Alsace

System Data
F5II
4 Y620000-0
5 Y100000-0 - 1 Satellite
7 Large GG - 7 Satellites
--- orbit 7.85 = 100d limit ---
*8 Large GG - Lusom
   2 YR00000
   3 A385846-A Ri Alsace
   6 Y322000 Chloe
   7 YS00000-0 Va Ba Helene
   8 H300000-0 Va Ba Elle
   10 H510000-0 Va Ba Crystelle
   13 YS00000 Margot
12 Small GG - 4 Satellites
13 Small GG – 4 Satellites

* = habitable orbit

Alsace requires 30.489 years to complete one orbit.

Census Data
Total Population: 50,008,000 (001/5743 = 51,008,000)
Growth Rate: 2.0%

World Data
Alsace is a small, sub-Mars sized world closely circling a large gas giant outside the jump shadow of a single, F series giant star.  Weather tends to be hot, 30-35C, and humid.  The axial tilt is an impressive 62 degrees, yet change in the seasons is nearly imperceptible due to the planet’s long orbital period.  One effect of the high axial tilt is to mitigate the effects of Alsace's close orbit around Lusom.  Without the tilt Alsace would be tidelocked and much less habitable.  Due to tidal stress from Lusom, Alsace is tectonically active.  Gravity is higher than normal for a planet Alsace’s size, due to an unusually heavy core.  Gravity is 0.45G and atmospheric pressure in the deeper valleys exceeds 1.70 bar.  Aidensburg standard elevation is 1.28 bar.  The steep, rocky valleys that define the planet’s surface prevent the formation of large, continental weather systems or large oceans.  Alsace residents comment that if one does not like the local climate, one need only travel five kilometers to find a preferable one.  The area around Aidensburg (the capital and largest city) is typical of the micro-climates engendered by Alsace’s rocky and mountainous topography.  The planet is suitable for some forms of agriculture, such as terraced rice cultivation and orchards, which, with Alsace’s not insignificant mineral resources, explain why it was among the first planets colonized in the sector.

Politics
Alsace is the most populous member of the Free Republic of Espiaux and, as such, has the largest representation in parliament of any world in the Free Republic.  Parliament is located on Espiaux.  Currently, three parties are represented: Liberty Party (right), People’s Alliance (centrist), and the Free Social Party (left).  Liberty has the largest block in parliament with over 48% of the seats and rules in a coalition with Alliance (14%), while the opposition is the FSP (38%). The far right IRP has failed to garner the minimum five percent for the last two elections.  Next elections are due in the spring of 5742 (every five years).

Culture
The Plague in 5644 left a lasting impression in the collective social psyche of every world in the sector.  Alsace residents tend to be self-reliant and optimistic, though they often focus on local matters.  Alsace society is fairly liberal and is support for the Republic is high.  Alsace is slightly under-represented in the Free Republic Navy, while providing the majority of soldiers for the Army.

Colonization
The rest of the Alsace system offers few opportunities for colonization.  However, inhabitants of Alsace provide a large percentage of volunteers for the colonization effort on Marsoui.

Economics
Boasting the second highest technological base and the third largest WDP in the sector, Alsace is a key cog in the sector’s economy.  Agriculture has become a less important segment of WDP, while industry and services are growing.  Alsace and Espiaux form the largest trading partnership in the sector.  Ozawa Lines also maintains a trading route to Ozawa/Vauclain, and from there into Halowon Empire space.

Industries
Draeger Chemicals – One of the largest and most successful industries on Alsace, Draeger manufactures over sixty percent of all materials used for chemical and petrochemical applications in the free republic.  Also the sole source for many air re-breather and waste recycling applications needed for the recolonization effort.

Dupont Bank – A public venture, Dupont Bank is the largest financial institution in the Free Republic, with branches on Svetlana, Halowon, Somerset, Tupolev, Perseus, and Chelou as well.

Espiaux System Lines – Once a fledgling intrastellar transport company, ESL opened it’s doors on Savigny in 5701.  It won an important subsidy from the government of Espiaux to build and purchase boats, at cost, at Espiaux Naval Shipyard, for the express purpose of providing passenger and freight service within the Espiaux system.  Work on the first two shuttles for ESL began in early 5702.  It has since grown into one of the largest merchant concerns in the sector.

Gateway Multimedia – A leader in all forms of entertainment, Gateway is known sector wide for its high quality productions.  Gateway News Agency (GNA) is the leading source of news reports in the sector.  Due to lack of a formal courier service, reports are still not as timely as desired.  Gateway also owns Galaxy Computer Concepts, a leader in the personal computer and multimedia markets.  There is some speculation Galaxy may try to break into mainframe computers in the near future.

Kurth and Sons Commercial Shipyards – Alsace based attempt to rejuvenate merchant shipbuilding in the Halowon sector.  Originally limited to overhaul and small boat construction, K&S won a large government subsidy to build a commercial yard for jump capable ships, which completed in 5717.

Ozawa Lines – An incredible success story, Ozawa Industries was the life work of CEO Morgan Ozawa.  Ozawa is the largest merchant company in the Halowon sector and maintains a fleet of seventeen ships, eight of which are jump-2 capable.

Other smaller corporations exist, including: Free Republic Factors, CETI, Joan D’Arc Ventures, Souev Investments, etc.

Shipyards
The largest purely commercial shipyard in the sector, Kurth & Sons is located on the northeast edge of Aidensburg.  The yards largest drydocks are in the 1000ton class, but Kurth has never built a ship of that size.  The yard typically turns out three or so new ships per year and runs a brisk overhaul and refit business.

Military
Alsace has a military presence befitting the planet’s status as the economic engine of the Free Republic.  The Free Republic Navy’s 2nd Patrol Squadron, 2nd Transport Squadron, 2nd and 4th Scout Squadrons and Alsace Defense Squadron are based at Alsace.  Additionally, the Free Republic Pathfinder Service has a presence, primarily to ensure communication links with Espiaux and St. Croix are maintained.

System Defense forces include eight aging Kirin Class, 300ton, SDBs and several wings of fighters.  The 4th and 6th fighter wings are equipped with Hellcats, which form the backbone of Free Republic COACC forces, while the 2nd wing has upgraded to new Piranha fighters.

The bulk of the Free Republic Army is permanently stationed on Alsace, numbering three divisions and parts of other units on planet.
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:56, Mon 28 Feb 2011.