The Foundation
The Foundation: Pioneers of Science
A Rational Zenithian Haven
The Foundation, a vital part of The Consortium, is renowned for its unwaveringly rational and scientific approach to understanding the world, aligning closely with Zenithian values. However, to the Firstcome, the Foundation appears as a bastion of non-believers, a source of shame for the entire Horizon. Operating as a foundation, the company specializes in selling and leasing their groundbreaking discoveries to third parties. Many of the production methods and patents utilized by Consortium companies were originally developed by the Foundation. Their significance within The Consortium is further accentuated by their rediscovery of the algorithms necessary for comprehending and harnessing portal fields, a knowledge base previously limited to the Order and the Nazareem, both of which kept it closely guarded.
Expansive Research Endeavors
The Foundation's wide-reaching research spans multiple areas, including portal field and astronics research, conducted at various institutes scattered throughout the Horizon. For instance, the Kander-Mall institute in the Rimward Reach serves as one of their primary research facilities. Additionally, the Foundation focuses on socioarithmetics, intelligence research, portal archaeology, and bionics. Their intelligence research primarily revolves around ship intelligences and operates within classified units under the Special Branch's strict supervision. In contrast, the bionics research is transparent, aiming to challenge the Order's monopolistic control over hospitals and sanatoriums.
Innovative Breakthroughs
The Foundation consistently pioneers new sciences and technologies, driving progress in the Horizon. Socioarithmetics, a unique field, applies mathematical algorithms to entire populations, enabling macro-political predictions. While the Foundation asserts the accuracy of their methods, critics point to their failure to predict the arrival of the Emissaries as evidence to the contrary. Foundation mathematicians argue that not every individual can be accounted for in their studies, responding to the criticism. Notably, the Bulletin has leveraged these methods to tailor programs more effectively to its viewers' preferences.
Exploring the Unknown
The Foundation dedicates substantial resources to xeno and portal archaeology. Collaborating frequently with The Colonial Agency, the Foundation launches numerous expeditions each year to explore ruins, remnants of Portal Builder technology, and other artifacts. Nevertheless, the largest site remains off-limits to these expeditions—the interior of The Monolith, restricted to rival factions by order of the Astûrban, the Hegemony's clandestine security organization.
Educational Excellence
Coriolis is home to the Foundation's College of Engineers, offering the finest natural science education in the Horizon. Their commitment to fostering talent is evident in the generous scholarships awarded to promising scientists and students, further enhancing the Foundation's reputation.
