Hot Spot: the Terran Province of Asta

 

(The Majestic Province)

Most of the twenty one inhabited star systems that make up the new Asta Province have been part of the Terran state since McKenna’s Third Campaign of Persuasion in 2338. This region has always prospered thanks to its position among the stars. Trade flourished on these worlds located between the industrial giants of Terra and Skye. Until recently the region as a whole remained largely peaceful with only a few planets seeing the horrors of battle during the Age of War. By the dawn of the Star League it had become one of the richest areas in known space. Home to the idle rich of the Terran Hegemony, the Lyran Commonwealth, and even the Draconis Combine its lands were full of opulent splendor. Lavish manors, immense spas, vast mansions, great halls, extravagant theaters, and grand palaces from this era can still be found throughout this province. It was these majestic settings that apparently helped spare this region widespread devastation during the Amaris Coup. General Cheng Yu Wong of the Rim Worlds Republic refused to use Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) or resort to scorched earth tactics despite the express wishes of his sovereign. Before he could be removed by the Usurper, this highly skilled and honorable military commander died while leading the only counterattack versus Star League forces during the Hegemony Campaign. As a result of his actions many of his nation’s citizens have been allowed to settle here. Of course only the wealthiest Rim Worlders have been able to flee their disintegrating homeland.

As the wealthiest region of the Hegemony this province had a high technological base before the war. This has changed thanks to the Amaris Coup which devastated Asta’s scientific community. The Usurper destroyed centers of learning and murdered many native scientists while many others left the Inner Sphere with Kerensky. This may have permanently lowered this region’s once formidable technology base. The Republic’s decision to move any surviving projects and scientists into the Terran Province and away from its belligerent neighbors has not improved the situation. Commerce between Terra and the Lyran state still dominates the economy of this area. In fact Lyran aid and investment following the liberation of the Province helped speed it’s recovery. With this assistance and little damage to its infrastructure this was the first Province of the New Republic to rebuild from the Usurper’s reign. Perhaps the region’s greatest asset is its agricultural bounty as many Asta worlds are abundant food producers. The farming industry was the original basis for trade in the region and remains strong to this day. Over time as the area’s affluence increased, agricultural production shifted from basic foodstuffs to more exotic delicacies. The region again benefited from its location as most of Project Phoenix’s transportation network from the Rim Worlds Republic passed through the province. This influx of manufacturing equipment has enabled the provincial capital of Asta to build up its industry far more than other worlds in the province. Today this new production capacity on the provincial capital dwarfs what little heavy industry had existed in the province before the war. This sudden manufacturing increase has outpaced available resources resulting in a production shortfall. Unable to purchase raw materials already in high demand by Terra and Skye an ambitious program to explore every star system for new resources within the Asta Province has begun.

Politically, the new Province has taken a liberal stance on several pressing issues of the day. The cornerstone of its beliefs is the desire to see closer ties with neighboring powers especially the Lyran Commonwealth. Relations with House Steiner have nearly always been friendly and continue to be a constant source of economic prosperity. In stark contrast is the current state of affairs with the Draconis Combine. House Kurita’s current aggression has ruined what both sides previously enjoyed, a highly beneficial commercial relationship. While the Province misses their business, it steadfastly supports the New Republic especially when it comes to reclaiming Asta’s two occupied worlds. The Centuran Accords altered the borders of the region somewhat. Three worlds were granted to the Lyran state in exchange for four other star systems. This transaction along with the immigration of peoples from the Rim has caused some internal dissent. New dissident groups have appeared on some affected planets to give voice to their concerns.

Traditionally the cultural make up of this region has mainly been Western European (German, Irish, Scottish, French) and Oriental (Japanese). This is due in large part to the Province’s proximity to the Lyran Commonwealth and the Draconis Combine. As a result the area’s secondary languages are German and Japanese, respectively. Yet influences remain from the original settlers of this region as well. These peoples who came during humanity’s first Exodus to the stars included Native Americans, Amish, Africans, and Slavs. Additionally this has been the only Terran province to add people following the Amaris Coup. An influx of peoples from the diverse Rim Worlds Republic has added to the mix. Settling along the Lyons Rim (Lyons, Ko, Atria, Syrma) these denizens have largely been welcomed by many Astans thanks in part to the actions of General Wong. There are some, mainly outside the Province, who despise these Rimmers mere presence. Regent Cameron and Premier Moyers have gone to great lengths to ensure domestic tranquility while the nation is on the brink of war. Predominantly Christian the Asta Province is split evenly between Catholic and Protestant dominations. Other religions of Asta include Buddhism, Judaism, Islam, and a host of other faiths which make up only a small fraction of the populace.