Starlight Research Consortium Chasing starlight since 829 A.S.
ABOUT
In 829 A.S., Doctor Sailas Montgomery left his research position at Cambridge and used his savings to found SLRC - Starlight Research Consortium. The small group's goal was to research the strange goings on around Sirius. One of these goings on was the odd appearance of anomalies in and around Sirius; specifically those in the Tau-23 system following the Languedoc gate destruction during the Gallic wars. The sudden appearance of Dark Matter in a variety of systems, such as Kepler, was another focus of study and it's relevance to the Baxter Anomalies.
Those in the SLRC are described as being fascinated with the strange and unexplainable scientific anomalies in and around Sirius space, leading to a flurry of research in a variety of different fields such as Subspace Harmonics, Anomalous Theory, Archeology, and Xenobiology. However, scientific theory aren't the only fields within the SLRC. Within the small research consortium are escorts, security, development, exploration, and resource (trading) departments that all serve a purpose revolving around aiding research into these strange and unexplainable things.
Much of their research has resulted in theories around Baxter Anomalies and their functions, expeditions to long since abandoned systems believed to have been lost, and advancements into hyper spatial technology including survey tech and jump drives. Often this research results in breakthroughs and discoveries however it can sometimes lead to destructive incidents such as runaway research vessels forever warping through hyperspace or unforeseen expeditions into Dark Matter storms.
In 830 A.S., the Starlight Research Consortium disbanded due to a lack of funding amongst many other issues. The scientists scattered to various different groups and organizations to continue their research under other banners. However, without warning, in 834 A.S., the organization was refounded by Dr. Brandon Wright, it's original second in command with Dr. Sailas Montgomery having gone missing in the intervening years. Once again, SLRC are back to investigating the mysteries of the universe, and are rumored to now be more invested in developing offensive weaponry for both their Zoner relatives as well as anyone who has the credits to buy them.
In summary, the SLRC are a group of scientific researchers pushing the boundaries of science in the far flung Taus and edgeworlds, always willing to risk it all to discover what makes Sirius tick.
Sometimes used to quickly jump mass groups of Research Vessels away from danger in critical situations. Also used for Hyperspace Surveys. The large carriers are also used for research missions where danger is imminent and are only used for combat in self-defense of their crew.
[font=overpass]Heavies in Service
SLRC-HV>Dreamscape (Flagship) (Under Repair)
SLRC-HV>Gryphon (Mobile Foundry)
SLRC-HV>Andromeda (Sister ship to Dreamscape) (Being Rebuilt)
SLRC-HV>Rosette (Under construction)
RV (Research Vessel) - Sci-data Gatherers
The ships that are used for mining Science Data. Generally only Corvo's but other science ships can be utilized.
RS (Resource Ship) - Trader
Trader vessels. Used for moving things to restock bases or earn money. Civilian or Zoner ships only.
SEC (Security) - LF to Gunship/Gunboat
Responsible for security of SLRC vessels in and around Tau-23 and anywhere Research Vessels frequent. Often seen alongside Corvo vessels while researching Baxter anomalies or other scientific curiosities.
PF (Pathfinder) - LF to Cruiser/Destroyer
The Pathfinders are the dedicated explorers of the SLRC. They are given the task of exploring space and finding the strange, mysterious, and unknown for the researchers within the organization to find. This tag is slowly phasing out the XV line of ships and are being brought into service as PF instead.
BASES
Ikarus Station
Ikarus was formerly a Junker base stationed in Tau-23 that had fallen into some disrepair after a lack of use and was recovered with the aid of the Starfliers faction. Now SLRC research hub for Tau-23, it functions as a place for in-depth research looking into the truth of the anomalies as well as other interesting scientific and development projects. Ikarus station is considered the headquarters for the SLRC and is presently under retrofit for expansion for research into other fields.
ALIGNMENT
Allies:All Zoner Factions and Independents - While we are scientists, we are also Zoners. That being the case, we treat other Zoners as alies.
Friendly:Starfliers - The Starfliers have been a great help in getting us off the ground. They are considered friendly and are working towards allied status.
Curious:Auxo - The Auxo are interesting. They are in the pursuit of knowledge just as we are...however we have heard strange things about them and while we value their knowledge, we will proceed with caution.
Neutral:All Not Listed
Suspicious:Nomads - While most will treat the Nomads as hostile, we are more curious with a mix of hostile which is why they reside on the "Suspicious" level. Time will tell if this will change.
Unfriendly:N/A
Hostile:N/A
DEPARTMENTS
Each department within SLRC is critical the the overall functionality of the consortium and it's purpose. Each individual has a task that revolves around the purpose of research and development and plays to the strength of their strengths. Each one has a Department Head responsible for overseeing the work done in each department. All Department Heads report to the Lead Researcher which at the current moment is Dr. Brandon Wright.
Research & Development - The Research Division is considered the most critical function within the SLRC. Research is the reason they were founded and many of the tasks of the other departments tend to revolve around this department. These individuals are often times those with a keen desire to learn all there is to know about the universe and explore all parts of the universe to unravel and reveal its secrets. The Research & Development department have the keys to the Heavy Research Vessels (HV) utilized to create jump coordinates as well as using their Carrier abilities to ferry research vessels to the depths of space.
Pathfinders - The Pathfinders are a unique department within the Consortium. Instead of possessing advanced degrees in scientific fields, many Pathfinders are instead skilled pilots and explorers. Their job is to find the anomalies in space for the R&D Department to investigate. There have been rumors amongst the staff that the Pathfinders were actually formed as an intelligence wing of the Consortium to seek out certain items or people, but this has never been confirmed to be true. Pathfinders usually fly light fighters, owing to their speed but they have been known to fly larger vessels for more dangerous excursions.
Escort & Security - The Escort department is responsible for the most combat seen by SLRC members. These veterans of combat protect the SLRC vessels while performing research on anomalies, escort transports with valuable cargo such as Relics or Artifacts, or protect the teams bringing Scientific Data to customers. This department is also responsible for piloting the HRS vessels to their destination with the Scientific Data when customers purchase them. These pilots are the aces which ensure that those in other departments rely on for protection
Payload Specialists - Payload Specialists are those who bring the cargo to the stations. Things such as Food, Water, Oxygen, daily repair materials, as well as valuable research materials such as Relics, Artifacts, and other items that the researchers require to continue their daily efforts to understand the changes ongoing in Sirius.