Gentlesophonts:
The following library data first appeared in *Melbourne Times* #1:
CREATE: An acronym for Cultural Revelation, Appreciation, Tolerance and
Education, CREATE is a Nyanzan quasi-governmental organization responsible for
development and promotion of artistic and cultural interchanges among
Federation worlds as well as between the Federation and other Colonial States.
Largely through the efforts of CREATE, Nyanzan artistic and cultural endeavors
are not only recognized but widely applauded throughout the Colonies Sphere.
Artists from across the Sphere are drawn to the many educational institutions
operated by CREATE on Federation worlds.
Gaez Gavvi Eudrael (GGE): Roughly translated as "External Security
Directorate", the GGE is the primary Meren intelligence agency in the Colonies
Sphere. Focused mainly on countering Aeroi efforts during the Markets War, its
operations have been scaled back with the end of that conflict. Still, the GGE
is believed to have recruited Dolphin and Human agents from most Colonial
States in recent years.
House Moreira: A major Ouroran mercantile entity, Moreira provides passenger
and freight transport among Community worlds and operates interface routes as
well. It is a Community leader in the manufacture and export of starships,
computers and robotics, and a variety of vehicles and crafts. Moreira is also
the largest operator of starports in the community.
Lucent Templars: An elite military order of the Abrahamic Synod whose members
are found in all of the Synod's military services. Appointment to the order is
made personally by the Supreme Aspirant and entails extensive, and highly
secret, religious and military training. Claims that this includes training in
psionic disciplines have been vehemently denied by the order and have never
been substantiated by reliable sources.
Markets War: Period of confrontation (c2955-3000) between Aeroi and Meren
interests over access to markets in the Colonies Sphere. While the two
entities never actually met in all-out war, each was involved in various
activities, including market monopolization, military support of local
governments and indigenous guerrilla movements, commercial and political
espionage, financial leveraging and arbitrage, and industrial and mercantile
sabotage, that resulted in often intense tension in the region. Ended with the
political collapse of the Meren Expansionist Clique and the mysterious withdraw
of many Meren elements to their own sphere.
Prometheus Foundation: An independent research and development house that has
been instrumental in the dissemination of technology throughout the Colonies
Sphere. Prometheus agents and researches are encountered throughout the Sphere
wherever technology is being developed. Many states are critical of the
Foundation's insistence on sharing its technological innovations but none have
been willing to forego the advantages of cooperation with the Foundation. The
Prometheus Foundation's origins trace back to a late 20th Century arms
manufacturer that translated military technology into commercial technology for
developing nations. Among its more famous accomplishments has been the
subsector organization used by most States in the Sphere that was developed to
foster cooperation across borders. The Prometheus Foundation also provides
minimum Class E starport facilities throughout the Sphere where such facilities
are beyond the capability of individual worlds.
Transtellar Lines: One of the major Commonwealth interstellar carriers,
Transtellar liners and freighters are common throughout Commonwealth space and
beyond. Transtellar operates interface routes to all major Colonial States.
Transtellar's origins trace back to a corporate charter granted during the
period of early sub-light re-colonization just prior to the development of jump
drive.
Universidad de Aztlan: The major university of the Empire of Aztlan is one of
the most respected educational institutions in the Colonies Sphere in the
fields of engineering and technology. In addition to training cadets for the
Empire's military services the Universidad de Aztlan also graduates the
majority of the Empire's shipwrights and other starship industry technicians.
Unlike other Aztlan universities, the UdeA does not accept students from
outside the Empire.
Ysinal udi-Quinan: The major Aeroi mercantile house in Auriga subsector is also
the largest organization of its type in the entire Colonies Sphere. From its
headquarters on hvi-Unapfi, Ysinal udi-Quinan manages Aeroi investment and
trade development activities throughout the Sphere. Even though a
quasi-governmental agency, Ysinal udi-Quinan includes several non-Aeroi
corporations among its holdings.
*****
Happy Travelling,
David Johnson
Houston, Texas, USA