Oso system

Discovered in 2861 by amateur explorer Errol Navis, the system that he named after his daughter featured six distinctive worlds orbiting a white Type-F main sequence star. Oso was quickly set upon by survey teams and corporate groups seeking to lay claim to the latest worlds potentially ripe for terraforming. However within the year, interests changed dramatically. The discovery of higher life forms on Oso II forced the government to issue it protectorate status under the Fair Chance Act. The declaration immediately locked down the system, but some of the less-than-scrupulous surveying corporations leaked their planetary assessment findings. They attempted to make a case to the UEE Senate that Oso II could potentially be terraformed for Human habitation without destroying all of the indigenous life. The question of ‘uplifting’ began to circle the Empire. Ultimately, a slim majority in the Senate chose to adhere to the tenets of the Fair Chance Act. They established a permanent garrison near the system’s initial jump point to let the species develop without outside interference. Despite this, travel to the system to engage in black market trade opportunities remains significant.

Note that the edict against travel to Oso is actually only enforced against those approaching the inner planets. A high volume of legitimate transports and other ships transit through the system on unrelated routes, to the point that a Covalex shipping hub has been established in the outer reaches.

"To look into the eyes of an Osoian is to look into our own past and see the potential to evolve and grow that lies within us all. For every species we encounter who we shadow with our advancements, you must ask, is there yet still a species out there by whom we ourselves will be overshadowed?"

- Professor JT Collins, A Step Onto the Precipice

Oso I
This tidally locked planet features a lightside that is a churning sea of lava while its darkside is a cold, stark iron-rich landscape.

Oso II
The planet has a lush biosphere and breathable atmosphere that would make it ideal for Human habitation if it weren't for the discovery of the Osonians. This multi-limbed, primitive creature is one of many unusual species found to inhabit the Fair Chance Act protected world.

Oso III
This gas giant is believed to have been a rogue Jupiter that wasa pulled into orbit around Oso's star. It is slightly green and white in color due to silicate clouds.

Oso IV
A planet lacking both a core and an atmosphere. While initial scans showed its surface was rich in minerals, recent scans show those reserves much depleted causing speculation that miners have found their way past the UEE patrols in the system.

Oso V
An ice giant with a highly lethal atmosphere of ammonia vapor.

Oso VI
A rocky dwarf planet completely lacking in resources.

Yogi Station : OB Chimera
Observation Base Chimera is home to Oso’s rotating military contingent charged with protecting the system from outside interference. While its intention is noble, the effectiveness of that intention has been under fire recently as allegations of negligence caused a Senate inquiry into the daily operations of the base. This review revealed consistent average and below average performance reports for nearly all Army personnel assigned to the station, as well as evidence of corruption, bribery and even extortion. Despite a regular crew rotation, internal Army station reports, previously kept hidden, have corroborated the Senate’s findings and have made public Chimera’s internally well-known reputation of hosting burnouts and failures. While the situation says little for the Army’s reputation, the Senate report painted a myriad of opportunities for any businessmen willing to work outside the law. At any time desired, it was possible to pay off the local crews to avoid interception, visit Oso II and escape the system unharmed (and unscanned).

The effects of this inquiry are still being felt today. The Imperator cited the findings in his decree to the High Command to immediately restructure Chimera’s operating policy and implement consistent checks from civilian auditors to make sure it was operating ethically.

Covalex Shipping Hub
This station is not on the Starmap and may in fact be part of Yogi Station.