Corporate Factions
Assigned to:Octus
A non-exhaustive list of major corporations in the local Orion sector.
Donk Corporation
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| A Box of Donk Pockets. |
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| A Donk-Brand Airsoft gun. |
Donk Co. Is a globally recognized manufacturer renowned for its creative toys, popular junk food, Donk Airsoft guns, and quirky clothing lines. Initially a humble Earth-based startup, Donk Co quickly diversified from merely producing toys to introducing a myriad of products that resonated with consumers across the galaxy.
Donk Co’s ability to produce common household goods made them popular in the general market. Most popular toys and casual clothing brands are owned by the corporation, as they quickly tend to buy subsidiaries or smaller teams that show innovation in their products. This approach allows Donk to experiment in its markets and stay innovative, while some items became massive hits like Donk Pockets, most have shown to be failures in the attempt to stay fresh.
Despite its substantial success, Donk Co found it difficult to compete in a galaxy full of cheap knock offs and unexpected consumer responses. Instead of succumbing to competition, they saw a win-win opportunity and formed a strategic alliance. With Nanotrasen looking for a reliable supplier for their various sectors, Donk Co found an opportunity to strengthen its market presence and brand, especially within the Epsilon Eridani and other Nanotrasen-controlled territories.
As a result, Donk Co became Nanotrasen's primary supplier of toys, airsoft guns, clothing, and even their coveted Donk Pockets. In return, Nanotrasen's investment significantly amplified Donk Co's brand visibility and financial stability.
However, this partnership is not without its playful tensions. Notorious for their light-hearted mischief, Donk Co frequently orchestrates pranks and publicity stunts aimed at Nanotrasen. From "accidentally" shipping crates full of confetti bombs to Nanotrasen's executive offices to launching ad campaigns subtly poking fun at the megacorp, Donk Co uses humour to maintain their distinct corporate identity and keep the much larger Nanotrasen on its toes.
Such a corporate dynamic has turned Donk Co into an unpredictable yet significant player within the interstellar economy. Despite their jovial exterior, Donk Co's influence is far-reaching, their products adored by consumers of all ages across the cosmos, making them a vibrant and unique component of the galactic trade network.
Port Royal Inc
Port Royal Inc, headquartered on Earth, operates one of the galaxy's most extensive shipping networks. Their reach spans from the central planets of the Trans Solar Federation (TSF) to the arid badlands of Moghes and remote space stations beyond. Their reach and influence is widely known as the gold standard for transportation of commerce in the galaxy.
Port Royal Inc. was born from the foresight of visionaries predicting the demand for reliable, extensive courier services as the interstellar trade era dawned. They identified a niche in bridging distances across evolving markets, establishing a company that became indispensable in the galactic economy, serving governments and corporations alike.
Through strategic negotiations with the TSF, Port Royal Inc. secured an autonomous operational zone, allowing for quick expansion of their fleet and the creation of an intricate logistics network. This autonomy permits Port Royal to operate outside the constraints of TSF jurisdiction, enabling them to deliver goods to even the most isolated and hazardous locations.
A pivotal factor in their success is their alliance with Nanotrasen, a corporation that relies heavily on Port Royal's services for product delivery across their vast empire. In exchange, Port Royal receives a lucrative cut from each shipment, fueling the growth and maintenance of their expansive fleet.
Their colossal size and expansive network make Port Royal a prime target for pirates, particularly in the lawless fringes of space. To counteract this, they maintain a compact but proficient military force dedicated to safeguarding their trade routes. Their fleet of patrol and security vessels ensures cargo safety, symbolizing Port Royal's commitment to reliability and security.
Despite fierce competition and threats, Port Royal Inc. holds a substantial share of the interstellar shipping market. Their robust logistics strategies, advanced fleet, and strong partnerships underpin their significant role in the galactic economy, making Port Royal Inc. an integral part in galactic commerce.
Einstein Engines Inc
Einstein Engines Inc, initially known as Solerian Automotive, began as a manufacturer of automobile engines on Earth. However, their gaze soon turned skyward, and they pivoted to develop advanced space engines and Faster-Than-Light (FTL) propulsion systems. Recognizing this path as their destiny, they secured funding from the Trans Solar Federation and rebranded themselves as Einstein Engines Inc., honoring the acclaimed physicist.
Far from the familiar market of automotive engines, Einstein Engines leaped headfirst into the new frontier of FTL travel, hoping to make the vastness of space a little less daunting for all. They offered their revolutionary FTL systems and space engines to any willing buyers, embodying the principle of neutrality in a world dominated by ruthless corporate competition. Unfortunately, the corporate landscape of the galaxy was less forgiving, and in turn led to much hardship for the corporation in a world of cut throats and corporate conflict.
Einstein's primary competitor, Nanotrasen, sought to maintain its dominance and pushed its less efficient plasma-based engines, even as Einstein Engines championed their more innovative bluespace technology designs. Nanotrasen's unscrupulous tactics, including alleged sabotage and hired mercenaries, forced Einstein to operate in the fringe sectors and disguise their own ships.
Despite these challenges, Einstein Engines persisted, continually innovating and refining their designs, outpacing all but the Technocracy in terms of technological advancement. However, the relentless attacks forced them into an uncomfortable alliance with the Syndicate, forsaking their own morals for survival.
Now, they stand at a crossroads. Nanotrasen has begun experimenting with bluespace technology, potentially disrupting Einstein's market advantage. Yet, the resourceful minds at Einstein Engines are not beaten. Their resolve hardened, they now race against time to unlock the mysteries of bluespace technology, secure their place in the future of the FTL market, and restore their original vision: connecting the galaxy through accessible, efficient FTL travel.
Xion Manufacturing Group
  
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| Robotic bodies produced by Xion Manufacturing Group and its subsidiaries. |
Xion Manufacturing Group (commonly shortened to XMG) is the largest heavy industry company in the Central Skrellian Authority, Headquartered on The Crown. It has a diverse set of holdings in construction, manufacturing, and ship-building - services that it also gives to the Skrell's armed forces.
It also produces its own line of prosthetic limbs, designed for use in the aforementioned job sectors.
Its most notable subsidiaries are Bishop Cybernetics and Hephaestus Industries.
Bishop Cybernetics
Founded by XMG in 2333 with the explicit goal of expanding into and dominating the still-nascent robotics market, Bishop today has all but monopolized the robotics market in the Central Skrellian Authority, and it enjoys a good market share further afield. With the financial backing of its parent company, its competitors in the CSA were either absorbed, forced out of the market, or forced out of business. Other robotics leaders such as Cybersun have had great difficulty chipping into Bishop's home market, but they compete on more even terms abroad.
Their most notable creations are the Man-Machine Interface, developed in 2408, and later the creation of the first ever cyborgs in 2418. Both creations featured the heavy involvement of Zeng-Hu Pharmaceuticals for their biotech expertise, fostering a strong partnership between the two companies that persists to the present day as Bishop continues to develop medical and military-grade implants.
Hephaestus Industries
A former Martian manufacturing company acquired by Xion Manufacturing Group in 2420 following a glut of wealth from the ventures of its other major subsidiary Bishop Cybernetics, Hephaistos specializes in producing consumer goods. They also sell their own line of robotic prosthetics, which are in actuality rebranded Bishop products with a different coat of paint. It is mostly confined to the Central Skrellian Authority, although it does have a minor presence in the Trans-Solar Federation as well, mostly in the Sol system and surrounding areas.
Zeng-Hu Pharmaceuticals
A leader in the field of synthetic biology and biotechnology, Zeng-Hu is a powerful corporate entity in its own right, offering services ranging from genetic engineering and exotic medical treatments to creating designer organisms for wealthy clients. They are also well known for their strong partnership with Bishop Cybernetics, gaining substantial wealth in return for sharing their bioengineering expertise.
Recently, they have released their very own line of robotic products designed in conjunction with Bishop, featuring synthflesh coatings to make them appear like natural limbs. Whilst not perfect, they can be convincing enough to fool people into thinking that an IPC is a human barring close scrutiny.
Shellguard Munitions
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| 7th generation of Shellguard Energy Guns. |
Shellguard Munitions is a major player in the interstellar arms market. The company offers a diverse array of combat equipment and armaments, mostly focusing on energy weapons. They make brisk and lucrative trade supplying clients such as the Central Skrellian Authority and Nanotrasen, as well as smaller corporate and individual entities. They also operate a PMC subsidiary, Shellguard Military Co., which provides private security and military services throughout the sector. Its mercanaries are mostly recruited from ex-TSF military personnel and Unathi from Moghes, although members of any of the major species can be found among its ranks.
Originating on Earth, Shellguard's early days were marked by a focus on non-lethal security products and cybernetic augmentations. As profits from the latter surged, Shellguard ventured into lethal personal defense, introducing concealable handguns to their product range.
One of the most important events in the path to Shellguard's growth was the successful hostile takeover of Maiman Photonics, creators of the first practical man-portable laser weapons. This takeover granted access to Maiman's assets and prototypes, drastically increasing Shellguard's capabilities. Soon after, Shellguard began to produce its own highly successful range of laser weapons, the LG series.
Impressed by Shellguard's laser weaponry, Nanotrasen became a key client, contracting Shellguard to equip their security teams. In parallel, Nanotrasen RnD immediately began to reverse-engineer choice samples of Shellguard's products. Combining this with its expertise in other areas, Nanotrasen has developed a large collection of unusual and exotic energy weapons of its own. Whilst most of these products are yet to hit the general market, the company is gearing up for a fierce bid to upset Shellguard's dominance over the energy weapon market.
Mr Chang's
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| Mr Chang's standard vending machine. |
A small enterprise that gained popularity across vast expanses of space for its deceptively simple yet flavorful traditional Asian dishes. Established during the era of galactic expansion and contact with alien lifeforms, Chang's began to appear on the galactic market with mixed reactions. Some aliens enjoyed the taste of human noodles while others saw it as foreign and poor in quality.
This complicated Chang's influence in markets throughout space, but the majority found the cuisine to be palatable, and the company managed to establish markets in neighbouring systems.
Despite the straightforward nature of Mr. Chang's recipes, allowing for replication by competitors and individual chefs, the company has maintained its reputation as the originator and standard-bearer for its culinary creations. Though smaller than some rivals, Mr. Chang continues to thrive, confident in its unique blend of tradition and easy to make foods.
Aussec Armory
Founded in 1989 nearing the climax of the Cold War, Aussec Armory was established by Price Aussec as a ballistic weapons manufacturer. Initially focusing on hunting rifles, the company quickly evolved to become a leading producer of ballistic armaments in the modern era.
Aussec Armory's initial offering was the AUS-1, a robust precision rifle designed to deliver pinpoint accuracy in the hands of a skilled marksman whilst also being rugged and surprisingly cheap to produce. Over the coming decades it became a hit among snipers and hunters alike, to the point that many precision rifles designed for warfare would be overshadowed by the simplicity of Aussec's design. From this popularity eventually came an extremely lucrative contract from the nascent TSF to produce and supply weapons for their soldiers, making the company extremely wealthy.
Generations later, Aussec Armory has completely left the civilian market to focus on its ever-expanding military clientele. It is one of the largest arms companies in the TSF (overshadowed only by Sunburst Heavy Industries), supplying such offerings as the L6 SAW machine gun, SR-31C anti-material rifle, and the infamous AS-14 "Bulldog" shotgun.
As energy weapons proliferate, Aussec now finds its purely ballistic line-up of weapons being attacked for being 'outdated', 'primitive', or 'unfashionable' by the likes of Warp-Tac, Shellguard, and Nanotrasen, all of which promote extensive media campaigns attempting to proclaim energy weapons as the future of warfare. Despite this, Aussec's products retain their enduring popularity.
Unofficially, Aussec Armory is also exceptionally popular in the black market, with the estimated number of handguns and rifles having "fallen off a truck" to be in the high millions, with an especially large concentration circulating on the Unathi homeworld of Moghes.