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government tech+med galaxy map
government tech+med galaxy map
government
united planetary republic

The United Planetary Republic (UPR or Republic) was established in order to prevent a frontier mentality from developing as new worlds were colonized. While each planet has its own local customs and administration, the Republic sets the standards and practices for legislation and regulation across human-controlled space. Made up of elected officials from each human-occupied planet, the Republic is a democratic federation that strives for equality in its representation. Major planets are allowed multiple representatives in proportion to their population, but are allowed only one vote. Colonial planets typically have 1 or 2 reps; they, too, are allowed one vote. Senate meetings are held every two months on the capital planet Babylon, where federal laws and project funding are decided upon. Although the system was created with the best interests of humanity in mind, it has become increasingly clear that it is flawed and no longer servicing all of its people.

republic defense service

The military and defense force for all human colonized planets under UPR authority. They are divided into three sections:

The military is made up of the Republic Army and Airforce—used primarily for planetside air and ground assaults—and the Navy—who operate primarily in space. The RDS Fleet is responsible for keeping all interplanetary travel safe; its ships conduct regular patrols to combat piracy. The Marine Corps are the special ops infantry deployed to defend Republic vessels and installations. Minimum enlistment age is 18; ranks mirror the structure of the US armed forces.

Peacekeepers are the military police force. They are used to solve crimes, bring justice upon fugitives, and protect any and all citizens from violations of the law. Perhaps ironically, Peacekeepers are authorized to use deadly force if and when necessary. The majority of Peacekeepers receive posts on a single planet, though some may travel to conduct investigations or perform escort duties on a federal level.

Infiltrators, as they are colloquially known, belong to the Republic Intelligence Division. They perform reconnaissance and intel gathering and analysis duties to root out any hidden threats to the Republic. All RID agents are highly skilled technicians, though field operatives receive training in espionage and combat. It is something of a known secret that Infiltrators have been used to quietly eliminate targets in lieu of conducting full scale military operation.

government tech+med galaxy map
technology
faster-than-light travel

While humanity developed its own machinery to take them beyond the edge of the Solar System, their current mode of interstellar transport is partially derived from alien technology. Found amidst derelict wreckage on an empty planet, human scavengers took artifacts for study, and engineers proceeded to unlock the secrets to a faster-than-light propulsion system. FTL, or warp drives, are now standard equipment on all military ships, and many privately owned vessels. Ongoing research continues to push the limits of this travel; scientists hope to one day move from accelerated speed to instantaneous jump drives.

Robots & a.i.

Androids and service robots have been commonplace in daily life since around the 23rd Century, though their numbers declined during the great migration due to transport limitations. Most robots are primitive in design and function, performing menial or dangerous labor tasks. Private ownership is typically limited to the wealthy, who can afford maintenance costs and licensing fees. Robots can range in size and appearance, from small household cleaners, to large heavy weapons combat mechs, to incredibly human-like androids. The latter is the most restricted, due to ethical and practical concerns in regarding potential sentience and civil rights.

While advanced programming and personality imprinting is allowed, any project that falls under "Artificial Intelligence" is highly restricted by the Republic. Only certain corporations have been allowed to conduct research in the field, and it is a felony to create an unauthorized AI. Independent developers may have their assets locked down and seized if found in violation of these laws. Aside from digtal communication, AI are capable of projecting holographic avatars where outlets are available, or can be downloaded into physical bodies. Unlike humans, a synthetic consciousness can exist in several places at once and conduct multiple tasks simultaneously with ease.

weapons

Although great strides have been made in various technological fields, little has changed about the nature of armaments. While spaceships and other large vehicles are often equipped with powerful plasma artillery, based on projecting targeted blasts of intense thermal energy, engineers and manufacturers have yet to develop a working small scale personal firearm based on the same tech. As such, guns still rely upon projectile ammunition—it's the variety of ammo types (ex: cryo, pyro, shredder) that keeps combat interesting.

The majority of manufacturing and distribution is conducted on the industrial center of Phaeacia. Gun control laws vary by planet; for example, Babylon maintains a low crime rate by strictly regulating civilian gun ownership. Meanwhile, the less tamed Mahoroba has looser requirements, so its citizens can defend themselves and their property against threats from the predatory fauna native to the wilds.

medical
advancements

The average natural human lifespan has been extended to a minimum of 120 years of age. Physical maturation occurs at the same rate, though the social bracket for middle age and senior status has been shifted slightly upwards to compensate.

Among the many advancements made over the last few centuries, medical gel has been essential in preserving lives during emergencies. The topically applied ointment seals and sterilizes open wounds, acts as a superficial analgesic, and stimulates immediate tissue regrowth. Although it is not a remedy for deep tissue injury, it can sustain the injured until proper medical treatment is available. Surgery and physical therapy are still necessary to the recovery process.

While many of Earth's deadliest diseases have been cured or reversed, the solution to the common cold remains elusive. Worse yet, exposure to new environments and foreign organisms has led to the discovery of new virus strains. Although Republic biochemists are quick to develop remedies, inoculation and vaccinations are not always widely available to colonies further out, and space travel makes outbreaks difficult to contain.

Despite the ethical controversy surrounding eugenics, it is perfectly legal, albeit expensive, to conceive genetically altered children. These 'selected' individuals are not uncommon among upper class citizens, putting them in the position of being doubly privileged, though genetic segregation and discrimination is strictly prohibited by law.

cybernetics

While medical facilities are capable of growing replacement organs and other tissues, it is still more common to replace entire body parts with artificial devices. Cybernetic prostheses are more realistic than ever, with the advantages of being inorganic. Constructed from ultralight alloys, they are more durable and powerful than bone and muscle. Sensors embedded into the synthetic tissue sheath are tied into to the brain's somatosensory nervous system, allowing for precise motor control and simulated tactile perception.

Although cybernetic enhancements are not restricted, they don't come cheap. Extensive surgical procedures make installation costly, and maintenance can be expensive. Urgent or emergency cases will often receive financial subsidizing, but elective alterations must be paid for in full by the recipient. Upgrades are also excluded from standard health care, which is how manufacturers make their profit. This exclusivity has generated a demand for parts and programming on the black market, though it is risky to seek outside servicing.

neurogenics

The rare ability of users to manipulate and control the physics of an object and their surroundings through thought, primarily manifesting in the form of telekinesis. Although controlled by the mind, extensive usage also places physical strain upon the body, ranging from mild fatigue to debilitating migraines. Untrained neurogenics are more likely to exhaust themselves, and pushing too hard can be fatal. However, these limits can be gradually extended through rigorous training and experience.

Originally seen in second generation settlers, this mutation was attributed to exposure to improperly terraformed elements. Anyone who displays the genetic markers for the trait at birth is entered on the Republic's registry. Ostensibly, this is for the protection of the neurogenic, who is required to attend a government operated training school, so they cannot accidentally hurt themselves or others. Neurogenics are still uncommon, though they do not face as much social stigma as they once did. Their effectiveness in combat makes them valuable to the military, as well as private security firms and other mercenary groups.

government tech+med galaxy map
the planets

Below are some of the core worlds in and around the Republic System. If you have any ideas or requests for additional locations, feel free to submit them to the dropbox.

babylon

CAPITAL: Eden
KNOWN FOR: Seat of government, commerce, medicine

As one of the first worlds discovered and terraformed, Babylon is the center of Republic activity and governance. Its capital, Eden, is located on the coastline of the largest continent, and is known for its modernity and cleanliness, featuring an impressive skyline and greenscapes. Eden is the wealthiest city in the UPR, as host to the majority of interplanetary commercial transactions, and the leading pioneer in medical advancement. Babylon is the command center of the RDS; apart from a large naval base stationed above the planet, both RID and Peacekeeper headquarters can be found in Eden.
mahoroba

CAPITAL: Arcadia
KNOWN FOR: Agriculture, nature, arts, higher education

Mahoroba is a garden planet, requiring very little transformation by terraforming machines when it was settled. Development has been limited to specific regions, leaving much of the planet in its natural state. Nutrient rich soils and mild climate make it ideal for agriculture, dominating food supply lines. While farmers are the population majority, commercial control is in the hands of the corporate elite. The capital of Arcadia is an eco-city, carefully balancing organic and inorganic forms. It is a cultured metropolis that prides itself on supporting the arts and education, and is home to the prestigious University of Arcadia.
Phaeacia

CAPITAL: Nausikaa
KNOWN FOR: Manufacturing, shipyards, technology

The industrial world of Phaeacia is the backbone of the Republic, producing almost all technological conveniences of the modern age. Manufacturing plants take up most of the planet's surface, with measures taken to minimize atmospheric pollution. Every vessel in the RDS Naval fleet was constructed in the shipyards of Nausikaa, the planetary capital. As the hub of high-tech innovation, it is closely surveilled by RID.
antillia

CAPITAL: Elysium
KNOWN FOR: Entertainment, luxury items, sex trade

Located on the edge of Republic space, the "pleasure planet" Antillia is considered an independent settlement, lacking in a formal local government and a senate seat. Most of the world is undeveloped, with a few concentrated pockets of civilization. Originally built as a resort colony, the island city of Elysium is the planet's crown jewel. It is divided between safe, family-friendly zones for tourists, and the red light district, where anything goes. Activities typically considered illegal are given a free pass here, due to positive relations with Republic officials.
nibiru

CAPITAL: Nibiru
KNOWN FOR: Black market/illegal trading, drug trade

The main hub of piracy and illegal activities, Nibiru's independence was hard won in a brutal battle against RDS forces less than a century ago. Now, outlaws and crime lords run all operations in and around Nibiru. Almost as old as Eden, the rundown capital looks its age. Anything can be traded and obtained on the black market here—guns, drugs, cybernetic implants, rare alien artifacts, services, etc. Rumors of an organized rebellion against the Republic have recently been reported as having a base here.
verglas

KNOWN FOR: Minerals, remote experimental research, alien ruins

The frigid ice planet was quickly deemed unsuitable for human habitation when first discovered. However, it was not without value; Verglas proved to be incredibly rich in assorted minerals beneath the surface. As such, it was quickly tapped by several private corporations to set up mining colonies and remote research labs. Signs of previous civilizations have been discovered deep inside glacial pockets, though all planned excavations are currently halted due to budgetary constraints.
terminus

KNOWN FOR: Fuel depot, repairs, neutral trade

Orbiting a gas giant and nearby refinery, Terminus is a convenient refueling depot for passing starships. It's a privately owned facility, defended from attempted takeovers by outside factions with its own security service, including small fleet of armed vessels. This ensures its status as neutral ground, as they do not conduct any illegal business themselves, but will not allow RDS to pursue action against rebels or pirates stopping there.