Setting: Some 200 years ago, unmanned probes were first deployed from the Sol system to a series of 50 inhabitable worlds within the Milky Way. Of those 50 original probes, 32 successfully arrived at their destinations. Within the probes were supplies enough to create Jump Gates with destination coordinates matching Sol. The period after this was one of expansion and greatness for the human race, as the overpopulated planets around the Sun shed their excess through huge colonization, scientific and exploration ships sent through the gates to the untainted wilds of space.
All types of people, great and small, were sent to the new colonies. Breaking down their colossal ships, they used the technology and material to build their new homes. Some colonies never achieved self-succifiency due to accidents, malfunctions, or unforeseen environmental concerns. Millions of lives were lost, but still the project went forward.
The newfound power, the advancements and possibilities offered by being offered such a wealth of new possibilities corrupted the minds of many. Corporations and governments alike fought each other for control of the new planets – and the precious resources within them.
Some colonies prospered more than others, due to mineral and resource deposits, while others essentially became ghost-planets, with infrastructure being supported by a skeleton-crew, and the population reverting mostly to farming and other mundane professions. These planets became havens for those looking to escape the critical eye of civilization.
Others became large hubs of activity, ships constantly coming and going, ferrying precious ore and raw fuel back to Sol and other colonies. Large military garrisons were stationed here by whichever syndicate or government happened to be in control of the area. While political ties may be good on earth, space was a different story. Countries that may be the staunchest allies would fight wars on far worlds, where there was no law.
One such colonized area was the Kairi system, within the Perseus arm of the Milky Way. This colony was established by a coalition of the United States, Russian, Indo-Chinese, and African Union governments jointly to prove that cooperation was possible. In practice, however, there was much undermining and espionage within the project. Initial reports had shown that thee planets here were very rich with valuable materials, and each faction had originally planned to use the others for their own advantage, then exploit the planet for their own use.
However, shortly after the colony was established, the resources were found to have been largely surface deposits that were quickly depleted.
Kairi remained relevant despite this, unlike so many of the other colonies. While it wasn’t the goldmine that so many had anticipated, it wasn't a particularly hostile world either, and none of the supporting nations wanted to be seen as weak by being the first to pull their support from the project. Thus Kairi became a middle ground, as far as the colonies went. Few cities stand near water sources, their industrial complexes still churning, but at a slow pace. Cities are not claimed by any one nation, but each attempts to exert as much control as they can, through persuasion, politics, and sometimes worse.
That was 40 years ago.
[Fill in a war, alien invasion, etc, which could lead to the gate in the Kairi system being severely damaged and inoperable, and the planet is at least partially damaged]
Having its umbilical cord severed, the governing bodies of Kairi seized emergency powers within a 5 member seat, consisting of representatives from each member nation. They have done their best with what they have, and to attempt to keep order when despair is so permeating, but there are always those who wish things to be otherwise, whether for noble or selfish reasons.
Theme: Similar to Fallout or Cybersphere – new technology mixed with old. Worlds resources are depleting, and lacking outside support most cities have become increasingly run-down. There is still a mass of technology available, but as things break, there is less available to replace it, especially high quality, and rare items, which tend to be in the hands of elite government units, no longer tethered by any conventions or laws of war, or utilized by corporate enclaves and criminal syndicates, some which are the leftover remnants of pre-war management holding onto their strength after this time, some of which have been created anew, seeking to seize the opportunity for themselves.
The possibilities on this world are endless, save that of returning to human space – if such a thing even still exists.
