User:BaconShelf/Torch Wars

Collated notes for the Torch Wars and general mid-late 23rd century shenanigans.

Etymology

 * No actual open wars or conflict, but lots of small-scale and low-key hostilities without attracting the ire of the UEG
 * Torch is commonly speculated to refer to the proliferation of fusion drives in the conflicts - such drives known as "torchdrives" or "torchships".
 * alternate suggested theories claim the "torch" aspect refers to the widespread installation of laser-based spacrcraft propulsion systems - well above the levels of ships ever produced that could use such a propulsion system. Rather, investment in lasers as weapons (need to figure out why this never ultimately became used by UNSC military ships tho)
 * Most conflict involved the use of ships using their torchdrives as weapons to slag other ships/stations

Technology

 * Proliferation of nuclear fusion drives among the solar system's private corporations outpaces the ability for the UNSC to equip similar such vessels on their own craft - corporation and government become a highly intertwined entity (cf. nobility vs. religious clergy in Medieval times - both had different duties and powers but were equally reliant on one another)
 * part of a larger trend toward technological revolution - AI, transhumanism, augmentation etc

Jovian Moons

 * The centrepiece of the Torch Wars, the Jovian Moons and their various corporations
 * Not insignificant - though reduced due to Inner System troubles - UNSC presence keeps large-scale peace
 * Corporate shadow wars fought inside tunnel-cities discreetly (very cyberpunk)
 * Dissolution of the Friedans saw the Jovian moons divided into more constituent entities and colonies, with their colonial govts intertwined with the corporations in the system - lots of balkanisation
 * Lots of immigration from Mars to set up new colonies
 * Aforementioned tension + some lingering sentiments from the IPW cause the melting pot for rife tension - though a UNSC boot on the Jovian system's neck ensures no active wars

Saturnian moons

 * Development of fusion sees the Saturn frontier truly open up, as helium lifter fleets prepare to skim the atmosphere for fuel
 * Chronian land rush - settling the frontier
 * Waves of immigration (especially Martians fleeing the Martian collapse)
 * Saturn's dense rings, easily accessible fusion drives and a fairly small/contained system = space wild west frontier
 * Corporate competition to establish industry on/around Saturn and on Titan (computing centres, hydrocarbon industries etc)

Mars

 * Undergoes economic collapse in the Traxus Crash and ensuing Troubles period; mass emigration by those companies and individuals who can, sees a wave of immigration to the newly-opening frontier of the Outer Solar System (esp. Saturn)
 * UNSC occupation on Mars and MIDA conflict sees the UNSC have to pull back much of its forces from the Outer System to secure the Inner System
 * Recovery of Mars from Traxus Crash sees many outer system corporations invest heavily in the planet; organisations like Misriah, Traxus, SinoViet (etc) become heavily embedded in the UEG

Earth

 * Somewhat parallel to Mars conflict, the UEG on Earth battles with the prospect of potential breakup as member nations view the IPW as done with and want their sovereignty back
 * This dies out toward the mid-23rd century partially bolstered by ongoing successes in containing Mars and initial successful efforts in organised international climate change prevention (and reversal, in some areas)