Coalition
From SSNTWiki
Terran coalition is a notable civilization in the frontier universe. Its name is derived from the name of their Homeworld “Earth” or “Terra” which, in its dominant language meant “soil” or “land”.
Approximately one million star system in the Orion arm of the Milky Way fall under jurisdiction of the Coalition. The Coalition itself is a lose collection of worlds governed by Terrans, who are also usually the dominant species.
These worlds are allies only by necessity. They vary greatly in culture, technological level, and system of governance. Technically, there are certain values shared across all of Terran space, such as freedom and pursuit of happiness. In practice the interpretation of such concept make them excuses for imposing the will of dominant factions.
Terrans constantly battle other species and each other for control of resources. While this practice is not uncommon, their experience with military operation and cost-effectiveness of their units makes them attractive candidates as mercenaries or other disposable military assets.
Contents |
[edit] Biology
Traditionally, distributed biological electronic is the basis for individual Terran organisms. Like many other species who processes signals biologically, Terrans calculate their behaviors from stimulus, memory and genetic instruction using a large number of cells that actively conduct electrical signals along its surface using a combination of current depend gate and chemical gradients. Signals are passed between these cells are using chemical messengers that diffuse across specialized junctions. Firing rate, rather then amplitude is used to encode most information, resulting in very little loss. Because the conduction velocity is limited by the rate at which the channels could be opened, they are much slower and less precise then silicon, optical or quantum based computers. Because processing and conduction of signal are not separate processes, they are technically capable of integrating information for any number of sources.
Due to the evolutionary history of the information processing system, the Terran Neural System appears to be genetically programmed to enforce the interest of the biology. Large portion of it is designated to monitor the biological status and generate motivation for it. This is nearly universal feature of biological information processors; however the Terrans never thought to modify it.
Late in its history, some Terrans has taken advantage of genetic engineering to improve their capabilities. Due to the competitive advantage this confers, this practice evolved into active prenatal selection and genetic engineering of offspring in each generation. This process has, for the most part, eliminated genetic defects and rendered a large part of population immune to all known infectious diseases.
Cybernetic was also well integrated into Terran biology. Initially designed as means to rectify severe damage or dysfunction of the information processing system, it was later used to argument it, drastically increasing memory capacity and processing precision of their users. Eventually certain Disciplines, such a space flight and science, require their practitioners to use cybernetic to improve their efficiency. Disciplines
Artificial intelligence sees extensive uses to provide cheap and expendable labor. Terrans AI are used in everything from manufacturing to missile technology that kept them competitive. While initially mistrusting of the machines they created, they eventually found them far more trustworthy then each other. AIs, while seldom credited, are as much part of the specie then their less artificial counterpart.
[edit] History
Early Evolution
Many attempts to evolve a viable bipedal mammal on earth were made before the current iteration succeeded. It was unclear weather several cultures arose in the same time frame on two separate continents, or if all Terrans originated from the same source, and have migrated during their expansion.
It’s wildly agreed the first technologies mastered by Terrans were stone working, fire metalworking. Every technology they had at their command was quickly turned into means to decimate each other. Early colonies were prone to be enslaved or simply eliminated by their rivals.
Those colonies with reliable source of food soon developed alphabet and following it administration and religion – the first reliable means to control large populations. With these advantages, as well as that of large scale construction, they created large empires – too large for them to control. It was a matter of time before most of these empires either collapsed or went into stagnation. In the former case, the small states sprung up in their wake bickered for control for the rest of humanity’s early history.
Industrial Age
While most of Terran population remained superstitious, the wealthy elite would dispense with these believes if it provided them with an advantage. But even those elites who discovered scientific method, it was not taken seriously as a way of life. For them, it’s simply another weapon. Gunpowder and steam lead the way into industrial age as Terran factions continuous to decimate each other for land and resources. Antibiotic and basics of economics was soon discovered, the increased population and wealth allows its factions to wage wars on an even larger scale, and millions died for ideology that perhaps wouldn’t have worked regardless.
The discovery of nuclear power, and naturally, nuclear weapons, finally ended the infightings on the planetary scale. The power of such weapon made conventional war obsolete – at least for hose in procession of it. The end of internal hostilities, for most part, set the stage for the space age.
Space age
Space elevator and rocket engine allows orbital construction to take place. After several physics, including Burkhard Heim laid the theoretical foundation for shifting matter and information to other “layers” of the multiverse, work begun on viable engines to bridge the distances between stars. During the same timeframe, basic cybernetic enhancements were invented, exponentially speeding up technological growth.
However, the peace sustained by nuclear weapons was quickly unraveling. The development of counter-ballistic technology and spread of fundamentalism finally pushed those elites who wish to rule by propaganda and those who wish to rule by greed into open confrontation. The exact reason was unclear, but subsequent fighting devastated the ecological system on earth and most of the Terran population, as well as submerging large coastal population centers under water.
Society broke down and fights for survival ensued. In the end machines stood victorious. Expecting the eventual downfall, several groups of Terran scientists has completed first crude true autonomous robotic systems using architectures derived by reversing the human brain in the last years of peace.
Following the instruction left by their creators, humanity’s children set out to resurrect their masters. Using frozen genetic materials and artificial incubation, machines gave birth to men in an act of profound irony. AI’s unfaltering service to humanity has made the later shameful of itself. The first prototype space shift engine was its first act of redemption. Working together for the first time, Terrans expanded outwards colonizing a sphere of star system in the immediate surrounding of their home system.
It was not surprising when some Terrans decided to take advantage of the cooperation between factions. Despite discouragement from their AI advisors, Terrans developed crude, but efficient weapons to bring wars to space. Before anyone knew it, every colony was at war with one another.
The early colonies, using their large population and subsequently relatively developed industry and advanced technology, launched a merciless campaign to subjugate other colonies under the banner of Earth Coalition. Rivaling them with the Deklab Empire, who unshakably believes in genetic superiority of space farers and the Arcturus League, whose ruling corporations maintains an unusual combination of ruthless efficiency and a reckless libertarian society.
After nearly a century of total war, Coalition Archeology team stumbles across the remains of old battlefield. Billions of battered wreckages forming an asteroid belt with weight rivaling that of mercury. Peace treaty was signed between the three warring faction on that day.
Eventually the Arcturus League nominally joined the Coalition to facilitate free trade, but in practice remained fiercely independent in their policy. Deklab Empire always remained sovereignty, although the extensive trade with other faction has eroded their identity over the years.
[edit] Government
With the exception of those under the governance of the Deklab Empire and some rogue planets, every habitable world in the colonization sphere is technically under the leadership of the United Earth Senate. In practice the senate’s power extends as far as they could project their fleet. Planets are for large part autonomous; however extreme case of human right abuse draws attention of the Special Operations and Intelligence Command, and never last long.
The Coalition also has a president who serves as the head of executive branch and nominal leader of its fleet. During peace he is effectively a figurehead as the fleet is under the command of board of admiralty and there is no real executive power to speak of. During invasions or crisis, and with the approval of senate, the president is one of the most powerful creatures in the Orion arm.
The Supreme Court resolves interplanetary disputes that are more often then not related to trade. It also presides over inter-special cases that falls within Coalitions jurisdiction. Criminal Law Enforcements unsurprisingly falls to the planetary governments and the fleet.
[edit] Culture
There is no universal culture of the Coalition. Each world has its own traditions and sense of identity. Beside fairy tales and romances, few media publishes well on all worlds. Some worlds places emphases in teamwork, while others independence and resourcefulness, some worlds promote caring for one’s family, others places corporate interest ahead of the families.
With a few exceptions that are considered abnormal, most humans have family and friends they care for. However the degree of such care varies greatly, it ranges from simply sending them a letter and a check every month to losing one’s own life in defense of that of a family member.
Language
Most Terran speaks the language of their parents. English, an ancient language updated constantly, is used in interplanetary trade, legal and scientific documents. Some Terrans has learnt to interpret the trade language but few could speak or type it fluently, for most part, communications with other species are mediated via various AIs.
Philosophy
Terran philosophy varies greatly between individuals and is often the source for conflict. There are many established views that range from devolution to a monotheistic deity to enlightened self interest to nearly complete nihilism. A significant number of Terrans do not adhere to any established views and many adhere to a combination of several, sometimes contradictory, believes. As a consequence it’s seldom possible to motive modern Terran with just ideology. Although pay is not always sufficient.
Art
The Terrans have over its history, produced a vast amount of the art. Most of it is however, about war, reproduction, or religion and thus is incomprehensible to other species. Fractal art produced by Terran AI ironically sell well in interstellar trade.
[edit] Economy
The Coalition has well balanced resourcing, production and service sectors and can produce most items indigenously. Although it’s not in serious danger of been cut off from interstellar trade network, its ability to produce most material for wars protect it from schemes of extortion.
[edit] Technology
Terran technology is known for its price-effectiveness and reliability. For most applications, reliabilities are valued over raw power. For example, Terran Magnetic and optical storages are known to be still salvageable after a tremendous amount of abuse, and Terran civilian ground vehicles are usually wheeled and have very high fuel efficiency. Terran inventions are however, never very powerful or efficient.
Vast majority of Terran Technology are operated with direct cybernetic interfaces. These include its space vehicles. Technically these highly automated spacecrafts could be operated anywhere within, even remotely. Practically the crew of a craft is usually placed inside life support modules and connected directly with the craft's command systems. This arrangement leaves little room for Coalition's enemies to electronically subvert the control of the vessel.
[edit] Military
Since beginning of history, Terran warfare is aimed at subjugation. As such they are masters of psychological warfare, assassination, deception, and stealth as well as communication disruption. It’s often desirable to achieve victory at minimal cost and easiest way to do so is to eliminate enemy leadership and communications.
Coalition Units are therefore designed to inflict a vast amount of damage very quickly and retreat while enemies are still reeling from the blows. Their reliance on missiles reflect this, however if tied down in extended battle, their lack of survivability and endurance shows.
When pushed into a corner, Coalition Units are capable of delivering a very large volume of firepower, coupled with planetary sensor network, often meant their enemies has to pay a heavy price for each planet.
Branches:
Coalition Aerospace Force (CAF)
Core Systems Defensive Authority or CSDA (pronounced as Cass-Da):
The CSDA is responsible for the defense of the Core Systems from enemy attack. They have adequate training and adequate vessels (but they are slightly aged). In the event more manpower and ships are needed for a counterattack, the Core Systems Defensive Authority will be called up to help or head the fleet into battle. The CSDA believes that large capital ships have the necessary armor and firepower to defend the core systems from prolonged attack against enemy threats. Fleets: 1st, 5th. Commanding Officer: Sanchez
Border Systems Defensive Authority or BSDA (pronounced as "Bass-Da":
The BSDA is responsible for maintaining law and order and the defense of the border systems. They have good training in law enforcement, adequate training in system defense, smaller vessels built for swift strikes against criminal vessels and outposts, and a large emphasis on using strike craft such as fighters and bombers in operations. Fleets: 3rd, 4th,6th. Commanding Officer: Nikolaevsky
Offensive Aerospace Command or OAC (pronounced as 'Oak'):
The OAC is responsible for mounting immediate counteroffensive and offensive fleet power against any enemy threat. They have good training with a mix of vessels that utilize both heavy hitting weapons and strike craft projection. The fleet is built to be able to not only press on an assault, but to prevent the enemy from conducting their own assault (in the absence of superior numbers/firepower in the defensive fleets). Fleets: 2nd, 7th. Commanding Officer: Thorin
Logistical Aerospace Command or LAC (affectionately known as 'Lack')
The LAC is responsible for making sure the other fleets get what they need. Everything from medical supplies, to Helium-3 fuel, to ammunition, to replacement parts, to rations, all of it is transported on a LAC vessel sometime between the factory/refinery and the fleet. LAC is also responsible for overseeing operations on orbital factories, shipyards, and space stations. Many fleet commanders refer to LAC as "Lack" because in rare instances, they cannot receive the items they need in order to maintain their ships and crews. Fleets: 8th, 9th. Commanding Officer: (any ideas?)
Coalition Aerospace Marine Command or CAMC (shortened to Marine Command)
The CAMC is responsible for the transportation of marines in peacetime and in war from planet to planet or in conjunction with fleet operations. Marine vessels range from dropships to frigates, and marines make up the entirety of the Aerospace Pilot Corp (APC). Not only are pilot marines capable of flying any strike craft in the Coalition, they are capable of performing anti-boarding and boarding operations. Fleets: 10th, 11th, 12th. Commanding Officer: (any ideas?)
Special Operations and Intelligence Command (Codename 'Orion')
'Orion' is the Coalition's group of 'boogeymen'. While its existance is known only to Fleet Admirals, the President, and members of the President's Cabinet, the men and women of 'Orion' are rumored to be on every ship, watching the officers for signs of disloyalty and the crews for signs of mutiny. Their ships are incredibly advanced, using technologies far ahead of what the fleets normally use, some of which renders their vessels undetectable by conventional sensors and many anti-cloak sensor arrays. Fleets: 13th. Commanding Officer: Unknown.
Counter-Intelligence Command (Codename 'Scorpio')
Scorpio is the adversary of potential 'Orion'-like foreign organizations operating within the Coalition's borders. While the 'Orion' and 'Scorpio' organizations share information from time to time, each has its own methods of dealing with their assigned tasks. The 'Scorpio' Fleet is rumored to have the same vessels as the 'Orion' fleet, but is less active and does not engage in the internal affairs work that the 'Orion' organization enjoys. Fleets: 14th. Commanding Officer: Unknown.
Coalition Colonial Authority or CCA (Militias and Colony Ships)
The CCA is responsible for overseeing the creation of colonies, providing contracts to the LAC for equipment and supply shipments, setting up trade, and establishing colonial militias. The Colonial Militia is a rag-tag bunch of volunteer vessels that are just uparmored and upgunned civilian ships equipped to conduct combat operations in a specific star system. Even strike craft in the service of the militias are only upgunned and uparmored one and two-man personal spacecraft. Low-grade weapons are provided to the militias, as well as armor upgrades, but that is the furthest the military will get involved with the militias during peacetime. Fleets: No military fleet numbers given. Commanding Officer: Determined Locally by the CCA
Research and Prototype Testing Authority or RPTA (pronounced "Rip-Ta)
The EAVA is reponsible for researching new technologies, exploring known space, and developing and conducting trials with prototype vessels. With the exception of the new prototypes flown by test crews, the RPTA has an aging fleet of research vessels, research platforms, research satellites, test bed spacecraft, and testing facilities. Appropriations of materials are hard to come by for research projects, but prototype testing receives large amounts of materials and attention. Fleets: 15th (Non-Combat). Commanding Officer: Johnson.
Reserve Aerospace Force (Training) or RAFT
The RAFT is nothing more usually than a collection of old, mothballed ships kept in port in remote star systems. Academies use the ships for training purposes, training cadets in the art of war and command. In wartime, the old ships may be reactivated for defensive purposes, but would rarely see offensive action. Fleets: 16th, 17th, 18th, 19th, 20th Reservist Fleets. Commanding Officer: Position part of duties as Dean of the Rhode Island Naval Academy
