Far-Star Victoria Synopsis

The Beginning

After the Third World War, scientific advancements and political unity ushered in The Great Recovery for humanity. The pressure of dwindling resources was finally alleviated with the discovery of powerful new energy sources and faster-than-light travel. Nations set aside their differences and aspired towards tolerance and global progress under the benevolent guidance of the United Nations of Earth, with the promise of a whole universe to explore.

In the year 2137, after nearly two years of travel, the Colonial Expeditions ship UNS Asimov arrived at HD 546288 Star, renamed Victoria by Captain Boris Nikolsky. The Victoria System is located 190.4 light-years away from the Solar System, categorizing it as a Far-Star on the astronomical charts of Colonial Expeditions.

The Victoria System is unique, as it contains two planets in its habitable zone, making them suitable for human life. These planets are named Erebus and Elysium.

The two planets are easily distinguished by their differing environments. Elysium, being closer to Victoria and having a stable orbit, enjoys a warm climate with minimal seasonal variations. Other differences from Earth include slightly lower gravity due to its smaller size and a surface that is approximately 65% ocean. In contrast, Erebus is farther from its sun, resulting in a frigid climate that is barely hospitable for human life. However, its main attraction lies in its rich natural resources, particularly its reservoirs of the newly discovered element Aetherium.

Colonization efforts were successful on both planets. Astraea Corporation sponsored industrialization and mining projects on Erebus, making it the industrial and technological hub of the system. Minor companies and subsidiaries of Astraea Corp, such as Vitatech Research Laboratories, also established operations in Erebus, capitalizing on the promising new environment.

Elysium was primarily colonized by individuals and civilian groups eager to embrace the enticing prospect of a new frontier. Its pleasant climate, rich soil, and abundant flora and fauna, both native and imported, made it an attractive destination. Construction efforts in the main colony were supported by a services and technology manufacturing company known as Advanced Technologies Inc.

The early colonial period lasted 27 years, marked by rapid industrial and economic growth and prosperity in both colonies.

The Event

The last transmission from an Earth vessel was received at 21:16 hours on an otherwise uneventful Thursday, December 13, 2184. This transmission turned out to be the last one the colonies would receive. Warp-capable starships from Earth and other colonized star systems failed to arrive as scheduled. Days passed, and a sense of dread spread through the populace as news of the delays circulated among the colonies.

It was decided that the two remaining warp-capable ships in the Victorian system would travel back to Earth to investigate the cause of the delay. This decision would later be regretted by the colonies when they realized that the ships were not returning for them. The Victorian System was now on its own, and no one understood why. To this day, the fate of Earth and the rest of humanity's colonies in the stars remains a mystery.

The following three decades were marked by chaos and misery. The colonies were not self-sufficient and relied heavily on imported goods for survival. Many colonists felt abandoned and marooned in a harsh environment, as resources dwindled rapidly. Factions began to form, preying on the weak, and civilization in the colonies teetered on the brink of collapse.

The Reconstruction

Eventually, the local governments of both colonies succeeded in organizing and regaining control over the population. Recognizing that the Colonies might be the last remnants of Humanity, they drafted plans to conserve resources, maintain social integrity, and preserve technology.

With the space-worthy cargo fleets available on both planets, a mutually beneficial treaty was established between the governments of Elysium and Erebus. Elysium, known as the breadbasket of the system, agreed to supply food provisions to Erebus in exchange for shipments of Steam, the energy resource derived from the vast reservoirs of Aetherium found in Erebus.

The colonies made a steadfast commitment: Humanity and civilization would endure. The legacy of Earth would not be forgotten.

Current Events and the Status Quo

It's the present day in the year 2512. After over three hundred years, humanity and civilization endure, but the utopian dreams of the first colonists have been shattered by human nature. The lack of technical knowledge and resources has inevitably regressed both colonies in their scientific understanding and technological advancement.

Elysium has been affected the most. Without a strong scientific and industrial base like that of Erebus, it quickly declined from a space-age culture to a technology level similar to the Industrial Revolution of 19th-century Earth. This decline has been compounded by the remaining advanced technologies that they can salvage and the sparks of ingenuity from their emerging steam-based scientific revolution. The favorable planetary environment has also contributed negatively to the decentralization of their government, as younger generations have splintered off to create their own settlements, further devolving into what some may consider a state of barbarism.

Erebus has not fared much better. They have managed to maintain a more advanced level of technology, comparable to early 20th-century Earth, primarily due to effective care and supervision of highly advanced machinery that is now over a century old. However, their greatest shame is that they lack the knowledge needed to repair or create new models of such technologies. Yet, this is the least of Erebus's problems. As the keepers of knowledge, the Astraea Corporation wields virtual control over the planet. Their word is law, and their CEO effectively rules Erebus with a stern yet efficient hand.

Tensions have risen between the two planets. As they grapple with domestic issues—such as rebel factions, societal instability, and resource scarcity—they also face mutual accusations that threaten to disrupt their long-held treaty of bilateral assistance. Interplanetary war looms on the horizon, and only the brave, the cunning, and the knowledgeable can bring any hope to the civilization of Far-Star Victoria.