• Known as the second capital of the Empire, this system is the home of one of the major
Empire fleets. The commercial and industrial heart of the system is the oxygen atmosphere
planet of Topaz, famed for its spectacular rift valleys and tremendous waterfalls. Mineral
exploitation development of Topaz is confined to deep mines and the planet supports a
thriving tourist industry in addition to the vital administrative support it provides the Empire.
Many of the Empire's most prominent politicians and officers have their second homes on the
lake shores of Topaz.
• The eighth planet, Peter's Wreck has been taken over by the military, and training
bases have been established there, for this reason the planet is interdicted and no casual
visitors are allowed. It corresponds closely to the military worlds of the Federation such as
Navy Central on Eta Cassiopeia. The military industrial complexes of the Facece system are self
supporting, with military fuel synthesis using the abundant power in the system. If your credit
is sufficient, there are no better facilities in the Empire than those available here for
equipping a vessel.
• The proximity of so much Empire force means that the traveller in this area has little to
fear from pirate raiders, though adherence to Empire law is of prime importance. For a visitor
from the Federation, Topaz seems like a condensation of all things Empire, and in many ways
the regime is enforced more strictly than on Capitol. Tourists must be absolutely sure that all
papers are in order and always keep their identity disks to hand.
• The planet of Topaz has been colonised for almost as long as Capitol, and bears the
marks of some of the early excesses of the Empire, particularly with regard to the race laws
and early eugenics programs. The native life forms have been rigorously suppressed and Earth
forms have taken control completely. The Quagga was introduced early on in the colonisation
program and vast herds now roam parts of the planet. Topaz is almost unique of the known
planets since an attempt to introduce rabbits to exterminate native herbivores failed
completely early in the colony's history.
Entry by David Massey
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