Vesta Belt

The extensive asteroid belt in the Kamchatka System. It lies further out from the star of Kamchatka than Kamchatka itself, and consists of a dense field of raw material that has been exploited by the Asmaran Federation for decades. Even so, the federation has barely put a dent into resources available in the belt. The belt is both heavily populated and heavily patrolled. Citizens of Orenburg, as well as a dozen other mining companies, have taken up residence in the belt, some becoming semi-permanent labourers on contract, and others setting up permanent stations and making their way as spacers of the belt. The Kamchatkin Home Navy patrols the belt, ensuring disputes over deposits are kept to a minimum. Handling fights between miners isn't their main concern, however. The remnants of the Turtle Skull Fleet, now fractured into a handful of factions, continue to harass miners and traders in the belt. Their strongholds are hidden among the belt, and often very well defended. The Home Navy have nearly daily skirmishes with the pirates, and in more extreme circumstances, even the High Navy is brought in.