resources, only the scientific community gives Ferron I much thought due to unusual and so far unexplained variance in its magnetosphere.

Ferron II
In any other system, this coreless planet would be just another dead world, but in the Ferron System it was a disappointment. Ferron II lacked both easily accessible minerals and the right conditions for terraforming, which thrust it into the shadow of its resource-rich neighbor, Ferron III.

However, tough times in Ferron have caused people to give the planet a second look. Many are hopeful that new advances in mining technology may eventually lead to the planet being able to turn some kind of profit.

Asura (Ferron III)
Once considered the system’s crown jewel, the vast reserves of valuable ores and minerals that were discovered during Asura’s terraforming process made it an economic and political powerhouse. During this extended economic boom, little thought was given to what would become of the world if the mines ever did run dry and only minimal secondary industries were established. Asura was a mining planet to its core, and for nearly four hundred years, every shred of planetary resource was dug up, harvested, refined and shipped away until there was nothing left.

Depleted into a shell of the planet’s former glory, the people descended into poverty. Nowhere is this better represented than in the rapidly deteriorating and crumbling infrastructure of the once great city, Tram.

With most of Asura’s land set aside for mining, the stunning industrial megalopolis of Tram became the planet’s financial and cultural center. Large factories, refineries and housing developments were interspersed with beautiful public parks. This visual harmony between nature and industry inspired 27th century poet Lelani Toan to describe Tram as —

Balance, beauty both created
Through industry of man which elevated
This random rock that within teems
Building blocks for a city of dreams

Now, life in Tram is considerably harder. Today, the city is mostly shuttered and abandoned, and its skies are a near permanent gray from all the toxins that the have been carelessly pumped into the atmosphere by heavy industry. Water is in constant demand as most of the natural supply has been equally contaminated. And as for the population that does remain, while some civilians still eke out a living with repair or refueling stations, criminal enterprise has surpassed any legitimate business as the main industry.

Visitors should be cautious when moving around the city as an ongoing police strike has considerably increased the chances of being accosted, particularly when entering the city’s parks — now a hotbed of illegal activity. Those looking for deals should visit one of the planet’s mining superstores where equipment sits gathering dust. Remember to take a trusted friend, co-worker or hired guard along. Criminal elements have been known to target guests who make significant purchases at local establishments.

Ferron IV
The swirling surface of Ferron IV is a beautiful sight that pilots have learned to enjoy from a safe distance. The gas giant’s thick layer of metallic hydrogen behaves as a giant electrical conductor, which can be severely problematic for a ship’s sensitive avionics. Bands of outlaws have been known to lurk on the fringes of the electrical field, waiting to prey upon malfunctioning ships.


Travel Warning
The lack of drinking water on Asura has led to vicious infighting between encampments around the edge of Tram. For this reason, it is highly recommended that all visitors stay within the center of Tram and avoid traveling to the outskirts of the city without local guidance.

Heard in the Wind
“How can we be expected to protect the people of Tram, when it’s the damn people of Tram who are killing us?” – Clair Slovonik, Former Tram Police Captain, Governors Council Meeting, 05.22.2936

“For Ferron to return to its former greatness, we must strive to resurrect its most valuable commodity — the industrious nature of its Citizens.” – Paul Dibly, Former Asura Governor, Re-Election Speech, 09.17.2912