Extranets

## Overview

Extranets are vast, interconnected digital networks spanning massive sections the galactic scene, allowing citizens in remote locations to share information, ideas, and entertainment. However, the division between the main extranets and their ties to organized crime have led to ongoing challenges and controversies.

## Independent Extranet Systems

There are several independent extranet systems throughout the galaxy. The two main examples are the Mission's extranet and the Union-Red Mission extranet. Smaller factions and lawless territories often have their own extranet systems, especially among the Dead.

### Mission's Extranet

The Mission's extranet is the larger and more established of the two primary systems. However, its leaders have been staunchly against the idea of linking their extranet with others, citing security concerns as their primary reason. That said, many critics and activists argue their main concerns are not security-based, but rather ideological. The Mission has been accused of trying to control or limit what its citizens see and hear from other areas in the galactic scene.

### Union-Red Mission Extranet

In the year 320C, the Red Mission and the Union successfully combined their extranets, demonstrating the Union's willingness to listen to public opinion and the Red Mission's commitment to ethical practices. Despite the security risks involved, Union leaders have expressed a willingness to also join the Mission's extranet with their own, but the idea has never been seriously entertained by the Mission.

## Extranet Division Controversy

The division between the two main extranets, the Mission's extranet and the extranet of the Union and the Red Mission, has been a long-standing point of contention and frustration for citizens across the various governments. This issue is deeply unpopular not only in Mission space but also in the territories controlled by the Union and the Red Mission. Many people believe that an individual's origin should not dictate their ability to share and enjoy cultural artifacts such as music, art, recipes, or critical pieces, and that a unified extranet system would foster greater understanding and cooperation among different factions.

While the Union and the Red Mission have expressed a willingness to join their extranets with other networks, the Mission has consistently refused to entertain the idea. Mission leaders cite security concerns as the primary reason for their opposition, despite widespread public dissatisfaction with the status quo. This reluctance to connect the extranets has further fueled the perception of the Mission as an isolationist and uncompromising faction, straining relationships with other governments and exacerbating tensions in the galactic scene.

## Organized Crime and Extranets

Organized crime groups have capitalized on the divide between the extranets, running a thriving business in pirating data, especially from one extranet to another. This includes everything from classified, sensitive data to the latest Yannis blockbuster.

## Censorship in the Mission Extranet

Censorship is a notable issue within the Mission's extranet, where certain topics are subject to scrutiny and control by the authorities. Discussions related to corruption, criticism of Mission policy, or challenges to its leadership may be suppressed, limiting the free flow of information and open discourse among its users.

Although the extent of censorship has significantly decreased over time, it remains a concern for citizens within Mission-controlled territories.

Pro-government propaganda has a bigger presence on the Mission's extranet as well than it is in the Union-Red Mission's.

## Extranet Culture

Despite the presence of organized crime and censorship, particularly within the Mission's extranet, there is a thriving cultural scene on both the Union-Red Mission and the Mission extranets. Users can engage with a wide range of content, including music, movies, comics, forums, social media, TV shows, gaming, memes, virtual reality experiences, and much more.