Stratos

Stratos Corporation is a renowned megacorporation that has established its dominance across various sectors of the galactic economy. With a high concept of being "So Big It Can Conflict Itself," Stratos is known for its vast resources and influence. It is both viewed as a force for good and evil, and its power and reach are virtually unmatched.

## History

Stratos Corporation, originally founded in 229 CE as a parts manufacturer for farming equipment, has evolved into a colossal megacorporation with a significant presence in various sectors of the galactic economy. Over its long and eventful history, Stratos has experienced both triumphs and controversies, shaping its journey to become the powerhouse it is today.

#### Early Beginnings and Rapid Expansion

Founded by visionary entrepreneurs with a keen focus on technological advancements in agriculture, Stratos initially thrived as a supplier of high-quality farming equipment. Its dedication to innovation and customer satisfaction propelled the company's rapid growth, solidifying its reputation as a trusted name in the industry.

#### Diversification and Aviation Ventures

As Stratos celebrated its centennial anniversary, it seized the opportunity to expand beyond farming and ventured into the aviation sector. With the launch of its first airborne vessel, Stratos demonstrated its ambition to conquer the skies and beyond. This milestone marked the beginning of the corporation's foray into spacecraft and aircraft manufacturing, setting the stage for its eventual dominance in the aerospace industry.

#### Controversies and Reconciliation

However, during this period of expansion, Stratos Corporation faced significant challenges and controversies that marred its reputation. Some of its aircraft models encountered reliability issues and safety concerns, leading to public backlash and a decline in customer trust. Stratos was compelled to address these controversies head-on, implementing rigorous quality control measures and initiating reconciliation efforts to regain the confidence of its customers and restore its tarnished image.

#### The Rise to Megacorporation Status

Despite the initial setbacks, Stratos Corporation displayed resilience and adaptability, leveraging its success in the aviation sector to diversify its operations further. It expanded into defense, motion, bioengineering, chemicals, communications, construction, terraforming, mining, and other industries. This strategic expansion propelled Stratos into the league of megacorporations, solidifying its position as a formidable player in the galactic market.

#### The Acquisition of Stratos Majoris

Stratos Corporation's significant influence extended beyond its business ventures. Through its involvement in the Trade Guild, a powerful economic entity within the Confederation, Stratos exerted considerable pressure to shape Confederation policies in a manner that favored its interests. With its vast resources and extensive reach, the corporation played a pivotal role in steering the Confederation's economic trajectory.

One of Stratos Corporation's most ambitious endeavors was the acquisition of an entire Constellation within the Confederation, named Ercos Majoris. Through astute negotiations and leveraging its considerable influence, Stratos secured the rights to exploit the vast resources and establish its operational base within this Constellation and renamed it Stratos Majoris. This acquisition granted Stratos unprecedented control and access to valuable assets, solidifying its status as the leading megacorporation in the known universe.

#### The Present-Day Operations in Stratos Majoris

Stratos Majoris stands as the central hub for Stratos Corporation's operations, serving as the nerve center for its extensive network. Within this expansive Constellation, the corporation houses various branches, leveraging the rich resources and strategic positioning to maximize its economic output. Stratos Majoris is not only a symbol of the corporation's dominance but also a testament to its ability to influence the course of interstellar commerce.

## Branches

#### Defense

Stratos Corporation's Defense branch is the largest weapons manufacturer in the universe. Renowned for its massive distribution network, the corporation supplies an extensive array of weapons to various factions and organizations. However, the Defense branch has faced criticism for being slow to adapt to new technologies, which has posed challenges in maintaining its competitive edge. Nonetheless, it remains a trusted supplier to the Confederation's military forces.

#### Aviation

Stratos Corporation's Aviation branch encompasses both spaceship and aircraft manufacturing. The corporation is considered a trustworthy manufacturer, known for producing reliable and high-quality standard models. However, it has encountered reliability issues with certain models in the past, leading to concerns among consumers. While the standard models are popular, the high-end models have faced challenges in gaining market traction.

#### Motion

The Motion branch of Stratos Corporation is dedicated to the production of high-volume motohorses and hoverwagons. Stratos has established itself as a leading manufacturer in this sector, boasting a large maintenance network and ensuring a steady supply of spare parts. However, the emergence of new competitors with superior products has posed a challenge to the Motion branch's market share.

#### Guard

Stratos Corporation's Guard branch operates as a large private military contractor (PMC) and security provider. While the branch is armed to the teeth and possesses significant firepower, it is often viewed as protecting only those with wealth, leading to public criticism. Additionally, concerns have been raised about the trigger-happy nature of some guards employed by the corporation.

#### Bio

Stratos Corporation's Bio branch focuses on genetically modified organism (GMO) crops and livestock. While the corporation invests heavily in research and development, it has faced challenges in adapting to rapidly evolving technologies. New products from the Bio branch have encountered difficulties in selling, and the corporation has faced backlash from activists who oppose GMO practices.

#### Chem

The Chemicals branch of Stratos Corporation operates as a manufacturer of fertilizers, fuel, and chemical weapons. The branch's products are viewed differently by different factions, with some considering them beneficial and others perceiving them as tools of evil. Stratos excels in producing high volumes of standard products but has been associated with various "dirty secrets" that have raised concerns among certain stakeholders.

#### Farm

Stratos Corporation's Farm branch handles all matters related to farming, offering a wide range of agricultural products and equipment. While the corporation's brand is the most common in farming, there have been quality issues with some of their products, which have affected customer satisfaction. However, Stratos Corporation's equipment is known for being easily maintained and reliable.

#### Stock

The Stock branch of Stratos Corporation operates a vast livestock trading business, facilitating the buying and selling of livestock across the galaxy. This branch has encountered issues with legislation related to livestock trading and has faced accusations of engaging in corrupt practices. Shipping livestock is also an expensive undertaking, adding to the operational challenges faced by the Stock branch.

#### Comm

Stratos Corporation's Communications branch specializes in versatile communications and computer technology. The branch offers high-end products that are widely used and trusted. However, recent revelations have indicated that an unknown party has infiltrated the branch's business operations, raising concerns about data security and compromising the corporation's standing in the market.

#### Struct

The Construction branch of Stratos Corporation is a massive enterprise involved in construction projects of all scales. The corporation has faced challenges due to the scarcity of materials in certain areas, hindering project progress. Unions have also been a source of tension, attempting to impede production. Despite these challenges, the Sales division within the Construction branch has consistently performed well.

#### Terra

Stratos Corporation's Terraforming branch is involved in the process of terraforming planets. While the corporation offers affordable solutions, its technology is severely outdated and has the potential to cause environmental pollution. The branch faces stiff competition from more technologically advanced counterparts and struggles to maintain a competitive edge.

#### Lode

The Mining branch of Stratos Corporation is responsible for planet and astro mining operations. Mining activities have occasionally incited conflict in some planets, as resource extraction becomes a contentious issue. Mining contracts are difficult to obtain, and the search for rare metals poses a significant challenge. Nonetheless, Stratos Corporation continues to navigate the complexities of the mining industry.

With its headquarters situated in Stratos Majoris, Stratos Corporation continues to drive innovation and dominate the galactic market across its diverse branches. It remains a powerhouse in sectors such as defense, motion, bioengineering, chemicals, communications, construction, terraforming, mining, and more. The corporation's history, marked by both triumphs and challenges, underscores its unwavering commitment to progress and its pivotal role in shaping the galactic economy through its far-reaching operations and strategic influence within the Confederation and beyond.