Queequeg

Tech: +1

Environment: -2

Resources: +2

Slipknots: 2 - Charon, Newtonia

Queequeg is a binary star system consisting of a hot blue star and its red giant companion. No planets or planetoids have formed in the system, it features only a proto-planetary disc of dust and gas.

All of this would be of little interest to non-astronomers, and the system would surely be uninhabited but for one curious fact; the system is positively TEEMING with life. Life from microscopic protozoa, to jellyfish like floaters, to tuna sized quefish, to the starship sized space whales - all swimming in a sea of gas. And it is the space whales that drew the space whalers to hunt them.

For centuries the space whalers have learned to live in an environment that is inhospitable to human life with a certain degree of comfort. Without access to slipstream drives to escape elsewhere, the whalers have adapted and thrived with only the bounty that nature has given them. They survived by maintaining outdated space stations long past their expected expiry date, and piloting ancient and creaky whaling ships to hunt for the whales that provide food, fuel, and a small modicum of luxury.

With the slipstream open again thanks to nearby Charon, the whalers are once again able to trade outside their system for much needed tech and supplies. Since fossil fuels are all but unheard of in the cluster, there has proved to be a massive demand for the oil extracted from these massive extremophiles, as well as the various cosmetic products and exotic foodstuffs that their bodies provide. Space whale oil, exo-aperghis and other extracted goods can be found in homes as far away as Montague, Thule and Fortuna.

Note that although life has gotten better and much safer since the cluster has opened up, things are still hard for the whalers. Firstly, they only see a fraction of the profits that their trade goods provide. Secondly, they are also held hostage to a trade regime that charges top-credit for whatever food, medicine, media, bioroids/slaves, etc. that are imported in for use or consumption.

Fortunately the whalers are tough and hardy, and used to an unforgiving life, so they just put up with it. For now at least.

Aspects

EVA Ranchers

I owe my soul to the company store

Strange Ocean of Dust and Gas