DISTANCE: 19.4 light years from Sol
NEIGHBORING SYSTEMS: Sigma Draconis 11.2 lys 61 Cygni 13 lys Iota Persei 17.9 lys
ETA CASSIOPEIAE is a binary system in which the two stars move in a wide, eccentric orbit. Separated by an average distance of 72 AUs, the effects from the variation of brightness and heat on the planets orbiting either star are virtually insignificant. Eta Cass A is a yellow-orange dwarf which has three planets in orbit including two small rocky worlds and one large gas giant. Eta Cass B is a much cooler and dimmer orange-red dwarf which has two small rocky planets in orbit and a dense field of asteroids and radioactive debris. It is believed that this debris field was originally a massive gas giant with dozens of large moons that were all slowly torn apart by the gravity of the primary star. This planetary “graveyard” is surprisingly rich in raw Driaxol deposits.
BALESTIERE is the second planet in orbit around the primary star and has an axial tilt of 15 degrees which produces only moderate seasonal changes. Aside from the large polar ice caps, the landscape of this cold world consists primarily of frozen tundra, snow-covered mountain ranges, and dense perennial forests. Liquid water covers nearly 40 percent of the planet’s surface and includes two major oceans and numerous freshwater lakes and rivers. Temperatures in the equatorial regions are a bit milder and often reach just above freezing in the summer months. This planet also has two small moons in orbit named Pretorius and Montressa.
Balestiere hosts several different forms of indigenous life and includes a variety of mammals, numerous species of birds, and a wide range of aquatic creatures as well.
By the end of the 22nd century, most of the Human colonies had officially declared their independence and completely separated themselves from the United Earth Conglomerate. Because of this, a large portion of Earth’s reliable assets had been greatly diminished and the UEC began a desperate search for new star systems to replace its lost resources. In 2199, SolCorp’s exploratory branch investigated the Eta Cassiopeiae system and not only found it to be rich in unrefined hydrocarbons, but also discovered a new world that was capable of supporting Human life. The permanent colonization of this system became a top priority for the UEC and was a significant opportunity to expand Earth’s corporate jurisdiction.
Similar in its infrastructure to the colony in the Epsilon Eridani system, the original outpost was founded by the Mining Guild and located on a large asteroid in the outer edge of the debris field orbiting the secondary star. The administrative functions of WAYPOINT STATION remained under the direct supervision of a Guild Baron while the regional mining workforce was assigned to a subsidiary corporation. In an unexpected move made by the UEC, the Cromwell Coalition was chosen to be the recipient of the coveted government contract. This company had neither the funds nor the resources to take on a project of this magnitude and it had a reputation for questionable business dealings on the black market as well. Nevertheless, the UEC saw potential in this emerging corporation along with the expectation that a less-established company would be easier to control. Within six months, the first wave of Cromwell employees and their families arrived in the system and established their initial settlement on the planet Balestiere.
Many of the colonists were hired as miners for month-long work rotations in the debris field around the red dwarf, while the remaining settlers were engaged planetside in the manufacturing of high-tech components, small spacecraft construction, and a variety of local businesses. Although a permanent division of security forces was assigned to patrol the entire system, Balestiere itself was officially designated as a “protectorate” colony with a non-invasive military presence. However, members of the security forces frequently took shore leave on the planet’s surface and, unlike the colonists in the Epsilon Eridani system who actually welcomed their visits, the civilians on Balestiere often felt intimidated and imposed upon. Even so, several bars and entertainment facilities have reaped great financial benefits due to their routine layovers.
As the colony’s population has continued to grow, so have the number of businesses that are involved in black market activities. Most of these unregulated transactions are small enough to go unnoticed, but larger organizations commonly dissuade government and military officials through both bribery and extortion as well. According to the census of 2233, over 25,000 individuals live in the town of Haven Forge with numerous fishing and hunting communities scattered beyond the outer borders of civilization. The Cassians, as these colonists now refer to themselves, are typically distrustful of outsiders, but are extremely accommodating if the money is good. Bartering is an accepted means of payment within the local economy and haggling on a variety of goods and services is generally expected.
Although this system is relatively distant from any major interstellar travel routes, its remote location has allowed the UEC to greatly expand its sphere of influence. The harvesting of natural hydrocarbons from around the secondary star has made this an essential port for those looking to purchase highly-refined reserves. The Cromwell Coalition has grown quite profitable from their operations and continues to maintain its facilities in the Sol system as well. The Mining Guild has also instituted a free trade policy to promote better relations with the independent colonies. However, SolCorp’s security forces are present during all interstellar business transactions and frequently detain random transports for statutory inspections. Many view this as a vain attempt at intimidation by a military that is no longer the ultimate authority over the Human race.