Okay guys, I've been working on some early history for the Southern Cross.
Southern Cross ExpeditionThe origins of this Expedition go back to the final days of the Terran Alliance when high stakes political dealing reach a fever pitch. The People’s Independence Party (PIP) led by Grant Zoli was vigorously pursed after its impressive showing in the Elections of 2310. Both the Expansionist and Liberal factions who had ruled the Alliance since its founding sought the PIPs support. Playing both sides masterfully Zoli accumulated massive wealth and even a burgeoning colonial program thanks to Expansionist suitors. Zoli’s death in September 2314 touched off a Terran Civil War that ended with James McKenna’s intervention.
The collapse of the Alliance left some deep scars not easily healed. Political undesirables, nationalist die hards, and war criminals all still remained to be dealt with. As McKenna consolidated his hold over the Alliance he found the PIP Fleet a convenient solution. As Alexander Cross gathered his flock of true believers for a journey to a new homeworld far from Terra it became an excellent release valve for some of McKenna’s toughest dilemmas. Getting underway on January 20, 2316 mere weeks before James McKenna officially seized power the Southern Cross Expedition headed anti-spinward towards its namesake stars in search of a new home.
Key FiguresAlexander Cross Alex as he tells those who attempt to use other formalities to address him was born in Perth, Australia in 2275. Growing up in a middle class family Cross was driven to political action amid the rising chaos, poverty and suffering. Shocked by the stunning amount of apathy in the government he crusaded for change ultimately happened upon Grant Zoli. Quickly caught up in Zoli’s charismatic appeal he pledged himself to the Voice of the Forgotten. Recognizing Cross’ talent for organization and passion in support of the cause Zoli appointed him his chief lieutenant. Alex became the Prime Minister of Australia in the Elections of 2310 which swept the PIP into prominence. Cross was blinded by his zeal to the People’s Independence Party and failed to recognize Zoli’s personal greed until it was too late. His assassination left Alex in charge of the party which quickly came under siege by its political opponents.
Beatriz Sanchez Relations between Brazil and the Terran Alliance had always been tense with a string of rebellions highlighting particularly troubled times. The nation’s massive population and moderate wealth imposed a heavy tax burden on the people while the politicians became quite powerful in the Alliance. This duality between the haves and have nots was ripe for the People’s Independence Party to exploit in 2310. Oscar Sanchez of the PIP was elected President of Brazil and his beautiful daughter Beatriz became an instant celebrity. Just four years later in the wake of Zoli’s assassination chaos swept the Earth as roving political gangs waged war. With her father slain Beatriz boldly stepped forward and fought heroically for the ideals of the People. Sanchez’s meteoric rise and enthusiastic rhetoric was marred by enemies who called her a terrorist and street militant.
1st Marine DivisionWell I have an idea on how to add this unit to the Southern Cross rather than an SLDF unit we don't wait that long, they come straight from America. See my Guardian Minority Possibility from earlier in the thread
Guardians – I doubt McKenna trusts Cross fully and perhaps he sends some of his own people perhaps even soldiers to protect this Exodus Fleet. They aren’t there for Cross’ well being necessarily but to keep an eye on things maybe even reestablish contact with McKenna or let him know where they go or what they do.
Is the 1st haunted by their participation in the Alliance collapse? While American colonies were close to Terra and on the whole saw little rebellion but the 2238 Liberal shrinkage of the Alliance might force the unit to watch while some of these colonists suffer without support from Earth. Also McKenna might have feared the 1st Division's fanatical devotion to the United States and decided to rid himself of them. Throw in a commander named Nicholas Kennedy who might be a powerful reminder or potential opponent of the new Hegemony and you get the picture.
Only problem is that adding 19,000 soldiers to the Expedition greatly increases the number of people obviously. We could increase the number of colonists to outweigh these new arrivals if that is okay with everyone. The 19,000 soldier of the 1st Marine Division could be less - I see some Terran Alliance Paracavalry Divisions had 6,000 soldiers per unit. I know MA said 40 thousand people with a fleet of 80 jumpships and I original had a 200 thousand person ceiling. How about 100 thousand or there abouts??
Continents of Perth Also came up with the names for the continents of Perth based on initial settlers.
Anzac (Australians and New Zealanders)
Mercosur (Brazil and Latin Americans)
Pacifica (Islanders – Papua New Guiena and Somoa plus the 1st Marine Division)
Suiderkruis (Africans – South Africans)
Polaris (Uninhabited North Pole - the Forsaken)
The Forsaken Finally the smallest group of settlers for the Southern Cross consists of prisoners exiled from Terra by McKenna. Expansionists and Liberals alike who participated in crimes against the people of Terra. See my original idea below.
Rather than imprison or execute certain influential people it might be convenient for McKenna to use Cross and his followers as a release valve for other powerful political prisoners taken during his Coup. Expansionists and Liberals who aren’t big fish to be put on trail but can’t or will not return to society as new contributing members of the Hegemony might get sent out with Cross. The Wastes of the Alliance so to speak being Castoff or Foresaken.