Nanotrasen
Corporate History
Nanotrasen started out as a small company, whose research was mostly based around gene-therapy in the heart of human space, Mars. This was shortly prior to the series of scandals over cloning being reserved to the rich rather than being provided to industrialist fodder in the most prosperous part of Sol - Nanotrasen was effective at patenting methods that lead to more cost effective coverage plans for business use, primarily through aggressive business tactics than personal research brilliance. Nanotrasen mainly grew by a collective of shark like individuals that persisted with their shrewd business tactics. By the end of the decade, Nanotrasen became a trans-stellar entity.
At the end point of the 22nd Century, Plasma was discovered. Nanotrasen and its competitors were, naturally, the foremost corporations in attempting to exploit this valuable new resource, and they all set up numerous stations and factories around the Plasma Giants in order to exploit the resource. This only jump-started the economy, and the so-called Orange Rush began, with all of the corporations attempting to find as many uses of the valuable Plasma as possible in order to profit the most from the human governments. Aptly named the orange rush given the large quantities of Plasma founded on Mars. Research facilities, stations, ships and other installations were being manufactured faster than ever. Nanotrasen was one of the more bloodthirsty corporations, and managed to bankrupt and absorb many other companies on a larger scale then ever before. Many feel Nanotrasen's only defining ability is in capitalizing upon other's hard work- And not an entirely untrue assumption. Nonetheless, this only further increased Nanotrasen's power and scope, ratcheting it up to the status of a true super-corporation, eventually becoming the most expansive business empire in the galaxy.
Modern Day
Nanotrasen is the largest corporation in the galaxy, its power rivaling most governments. It deals in research of the most advanced sciences, such as genetics, blue space, and - recently - the uses of plasma. They also have a sizeable asset protection and security branch with which they secure both investments and occasionally new acquisitions - a distressing rival to some governments, and a powerful administrative branch sitting atop it all, directing their company's actions.
Nanotrasen is characterized by its aggression and questionable ethics, which, combined with the high emphasis they put on new, untested and dangerous technology, means their installations are often considered unsafe and hazardous.
To a degree few of its competitors could achieve, Nanotrasen owes its success to diversity and quick reactions to unfolding events aboard its starships. Worth a distinct laugh to employees who are told of this, Nanotrasen's fluidity and aggression tactics are still considered the core of its success.
While most facilities get their personnel already prepared for specific roles, among the stars situation often changes quickly and drastically - far faster than a flight of a shuttle from the nearest Nanotrasen's station takes - and so the choice of assignments is up to the commanding officers (especially - Head of Personnel) depending on the most urgent needs at the moment. Nanotrasen hires almost anyone possessing a skill in areas such as science, medicine or space-engineering and every contracted worker after passing a couple of basic tests can hope for a good pay in space, especially if sent to an important installation.
Nanotrasen's hiring process is often flimsy in sorting out industrial spies, as a result of this simple hiring process, often instead keeping orders on high to make the best of having even rival talent or tattlers on payroll - a reality in the modern day - using the best of loopholes to ensure from an entry level position, it would be impossible, although sorely testing, to find the launch for a lawsuit or get away with real assets. Often experts skilled in almost any area areas such as detective work, cooking or sanitation also find their place on Nanotrasen's payroll and onboard corporation's ships for support.
Although originally a human dominated company, Nanotrasen has become very diverse in the last few decades. The stability on Nanotrasen stock has led to its use as a currency between races, and their reliance on it has further helped NT maintain a grip on their power. This has in turn lead to many non-human races seeking (or being forced into) employment with them. With the influx of alien races as staff and share holders, NT has abandoned much of it's human-centric ethos, although many "old guard" humans with xenophobic views remain in positions of power.
Despite it's stranglehold in the technological sector there are many companies still in competition with Nanotrasen, such as the well-known Syndicate and many smaller corporations specializing in a variety of consumer products.
Ranking
- The CEO is appointed by the Board of Directors.
- The Board of Directors is appointed by shareholders. Most of the board of directors are themselves the largest share holders.
- An administrative station/base is assigned to a system/region under an Executive of Operations by the Board of Directors.
- The EoO appoints a Head of Staff for Human Resources, Internal Affairs, Asset Protection, and Accounting, which is followed by specific agents under those departments, along with day to day operations staff as per a normal location.
- The NT Rep reports to the Heads of Staff appointed above.
- IAA Report to the Head of Internal Affairs.
- Magistrates report to the Nanotrasen Supreme Court and local planetary governments. While they are not directly paid by Nanotrasen, NT acts as their liaison and processes their reports.
- A Captain or Director of Operations is assigned to the location by the Administrative Human Resources Director, and an advisory internal affairs agent is assigned by the Administrative Head of Internal Affairs. Most of their reports are fielded by HR due to the relevancy, but screened by the Head of Internal Affairs.
- Heads of Staff are assigned for the distinct departments and/or administrative duties by HR under the Captain/DoO.
- Individual departments occasionally have delegations of command, such as Quartermasters and Wardens regarding specific departmental instances.
- Department staff manage their specialties.
- Interns and assistants are assigned to stations for learning opportunities.
Central Specific Departments 
Post shift, some workers have contracts which allow them stay on the Crescent, providing them with lodgings and civilian center level comforts on auxiliary parts of the station exclusive to company employees. Some choose to take bluespace transport shuttles to nearby systems or back to Sol on an express link line. Nonetheless, most paper pushers and all Heads of Staff spend at least some ostensible 'off shift' hours enjoying the hospitality of CentComm as they work out their station's issues and report success to their superiors. The following are administrative departments found there.
Human Resources
The guys who decide if you get a paycheck. After each shift, most administrative staff of the Cyberiad check in and out with the human resources department. Human Resources coordinates heavily with Accounting and Internal Affairs in order to ensure their people are generating a profit and aren't causing a loss. Human Resources has two primary agents: Investigators, and Auditors.
Investigators are bad news to have show up, usually called in by Internal Affairs when a grevious error is made by ranking staff. They ensure productivity isn't impaired by rampant stupidity. A legal Human Resources Investigator must have a permit of operations signed by the HRD and valid for the ship/station/base they are investigating, and a valid and up to date identification card from their administrative station/base. They have the authority to strip the DoO of rank for the duration of a shift, and hold it suspended until audit.
Auditors carry the dread their name implies. When a complaint is filed against a crewmember, auditors are the individuals who carry out the interrogations(audits) of the employee in person if IA cannot, submitting their personal suggestion to the HRD regarding an employee's continued paycheck gathering after reviewing the math from Accounting and a fully compiled case from Internal Affairs. These individuals also conduct annual audits for general purposes as well. They are effectively secretaries for the HRD, but highly respected ones.
Internal Affairs
Internal Affairs is the legal crew employed by Nanotrasen. Generally appointed for their discretionary ability, discreet management of lawsuits and various miscellanity falls under. Suits and snitches, what the region's Head of Internal Affairs does with its cases to make ends meet is the business of the EoO and Board, and occasionally SolGov. Internal Affairs rarely takes direct involvement or authority over situations and cases, preferring to hand off official decision making and judgement to its fellows. Its agents are the same, acting in an 'advisory' fashion on their assignments. Given that their work affects one's record and ability to obtain legal assistance from the company, it is best to stay on their good side.
Accounting
Accounting is the mathmatical, cold, unfeeling, paycheck-making part of the company that keeps any big megacorporation moving- WIth money. Accounting sets the bars and lays out what goals need met and where the company stands. Suffice to say, most other parts of the company are forced to take Accounting seriously, or be at risk in their own jobs. HR and Accounting tend to be joined at the hip in most systems and sectors, their work directly impacting the choices of the other, and accounting ordinarily chokes Asset Protection's chain when they start chomping at the bit.
Asset Protection
The administrative answer to security, Asset Protection is the direct superiors of all ND* class holdings in their EoOs region, managing response teams, and keeping records clean for SolGov. All Emergency Response Team Commanders ostensibly report to the Head of Asset Protection.
Holdings
Nanotrasen ships vary from research vessels to military-grade patrol ships. Stations vary from industrial complexes to weapons platforms.
Prefixes
For the ease of identification, Nanotrasen has introduced prefixes to their space vessels, space stations and planetary bases.
- Functions
NC*= Nanotrasen Commerce. The broad term for a facility or vessel that is vital to NT commerce, it includes all commercial activity that doesn't fall under a more specialized classification.NS*= Nanotrasen Science. The bread and butter of Nanotrasen's industry, this classification, while second in number to the sheet swarm of transports, is primary what the company is about, furthering their everyday profit margins.NT*= Nanotrasen Transport. Cargo, holding, supply, passenger ships- All are filed under transport, and do the grunt work in swarms for the companyND*= Nanotrasen Defence. A class licensed for varying levels of hard weaponry- Considered primarily for asset protection.NR*= Nanotrasen Response. These can vary from communications to medical care, acting as support to other parts of the corporation, that other ships don't quite fall under... Or occasionally do, under a different guise.NA*= Nanotrasen Administration. These tend to be central bases, and are almost never ships with notable exceptions being semi-personal vessels of the CEO, Board of Directors, and similar entities.NB*= Nanotrasen Business. Sales, marketing, product delivery; These tend to be almost exclusively bases or, more rarely, stations. They handle the actual movement of money, PR, and other such fun affects of the company.NX*= Nanotrasen Experimental. A prototype design.NM*= Nanotrasen Mining. For mining ships and stations, almost always plasma.NH*= Nanotrasen Hospital. For hospital ships and shuttles, as well as more permanent facilities meant primarily for medical care.
- Types
N*S= Station. The fun things floating in space that don't tend to go places.N*V= Vessel. Spaceships and similarly travelling crafts.N*B= Base. These tend to refer to planetside installations of all varieties, and their names are their locations.
It's also important to note, not all weaponized vehicles are classified as ND*, since most stations mount some weapons for self-defence.
Holdings in the Epsilon Eridani sector
In the year 25XX, a mining company, Althland Expeditions, began initiating mining operations in the Epsilon Eridani sector. Despite its modest workforce, it was substantially backed by the Trans Solar Federation through generous credit grants. These incentives aimed to stimulate companies to venture into uncharted space and foster economic growth. Althland Expedition's primary focus was the asteroid belts surrounding Lavaland, culminating in the construction of the Farragus Mining and Refining Facility, a station dedicated to mining and exporting rare ores back to TSF space.
As the company expanded, so did its ambitions. Consequently, a small outpost was established on Lavaland to facilitate the exploitation of the planet's resources. However, this venture would later prove to be an investment failure, as numerous other workgroups and facilities were decimated by aggressive local wildlife.
Simultaneously, the asteroid belts started to deplete, and [name] faced numerous lawsuits regarding worker safety and health violations filed by the Trans Solar Federation. Ultimately, these challenges led to [name] filing for bankruptcy and being acquired by Nanotrasen Corp at a significantly reduced cost.
Nanotrasen, recognizing the precarious investment [name] had previously made in Lavaland, having different intentions for the facility. They aimed to utilize the innovative Super Matter (SM) shard power technology. The mining station was consequently transformed into a Super Matter testing facility, operating for decades to study and experiment with the potential of these shards.
Considering the severe and potentially catastrophic outcomes associated with Super Matter shards, additional infrastructure had to be invested in the facility. This included the construction of medbays, cafeterias, and an R&D sector. As Super Matter shards became more commonplace in Nanotrasen stations and amongst publicly traded commodities sold by NT, Farragus became obsolete. It was subsequently renovated into a research station for the company.
Eventually, mining operations were reinstated when it was discovered that the sector, and Lavaland in particular, were rich in bluespace minerals. Farragus evolved from a mining station owned by a small, absorbed company, into a thriving Nanotrasen research station.
Within just a few short years, Nanotrasen had achieved majority control over the Epsilon Eridani sector, a feat accomplished through a series of strategic corporate acquisitions. However, their policy of rapid expansion gave rise to unexpected challenges. The vastness of the newly colonized space resulted in difficulties in communication and the enforcement of corporate policies.
In response to these challenges, Nanotrasen made a strategic decision to construct a state-of-the-art communications relay and military star station in the vicinity of Lavaland, a planet they had recently acquired. This move not only asserted their dominance over the Epsilon Eridani sector, but also provided a robust solution to the logistical challenges at hand.
The station was nicknamed the NSS Kerebros, a tribute to the executive responsible for the governance of the sector in its early years. As one of the inaugural stations constructed by Nanotrasen, Kerebros was designed to serve multiple purposes: it functioned as a communication relay, served as a repository for Nanotrasen-branded military-grade equipment, and provided accommodation for officials ranging from command officers to military-trained soldiers, who stood ready to defend the corporation's authority.
Despite the crucial role Kerebros played, it was eventually decommissioned following the creation of the NSS Turl, a more advanced station equipped with some of Nanotrasen's cutting-edge technologies and weapons. However, as mining on Lavaland became more lucrative and bluespace and plasma emerged as hot commodities in the market, Kerebros was given a new lease on life.
It was repurposed into a research station in the sector, with a renewed focus on technology development and mining operations alongside many other stations in the sector.
As Nanotrasen occupied and annexed the Epsilon Eridani sector, they focused on expanding their research into Plasma technology, which was in its infancy at the time. The wealth of resources from Farragus and other mining outposts spurred the creation of a Research and Development station, the NSS Cyberiad.
This station capitalized on the raw materials from the newly annexed mining operations, negating the need for costly exports back to Nanotrasen-controlled space.
Quickly, the NSS Cyberiad emerged as Nanotrasen's crown jewel in plasma development, thanks to its cutting-edge onboard equipment and strategic location. It became the primary hub for scientific studies in the sector, helping to propel Nanotrasen's products and brand across the cosmos.
The establishment of this station proved highly profitable. Over the decades, it was continually remodeled and expanded to maximize productivity and profit. This led to the NSS Cyberiad earning the record for the largest restructured station in the Epsilon Eridani's history, a testament to the sector's—and the station's—value to Nanotrasen's financial portfolio. As plasma became a commonplace commodity, Nanotrasen shifted its focus to the emerging and lucrative field of bluespace technology. Despite this shift, the NSS Cyberiad remains a symbol of Nanotrasen's commitment to research and innovation.
It continues to operate and attract the attention of investors and competitors, despite showing signs of age after decades of continuous operation. The station still focuses on pioneering research for the corporation, standing as a proud beacon of Nanotrasen's past achievements and ongoing scientific ambitions.
Commonly reffered to as Central Command, it is a Nanotrasen Administrative Station in the system of Epsilon Eridani. It handles the management for all stations, fleets and ships within the system. It is also the main headquarters of NT's presence in the system, assigning tasks such as station goals to the crews of individual stations. Unlike research stations, such as the Cyberiad, Central Command is under the direct control of the NT Navy. As the most important starbase in the system, it is heavily defended, and intruders are typically shot on sight. Its defences include long range BSA (bluespace artillery) cannons, close range combat drones, combat cyborgs, and many heavily armed military officers.
The full annexation of the Epsilon Eridani sector provided Nanotrasen with complete control over the sector's resources and celestial bodies. This extensive expansion led to the construction of more facilities, all of which were backed by the robust infrastructural network of the pre-existing stations.
In time, Nanotrasen evolved into a cosmic brand, recognized widely for its vast production capabilities and corporate might. This reputation stoked their ambitions, prompting the reinvestment of their considerable profits and abundant resources into innovative new projects.
One of these projects was the NSS Cerebron. Aimed to eclipse the NSS Cyberiad in structure and productivity. The intention was to attract investors by creating a station that was presented as a alleged improvement over the existing Cyberiad. One that showcased innovative building techniques and better facility equipment.
This strategy, however, did not yield the expected results. The Cerebron's design, perceived as merely an imitation of the Cyberiad's, lacked originality and interesting features. Investors rapidly discerned that the station's productivity and profit margins were inferior to those of the Cyberiad. This led to a shortfall in investment, resulting in the Cerebron being deemed a financial disappointment.
Despite its flaws, the NSS Cerebron was not abandoned. It continued to receive financial support, albeit less than the Cyberiad. Though it did not meet its original marketing goals, the station identified a new role within Nanotrasen's operations.
Today, it serves as one of the numerous research and mining facilities contributing to Nanotrasen's overall revenue, exemplifying the corporation's adaptability in overcoming adversity.
Other Examples
- Ships:
- NXV Luna: Nanotrasen's experimental research space ship.
- NTV Millenium: a hazardous materials transport.
- NMV Duke: a mining barge.
- NRV Sierra Otago: a repair and rescue vessel.
- NRV Savior: a hospital ship.
- NDV Brutus: a military cruiser.
- NDV Steppe: a patrol vessel.
- NSV Icarus: a research vessel in Epsilon Eridani.
- NDV Scylla: the flagship of the Epsilon Eridani fleet.
- NSV Preserver: a research ship.
- NTV Charon: an emergency evacuation vessel stationed in Espilon Eridani sector.
- Stations:
- NAS Crescent: The local CC station in the Tau Ceti system.
- NSS Exodus: one of Nanotrasen's many research stations based in the Tau Ceti system.
- NSS Antiqua: a space station still in construction.
- NRS Orion: a long range communications array.
- NSS Vector: a vat/clone harvest complex.
- NBS Anansi: a medical facility that rents services that are Nanotrasen patented to nearby colonies for a price.
- NSS Redemption: a research station.
- NDS Inferno: a defence station located in the Epsilon Eridani fleet.
- Bases:
- NAB Smythside Central Headquarters: The Lunar headquarters of the company, where orders from the top come from.
- NAB North Cimmeria Central Offices: The Martian central command of the company; Most Nanotrasen branches outside of Sol, but still within SolGov, officially coordinate reports here.
- NSB Europa Cilix Crater Research Facility: A research outpost on the moon Europa, within the Cilix crater, performing highly classified research.
Public Relations
NT has a large PR department, which have resulted in a generally positive brand image among the public, advertising the positive aspects of the company. This helps to counter the rumours of illegal and unethical research, military actions, deathsquads, and other problems. Nonetheless, the newscasters and various information boards will always have people raging against NT.
Many governments highly resent NT's power, and their reliance on them for plasma, and other products. Faced with little choice in the matter, they co-operate where they have to. The stability of NT stock has also lead to many using them to trade, and somewhat set a backing for many currencies.