Albion Colony

## ***General Information***

Founded during the early extra-solar colonisation push during the latter years of the United Earth Government, Albion stands as one of the oldest established colony worlds in the Federation. The original settlers predominately originated from the old Earth nation state called the United Kingdom, as well as a few of its close allies such as Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Care was taken during the foundation of the colony to preserve as much of the natural beauty of the planet as was possible, while also adhering to a building design philosophy which mirrored classic designs from the founders home countries – this ethos being maintained through to today.

Many of the characteristics, traditions and nomenclature brought to the colony by the original settlers have been maintained through to today such that citizens who call Albion their home do identify themselves as traditionally British, Canadian, etc.

## ***Climate and Ecosystem***

One of the main reasons the planet was originally earmarked as a site for a colony was its close resemblance to Earth, not only in terms of its favourable climate, but also its ecology. The native fauna and flora, while distinct in their own right, were complimentary to that which the colonists brought with them from Earth. As such it is not an uncommon sight today to see familiar Earth based species such as Oak Tree’s growing quite comfortably alongside native varieties.

The climate on Albion, while benefiting from a standard Federation climate control system, largely resembles that of temperate regions on Earth. Never the less, there are variations in climate across the planet, ranging from the almost tropical feel of Rosethorn Island to the colder and often snow covered elevated areas and mountain ranges found across the planet.

## ***Civic Information***

Albion is considered large and well established by colony standards, however is by no means as densely populated or resourced as any Federation home-world. Never-the-less, it is self sufficient in most terms, and plays host to a Starfleet recruitment centre, Ecological research post and, since the last Federation-Klingon War, has an updated Watchtower star-base in orbit (Locally known as New Portsmouth Station).

As the colony grew out from the capital Kingsgrove and across the planet, a number of local government regions were set up to better administer the day to day running of the colony. These regions and locations of note within them are detailed below;

### **Churchill**

Home to the colony capital Kingsgrove, this is the largest and oldest region. Geographically characterised by vast tracts of gently sloping grasslands with the large Caledonian Heights mountain range running along the spine of the region. With significant tracts of the grassland devoted to food production, many areas of resemble the classic image of rolling green hills and fields, with the Caledonian Heights mountain range providing a dramatic and picturesque backdrop.

#### *Kingsgrove*

The Capital of the colony and centre of the colonial government. Architecturally modelled on the city of London on Earth, this large city plays host to a large ground-side spaceport and a Starfleet recruitment centre.

#### *St Davids Valley*

Located north of Kingsgrove in the foothills of the Caledonian Heights, this region is, as its name suggests, known for its deep valleys carved over millennia by rivers. Hydro-power stations were set up in this area during the initial settling of the colony, many of which are still in operation today.

#### *Port Nelson*

Located on an island off the northern coast of Churchill, Port Nelson is most widely known for its association with the colonys militia, the Albion Guard. The city itself plays host to the Albion Guard HQ, while significant proportions of the rest of the island are dedicated to Guard training grounds and other facilities.

### **Heartwood**

The second region to be established outside of Churchill, Heartwood is known for its extensive woodlands. There are two mountain ranges along the centre of the region, the Shackleton Range to the north and the Avalon Range to the south. With the distinct woodland nature of the area, virtually all towns, cities and locations of note within the region carry a link to either local or Earth based tree species.

#### *Cypress Grove*

The regional capital of Heartwood, this coastal city has gone to great lengths to integrate the surrounding woodlands into its design. Known for its unusual appearance, the city has gone to great lengths to extensively integrate the local woodlands and other flora into its layout and design. Cypress Grove also is well known for the key role it played as a centre for the colony’s resistance against Klingon forces during the last Federation-Klingon war.

#### *Greenwood*

A small town set in the foothills of the Avalon Mountain range, this rather picturesque locale is home to the somewhat famous Brookfield Bakery which despite its humble origins has not only established its reputation across the colony but is now starting to open outlets beyond the planet in key locations such as Betazed and certain star-bases. Greenwood is also the home town of one Markus Brookfield.

### **New Bruinswick**

Named in honour of the Canadian contingent from the original settlers, New Bruinswick has a somewhat more varied climate than most regions. The region plays host to a significant proportion of the colony’s industrial facilities which are primarily located in area amongst the foothills of the Saskatchewan Steppes mountain range.

#### *Victoria*

The second largest city, Victoria plays host to a large trade oriented ground-side spaceport and is well known as trade centre of the colony. Known for its polite population, and extensive commercial districts, this is a popular destination for many people across the colony.

#### *The Secord Island Chain*

Located off of the souther coast, this chain of islands falls under the local governance of New Bruinswick. The islands are known for their natural beauty and links to seafaring exploration (of the planet) as well as recreational maritime activities. Particularly of note are the three largest islands being New Prince Edward Island, New Cape Breton Island and ‘The Rock’.

### **Antipodean Caldera**

Centred on the remains of an ancient (and now extinct) massive volcano, this region is named for the Australian and New Zealand contributions to the original colony. Geographically the region is somewhat more rugged that most which presented a challenge to the colony’s engineers. As a result the towns and cities of the Antipodean Caldera are primarily located along the extensive coastline and make use extensions reaching out into and under the waters of the perpetually calm Roturua Sea.

#### *Bradman Landing*

From above this settlement appears as a somewhat large coastal town, however once you descend below the waterline of the coast the extensive underwater reach of this city is evident. Bradman’s Landing is host to the colony’s technological research and development base as well as acting as the regional capital.

#### *Hillary’s Climb*

Located on the side of one of the highest peaks in the Antipodean Caldera, this city is named after the famous New Zealand climber Sir Edmund Hillary. Owing to its unique location, this city is renowned for its breathtaking vista’s and as a centre of excellence for those who love mountain climbing.

### **Rosethorn**

With a tropical climate, idyllic flora and beautiful coastline, this island to the north of the Antipodean Caldera has established itself as the resort destination on the colony. Great efforts have been taken to nurture and cultivate a wide variety of tropical flowers and other flora on the island which in turn have led to all of its settlements being named after species of flowers.

#### *Amaryllis*

Very much one of the smallest regional capitals of the colony, Amaryllis can barely be classed as a city. Almost exclusively dedicated to tourism and leisure, Amaryllis and the other towns on the island are much loved vacation destinations for colonist.

### **Blue Reserve**

Located to the north of Rosethorn, this island is a dedicate nature reserve. Accordingly there is only one permanent settlement on the island which in turn hosts a very small population.

#### *Darwin’s Rock*

The de-facto regional capital and host to a Federation Ecological research station, Darwin’s Rock is barely large enough to be called a town. As only settlement on the island, the town is centred around and indeed focused on the maintenance and support of the research station located there.

## ***Defence***

Starfleet maintains a significant presence on the colony both on the surface and in orbit aboard New Portsmouth Station. Along with these installations, Starfleet also maintains a small number of atmospheric capable Nomad class ultra-light corvette vessels for routine patrol and policing of the wider system. Larger Starfleet and other allied vessels can and do visit the colony, often making use of the orbiting starbase and its facilities, however at this time Starfleet has not assigned any larger vessels permenantly to the system.

Starfleet is not the only defence the colony has. Although a Federation colony, and therefore under the jurisdiction of Starfleet, the colony does maintain its own standing local militia. Officially named the Albion Guard or know locally more simply as ‘the Guard’, it prides itself on being extremely well trained and disciplined. As with the rest of the colony the Guard has adopted many of the traditions and rituals observed in the militaries of the founding old Earth Countries – this is especially seen when they undertake ceremonial duties such as the changing of the guard at the colonial parliament building.

Benefiting from the receipt of surplus Starfleet equipment and vessels, the Guard is surprisingly well equipped for a colonial militia force and even fields its own small flotilla of space craft (led by a donated Constellation class cruiser) to guard the colony and its local system.

The capability and resilience of the Guard was shown during the last Federation-Klingon war when the Guard waged a something of a ‘David and Goliath’ guerilla campaign against far superior Klingon forces who had defeated the local Starfleet forces and invaded the colony. Despite suffering terrible casualties, the Guard, along with Starfleet survivors, were able to maintain an effective resistance until Federation forces were able to rally and re-take the colony and wider system.