φ setting.

[ceoqueen]

SETTING

The year is 2186. The human race has only just recently become capable of intergalactic travel, and are working on expanding their horizons. As such, there are many alien races - such as the turians, asari and krogan - to be dealt with, all of which have something to offer. Whether it's information-gathering, technology or just pure muscle, chances are that whatever it is you're looking for, there is a species capable of helping you. Technology as a whole is on the up and up, giving rise to the use of things such as omni-tools - used by both civilians and military personnel for a variety of operations - that are useful when things like decryption, hacking or repair are needed. The preferred method of travel is either by shuttle or ship, depending on the distance being traveled, which is where the mass relays come into play.

Faster-than-light travel means the use of the mass relays, which allows travel between neighboring systems to be much simpler. The relays themselves operate by utilizing a core of element zero, allowing for pretty much instantaneous travel between systems that would have otherwise taken years or even decades. The mass relay network itself is supposedly the work of the ancient Protheans, and is considered their greatest achievement. It connects every system in the known galaxy. (Talk about one hell of a network, huh? Sheesh.)

There are many governing bodies, though the most well-known of them has to be the Citadel Council, being the sole body in control of the entirety of Citadel space. While the Council does consist of ambassadors from the asari, turians, salarians, and humans, all three of them have separate governments on their homeworlds - as do many other species as well. The Council is served by the Spectres, an elite group of agents free to ignore everything but the Council’s bidding. This, of course, only covers the legal government agencies - which is where the human-based paranilitary group Cerberus as well as the Omega station come in.

Cerberus is a group led by The Illusive Man, whose general belief is that humanity deserves a greater role in the galactic community. They're just about as anti-alien as you can get without being an outright racist about it, and with their seemingly endless cache of resources, they can do pretty much whatever they want. Here, as well, basic morality doesn't play much of a part in any decisions made, and is the reason both the Citadel Council and Systems Alliance - the Alliance being the representative body of human space - have declared them as nothing more than a terrorist group and will prosecute any known agents as they see fit.

Omega is a force all on its own. A haven for criminals and terrorists and the like, the only government on the station itself is that of the asari Aria T'Loak. It's the galaxy's "dark side," so to speak -- any illegal service or merchandise you might be looking to find, you'll find it on Omega. Need somebody offed without the trail coming back to you for blame? All you need to do is hire one of the many mercenary groups for the right price and they'll do anything you like. Have a need for some red sand, or possibly a weapon mod that you can't find anywhere else? You bet your ass you'll find it on Omega -- just be ready to pay for it.

Needless to say, the universe as a whole is up for exploration. If you have a ship, and a crew, you can travel as far as your resources will take you - but there's just one more thing that needs to be taken into consideration. The galaxy is currently in danger of being wiped out by an ancient race of machines known as the Reapers, and they threaten everything - and we do mean everything - that you may hold dear. They don't give a damn about any organic life beyond wanting to exterminate it all, and that puts a damper on things, doesn't it?

omega.

population: 7.8 million | orbital distance: 2.43 au | orbital period: 6.9 earth years | total length: 44.7 km

Originally an asteroid rich in element zero, Omega was briefly mined by the Protheans, who eventually abandoned it due to its thick, impenetrable crust. Thousands of years later, nature did what even the Protheans could not: a collision with another asteroid broke Omega in half, exposing its trove of element zero for easy mining.

A rush ensued as corporations and private individuals tried to strike it rich on Omega, and thieves and outlaws followed in their wake. As space became tight, construction of processing facilities extended vertically from the asteroid, creating Omega's jellyfish-like silhouette. To prevent future collisions, the station is ringed with enormous mass effect field generators that redirect incoming debris.

Today, Omega is a major hub of narcotics, weapons, and eezo trafficking without even a pretense of civilian government or military control. Only mercenary groups have been able to instill a limited order; the most ruthless is an asari syndicate run by the notorious Aria T'Loak.

This station is home to everyone that doesn't have a real one. Mercenary groups, outlaws, criminals, you name it - whether they've taken up permanent residence or are just passing through, just about everyone makes a stop at Omega at some point in their travels.

Built in what remains of a hollowed-out metallic asteroid, the station has just about anything passing travelers could think to want. Weapons, armor... or someone to hire to take out a target. Or, if they're in the mood for a little bit of relaxation, there's always the Afterlife bar - but just be careful of the bartenders. Some of them aren't quite so friendly. Regardless, whatever it is you might be looking for, you'll find it on Omega. Just be prepared to shell out the credits to get it.

While there is no presiding government - and won't be in the foreseeable future -- there is Aria. She rules the station with an iron fist, but not without letting the population do mostly as it pleases. If she benefits from it, if it betters the state of the station or her reputation? You're good. But if you fuck around and piss her off, or make her look bad... you'd better be looking to pay someone to protect your ass, because she'll make sure it never happens again. Especially after what happened with Cerberus.

Currently, the station is recovering from an occupation by Cerberus, who devastated several parts of the station. The group managed to take control once Aria had been exiled, and given the fact that Omega is the home of a rather large element zero deposit, they used this to their advantage up until Aria enlisted the help of Commander Shepard and reclaimed her seat at the top. Still, it's left her station in a state of disarray, and she's trying like hell to make everything right again.

Losing the system’s mass relay hasn’t left her in a good mood.

What you see on Omega is what you get: a place full of cutthroat mercs and shifty merchants, all looking to either rob you blind or to fulfill the need for a good fight. (If you're really unlucky, it might be both.) Watch your step -- and don't fuck with Aria.

law & order.

There is no governing body on Omega outside of Aria herself. She is at the top, and while she sees everything that goes on around her, it doesn't mean she controls everything. The merc groups you might be paying for protection change from week to week, so be careful - one wrong move and you could end up on the wrong side of a bad deal.

Everyone on Omega has something invested in the station - which means every little thing that happens, regardless of what it is, may eventually affect something major. Be careful what you do, what you say, because you never know when it might end up with a bullet to the brain and your lifeless body shoved out the nearest airlock.

factions.

φ Mercenary groups: There are several that pass through the station at any given time, though the Talons are the most notable as far as Omega's security is concerned. If you're looking for work and don't care how you get the credits, this is your best bet - because it doesn't matter what needs doing. A merc will do any job for the right price, and morals are completely optional.

φ Information brokers: Info doesn't come cheap, and there's always someone that needs to know something, and will give it over if the right deal is struck. While the Shadow Broker is the most notable source of information in the neighboring systems, he can't be the only one with things that people want to know. In this business, nothing is sacred, and nothing is kept secret - but you have to have enough credits if you want to be able to afford the most valuable tidbits.

φ Politicians: Just because Omega is a little bit out of the way doesn't mean that politics haven't made their way to the station. There are always going to be those around trying to get the attention of possible supporters, whether it's with the Citadel Council or any other governing body in the neighboring systems. They're pushy, as anyone dealing in politics tends to be, and they want you for whatever purpose it is they're attempting to serve.

φ Civilians: The population of Omega is roughly 7.8 million, and this covers everyone not covered in the groups listed above. Turians, humans, salarians, asari .. you name it, you'll find them on the station.

locations.

Omega is broken up into hundreds of districts throughout its structure, with mining facilities tending towards the top of the asteroid. The manufactured atmosphere extends around the internal spires so that breathing equipment is not necessary directly outside, but the external air is frequently polluted from the factories and constant travel between districts.

Much of Omega is comprised of residential districts to support its population. There is little divide between alien species on the station, but a marked one in wealth; those with little resources will find themselves relegated to the lesser-maintained districts. Unlike the Citadel, Omega doesn't have the Keeper race maintaining its systems, and breakdowns in essential systems can be commonplace, especially in the wake of the Cerberus occupation. Those who are willing to get their hands dirty will find considerable luxury available for a steep price. Of course, no matter where you go on Omega, you'll be paying more than just the rent -- unless you have the means to defend yourself from every merc group out there, you'll be paying for protection.

Omega also has a number of districts focused towards commercial interests, filled with merchants looking to sell their wares and mercs looking to get a good deal. You can find almost anything in the galaxy on Omega, though with imports at a halt most prices have gone up. Still, most merchants are more interested in making a couple credits than none at all, and a good bit of bargaining can go a long way.

Finally, Omega isn't lacking in entertainment. Bars and nighttime establishments can be found in many districts, many filled with asari dancers. Many such places charge a fee for entry, and some restrict access entirely to certain mercenary groups. The most elite is Afterlife, the throne of Aria T'Loak. It takes considerable status to gain entry, much less an audience with Aria -- or the good word of someone in the loop.

navigation.