Core Conflict

ALIEN: A Whisper in the Dark Wiki

Core Conflict

During the 2140s, the Interstellar Commerce Commission launched an investigation into mega-corporation secret holdings, synthetic protocols, and black sites—causing them to take a long hard look at the Central Space Consortium (CSC).

**2147 | THE REVOLT OF ALEXANDRIA** Formed in the 2080s, the CSC is a corporate-run state within the 3WE with special tax incentives and a lot to hide. Rather than submit to a long-avoided ICC review regarding the 120-A/2 series synthetics, the Hyperdyne Systems controlled Consortium world of Alexandria declares its independence from the 3WE. Reluctant to risk damaging this jewel world in a civil war, the 3WE declines to retaliate against Alexandria.

**2148-2150 | POKING THE SLEEPING BEAR** Following Hyperdyne’s lead, the other company-owned colonies of the Central Space Consortium also declare their independence. The 3WE is powerless to stop the rebellion until the UA is drawn into the conflict by the secession of planet Helene 215—the location of a USCMC foreign headquarters base. Concerned with matters on the home front, Hyperdyne limits supply runs to the Hyades Cluster, leaving those colonies without food or support.

The UAAC swiftly blockades all trade routes in and out of the disputed territories—effectively cutting off both the 3WE and the Consortium from much needed food and supply colonies. For two years, the USCMC and the RMC battle the Consortium’s combat synthetics in ground and fleet engagements. Finally, all parties agree to talk.

**2151 | THE ’51 NEW DEAL** UA forces, the 3WE and the rebel Consortium sign a UNISC agreement with the Interstellar Commerce Commission. Called “The New Deal,” this contract returns Helene 215 to the Three World Empire and offers 3WE wholesale pricing on goods produced within the Consortium.

In return, the 3WE acknowledges the Consortium’s independence as the newly formed Independent Core System Colonies (ICSC)—but only as a UNISC member nation in good standing. The Consortium complies. Synthetics are banned from combat and the ICC drops its investigation into Hyperdyne and the Consortium’s other corporate members. The UA loosens the blockade on what is now ICSC space just enough to regulate but not stop the flow of goods, colonists, and credits in and out of the fledgling ICSC.

**2151 - 2153 | THE HELENE UPRISING** Unwilling to accept the terms of the New Deal, Governor K. Watabe requests military aid from the UPP to help push the USCMC and Royal Marine Commandos off Helene 215. A ground war is fought against the rebellious Tokonigara and Shinowa colonies and their UPP allies. The two marine forces drive the Cooperative off-world and restore order.

**2153-2155 | THE KHADAJI CAMPAIGN** The USCMC raids the Lebanon II colony in the 3WE Khadaji system, destroying a secret UPP supply base planetside. The UA annexes the system and claims the rights to Helene 215 as well, declaring the takeovers “a matter of colonial security.” The UPP leaves the UNISC.

**2156-2161 | REPERCUSSIONS: THE POPULIST MOVEMENT** Fed up with corporate neglect and abuse during the Core Conflict, the Hyades Cluster mining colonies revolt and secede to the UPP. Hyperdyne lobbies the UA to intervene despite the 20 Parsec Limit. The USCMC clashes with the UPP over these worlds. This continues until the UPP/UA ceasefire of ’65