Raxxa System

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Raxxa System
Sector	Kuat Sector
Galactic coordinates	67,54
Planets	3
Moon	None
Asteroid Fields	None
Space Stations	7
Population	Approx. 9 million
Controlled By	Galactic Empire

Return to Kuat Sector

The Raxxa System is one of the seven systems of the Kuat Sector. The Raxxa System first came under the Imperial eye fairly late in the Galactic Empire's history. The system, from a aesthetic point of view doesn't have much to offer. Perhaps because of its low interest from Imperial enemies and its adjacency to the Kuat Drive Yards, the Empire decided to make it the home of one of its most powerful fleets; The 2nd Imperial Fleet. The Raxxa Sytem itself is comprised of three planets, none of which are easily habitable. Raxxa (I) is an extremely cold and barren planet with a toxic atmosphere, and Raxxa (II) & (III) are gas giants. The Imperial Throne, not wanting to waste any system resources decided to use Raxxa (I) as a base of operations for its 2nd Fleet.

High Tension

Guinar Ndengin, upon his rise to the Throne in year twelve of the galactic timeline, went to work immediately to secure the Kuat Sector from any enemies foreign and domestic. One of his first decrees was to continue what Emperor Piett had started with the Vuma System years before, to increasingly protect the ever resourceful Kuat Drive Yards that had been supplying the Empire with new ships and technology for most of its history. Therefore, he decided to reinforce the area and form the 2nd Imperial Fleet, comprising of 1st, 2nd & 6th Groups of the Imperial Navy. This was a huge undertaking requiring large amounts of manpower, materials, credits, and time.

The 2nd Fleet, now positioned in the Kuat Sector to protect the coveted Kuat Drive Yards, was in need of a home base for not only its personnel but their Imperial families as well. The closest system to Kuat was neighboring Raxxa, which offered very little in regards of habitability. Pressed for time, the Empire had to be creative.

Ndengin sent massive construction fleets aided by the organizational prowess of the Kuat Sector Governors to the Raxxa System. Outpost stations were set up in each corner of the system to warn of any incoming threats. Tensions in the system were high. Only the Trade Federation stood thinly between the Empire and one of its greatest enemies; the Krath Dynasty. The Krath had been running scouting missions into Imperial territory for years and their undercover agents had been attempting to influence neighboring systems with their cultist ideals. The Emperor refused to accept this treachery and increased monitoring activity in all nearby systems. The 2nd Fleet began running constant drills and defensive scenarios. Commanders were always on high alert and leave passes were temporarily revoked.

Emperor Ndengin directing Regional Government personnel

After some time and with increased control and security in the Raxxa system, the defensive operations ceased, but the activity level of the 2nd Fleet didn't slow down. Much of what developed became classified information, only privy to those in the Imperial High Command and the Throne. Even the Imperial families in the system were kept in the dark, which sometimes made life at home difficult for Navy personnel.

Two massive research stations were built in the system. Anonymous sources leaked that the Galactic Empire was in development of new advanced ships, along with a new super capital ship to quell the threat of the Krath. These leaks were denied by the Imperial High Command and eventually believed to be false by most citizens, until sightings of new and strange ships were reported by civilian traders traveling through the system.

One such trader, a Gran by the name of Tellick Starron recounts, "I remember I left later than I normally do, my cargo scan took longer because of some rare bacta I was transporting to the Alderran System. I had just come out of orbit from Raxxa (I) and was plotting my course for light speed when I saw it. It's hard to describe exactly what it looked like. I thought my eyes were getting tired and I had to rub them out and take another look, but when I opened them back up it was gone. I've been trading for many years and I've seen just about every Imperial ship known to the galaxy, but this one was different, almost formless. Wow, I scare myself just talking about it."

Other sightings continued to be reported in the area and in the neighboring Kuat System. Kuat Drive Yards upped their security and began restricting passes to unregistered civilians, turning away outside business and limiting the information available on the public market. The Krath speculated that the Empire was gearing up for an attack and sent emissaries to the Trade Federation to try and sway them to join the Galactic Alliance. Through the use of the Force, Emperor Ndengin foresaw the trickery of the Krath and had preemptively dispatched members of his High Command to parlay with the Federation and offer increased Imperial favor. Due to the Emperor's foresight, the Krath were too late and the emissaries were ordered executed by Trade Federation authorities. This brash move angered the Emperor, who felt it might lead the Krath to an all out attack on the Federation and force the Empire into war in order to aid its allies. Fortunately, the Krath did nothing, but tensions between the two sides continue to grow and frustrations from the Trade Federation as a mediator have started to take their toll.

Raxxa (I)

The largest planet in the Raxxa system, Raxxa (I) is primarily covered with ice and rock, although a single small methane ocean is bordered by mountainous areas to the North and South that feature the hardy Narlent trees, which are able to thrive in the planet’s smoggy, toxic atmosphere. These trees are sporadic and tend not to cluster together, making it difficult for local wildlife to migrate during the harsh winters. Raxxa (I) is home to the only native wildlife in the system, which remains largely unspoiled by the touch of colonization.

A Planet's Composition

A native Willer

Narlent Trees are home to an unusual variety of creatures, most of which are herbivores that consume the trees huge leaves, which soak up the nitrogen in the hazy Narphant sky. Small rodents such as the Willer and the tiny Lexend Bird are the primary consumers of the Narlent Tree’s foliage. Thousand of varieties of microscopic insects make their home in the trunks and root systems of the hulking trees, which help to naturally fertilize and grow them. The trees themselves are the pillars of life on the planet.

The Willer is also notable for its immense value in the pet trade market. Native only to Raxxa, these squirrel-like nitrogen/methane breathers have been bred in tightly-controlled atmospheric replications of the Narphant climate offworld, as collecting specimens from the inhospitable climate of the planet makes for an expensive journey. The few hundred known Willers that exist outside of Raxxa are all descended from a single pair of the creatures taken from the planet during a surveying mission nearly a generation ago.

The planet has a thick nitrogen-dominated atmosphere surrounding it, and much of its organic chemistry is driven by sunlight. Ultraviolet light from the distant Raxxa sun changes atmospheric methane gases into a thick, smoglike haze that sits in the upper atmosphere, making observation of the planet's surface nearly impossible from other locations.

Raxxa's liquid sea was formed overtime by methane that has rained down from the atmosphere to produce a reservoir of liquid hydrocarbons. The black ocean of methane stands in stark contrast to the brighter, more reflective patches of ice and rock that dominate the planet's surface. The methane ocean hides any species that may exist under its dark waters.

Since the Imperial population on the planet started to grow, many have ventured out to inspect the methane oceans. Local scientists begun studies on its composition, looking for possible uses as well as probing for natural wildlife underneath. Scattered reports of scientists not returning to their respective bases popped up here and there. Those that never returned are believed to have been pulled under by larger creatures coming from the ocean deep.

A Home for the Navy

With the ongoing focus in the system due to its proximity to Kuat Drive Yards and the relocation of the 2nd Imperial Fleet, Raxxa (I) became a prime target for housing the families of those Navy personnel. The problem with Raxxa (I) is its toxic atmosphere, which most species, with the exception of Kel Dors and local wildlife, cannot breath or survive in. The trick was to build facilities that were interconnected, not only protecting its inhabitants from the planets elements, but also adhering to Imperial living standards. The urgency of building such structures, with pressure from the regional government and the Throne itself, led to sporadic and sometimes dangerous issues for the first families who moved in. From orbit you cannot see any structures due to Raxxa (I)'s dense atmosphere, making the planet ideal for safely housing its Imperial citizens and limiting the chances of their discovery by outside threats.

Raxxa (I) Imperial housing

The pace at which the facilities were built astounded even the highest Imperial ranks. Zachary Savk, just before his retirement in the twelfth year, commended the regional government in its efficiency and speed, even recommending that the entire sector command be given commendations for their outstanding work. The completion of the housing facilities was a major success in the eyes of the Throne, but due to the hurried nature of the project, quality was sacrificed and problems soon arose.

It was the third month almost two dozen Imperial families had already relocated to the new housing units. The Empire had played up the perk of being in such close proximity to the 2nd Fleet, which in theory, would allow for more family time and personal leave. This excited most families since very little was said about the system and its planetary structure. The disappointment quickly washed over the colony. Raxxa (I) due to its thick nitrous, toxic atmosphere gave very little in the way of beauty and aesthetic. The interconnected structures that protected its citizens felt more like prison facilities than living quarters. No one was allowed outside the structure except for personnel with special access passes, which was usually only reserved for Imperial scientists. Even off world passes for citizens were often restricted due to the ever growing threat of the Krath Dynasty.

Imperial Navy personnel knew better than to complain to their commanding officers of the inhospitable nature of the living conditions. They were counting their luck that they were in such close adjacency to their families and remembered life before, when months would pass before personal leave was granted. Now, Imperial personnel stationed in the system were granted regular weekend leaves to spend with their locally housed counterparts.

A Toxic Time

ISB personnel reviewing security tapes

The major issue that arose within the living quarters was a combination of cheap structural materials and natural elements. Heavy acid rains were building up a pool of toxic water on one end of the complex and due to the quick built quality of the facility, structural weakness started to allow for leakage. No one noticed the issue due to its location in the facility, a small alcove out of sight for most and with no importance in any day to day activities. The leak turned disastrous. After some time, the acid started to peel through and create a bigger hole, which allowed toxic gases from the planet's atmosphere to creep in. Within a week, three families had been taken to the medical station, treated for poison. The Imperial Security Bureau was notified and a full investigation was conducted.

At first, the ISB suspected foul play. The system was already on high alert and it was thought probable that a Krath agent had somehow slipped into the ranks and poisoned the local water or food supply. Security tapes were studied for days, strict curfews were enforced, and even mealtimes were regulated to ensure the safety of the local citizens. There were several people brought in for questioning and interrogated over a two month long investigation into the matter, all while the leakage continued to increase and more citizens succumbed to sickness. ISB personnel were baffled. Huge stores of food and water were ordered destroyed and new supplies were shipped into the facility. When people continued to get sick, the security agents were at a loss. Other probabilities were explored and the living conditions worsened until a local janitor spotted the problem during an overdue routine cleaning.

Local maintenance crews went to work immediately to seal up the toxic leak and repair the damaged ceiling. To prevent any further issues local governors ordered the entire compound to be thoroughly inspected and tested for weaknesses. Thirteen other areas were labeled as potential disasters. This was the final line for local citizens. Already pushed to their brink with too many regulations and already poor living conditions, petitions were signed and given to regional government personnel. Committees were formed within the ranks of the Imperial families, mostly those close to the still sick patients recovering from the initial leakage. Weekly peaceful protests were exercised in front of governing offices within the planet compound. The regional government sensing that the issue was getting out of hand and nervous that the Throne would catch wind of their failure to exercise order and control, quietly commissioned multiple forcefield domes to be built around the Imperial housing developments. This construction quelled the angry citizens for a time. The committees were disbanded and once the last of the sick were back to health, normalcy returned to Raxxa (I).

Ulterior Motives

Kendan Tarr developing plans for Raxxa (I)

Though most would have you believe that Raxxa (I)'s importance was to house the 2nd Fleet families and make life a little easier for Navy personnel, most within the Galactic Empire know it's never so black and white. Upon the completion of the living quarters, once citizens were moved in, many soon realized that there was still a huge section of the facility that was off limits. Only higher ranked officers or specialized engineers were allowed into the restricted sector, which added to the distrust coming from local citizens. During the protests some citizens attempted to use their new found position and demand information about the restricted area. This of course was quickly stamped out by authorities and often those few citizens that persisted went missing or turned up in the medical station with bruises and broken bones.

Kendan Tarr was a rising official in the regional government during the time of Raxxa (I)'s inception. Due to the volatility of the planet and the little interest it garnered from neighboring threats, he quickly realized that it would easily hide anything that the Empire needed to help protect the system from a future attack. He laid plans, approved by Emperor Ndengin to mask a large Imperial Army strike force underneath living quarters for the 2nd Imperial Fleet. He knew that by having Imperial families stationed in the compound, he could distract any domestic enemies or spies from the actual purpose of the facility. Construction on this underlying facility actually took place months before the housing units were erected on the planet. The real cost of the project was spent here. Kendan made sure that the structure that would house his Imperial Legions was of the highest quality. Strong materials were shipped in and assembled to protect the facility from not only the toxic elements of the planet, but were also built to withstand any possible enemy bombardment.

Raxxa (I) underground army facility

Some of the Empires best engineers were commissioned for the job and work proceeded at a steady pace. Once the facility was constructed there was little left over in the budget for the actual housing facilities. This was why the housing projects were built so cheaply and quickly. Kendan needed to quickly mask the true nature of the station, so he worked with Imperial Navy commanding officers from the 2nd Fleet to constantly perform defensive exercises to confused and distract any spies that may be lingering in the nearby systems, all the while, the housing project was being erected around the facility. Once citizens were moved in and regulations were enforced with restrictive access, Kendan was able to breath a little easier.

The Imperial Army facility was larger than most expected. It was dug fairly deep into the planet's surface to ensure that there was plenty of space for a massive strike force. Most notably it housed an entire host of AT-AT's meant for crushing Krath Dynasty troops in the event of an all out war. Imperial Army liaisons worked with local Imperial authorities within the housing community, keeping any and all information about the strike force, literally buried beneath the surface. Restricted access was enforced and many personnel that worked in the underground facility didn't have families and were restricted from leaving. Only experienced Imperial engineers and usually newer recruits looking to prove themselves signed up for work within the compound. Otherwise, those assigned were specially qualified or part of the Imperial Legion.

Raxxa (II) & (III)

There are large amounts of Tibanna gas in the air of Raxxa (II) & (III). Evidence points toward it being due to the liquid cores of the planets. If this is true there may be a plethora of mineral resources in the liquid, but surveyors have yet to discover a way to extract anything. The possibility has been discussed that there may be some form of life living off the cool liquid core. Imperial scientists are continuing to explore these options and no solid information has been recorded.

The system was theorized by many Bothans scientists, to have been the rounded up remains of a super nova from millions of years ago. They believe that the system was once home to a red giant, due to the huge amount of Hydrogen and Helium in the system. Scientists speculate that this caused growing amounts of oxygen to be released into the atmospheres of the gaseous planets allowing for breathable air in their high altitudes.

In The Clouds Above

Imperial Cloud Housing Units

With the continued increase in unrest from the local Imperial families and their disappointment with the housing situation on Raxxa (I), the Kuat Sector commanders started looking for alternatives. The only other options in the system were Raxxa (II) & (III), which are gas giants. The Empire had been cyphering Tibanna gas from the planets for years to help with the construction of their many research and development stations spread across Galactic Empire territories.

With the appointment of Norrec Morussian as CEO of Cloud City came a new solution to the Imperial family housing situation. Norrec had been working through his own improvement plans for Cloud City, specifically with weight distribution and balance. The floating city had for years been a marvel of technology and achievement, but with time was starting to deteriorate. The main issue was its polarizing gravitational force, pulling constantly on the structure causing system weaknesses. Norrec turned to Bespin's gases to counterbalance the pull of the gravity and alleviate pressure on the facility. After the success of this restructure, he caught wind of the Imperial housing problem through long time friend and colleague Kendan Tarr.

Norrec looked to Raxxa (II) & (III) for answers. The planets themselves being gas giants had atmospheres rich with oxygen and light enough gravitational pull that it wouldn't put too much strain on any facilities built within their clouds. Other "Cloud Cities" including his own work through the Cloud City at Bespin had been popular among wealthy citizens in other systems. The clean air, beautiful view, and the easy orbital access all made building new homes for Imperials in the clouds extremely appealing. Norrec went to work developing his plans for the housing unit and within a short three weeks had them on Kendan Tarr's desk and the plans were shortly approved thereafter.

Work began right away. This time the Empire spared no expense as it constructed several of these "Cloud Cities" on both Raxxa (II) & (III). The process took several months, and the Empire used the announcement of their construction to pacify the already tense citizens on Raxxa (I). An Imperial housing lottery was formed and families were drawn at random, since there would not be enough housing units for all. This on the surface made the process seem fair and built trust with local citizens looking for better circumstances. Of course the housing lottery wasn't completely random and certain higher ranking personnel easily got their families transferred to the new cities. This was kept tightly sealed as to not start another protest among the populace on Raxxa (I). Most of the families that were left behind found contention with what they were left with. A few irrational citizens that persisted in speaking out against Imperial authority were transported off Raxxa (I) and through several rumors were said to be relocated into even worse housing conditions elsewhere.

Norrec and Kendan were not only thinking of the families when they constructed the new facilities, but were also keeping resourcefulness in mind. Each "Cloud City" doubles as a mining facility to collect the precious Tibanna gas produced by Raxxa (II) & (III). The Empire, now with ample manpower were able to employee Imperial family members to maintain and manage the mining operations. This was beneficial for both sides as it gave citizens a purpose while helping the Empire continue to grow its supply line. In the end both sides won in the eyes of the Throne and commendations were given to both Norrec and Kendan for their creative solution.