{%hackmd theme-dark %} # White Sands Origins ## 2000s Sol System deep-space observatories cartograph the first records of what would come to be known as the Schwarzkopf Cluster, the home of several unique binary and trinary star systems in tight clusters around the "waist" of a gaseous nebulae. Stellar Lumosity analysis would identify the habitable planet "Kepler 453b". Kepler 453b is cartographed as orbiting a binary pair of stars. ## 2300s Kepler 453b, now named "White Sands" by contemporary stellar exploration and cartography teams, is marked for further planetary survey by SolGov, due to the high concentrations of mica and "calcified materials" in the upper layers of the sand-tables. The origins of the calcium formations warranted further study, indicated that life should still exist on this world, and yet the major ecosystems expected on a planet in the habitable zone around its binary star are completely non-existent. ## 2400s Colonization efforts are undertaken, sponsored by a SolGov Colonial charter, to setup long term research facilities into the uniquely desolate, yet habitable, biosphere of White Sands. In initial planetary surveys, teams quietly reported back the presence several veins of plasma deep in the planetary crust. Nanotrasen subsidary corporations aid in establishing a presence on the planet. At the same time, the Syndicate forms to oppose the further coupling of Nanotrasen to SolGov, viewing them as crony capitalists exploiting political power for financial gain and influence. Major competitor corporations to NT pledge support to the organization, and nascient organiation begins open conflict with Nanotrasen, slowly forming a conflict zone that would be referred to as the Inter-Corporate War. SolGov officials, to avoid legitimizing the Syndicate's claims, do not openly condemn the violence, and instead remain neutral to the fighting for almost half a century, as it had thus far relegated itself to periphery targets and worlds of low population or wealth. ### 2457 A major comms blackout during the early days of the Inter-Corporate War leaves White Sands temporarily cut off from colonized space. Self-sufficiency at this time is mostly guaranteed by the now fully functional terrestrial manufacturing installations, as research and colonial development continues as best it can. With only minor setbacks, White Sands would begin to prove its value at a time where uncertainty in colonial survivability was grounds for cutting all support for a colony. This comms blackout would continue for the next two years, as NT and the Syndicate wrestled for control of the region's comms infrastructure. ### 2459 Contact is re-established with the rest of the Schwarzkopf Cluster, as the White Sands colonial government commissions a FTL-comms relay sat to be constructed and launched into geosynchronous orbit. NT merchant marine convoys resume transit to the system, seeing an opportunity to invest in a safe harbor in the demonstrably self-sufficient system. As orbital infrastructure grows, the more expensive terrestrial infrastructure begins to be replaced and outmoded. ### 2470 A decade of prosperity in the system ends as major conflict erupts within the Schwarzkopf Cluster, leaving the now flourishing White Sands as a primary target for Syndicate operations. A tooth-and-nail fight begins for the system, with a major space-borne campaign to take the outer planets of the system inflicting massive damage to the now burgeoning, essential orbital infrastructure. White Sands colonists begin evacuating to the interior of SolGov space, fully abandoning critical facilities on the surface needed to maintain the survival of the remaining colonists in the face of losing orbital supremacy. #### August 12th, 2470 Syndicate forces, now having solidified their control of the outer planets in the system, launch an all out offensive to capture the Lagrange point installations around White Sands. NT forces, already unsteady due to the lack of critical supplies from the planet, see no alternative but capitulation. To deny the enemy use of the planet's remaining assets, a coordinated demolitions operation razes the orbital infrastructure into scrap, creating massive belts of near-Kessler Syndrome levels of debris around the planet. The remaining colonists on the surface are effectively cut off and abandoned, no longer capable of sustaining the population with the hardened, but limited, terrestrial manufacturing facilities. #### October 20th, 2470 In a joint statement condemning the assault on the White Sands system, NT and SolGov formally declare the colony abandoned. While reaffirming their shared commitment to colonial enterprises across the cluster, SolGov announces that they will not be approving or funding new colonial charters, marking the end of the Era of Colonization. ## 2500s Nanotrasen gains effective supremacy over the Syndicate in major combat operations in the Rigel system, on the doorstep of SolGov. By crippling the Syndicate major strategic fleets, NT effectively ends the Inter-Corporate War, leaving the remaining Syndicate forces to commit to the SolGov Megacorporate Charter as a means of surrender. The charter, among other regulatory measures, ends open warfare between corporations as a means of dispute resolution. Syndicate forces would continue to operate clandestinely in violation of the agreement, but this is deemed an acceptable alternative to broad scale armed conflict, and, in private, viewed by SolGov as a needed release valve for conflict. Nanotrasen, having significantly aided SolGov in reaching this agreement, is awarded sole ownership of several former colonies, including White Sands, as well as federal grants to reestablish colonies on these planets. However, almost a century of fighting has left the company financially strapped and in dire need of reconsolidation. Construction on several stations of various classes are approved in system, but no plans to staff or operate those stations are put into effect. The system would continue to languish in disuse for several decades more. ### 2554 Nanotrasen is issued an ultimatum by SolGov, as word of the disuse of the rewarded systems, White Sands included, is confirmed by SolGov military observers. Nanotrasen must commmit major resources to recolonizing the systems, or be forced to return the systems to SolGov ownership. Not willing to give up the relatively unique status as one of the few Megacorporations granted ownership of entire solar systems, Nanotrasen begins subcontracting to several colonial enterprises to create a colony on White Sands. They lease the use of, using government funds to offset the cost, the previously constructed stations, with the expectation of terrestrial survey and orbital operations to continue so long as the charter is held.