The Astraeus Project

Terran Calendar Year AD 2399.   It was the dawn of a new era, not just for humanity, but for the Galaxy as a whole. The Galactic Union, for the first time since it's formation, was opening up the gates for any and every spacefaring species. This included both previously ineligible candidates and previously removed members. The goal was to reform the Union and establish legitimate political power across the galaxy. Through a system of checks and balances, diplomatic weight based on hundreds of factors, and appointed representatives, the Union would keep tabs on every system, and make decisions as a whole. This was not exactly a stellar federation, but more of a cooperative with real weight behind it. Up to this point the Union was more of a fantasy than a reality, an elitist group of dreamers who thought they could bring peace through their semi-unity, despite having no real jurisdiction. This reformation was so grand it constituted a galactic Year 0 with a new calendar system. These decisions were almost unanimous... almost.   But then came the disaster.   Representatives from every spacefaring world gathered on the Starship Exodus: an ancient ship of unknown origin, which housed over a million crew and civilians for generations. To that date it still operated at it's fullest capacity. It was a beacon of hope, of peace, of unity. On that tragic day even the Aelum (known to humans as the Martians) and the Izanians stood together to honor the great change. But moments before the union could be officiated, disaster struck. Explosions rippled throughout the Exodus, depressurizing entire decks. The primary warp reactor, which had been inactive longer than most species present could remember, began to go into overload. Various systems failed, and a massive explosion in the council chambers killed 8 representatives. The starlight, a massive glass-like ceiling, shattered against all odds and sucked out another 12 representatives. Another 2 were killed as the backup forcefields caught them halfway out the windows. Yet another 9 fell to their deaths as the gravity generators kicked back on, but at 9x the normal settings. The remaining representatives fled. Everyone fled. The total number of deaths on that day numbered in 87,423.   Thanks to the brave men, women, and some alternate gendered peoples (some non-human species have more than 2 genders), the Exodus was not destroyed. It is estimated that it will not run at it's fullest capacity again until the 2450's.   The Exodus Disaster led to the return of the Izanian Hegemony, an oppressive force which took advantage of the chaos. It also led to the Human-Rhydian Alliance, as well as the formation of a small Trade Federation. The Galactic Union was not destroyed, but was devastated. It remained and attempts to this day to pick up the pieces. Many members, however, have now left the Union, no longer believing in it's cause.   The year is 2401. You are part of this Galactic Union. For now, at least. Where you go, what you do, that's all up to you. Perhaps you are part of one of their underfunded Archaeological teams. Perhaps you are part of the Diplomatic Corps. Maybe Extradimensional Investigations, or the small Navy. Or perhaps you aren't affiliated with a G.U. institution, but are on the fringes. Privateers, adventurers, other private groups hired by the G.U. in this time of crisis.   Whatever you choose, the galaxy needs you now more than ever...