Zaibon
In the binary system of Zaibon, the grandeur of its red giant primary star casts an imposing presence, a celestial behemoth whose gravitational "jump shadow" exerts a formidable barrier to direct access to the inner worlds. These worlds, once cradled within the star's embrace, now bear the scars of its immense growth, with the innermost planets consumed by the stellar expansion. Only those fortunate enough to lie farther out have thrived, basking in the increased warmth, though one remains tantalizingly borderline-habitable—its secrets hidden deep within the jump shadow, beyond the reach of economical colonization and official data.
Zaibon's asteroid belt, lying just outside this shadow, holds the remnants of a once-glorious mining era. This belt, blessed with the largest copper deposit ever discovered, became a beacon for immense mining operations. These efforts, driven by the thirst for easily accessible minerals, transformed Zaibon into a vital member of the Imperium. Yet, as the rich deposits were exhausted, the once-thriving mining behemoths withdrew, leaving behind a landscape dotted with the echoes of prosperity.
Today, Zaibon's economy clings to the remnants of its former glory, the mining industry diminished but still alive on a smaller scale. The planet's governance, a nominal representative democracy, is in practice a council dominated by company executives, mining foremen, and prominent citizens, a fractious assembly where trust is scarce and agendas often clash. The population of Zaibon, scattered across a multitude of habitats, reflects its storied past. Some live within the hollowed interiors of planetoids, others on their surfaces or within free-floating space stations. Among these habitats, the Amusement Wheel stands out—a grand space station turned fairground, a testament to efforts to reinvent Zaibon as a tourist destination and retirement haven. Despite such endeavors, the population dwindles, seeking better fortunes elsewhere, and the signs of decline are evident to any who wander beyond the starport's bustling concourse. Abandoned mines and settlements dot the system's charts, whispering tales of lost hope and new, shadowy inhabitants.
Zaibon’s starport remains a hub of activity, its trading docks vibrant with commerce, even as the colossal ore-handling facilities lie dormant. Smaller cargo areas maintain a flicker of the old industrious spirit, but the days of megafreighters laden with processed ore are but distant memories. The culture of Zaibon, a tapestry of corporate, democratic, and scientific influences, weaves a complex narrative of survival and adaptation.
Zaibon's asteroid belt, lying just outside this shadow, holds the remnants of a once-glorious mining era. This belt, blessed with the largest copper deposit ever discovered, became a beacon for immense mining operations. These efforts, driven by the thirst for easily accessible minerals, transformed Zaibon into a vital member of the Imperium. Yet, as the rich deposits were exhausted, the once-thriving mining behemoths withdrew, leaving behind a landscape dotted with the echoes of prosperity.
Today, Zaibon's economy clings to the remnants of its former glory, the mining industry diminished but still alive on a smaller scale. The planet's governance, a nominal representative democracy, is in practice a council dominated by company executives, mining foremen, and prominent citizens, a fractious assembly where trust is scarce and agendas often clash. The population of Zaibon, scattered across a multitude of habitats, reflects its storied past. Some live within the hollowed interiors of planetoids, others on their surfaces or within free-floating space stations. Among these habitats, the Amusement Wheel stands out—a grand space station turned fairground, a testament to efforts to reinvent Zaibon as a tourist destination and retirement haven. Despite such endeavors, the population dwindles, seeking better fortunes elsewhere, and the signs of decline are evident to any who wander beyond the starport's bustling concourse. Abandoned mines and settlements dot the system's charts, whispering tales of lost hope and new, shadowy inhabitants.
Zaibon’s starport remains a hub of activity, its trading docks vibrant with commerce, even as the colossal ore-handling facilities lie dormant. Smaller cargo areas maintain a flicker of the old industrious spirit, but the days of megafreighters laden with processed ore are but distant memories. The culture of Zaibon, a tapestry of corporate, democratic, and scientific influences, weaves a complex narrative of survival and adaptation.
The Cultures of Zaibon
Corporate Culture - Yutani, LIC:
In the sub-surface arcology of Yutani, LIC, the corporate culture thrives. Employees, clad in company uniforms, live under the watchful eye of company surveillance, their lives governed by corporate policies and practices. The pay is enticing enough to retain veteran miners, yet a simmering tension with the local populace remains.Democratic Union of Zaibon (DUZ):
The Democratic Union, born from the local miners' union, administers the system with a rough but practical hand. Distrust of Yutani runs deep, fueled by historical grievances and ongoing surveillance concerns. Despite these tensions, the necessity of cooperation for economic survival forces an uneasy alliance. The union enforcers maintain order within the scattered domes and starship derelicts, offering a semblance of comfort amidst the decay.Spirelle Research Outpost - Torkai & Sons:
A small but significant presence, Torkai & Sons from Spirelle operates a research station dedicated to the study of Zaibon’s gas giant and red giant primary. Their work includes dismantling and re-engineering derelict vessels, remnants of a time when the asteroid belt gleamed with promise. The scientists, delving into the detritus of past miners, unravel the secrets of foreign technologies, adding a layer of intellectual pursuit to the system's dynamic.Habitats and Structures
Zaibon's varied habitats showcase the ingenuity of its inhabitants. From classic spinning colonies to large O’Neill Cylinders, Bubbleworlds, Bernal Spheres, and myriad smaller habitats, the belt communities reflect a diverse approach to living in space. Notably, thirty-three Standard Stanford Torus variants, each supporting approximately 10,000 humans, dot the belt, offering structured living spaces amidst the void. These communities, requiring careful management, include common living facilities, farms, smelting locations, and trading posts, ensuring their continued survival.The Decline and Legacy
The decline of Zaibon is a palpable presence, a shadow lingering over the system. The mining industry's golden days are a distant memory, yet hope persists among the remaining populace. As traders and miners navigate the challenges of a changing economy, the spirit of Zaibon endures—a testament to resilience in the face of an evolving universe. The starport, a beacon of trade, stands as a reminder of past glories and future possibilities, its lights a guiding star for those who remain.System Data
Binary Solar System
| Star Name | Hierarchy | Category | Mass (Sol) | Temp (K) | Luminosity (Sol) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zaibon Primary | Primary | Giant | 7.85 | 2000 - 2800 | 2382.5 |
| Unit | Diameter | Min Distance | Hab Zone | Jump Shadow | M-Drive Limit |
| AU | 2.42859 | 4.04857 | 38.81 - 63.25 | 242.859 | 2428.59 |
| Orbit # | 5 | 6 | 9 | 12 | 15 |
| Star Name | Hierarchy | Category | Mass (Sol) | Temp (K) | Luminosity (Sol) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zaibon Companion | Secondary | Main Sequence | 0.37 | 3270 - 3430 | 0.03081 |
| Unit | Diameter | Min Distance | Hab Zone | Jump Shadow | M-Drive Limit |
| AU | 0.0017 | 0.0146 | 0.18 - 0.35 | 0.17 | 1.7 |
| Orbit # | * | * | 0 | 0 | 4 |
Spinward Marches 1825
B000544-B
Staport - B (Good)
- Refined fuel available
- Annual maintenance overhaul available
- Shipyard capable of constructing non-starships present
- 800 km
- Microgravity (0.01 G or less)
- No atmosphere
- Requires vacc suit
- No water
- 100,000
- Representative Democracy
- Government by elected representatives
- Restricts: Weapons, Drugs, Psionics
- Moderate Law
- Light assault weapons prohibited.
- Average Stellar (Large Starships)
- As
- Ni
- Va
- None
Prohibited:
- Weapons: Poison gas, explosives, undetectable weapons, WMD.
- Weapons: Portable energy weapons (except ship-mounted weapons).
- Weapons: Heavy weapons.
- Weapons: Light assault weapons and submachine guns.
- Drugs: Combat drugs.
- Drugs: Addictive narcotics.
- Psionics: All psionic powers must be registered; use of dangerous powers forbidden.
- Psionics: Use of telepathy restricted to government approved telepaths.
- Psionics: Use of teleportation and clairvoyance restricted.
Location under
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