Kalidasa is almost entirely independent of outside influences, save for Sho Je Downs being a member of the Alliance, and several corporate-dominated minor worlds. The largest population center in Kalidasa remains Beaumonde, which managed to remain neutral by cheerfully surrendering to whichever side claimed the Kalidasa system at any time. It is currently attempting to extend its influence through the system, mostly through economic assistance. The powerful megacorporation "Magnus Manufacturing" is unusual for being headquartered on Beaumonde, where it runs countless factories and other facilities. Magnus is involved in nearly every form of heavy industry; mining, power generation, weaponry, vehicle construction, consumer goods, mass media, and finance. The leadership of Magnus controls an invisible empire of its own, manipulating politics and events for its own labyrinthine schemes – in doing so, it often comes into conflict with its largest rival, Blue Sun. In addition to Beaumonde and its industries, the outermost world of Salisbury and its satellites are claimed by the "Salisbury March", a small Persephonic domain with a surprisingly well-funded navy. It is thought that the nobles of Salisbury are also heavily invested in Magnus, but prefer to remain both physically and circumstantially removed from the grubbiness of life on Beaumonde.
Divided Worlds of the Kalidasa System
Zephyr - A small, chilly world with limited supplies of water, Zephyr is politically divided between the primary "Alliance Member Republic" and numerous small ethnic enclaves including North Africans, West Africans, and South Asians. Most of these settlements are splinters from larger ethnic states elsewhere in the 'Verse, who chose to depart rather than persist in pointless conflicts.
Tripolitan Allied Cities - Average density bureaucracy-heavy confederation of city states with average laws, mostly Arabic speakers of various religions, notable as a source of gourmet coffee.
Senegal Nouveau - Average density African Francophone meritocracy with lenient laws, overrepresented in the arts due to prolific creative class.
Khori River Rajanates - Densely populated Raj-style feudalism with very strict laws, providing agrarian traditionalism and stability. Intense rivalry with Persephonic nobles.