Terra & the Known Universe

The planet of Terra is virtually identical to that of Earth. If you will, Terra is Earth of a different reality. Though the world itself is the same, there is one major difference: Humans were not the only race to evolve. On Terra animals evolved as well and became as intelligent and cunning as man. Over time most of these animals developed into bipedal forms with capabilities of speech. With their natural abilities in addition to intelligence, animals became the dominant species on Terra.

This gap has caused humans to often be viewed as secondary citizens, even though officially they are classified as equals. Despite this fact, there are many who are still racist on such views. In recent times though some humans have begun to develop new talents that are putting them back on equal ground with the animals, perhaps even giving them the edge. Even if humans do become physically superior in the near future, they are severely outnumbered by the animal population.

The place of Terra in the galaxy is still young. It has only been 100 years since Terra has become an accepted space traveling race in the eyes of the older races in the galaxy. They have made great strides in technology, both for traveling and for war. But despite any advances they are still comparatively weak to many of the older races, though things appear as they may soon be changing. Due to the power of many of the other races, Terra has remained rather limited in exploration and mainly remained in the surrounding systems building slowly.

Becoming a known race in the galaxy, even if still considered relatively young and weak, has served some purposes. It has given them some contact with alien races which have helped their development much like an older brother. Also, in recent dealings, Terra has received a space chart of the known galaxy. This chart plots the systems of the galaxy, but doesn't give much more information than that. Some of the systems are allocated to a specific race, but a majority of it remains unknown other than a system with a certain number of planets. The people of Terra have gained the respect of some of the other races, and thus far have yet to gain any enemies, at least not to the best of their knowledge.

The time for building has ended though and it is time to start learning more about their galaxy first hand. It has been agreed to send out five ships to explore the galaxy around them and see what they can learn. There are still more ships available, but as things stand now the rest have been held in reserve for system defense. These five ships have been equipped with the chart of known space and each been given areas to explore as the charts are lacking in information. Even requests to some of the other races about these areas have gone unanswered. Either the other races don't know themselves or are simply unwilling to help.

The known galaxy consists of thousands of systems, but only about a hundred or so unexplored systems that are believed to be able to support humanoid life as it is known, not only to Terra but to the other races of the galaxy as well. The rest of the systems are either part of another races territory or are believed to be uninhabitable. Though at times it may seem inconvenient, the five ships have been instructed to avoid the territories of the other races whenever it can be helped. This often means taking a much longer route to get to a new system. Only under extreme situations should passage through these territories be made, and only after permission by these races has been granted.

The known galaxy is actually a perfect sphere. The reason this sphere is the only part of the galaxy is due to an elaborate and highly advanced satellite network typically referred to as the Outer Sphere. This technology is far beyond anything currently known to any of the races contained within the sphere. Anything, ship or other, trying to leave known space is attacked by the satellite system until it is either destroyed or retreats to a safe distance. Nothing has been able to withstand an attack by the satellites thus far. The reason for this satellite system remains a mystery even to the older races. Regardless, since the beginning of space travel the satellites have existed and their creators missing.

In the past, an entire attack fleet from one of the ancient races made an assault on the satellite network. After a long and bloody battle, the fleet managed to destroy one of the satellites forming a small whole in the network with the hopes of being able to get a ship through to the other side. Seconds after it was destroyed a new satellite formed in its place. The satellite had not repaired itself. Instead, it seemed that this was an entirely new one. Its capabilities appeared equal to the others, no better or worse. In defeat, the fleet needed to retreat to save their remaining vessels. No other race has made a similar attempt since.

At the exact center of this sphere is the Void. This too appears as a perfect sphere. There is no light or darkness to it, but more like a reflective bubble. Although things appear capable of entering into the Void, nothing has ever been known to return once in. All signals and communication become cut off when entering into the Void. All travelers are not only suggested to keep clear of it, but to give it as wide of a berth as possible.