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It has been over four hundred years since the UEG, United Earth Government, was faced with a choice of systematic population control or colonization of other worlds. Wealthy entrepreneurs were promised first rights to all material resources discovered on habitable worlds. With the expectation of entire planets to plunder set before the wealthy, space became the new investment market. |
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With generations of unlimited wealth streaming
into the hands of a privileged few, a class system has evolved. The
First Families that had invested in planetary exploration and
colonization maintain control and loyalty with a careful balance of
intimidation and reward. The UEG's military, United Earth Forces, is
the tool wielded by the First Families to keep tight hold of their
monopoly on space.
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In contrast, colonists, while officially free
citizens, are in reality little more than indentured servants who eke
out a living on their individual planets and maintain the status quo
of the wealthy. Individual ID tags are implanted at birth on most
colony worlds as required by charter contract. Descendants of the
first colonists are looked at as a resource to be inventoried for the
company interests, though officially these locator tags are for the
protection of citizens.
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A few wild sorts have broken free of the system
created by the economic empire of the First Families and survive off
world in their own ships. These Indies take their lives in their own
hands. Worn ships, fatal accidents, space pirates, and hostile worlds
are only a few of the dangers they face. Life as an Indy is anything but
secure.
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Envied by some, resented by most, and secretly
feared by the few in power, these Indies find no port truly welcoming.
They provide a service that the colonists and First Families need and
pay for. They will never be thanked.
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Our ship, our home, our lady, The Aurora Lady.
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