Alpha Centauri
From Autonomicon Mk. II
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Contents |
Overview
The first system colonized by humanity, Alpha Centauri is highly advanced and is one of the most widely developed and industrialized systems in the Orion Region, rivaling New Leningrad or even Liberty. The system is controlled in its entirety by the Unified Centauri Protectorates, a regional power whose official policy is that of neutrality, nevertheless, it has been involved in numerous conflicts, both diplomatic and militaristic in nature in its history.
Alpha Centauri is unique in that it was the only star system in history to have been home settled by the Soviet Union, Greater German Reich, and Democratic Federation as part of a join colonization effort, the collapse of this effort leading to a costly yet brief conflict and the eventual independence of the system.
History
Discovery, Exploration, and Colonization
Following the end of the First Scinfaxi War, the leadership of the remaining human nations recognized the importance of colonizing new worlds free of the Scinfaxi as soon as was technologically possible. Alpha Centauri, the closest star system to Earth, was selected as one of the top candidates for a human colony. Its status within human culture was also a factor, and any successful mission would provide an enormous morale boost to humanity as a whole.
When the United States of America invented the FTL drive in the late 21st century, plans were drawn for Alpha Centauri's exploration and proper survey. The first phase of the plan had the 98th Mars Exploration Division sent on a survey mission to inspect the system and its ability to sustain human life.
Astonishingly, three planet suitable for human life were discovered, 2 of which were extremely similar to Earth, and another a little less comfortable, but still suitable for human settlement.
Putting aside years of semi-hostile relations, as well as an attempt to offset the enormous cost, the Soviet Union, Democratic Federation, and Greater German Reich sent a joint mission to Alpha Centauri IV, the most suitable planet for eventual colonization. Approximately 1 year was spent identifying possible hazards, gathering data on local flora, and selecting suitable sites for habitats. With no immediate dangers discovered, the colonization mission was approved for Phase 2, the launching of over a dozen colony ships from Earth and the foundation of the first extrasolar colony.
Phase 3 and the Centauri Colonization Conflict
The settlement of Alpha Centauri was completed in remarkable time, and within a few months, it was capable of functioning as a purely independent colony, without the need of supplies from Earth. To the more optimistic, this was seen as proof that humanity could work together and survive on new worlds, even amongst conflicting ideology. Phase 3 of the plan was put into effort quite rapidly; the establishment of a permanent transport route between Alpha Centauri and Earth.
The government of all 3 Superpowers, and later Japan, heavily promoted Alpha Centauri, with citizens moving there promised new opportunities and support. Hundreds of thousands of people would settle there over the next few years.
As colonists continued to move to Alpha Centauri, disagreements began to arise between the superpowers. The level of inter-connectivity required between the major powers to handle the day to day operations of the colony was extremely complex, Soviet transports could be used to ship American goods to German settlements, and determining who had jurisdiction created intense tension.
To make matters worse, the services provided by each power were often used as bargaining chips to affect politics, not only on Alpha Centauri, but on Earth as well. British transports on Alpha Centuari might refuse service to German workers based on German incursions in the English Channel light-years away.
The hope of cooperation between the major powers on Alpha Centauri was quickly replaced with fierce nationalism. Riots broke out in most of the major cities on Alpha Centauri, and basic civic services were ground to a halt.
With 3 separate and distinct police services, as well as the lack of a central authority, the riots grew to open conflict as groups of fanatics clashed in the streets, often with the support of their respective police services.
The situation on Alpha Centauri rapidly grew out of control, to the point where communication with Earth and the space stations located in the system was briefly lost.
With each nation now in the midst of their own independent colonization efforts, and not willing to draw resources away from them, the major powers signed the Orion Colonization Agreement, granting independence to the system of Alpha Centauri, and detailing the future colonization efforts of the human race.
The Unified Centauri Protectorates
With the treaties ratified, control over the Alpha Centauri system was given to a provisional government, formed mainly from Democratic Federation colonists (German and Soviet colonists were strongly encouraged to leave). This provisional government would later give way to the Unified Centauri Protectorate, the first sovereign state established on a foreign colony.
Resources
The natural resources located in the Alpha Centauri system are comparable to those of Earth, with a few unique elements. Its two most populated planets are notable for being quite similar to Earth, and provide extremely fertile farmlands, while the third planet possesses vast qualities of precious metals.
Current State
Alpha Centauri is one of the busiest systems in the Orion Region, its level of industrialization is on par, with many of the worlds found in superpower controlled space, and its neutrality attracts large amounts of business and trade. It is also a popular tourist destination, with many high class restaurants and 5 star hotels.
