Muspelheim - SLDF Smelting and Refinery Outpost 667

## System Description

SLDF Smelting and Refinery Outpost 667 was an accident. The *TAS Red Asteria* had mis-jumped during a survey mission and found itself on the deep periphery side of the Aquila Rift. It was extremely lucky in that it was able to find navigation points to -reorient itself and work it's way back to the Inner Sphere.

Most of the jumps were into what would be empty space, however one jump was to an uncharted system, SLSC A7IV-M2V667. Initially, they were simply going to recharge then make the next jump for home, however the science team started saw things on their scans that warranted further exploration.

SLSC A7IV-M2V667 was a system around a massive blue-white subgiant with a smaller red dwarf companion, a binary system. There is only one rocky planet in the system, and surveys for it rich in ores rare in the Inner Sphere. The asteroid belt between the two stars revealed even more minerals and ores.

To take advantage of these materials, there are several large ore processing stations as well as refineries in orbit. The main facility that now serves as the capital is Hammerwerks Station. In addition to these, there are a number of orbital habitats and planetoids occupying the asteroid belt.

## System History

### Planetary History

Leaving navigational beacons to be able to find their way back, the *TAS Red Asteria* continued home. The Terran Hegemony immediately dispatched a mission to set up facilities on SLSC A7IV-M2V667. Due to the strategic value of this system, this was done in secret to keep the Houses from attempting sabotage.

In 2503, when the Lyran Civil War had begun, the security of the ore shipments became a top priority. The HCIB assigned several small warships to the Outpost. An escort would always meet incoming shipments to ensure their safety.

With the formation of the Star League, more focus would be put on research and development. The metals coming out of the Outpost would help eventually help in the research the SLDF to in their ability to create Endo-Steel and significantly advance the development of Ferro-Fibrous armor.

When the Reunification War started, the Outpost was put on standby. With the Rim Worlds Republic being in turmoil and shipments have to move through space that both the RWR and LCAAF were actively fighting in, sending them was too much of a risk. Supply ships were still able to reach the Outpost, but because of the infrequency, the Outpost had to build out their ability to be self sufficient.

When The Amaris Civil War broke out and the Outpost went on lockdown. They felt it was the safest course of action since few knew of their existence. Once Kerensky's Operation Liberation was announced, the Outpost would began smuggling metals to the Defense Forces. It was this activity that would bring the Civil War to SLSC A7IV-M2V667.

The *RWA Piranha* (a ***Pinto***-class corvette) detected a small convoy of ships entering the space near SLSC A7IV-M2V667. Within days several Rim Worlds Republican Navy ships were looking for the convoy. A fierce battle with RWR vessels would break out in the system with RWR vessels taking no prisoners and attacking civilian and military targets alike. It was only due to the arrival of the *SLS Admiral Thomas Holtz*, a ***Kimagure***-class pursuit class ship listed as sunk in a previous engagement, that turned things. For the next 3 days, the asteroid belt became a hunting ground, and at the end of it there would be no RWR ships left. The SLS Admiral Thomas Holtz's captain, Cpt. Zheng Sao Mae, would have the ship renamed *the Dekishi no Yūrei* and for the rest of the war, used it as a raider after repairs and modifications were made.

When the war was over, the Outpost was expecting to have to go into overproduction in order to rebuild. The personnel were shocked when Kerensky was stripped of his rank, the council dissolved, and Star League disbanded. Expecting Kerensky to seize control, they were once again surprised to hear of his plan. When Operation Exodus became known to the Outpost, the CO let anyone who wanted to leave go. However he made it clear that he was not going to abandon what had become his home. When Comstar approached about use of the HPG, the Outpost joined with their cause.

Over the last few centuries, Muspelheim has grown to a population of several million, living is various stations. habitats, and facilities located throughout the system. Hringhorni , a McKendree Cylinder, being the largest of these habitats. Since the fall of the HPG network, and the activation of Operation Vargavinter, Muspelheim has been receiving remnants of Comstar fleeing the forces of the Inner Sphere.

### Planetary Rulers

The outpost is administered by Precentor Alice Solari, a short and slightly overweight woman with blonde hair and green eyes. She wears current fashion out of the Magistry of Canopus and is seen carrying a tablet computer issuing orders to a entourage of assistants and advisors everywhere she goes. Alice often uses unusual words incorrectly, a trait often attributed to her ADHD and how fast she can move from one topic to another, a skill that has served her well in her 30 years managing the system.

Under the guidance of Precentor Alice Robbins, the system is more that ready for any that should come looking for the refugees she and her people have taken in.

### Military Deployment

In addition to the local defense ships and orbital platforms in place, the *Dekishi no Yūrei* calls the system home. Using it has a home port while it patrols nearby systems for pirates and other threats. Not part of Comstar itself, the small fleet of ships that travels with the Kimagure-class pursuit vessel is not above very targeted acts of piracy against House vessels, particularly military ones. Currently, its favorite targets are those of the Scorpion Empire.

### Notable Locations

Over the last few centuries, Muspelheim has grown to a population of several million, living is various stations. habitats, and facilities located throughout the system. Hringhorni , a McKendree Cylinder, being the largest of these habitats. Since the fall of the HPG network, and the activation of Operation Vargavinter, Muspelheim has been receiving remnants of Comstar fleeing the forces of the Inner Sphere.