Starlight Research Consortium Chasing starlight since 829 A.S.
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. Additionally, the strange appearance of the Dark Matter storm in Kepler was another focus of research, leading to the discovery of an abandoned Outpost there that they refurbished and brought online.
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.
The tag for the sole Nephilim ship in the SLRC fleet; the Ikarus. Named after the station that the SLRC calls home. The ship was purchased from Livadia as a scrap ship meant only for parts but the people at Starlight believe that it can be retrofitted to perform extreme long range research missions. Presently, the ship is moored indefinitely at Ikarus Station until a shipyard can be built and work can begin on the experimental systems planned for the ship. Until then, it's rarely seen active, if ever.
LDRV (Long Distance Research Vessel) - Renzu Liner
Usually only seen outside of the research in Tau-23, this vessel is equipped for long term research projects in far flung systems in the edge worlds such as the Omega, Omicrons, and even further. At present, only ONE LDRV is in operation, the Endurance, with no further plans for development of any more due to the prohibitive expense in developing and designing the systems required for operation.
HRV (Heavy Research Vessel) - Aquilion
Generally used for RP only but can be used to quickly jump mass groups of Research Vessels away from danger in a critical situation. Also used for Hyperspace Surveys. Currently only one HRV is in active service under the command of Dr. Brad Wright. The large carrier is used for research missions where danger is imminent and is only used for combat in self-defense of her crew.
XPS (Explorer Ship) - Spatial SHF
These ships are typically flown by the Explorer branch of SLRC and usually come equipped with stealth tech for emergency use. These vessels venture into the unknown regions of Sirius to discover things not meant to be seen. These vessels lack any equipped weapons to ensure adequate power usage for the stealth tech onboard.
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. Only allowed to have one pulse weapon mounted. The rest of the hardpoints must be empty.
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 Sigma-59. Often seen along side Corvo vessels while researching Baxter anomalies or other scientific curiosities.
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.
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
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. Sailas Montgomery.
Research & Exploration - 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 and Exploration department have the keys to the Heavy Research Vessels (HRV) utilized to create jump coordinates as well as using their Carrier abilities to ferry research vessels to the depths of space.
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.
Constructive feedback is welcomed. Trolls will be ignored. It's been mentioned to me a few times that I should post up a faction document for viewing, so here I am doing so. I welcome any feedback, critiques, or otherwise for this faction document. Thanks.