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|othernames = Libraen Federation | |othernames = Libraen Federation | ||
|relatedpages = | |relatedpages = | ||
|relatedlore = [[Lore:SolFed#Libraea]] | |relatedlore = [[Lore:SolFed#Libraea|SolFed]] | ||
|languages = {{Common}} | |languages = {{Common}} | ||
|contributors={{Contributor/Nirmiii}}, {{Contributor/Owegno}} | |contributors={{Contributor/Nirmiii}}, {{Contributor/Owegno}} | ||
Revision as of 23:36, 12 June 2026
 Libraea |
Other Names: Libraen Federation |
Libraen Federation
Libraea, officially the Libraen Federation, is an interplanetary democracy located in the Libra constellation. It is located in the southern celestial hemisphere. It lies between the constellations Virgo to the west and Scorpius to the east. Its main sphere of influence encompasses a population of up to 904.1 billion, making it a decently populated member state of the Sol Federation (SolFed). The Libraen Federation borders the Sagittarian Triumvirate as well as the Republic of Enkai. Their nation’s capital and most influential city is located on Librae while its most profitable trade center is on Vendres and Commercans, circling Gamma Librae.
The constellation of Libra was initially used as a strategic military location by the Venusian Defense Forces (VDF) during the First Great Migration, which primarily consisted of Germanic and Frankish descendents in 2259. During 2263-2265, colony ships arrived and brought with them more settlers. Inhabitants ranged from several new types of European descendants, such as Germanic, Frankish, Romance and Baltic ethnicities. By 2270, most of the VDF formations left Libra. Soon after, the First Revolution by the Citizens of Librae (CL) in 2277 through 2280 established the sovereign state of the Libraen Federation, founded on 26 August 2279.
Unified into a parliamentary democracy and overseen by an elected Head of State, the Libraen Federation pursued aggressive expansion into outer regions. In cooperation with the Venusian government, Libraen Federation Armed Forces (LFAF) garrisons were stationed on territories that are now either part of the Sagittarian Triumvirate or the Republic of Enkai. After the failed Second Revolution of 2315 led by the Loyalist Wings of Theta (LWT), the Republic of Enkai declared independence which was accepted by the Libraen Senate in 2317. With the beginning of the Second Migration, Libraea received an influx of Slavic descendants, such as East and West Slavic ethnicities who bolstered military development. As a result, multiple incidents between the Libraen Federation and Sagittarian Triumvirate perpetuated tensions, later causing the Third Revolution, a Coup d’État spearheaded by LFAF extremists known as the Right Hand of Libraea (RHL). The RHL leadership established the Strategic Protocol of Librae in 2381, declaring Martial law throughout the Libra constellation. After the Traitor Putsch came to an end in 2385, the Libraen Federation was reinstated by newly elected senators. Serving as a fresh start, Libraea recovered extraordinarily fast due to vast investments and inhumane working shifts which resulted in a peaceful Fourth Revolution of 2404.
With an addendum to State law on 19 October 2404, Libraea entered its strongest economic expansion with a steady rise in worker productivity and controlled corporate expansion. The state serves as a strong enforcer in all matters industrial, scientific and technological while guaranteeing export and import through strict oversight. Nowadays the Libraen Federation is considered an exceptional guarantee of quality.
History
The stars in the constellation Libra weren’t settled but instead occupied. The first star to be occupied was Beta Librae in 2259, initially functioning as the center of operations for the VDF. Everything that heads to the other planets of Libra, has to head through Beta Librae. What also contributes to its central role is the planet which shares its likeness to Earth’s composition, though its wildlife was more exotic yet still mirrored what was known from Earth’s own ecology. The only difference was the absence of intelligent, sentient life which made a posting on Beta Librae very desirable since it’s known for being quiet and serene. Most of the garrisoned troops would later choose to stay, many of which were of Germanic and Frankish ancestry.
Alpha Librae and Sigma Librae, due to their proximity to Beta Librae, were nothing more than refueling stations for patrol vessels as they only possessed one planet each. Their garrisons had to fight off the wildlife regularly since these systems hosted a particularly hostile breed of giant, semi-sentient, deer-like lifeforms dubbed “Super Hirsche”. Under the leadership of Colonel Matthias Barens (2243-2265), this species was hunted into extinction by 2268 which left a scar in its ecological balance.
An extensive communications relay outpost was established on Upsilon Librae in 2260. It was operated by a large force of VDF specialists and a dedicated garrison that enjoyed support from Tau Librae, which acted as a port for a contingent of a starfleet strike force. Upsilon Librae is known as a barren system which has habitable clusters of asteroids that attracted pirates, largely due to the extensive cave systems which could hide vessels. Tau Librae, on the other hand, was renowned for its volatile gas planet which made it a prime location for gas mining and distributing locally sourced fuel to the other fleets within the region.
Gamma Librae housed a larger garrison, primarily due to the presence of two planets with rich precious metals. Excavation operations were conducted to support and expand VDF fleets in 2259 but because of volatile planet conditions, ore veins were routinely shut down and abandoned in favor of secured, prospected excavation shafts. By 2262, a disaster caused all excavation efforts to be suspended. Reported casualties of the disaster specify 204 lives were lost when a cave-in caused machinery and an outpost structure to be swallowed up. Geological assessments revealed that it was due to a localized micro-earthquake.
Theta Librae, often referred to as “Fortress” by its garrison, saw the most skirmishes with unknown hostile entities from the outer regions. The planet orbiting it hosted the largest concentration of VDF activity besides Beta Librae and was fortified extensively. During its initial years, Theta Librae was attacked on 15 occasions, all of which were successfully defended against. It’s theorized today that during these initial skirmishes, a vessel of the Void Imperium may have probed the region since a combat report filed in 2263 bears a striking resemblance to tactics observed in the Rimward Wars.
Arrival of colonists, corporate establishment
During 2263, the Libra sector was deemed secure. With a confirmation sent by VDF garrisons all over the region, the first colony ships began to arrive at 2263-2265. Its population primarily consisted of miscellaneous European descendants, such as Germanic, Frankish, Romance and Baltic ethnicities. Along with them, families of the initial garrisons were included as they settled down in the region. For the next centuries, they spearheaded development throughout Libra while government support was readily available. By 2265, an economic boom was seen as an influx of mining experts managed to uncover hidden veins of massive iron and titanium deposits all across the region. In a matter of a decade, Libra proved itself for its high quality and cheap materials which attracted many shipbuilding companies.
A massive VDF starfleet arrived at the Libra sector in 2266 to prepare for its next push into the stars. With it, more corporate entities followed who realized the potential which hadn’t been explored yet. More stationed troops meant a greater need for other goods and supplies which quickly resulted in rapid expansion of colonies into centers for agriculture, forestry and animal husbandry. Libra’s abundance of resources made many companies leave behind branches and satellite offices before continuing on, all of which continued to develop unchecked.
As a new decade began in 2270, the VDF starfleet left for expansion towards the outer regions. Libra had effectively been left with a skeleton Venusian government, consisting of essential bureaucrats and small garrisons, though they acted more as a policing entity. Officials deemed it appropriate since most if not all colonists and settlers had gone through mandatory service. There weren’t any concerns for other issues at the time.
Because of this gross oversight, unrest began to grow around 2277. The government had already struggled to maintain the flow of trade and development before their fleets began to pull out but within those years, the sheer volume of work was already piling on too much. It’s said that families already weren’t getting essential paperwork like birth certificates approved which led to children reaching adulthood but never getting recognized as proper Venusian citizens. The presence of the government was basically non-existent and complaints were only growing more. There’s extensive reports of distress calls getting placed as officials feared a full blown rebellion when an accounting error in 2276 caused 5.000 workers on Tau Librae to receive no paychecks for several months.
First Revolution, Libraen Federation founding
Unrest reached its boiling point when hundreds of thousands of Libra’s first generation weren’t allowed to participate in mandatory service for the Venusian Defense Force due to pending birth certificates. Because of understaffed, overworked officials, paperwork wasn’t getting processed fast enough and waiting periods were estimated up to 10 years at the time. These young adults were instead advised to work.
As 2277 began, five separate revolutionary fronts were proclaimed at the same time. They soon unified into what’s known as the Citizens of Libra. Only Upsilon Librae and Tau Librae weren’t included at the start since they didn’t have proper habitation for colonists. Four leaders emerged and actively protested against the neglect by the Venusian government left in Beta Librae.
Jakob Augsburg, leader of the Theta Librae front (2277-2278), was subsequently shot during a protest gone hot on 30 February 2278 where VDF MPs mistook his attempt at setting up a poster for an IED.
Elisea D’Ippolito, leader of the Sigma Librae front (2277-2278), had been arrested along with several dozens of her loyal followers. She was caught spraypainting her demands on the side of a Venusian government building, along with the first iteration of what’s now the Libraen Federation’s flag. She later died in jail due to an unidentified heart disease on 2 November 2278.
Outraged by the deaths, the revolution turned fierce. Government buildings surrounded, VDF personnel roughened up while flags were burned. Because of Rodolphe Linderoth, leader of the Beta Librae front, the protests never reached a violent boiling point. Through appeals and old connections known to Liam Albrecht, leader of the Alpha Librae front and ex-VDF Captain, the Citizens of Libra managed to bring the Venusian government to the negotiation table on 12 August 2279.
After negotiations took place and an official response from Sol Federation’s Federal Assembly (SFFA) on 26 August 2279, the First Libraen Revolution came to an end and the Libraen Federation was proclaimed at the newly appointed capital of Librae, formerly known as Beta Librae. With Linderoth and Albrecht as its founders, the death of their fellow leaders and followers were commemorated with the Citizens monument placed in front of the Venusian main hall on Librae.
Libraen political and infrastructural developments
With 2280 beginning, Libraea held its first democratic election. The previous Revolutionary leaders stepped down from their positions after overseeing the transition of power. Orienting themselves around the existing foundations of Sol’s democratic values, they organized offices for representatives across their systems. With its inclusion in SFFA as a de facto member, the Libraens were welcomed as a new and young member in their midst.
On 30 February 2280, a new office was created by the new Libraen Senate, the Head of State. Elections were held within the Senate and Liam Albrecht (2280-2296) was elected as the first Head of State by a 75% majority. With more administrative offices established and a working government steadily constructed, the ex-VDF elements in the Libra constellation laid the foundation for what became the gold standard. Each star system had several governing entities which more efficiently processed all the needs of their civilians. Approval ratings reached an all time high and by 2 March 2288, Albrecht was voted in for another term with 100% of votes, the only 100% rating in Libraea’s history.
Talks of expansion were officially brought before the Libraen Senate and heavily debated since the nation didn’t have a standing military of their own. Libraea primarily relied on the VDF to defend its perimeters but with the absence of major starfleets and the ever increasing paranoia of hostiles, legislations were passed to establish a new military force. Most of Albrecht’s second term was spent procuring funds, securing defense contracts and solidifying the initial assembly of the Libraen Federation Armed Forces. In August 2291, the first vessels were dispatched and began to venture past patrol routes and straight for neighboring systems.
Until 2315, the Libraen Federation was the dominant force of SolFed’s Frontier. With strong logistical support because of Libra’s abundant resources, the LFAF was able to hold and secure the territories which VDF units were clearing and moving on from. The Libraen soldiers fulfilled the role of a rear guard detachment which successfully earned them a track record of resilient and deadly defenders. Combat encounters were reported as safeguarding the local colonies and indigenous people, greatly increasing intergalactic reputation and often resulting in the Venusian government entrusting administration and development duties to Libraea.
Second Revolution, Independence of Enkai
18 February 2315, a famine struck Autira, Alpha Librae’s planet. During Albrecht’s third term in 2291, terraforming of Autira was approved and MediterrasiaForYou! Co. was selected as the contracting partner. Due to faulty planning and local ecological issues resulting from the extinction of “Super Hirsche”, agricultural productivity declined steeply due to chemicals mixing into plant-killing substances and with it, disapproval and unrest followed. Most of Librae’s agricultural produce had been exported to the other Libraen stars and the government scrambled to procure emergency rations for Autira, causing price increases for all star systems.
Colonies under Libraen Federation control suffered the most and began to grow distrustful, though they were in a vocal minority compared to Libraen citizens. During a protest in Fortis Librae, Theta Librae’s planet, on 31 March 2315, the Second Revolution began as a group of protestors were fired upon by an overpressurized water cannon. 4 were paralyzed, 1 casualty was recorded. By 2 April 2315, the incident was reported and with it, the Loyalist Wings of Theta was formed. Organized riots by the LWT became widespread and grounded vessels from departing towards the Scorpius and Lupus sectors.
Joshua Klimczak, the Head of State (2312-2317), released a press statement claiming that the Libraen government is implementing solutions to resolve the issues at hand but by 15 April 2315, several supply shipments of weaponry were reported stolen and distributed amidst angry rioters. LFAF detachments were deployed in response and the Pacification of the Traitorous Birds began. With a casualty toll of ~1.500, the Second Revolution came to an end when the majority of LWT leadership was either killed or arrested. By 18 April 2315, riots began to wind down since the Libraen government used LFAF vessels as makeshift cargo shuttles to ensure a steady stream of relief supplies. Civil unrest continued until the end of 2316 as the famine’s extent was much worse than initially thought.
The newly proclaimed Republic of Enkai began protesting across outer Libraen colony planets at the height of the Second Revolution. With expansion halting due to internal turmoil and a recall to LFAF starfleets, the Libraen Senate put the peaceful demand of Enkai to a vote on 1 September 2315. The initial vote was vetoed by the representative senators from Sigma Librae but with not enough support, the vote proceeded and was approved with an 80% majority. By May 2317, finalizations were completed and with the withdrawal of the LFAF, the Republic of Enkai was officially recognized as independent.
With the disaster of Fortis Librae and its consequences concluded, Klimczak resigned on 1 August 2317 after a vote of no confidence was filed against him.
Second Migration, Slavic nostalgia, Growing tensions
With stability returning and the Libraen Federation tempering its imperialistic politics, the dawn of the Second Migration resulted in a large influx of Slavic colonists directly from Sol. In 2322, a Slavic craze swept the nation as Pan-Slavic became the second most spoken language. Their knowledge on newer shipbuilding technology and weaponry resulted in exclusive new positions appearing out of thin air. It got to the point where even the LFAF would put out recruitment posters specifically to capture their attention with bold Pan-Slavic slang plastered across advertisement boards.
Demand was growing and the Libraen government pulled every ounce of influence they held to ship as many Slavic engineering personnel as possible. The boom of technology bolstered the LFAF and its combat ability to great degrees and by 2348, Libraea enjoyed an almost unparalleled dominance of their sector. With a proposal put forth by Anna Gaudreau, the Head of State (2341-2373), the Libraen Senate held a vote to determine the continued expansion of Libraen influence and was approved with a 65% majority in January 2349. The proposal suggested a diplomatic approach to expansion instead of forceful occupation; lucrative deals and offers were planned to entice smaller nations into joining.
The first diplomatic missions departed on 12 March 2349 and were closely guarded by a newly created detachment of the LFAF, named Jury. This approach yielded Libraea its most successful expansion yet as they were able to convince many neutral or otherwise indecisive systems to join their Federation. An active effort was made by many Libraen senators to visit these systems and improve living conditions and by 2371, Libraen influence and goodwill had grown to an all-time high. Because of this success, Gaudreau became the first Head of State to be voted in for a fourth term.
On 8 February 2371, Senator Yelena Sauvion (2364-2371) was attacked while performing a humanitarian mission in the Ophiuchus constellation. An entire LFAF starfleet was dispatched to investigate and reported that all Libraens were brutally murdered and dissected. Seen as an attack on Libraea itself, peaceful expansion came to a halt and with an emergency meeting called, legislation was put forth to bring justice. Led by General Agnes Albrecht (2350-2385), a pacification campaign was conducted in the Ophiuchus constellation.
Accused of foul play, the newly formed Sagittarian Triumvirate put a halt to Libraen’s search for the criminals behind Senator Sauvion’s murder. Through SFFA, the LFAF was given a stand down order after evidence and the suspected killers were brought before the Assembly and after a signed agreement, extradited to Libraea in December 2372. Libraen’s SolFed Representative Lumi Franke (2363-2372) was consequently retired from her posting as the Libraen Senate deemed this a badly negotiated agreement. Libraen analysts claim that the Sagittarian Triumvirate fabricated evidence and were responsible for Senator Sauvion’s murder. Diplomatic relations degraded severely, though outright conflict was prevented despite vocal opinions. The Libraen Senate made every effort to stop an armed conflict. Many tense standoffs and clashes between Sagittarian Triumvirate forces and LFAF are recorded but no combat casualties are reported. Nations stuck between the two were often coerced into joining either side.
Third Revolution, Traitor Putsch, Libraen Civil War
Stalemates with the Sagittarian Triumvirate and a thirst for revenge motivated many officers within the Libraen Federation Command Corps (LFCC) to pursue escalation. Recorded testimony states that many officers felt wronged and humiliated by Senator Sauvion’s murder and the quick conclusion of it all. On 24 July 2381 Lieutenant General Lennart Hjalmarsson (2359-2382) addressed the public and accused the Libraen Senate of abandoning their fellow Libraens and calling for all senators to resign. LFAF Command issued a discreet order for all military vessels to return to Librae after Hjalmarsson’s speech. By August 2381, the Traitor Putsch began.
The Libraen Senate called for an emergency meeting on 23 August 2381 when communication with LFAF Command was cut. LFAF vessels in orbit received orders to target the Senate Citadel located on Librae. ~400 casualties were recorded and all Libraen senators were killed. Defense grids and essential infrastructure were infiltrated by rogue LFAF elements, firefights between LFAF Jury units and Right Hand of Librae (RHL) paratroopers were observed in the streets of Libraea.
General Albrecht holds a public address to all Libraen star systems, appealing for calm and proclaiming the temporary suspension of the Libraen’s democracy on 23 August 2381. The Strategic Protocol of Librae was established and the RHL declared martial law across Libraea. SolFed’s response was minimal and only one cargo vessel was dispatched with a VDF detachment which was turned around by RHL demands in December 2381 after retrieving their personnel.
Civil unrest grows. All Libraen government services cease while RHL and loyal LFAF garrisons are in open skirmishes on Librae in September 2381, Fortis Librae successfully defends against an attempted RHL seizure on 2 September 2381. On 7 September 2381, the maintenance personnel of Stn Libraeja, a station orbiting the gas giant in Tau Librae, held the entire station hostage as they planted explosives along vital gas piping and threatened to destroy the station. RHL experienced initial desertion as many enlisted soldiers weren’t informed of their participation in the Coup d’État. Deserted soldiers hijack and land weapon shipments in Autira, distributing them to the populace by 28 September 2381. Zenturi, Sigma Librae’s planet, openly defies curfew orders and surrounds the RHL detachment. Full demonstrations and protests were in progress by November 2381. During a clash, live rounds are discharged towards protestors, wounding 3.
Major General Garen Ariah Pangaro (2363-2382) is ambushed by LFAF Jury soldiers on Autira and consequently killed. The following skirmish resulted in the deaths of 12 civilians, amongst them an investment banker from Sol. No response was given by SolFed. Retaliation strikes were approved by General Albrecht, resulting in the deployment of RHL forces. Reported clashes between armed civilians, supported by Jury, and RHL forces throughout January 2382.
Senseless violence ensues. Full blown riots spark across Libraea when news of a massive teargas attack in 14 February 2382 on an Autiran civilian block results in the deaths of several innocent families obeying the curfew orders. Reports of trigger happy RHL terrorists purposefully shooting and disabling protesters to prevent further riots. In response, RHL Command approves the use of military mechs to pacify the populace.
RHL vessel shot down by LFAF soldiers over Vendres in Mai 2382, causing a crash inside the corporate building of Libraen’s Donk Co. branch. ~730 casualties reported and surviving RHL terrorists were engaged by Libraen forces in the debris of the building.
The Libraen Civil War begins on 2 July 2382 when Lieutenant General Hjalmarsson is captured by LFAF Jury specialists and testimony is published about Senator Sauvion’s murder. Her itinerary was leaked by the RHL and mercenaries were hired to kill the Senator prior to the Coup d’État. With it, the RHL planned to use this as a justification to further antagonize the Sagittarian Triumvirate into a conflict. As a result, most of the LFCC officers not loyal to General Albrecht turn on the RHL, causing chaos within their midst. RHL forces on Tau Librae attempt a takeover of Stn Libraeja for General Albrecht’s retreat but the crew triggers the explosives, destroying Stn Libraeja entirely on 3 July 2382 and resulting in the death of its 4.512 crew.
The populace turned on RHL entirely and aggressively targeted them. Most RHL terrrists began firing on civilians, footage of mass murder and bombardments were commonplace. By 19 August 2382, all Libra star systems were in open rebellion and General Albrecht along with remnant RHL forces were in retreat. Most of their troops are lost in Librae. Pursued by multiple LFAF detachments, the ensuing battle resulted in the loss of the majority of LFAF vessels as RHL managed to conquer Stn Libraer, a station built into a large asteroid, and hold it. Using the old VDF defense systems, the LFAF was forced into a retreat while the crew of the Stn Libraer, 1.049 people, fought back and were killed. By 18 July 2382, the remaining LFAF fleets surrounded entrenched RHL forces.
Stalemate of Traitor Putsch, End of Libraen Civil War
Demands by General Albrecht’s RHL were ignored. Conventional attacks on the Stn Libraer weren’t possible so an order was issued by LFAF Jury Major Ludoslav Krall (2361-2389), the provisional leader of Libraea. The RHL is to surrender unconditionally or be destroyed.
A tense standoff between the two continued until August 2385 where the LFAF vessel “Elisea D’Ippolito”, commanded by LFAF Captain Jason Touchard (2361-2385), breached the perimeter and used itself as a battery ram to neutralize the defense systems. Analysts aren’t sure if General Albrecht died in the crash itself or was subsequently killed by the extensive station damages. Along with the remnants of the RHL forces killed and with the death of their leader, the Libraen Civil War came to an end.
Estimates of casualties are still disputed to this day but the widely accepted death toll is around ~2 Billion, ~205.9 Million identified as LFAF soldiers and ~3.2 Million identified as RHL terrorists. This encompassed 35% of the Libraen populace at the time.
With the end of the Civil War, captured RHL terrorists were interrogated, prosecuted and sentenced for their crimes by a provisional LFAF court, instated by Major Krall. Soon after, the Strategic Protocol of Librae was dissolved and the Libraen Federation was once again established on 1 November 2385. New elections put underway and the Libraen Senate once more active, investments by outside corporate entities stimulated the Libraen economy and critical infrastructure was being rebuilt. By 2397, the Libraen Federation had mostly recovered from the damages of the Libraen Civil War but faced a population issue.
The war had cost them a great deal of experienced workers, soldiers and auxiliary personnel. The deficit was too large to recover from naturally so a new project was instated by Maria Touchard, the Head of State (2386-2410). Relying on new technology, vat-growing laboratories were set up to boost the population of Librae. Genetic experimentations became popular on Autira and Zenturi due to the 1st Generation Enhanced Humans proving to be exceptionally good as a working force in later years. It wasn’t an immediate solution and many Libraens were forced to work lengthy hours with vacation time often getting cancelled because quotas needed to be met, projects needed to be finished. Working conditions hit an all time low as workers grew disgruntled with the unending reconstruction projects.
Fourth Revolution, the Golden Era
At the beginning of 2404, talks of revolution were spreading. The Libraen Government was well aware and took action immediately. By 15 January 2404, system wide, local elections were held as each star system sent groups of representatives to address the growing concerns. With the initiative “Protect our Librae!”, spearheaded by Senator Paula Sauvion (2394-2418), the Libraen people were able to peacefully bring a litany of concerns directly to their government. This initiative breathed new life and faith into the Libraen Federation’s capabilities and as the delegations fiercely debated and planned the newest legislation on worker conditions. The Libraen Senate spent most of 2404 refining the details before enforcing the newest addendum to State law, the Assurance and Guarantee of Safety for Librae’s People Act on 19 October 2404.
Several addendums had to be made during 2405 as some corporate entities began to exploit loopholes within the Act, resulting in a strike gone violent on Vendres. During April 2405, workers in a branch of DeForest Medical Corporation grew disgruntled when the company allotted the workers 4 hours of free time every day in order to fulfill the required 2 month vacation time needs while demanding that their workers be present every day for every year until contract termination.
By the end of 2405, the Libraen Senate had created a special branch office of the Libraen Federal Court of Justice which oversaw the management and assessment of all working conditions throughout the Libra constellation, the Libraen Federal Labour Court (LFLC). As productivity across Libraea rose because of improved workplace conditions and optimized law, funding was appropriately increased so the LFLC could oversee similar operations in systems outside of the Libra constellation as well.
Although not truly a revolution, many Libraens consider it as one since distrust towards the government had grown after the Libraen Civil War. As a result, Libraea enjoyed a peaceful climb in economic power while the slow but steady rebuilding of the LFAF took place until 2545. Their focus primarily shifted towards consolidating their territories and licking their wounds, favoring isolationist policies over territorial expansion. But with some imperialistic elements still active in their military, the Libraen Senate had to frequently clash with the Sagittarian Triumvirate in SFFA over territorial disputes and intrusion of LFAF vessels into other systems.
Tiziro-Terran War, Libraea’s involvement
Circa 2470, the Libraen Federation observed something they never expected. Their relatively peaceful and diplomatically active neighbor, the Sagittarian Triumvirate, was getting attacked. Reports of Sagittarian colonies going dark had reached Libraea before but the sentiment at the time was indifference. The LFAF petitioned for a scouting mission of these sectors in December 2469, pioneered by General Daniel Krell (2452-2495), but the Libraen Senate didn’t expect a positive answer and the offer was never made.
When the Tiziro-Terran War kicked off, it was a hot debate in all circles of Librae. Opinions on the Sagittarian Triumvirate were already low enough, especially after Libraen expansion was often curbed and halted by them. Gianna Ruggiero, the Head of State (2466-2482), argued that it’s vital for Libraea to aid their neighbor despite their differences, as an attack on any SolFed member by an outsider is an attack on Librae’s security itself. After putting it to vote and with 95% voting in favor, the Senate organized care packages; tons of various materials, supplies and munitions which the Libraen Federation had in excess were provided. With this care package, volunteers all across Libraea were formed into a new Fortis Legion and sent to aid in defending Sagittarian territories which consisted of 150.400 active personnel.
Fortis Legion troops, led by Major General Pyotr Sauvion (2445-2482), were deployed in May 2471 and acted as the rear guard for most, if not all, supply channels towards the Sagittarian military. Skirmishes with Tizirian often ended in major casualties and Libraen soldiers experienced great difficulty defending against them.
By 2473, the Fortis Legion LFCC detachment reported an almost 48% casualty rate of their troops and requested additional help as they’re this close to breaking through the war’s stalemate. Another push by Ruggiero resulted in another senatorial approval for care packages and new volunteers. It’s recorded that only 60% voted in favor of approving these materials.
With the push towards Tizirian territories, Fortis Legion troops were called back and by 12 August 2475, all troops had returned to their homes. It’s reported that ~61.200 troops were either wounded or killed during the conflict while the Fortis Legion itself now consisted of 215.100 active personnel. Having adapted to the Tizirian’s methods, these experiences were readily shared with the LFAF which helped improve defenses of Libraea itself.
As the Tiziro-Terran War reached its brutal conclusion in 2480, a number of Libraen senators weren’t satisfied with the results. Sentiment at the time was disappointment in Sagittarian Triumvirate’s inability to fully pacify the Tizirians. LFCC officers would often remark how Libraea had the capability to conquer all of Tizirian territories with little effort and less destruction, if they’d been serious about conquering more systems in the first place. But with stories shared from the Fortis Legion and recountings of how brutal and effective their enemies were, a silent respect established itself from Libraens towards Tizirians.
Rimward War
2545. Libraea had steadily prepared itself for a confrontation with the Sagittarian Triumvirate and were expecting an armed conflict to occur at their borders soon. Instead, SolFed called on its member states and with the Void Imperium attacking, Libraea mobilized quickly. Austin Selander, the Head of State (2538-2554), declared the immediate suspension of non-essential operations and allocation of a considerable funds package towards the LFAF. Libraen response was quick and focused on what they did best. Aggressive defense. Under new directives by General Herman Ozolinsh (2521-2566), strategy was reformed and LFAF’s strength was focused on stopping the Void Imperium from intruding any further.
Data and intelligence, gathered to be used against their neighbors, now aided in their defense. With LFAF forces entrenching themselves into star systems before 2545 drew to a close, they managed to halt the enemy advance from overwhelming their lines and going for their core worlds. It turned out to be a costly but effective strategy. Essentially, LFAF Command bought time for the shock to wear off and war time production to kick in.
With the rest of SolFed catching up and the Heliostatic Coalition officially joining the fight as well in 2550, the Libraen Federation was able to consolidate, reorganize and join the fight offensively. Even with Libraen’s tenacity and eagerness to fight, the Void Imperium was a much more volatile enemy than they ever expected.
Fighting grew costly as all manner of expensive prototype projects and vessels were used or lost in battle. The Libraen Senate was concerned with the enormous costs of the war as it kept dragging on and with General Ozolinsh’s defensive strategy continuing to draw on too many resources, newly promoted Lieutenant General Agata Pieronek (2536-2566) was dispatched to assist in organizing a meaningful attack strategy. In coordination with SolFed Generals and other member states, a new front was organized in 2558 to finally bring the war to a close.
In 2559, the Rimward War reached its conclusion when the Void Imperium signed a peace treaty. The Libraen casualties measure in the millions and the numbers are still disputed but the rough estimate lies somewhere between 104 to 110 million casualties, accounting for 31% of all LFAF forces. By the last year of the conflict, the youngest recruits were noted to be 17 years old.
Recent Libraen Federation conflicts
With the end of the Rimward War, SolFed approval ratings have decreased considerably. Libraen polls in November 2559 show that the people have grown disillusioned with the use of SolFed. It’s common knowledge that actual SFAF response to the Rimward War was sparse and the member states themselves exhausted manpower and resources to achieve that hard-fought victory.
Smaller insurrections are spreading across Libraea’s colonial worlds. The proclamation of the Beta Librae Front (BLF) on 27 December 2559 was followed by accusations of illegitimacy towards the current Libraen Federation regime. The Libraen Senate has designated the BLF as a terrorist organization and LFAF counter insurgency operations have been deployed since January 2560 to combat the threat.
Accusations of Libraen Federation interference in Sagittarian Triumvirate colonies since 2564. Claims go so far as to implicate weapon shipments and secret deployment of troops to train and arm the Free Army of Sagittarian (FAS). The Libraen Senate has denied these claims.
Astrography
Officially, the Libraen Federation does not recognize any other nations within its influence as truly Libraen. Their home system, the Libra constellation, is the only territory that can be Libraea.
Librae
Type: Terrestrial planet, orbits Beta Librae
Population: ~345.5 billion
Description: Previously known as Beta Librae, Librae is the capital and center of the Libraen Federation’s government and its Armed Forces. A highly developed planet that is almost an idealistic version of Sol’s Earth, it serves as the center point of every historical event Libraea has experienced and remains as the gathering point for the most wealthy and influential investors.
Autira
Type: Terraformed planet, orbiting Alpha Librae
Population: ~64,3 billion
Description: The first major agricultural project of the first Libraen Head of State. This planet was terraformed to accommodate the enormous needs of Libraea but suffered through a famine after terraforming chemicals poisoned most of the crops and waters. Donk Co. is now the main contractor holder and successfully reversed the damages done.
Zenturi
Type: Terraformed planet, orbiting Sigma Librae
Population: ~106.1 billion
Description: The initial intent for Zenturi was another agricultural project but the second Libraen Head of State instead expanded its industrial capabilities and had the planet terraformed accordingly. It’s now known for a new Green initiative that promises to clean most of the borderline life threatening air so the inhabitants aren’t forced to wear respirators outside.
Stn Libraer
Type: Networked asteroid stations, orbiting Upsilon Librae
Population: ~12.500
Description: Once used as a communications relay by the VDF, it’s now a surveillance outpost and acts as an early warning system for the entirety of Libraea. While the clusters of asteroids still offer hiding spots for vessels, it’s unlikely that anyone will make it in without getting detected and then targeted by the station’s state of the art defense systems.
Stn Libraeja
Type: Megastation anchored to a gas giant, orbiting Tau Librae
Population: ~2.4 million
Description: After the crew’s heroic sacrifice during the Traitor Putsch, the reconstructed station retains its name and has a monument commemorating them at the center of the station. The Protectors monument’s beauty is revered since the popular Senator Paula Sauvion chiseled it herself. With gas mining operations resumed, this station still loyally serves as a refuel station for all Libraen vessels.
Vendres and Commercans
Type: Extrasolar planets, orbiting Gamma Librae
Population: ~254,3 billion
Description: The pinnacle of Libraea’s trade, these two planets are still actively getting excavated of their vast resources and are surrounded by hundreds of shipbuilding companies. In later years, these two planets developed beyond just shipbuilding. Vendres still maintains the most diverse markets where anything can be bought while Commercans has everything you need to equip your own private army.
Fortis Librae
Type: Terraformed planet, orbiting Theta Librae
Population: ~133.8
Description: Hosting the infamous Fortis Legion, this world had light terraforming done by the Libraen government to accommodate its largest training facilities for its Armed Forces. Being the only Libraen star system to ever be attacked, its defenses are extensive which makes it ideal for anyone who wants to be really safe. Just don’t mind the live fire exercises, that’s gratis.
Politics
The Libraen Federation is a parliamentary, representative democracy. Its main decisions are formed in the Libraen Senate, which elects new senators every 8 years. Elections are held in the span of a week and within their respective core star systems, meaning 7 star systems elect 3 senators each. Libraen law dictates that the senators must have served in the LFAF, by extension guaranteeing that the candidates have served and are eligible citizens of the state. 21 senators then elect a Head of State within the Senate who is imbued with the power to steer the Libraen Federation as they see fit. Senators are able to veto decisions and demand a senatorial vote of said decisions if reasonable doubt is presented. Otherwise, important legislation is always conducted via senatorial vote.
The Office of the Head of State functions as the face of the Libraen Federation and stays in power for as long as the currently elected Senate remains active. While the Head of State’s power is guaranteed, senators are often delegated to manage their respective core star systems and act as overseers of all matters militarily and administratively.
The Office of Representation in the SFFA is staffed by previous senators or LFCC officers. Acting as the eyes and ears of Libraea, the Representatives act in the interest of the Libraen Senate and, by extension, the Libraen people. Candidates are either recommended by the Head of State or voted in by the Senate.
Since the reformation of the Libraen Federation in 2385, the LFAF Jury has been an active element in all matters concerning political protection and safeguarding the people. Imbued with power, LFAF Jury is an executive branch that is entrusted with the ability to interfere in political matters if deemed necessary.
States
The 7 star systems in the Libra constellation form the Libraen Federation, the main governing body of the state. Librae, Autira, Zenturi, Stn Libraer, Stn Libraeja, Vendres and Commercans, Fortis Librae. Each state conforms to the standards set by the central government in Librae but governors and staff of each state are determined by their respective senators, either through selection or from their own staff. Senators are expected to fulfill all duties which they delegate when necessary.
Regardless of size and populace, each star system is imbued with the same amount of political power within the Libraen Federation which means all votes conducted in the Libraen Senate are for the gain of everyone within the system, not against each other. Serving as a senator is strictly a public service and doesn’t have room for personal interests.
With authority and power granted to each system’s senators, the Head of State resolves internal disputes with the assistance of the LFAF Jury as a guarantor of fair judgement.
Law
As a member state of the Sol Federation, the Libraen Federation acknowledges and utilized Sol Federation Law within its jurisdiction in the Libra constellation as well as outside of their own system. This refers to colony worlds which are under Libraen influence. The Libraen Federal Court of Justice is responsible for handling civil and criminal cases while special branches of this Federal entity handle specific cases, such as the Labour Court, Social Court, Fiscal Court and Administrative Court.
These Courts are run by experts who handle disputes in all manner of law when necessary. The Libraen Federal Court of Justice employs an enormous number of skilled, experienced workers who are often simple citizens performing a judicial duty as a public service.
In 2565, surveys were conducted to determine the effectiveness of law enforcement and with statistics pointing at a slow rise in criminal cases and increasing disputes in court, the Libraen Federation began actively hiring more personnel in the Libraen Federal Court of Justice.
Foreign relations
Libraea maintains amicable relationships with the nations under its sphere of influence, often stimulating colonies with funds and constructing critical infrastructure. Colonies who have joined the Libraen Federation aren’t acknowledged as Libraen but are still treated as an essential part. Complaints are to be directed towards the Libraen Federal Office of Colonial Integrity which will be forwarded to the appropriate offices in Librae.
The Libraen Federation is an influential member of SolFed and it largely stems from their tight grip on their colonies as well as strict control of their routes, followed by trading high quality commodities and serving as a prime contractor for SFAF vessels. Within SFFA itself, Libraea is often seen as an idle nation since they’re often neutral towards all of SolFed’s proposals.
The Libraen Federation is closely connected to the Corporate Territories as many of its corporate entities have established branches within the Libra constellation. They’re viewed as essential business partners but are still held to a high standard by the Libraen government after the 19 October 2404 Act.
The Libraen Federation has an amicable relationship with the Sovereign Corporations. In recent years, the Libraen Federation has accepted many new Nanotrasen contracts regarding construction of vessels and fuel. Corporate entities within Libraea itself are known for hiring from Sovereign Corporations as well.
The Libraen Federation has an amicable relationship with the Republic of Enkai. Both exchange information and resources on all levels, be it militarily, administratively or economically. Many original Libraen citizens live in the Republic of Enkai which pushes both states to be on decent terms.
The Libraen Federation has an amicable relationship with the Tsogyal Republic. The two states are often seen trading fuels, exchanging exotic gas fuels for plasma, a difficult fuel to source in Libraea. In recent years, machinery and electronics have been a focal point in trade relations.
The Libraen Federation acknowledges the Tizirian people’s struggle and grieves the destruction of Atra’Kor. To this day, Libraea welcomes Tirizians into their worlds.
The Libraen Federation acknowledges the Sagittarian Triumvirate.
The Libraen Federation acknowledges the Heliostatic Coalition.
The Libraen Federation acknowledges the Void Imperium.
Military
As a member state of the Sol Federation, the Libraens wield a large military force that is organized under the Libraen Federation Armed Forces. Internally, it’s often referred to as the Guard. Military service is seen as a privilege in Libraea and a mandatory service of 4 years is required. With a military expenditure of up to 11% of Libraea’s total budget, the LFAF enjoys a hefty budget with regularly approved fund additions through the Libraen Senate. After the Rimward War, LFAF Command anticipates another conflict and has been rapidly expanding existing military infrastructure to accommodate for it.
As of 2474, the current LFAF is structured within the most popular military model throughout SolFed. Its strength isn’t specified on purpose but experts estimate the fighting force to be somewhere around 900 to 920 million active soldiers. Reservists are readily available as the majority of Libraea’s population has served in the LFAF within some capacity. Additionally, genetic advances have boosted available manpower with vat-grown individuals, for safeguarding and patrol duties. Talks of abolishing the mandatory service have been considered but ultimately rejected as service is seen as a privilege in Libraea.
The LFAF is commanded by its own, often referred to as the Libraen Federation Command Corps (LFCC). They’re notorious for being picky as they’re cultivating the most fiercely loyal and battle worthy individuals into their midst. But ultimately, missions and assignments are approved by the Libraen Senate and entrusted to the LFCC in order to be carried out.
The most renowned branch of the LFAF, the Fortis Legion, only recruits from volunteers. They conduct trials on Fortis Librae and are seen as the pinnacle of General Ozolinsh’s defensive strategies and philosophy. They’re equipped and trained to be the rear guard in any conflict and have developed extensive tactics in order to protect. The Fortis Legion prides itself in their long record of medal holders.
A duty entrusted only to those who have proven themselves fanatically loyal to Libraea is the position of the Jury. LFAF Jury picks its soldiers directly from a pool of thoroughly vetted and intelligent candidates. Not much is disclosed about the Jury, except the location of their Headquarters which is located within the Senate Citadel.
The LFAF regularly deploys an unspecified amount of its experienced fighting force as Advisors in other conflict zones. These Advisors are often seen observing and advising other SolFed member states with tactical intel and defensive strategy. This initiative has been active ever since LFCC involvement in the Tiziro-Terran War.
Economy
Libraea enforces a social market economy, cultivates a highly skilled populace with generous scholarship programs and has a low level of corruption. Innovation within the nation is encouraged but technological advances are spearheaded by the private sector. Its unique astrography makes the Libraen Federation an ideal region for shipbuilding and houses a great number of corporations dedicated to it. While boasting one of the highest GDP, most of their trade is conducted through their economical hub, Vendres and Commercans. Its largest trading partner happens to be the Corporate Territories where the flow of trade has been going strong since 2407.
With renewed projects to expand production, Zenturi has restarted many of its dormant industrial facilities and the ever increasing influx of workers from outside colonies is reawakening Libraea’s largest weapons producer.
The second most famous commodity traded by the Libraens, weaponry and munitions from their military manufacturers, has seen a rapid increase of investiture. With LFAF spending increasing, new contracts are being approved daily and breathing life into the previously idle war time production facilities.
The Libraen Federation is known for quality control and exclusive trading contracts. While corporate entities located within Libraea are also subject to quality control, they don’t have the privilege of the Libraen Federation Seal which is the universally acknowledged guarantee of quality from the Libraen government itself. Prominent Libraen companies that bear the Seal include; Zenturi Arms, General Librae Co, Vendres Commercans Titanium Co, Advanced Libraen Electronics Manufacturing, Dyachenko Libr Co, Libra Outfitting Inc, Autira Agricultural Farmers Collective, Libraeja Energy Group, Zenturi Industries.
Due to the nature of the capital, Librae hosts the most extensive network of stock markets. Many local CEOs of prominent companies are situated here to gather all the most recent trade information to increase their profits as well as enjoy the many luxuries of the capital.
Infrastructure
Transit between the 7 star systems of Libra has been revamped extraordinarily over the decades. After the Traitor Putsch of 2381, most traditional transportation methods were either sabotaged or destroyed. Funded and spearheaded by the Vendres Commercans Titanium Co, an extensive system of elaborately built transit interlinks was constructed. A steady stream of automatized vessels, able to accurately perform micro jumps and carry large amounts of travelers, revolutionized travel across all of Libraea. The cost of power for this transit system was initially a concern but with advances in power generation, this issue was resolved.
Visitors from outside of Libraea are only accepted by the Libraen Intergalactic Spaceport (LIS), located above Librae. The capital serves as the entrance to Libra itself as Space Traffic Control guides all incoming traffic directly to the LIS. It’s often considered one of the safest spaceports since a detachment of LFAF Jury soldiers provide 24/7 security.
Almost all 7 star systems have essential services available. Around the clock availability makes Libraea a productive society while maintaining strict oversight of worker safety and satisfaction, directly controlled and assessed regularly by the Libraen Federal Labour Court. Construction work on the hospital wing in the Stn Libraeja is still undergoing and the Libraen government has hired an Interdyne Pharmaceuticals vessel to serve as a substitute until renovations are finished in 2568.
Tourism
While the other star systems of Libraea don’t see much attention from tourists, Librae itself is a regular attraction by many who wish to explore the culmination of Sol Federation’s expansion. Annually, domestic and intergalactic travel and tourism contributes to an average of about 0.008% to the Libraen Federation’s GDP but with active effort by the government to preserve its historical feats, cultivating tourism isn’t on their agenda.
Libraea’s most popular landmarks are the Citizens monument, located in front of the old Venusian main hall on Librae and the Protectors monument on Stn Libraeja, personally chiseled by Senator Paula Sauvion.
Demographic
With a staggering population of up to 904.1 billion according to calculations conducted by the Libraen government in 2562, Libraea enjoys a vast amount of different ethnicities and species within its home system. While the Libraen Administration never conducted official tracking or counting of what ethnic groups and species settled on its star systems, experts have managed to conduct a rough survey and fill in the blanks by conferring with historical data and estimation.
The original human population of Venusian settlers has thinned out entirely and most human Libraens are a mix of Germanic, Frankish, Romance, Baltic and Slavic ethnicities. As the population of vat-grown and genetically enhanced humans was introduced in 2419, pure Frankish, Romance and Slavic ethnicities were present as the dominant gene. Germanic and Baltic descendents suffered the most casualties during Libraea’s history and are considered the rarest ethnic categories by 2566. Vat-growing laboratories are trying to offset this imbalance by introducing a new generation of enhanced humans with Germanic and Baltic roots.
With the conclusion of the Tiziro-Terran War in 2480, a small influx of Tizirians was recorded by the Libraen Federation. In truth, they’re still a negligible minority and don’t seem to be interested in permanently settling down in Libraea but they are still very much present.
As the Rimward War reached its height of conflict, a large wave of Tajaran and Vulpkanin refugees was observed. Due to the nature of the destructive war, the Libraen Federation accepted and allowed the two species to co-exist in Librae. Their presence was welcomed greatly as many were eager to help with the war time production, proving invaluable as a solid workforce. Nowadays, the Libra Outfitting Inc has employed many Tajarans and Vulpkanins to design new fashion trends for their species.
Languages
As a member state of SolFed and the origin of their first settlers, the Libraen Federation spent most of its time speaking Sol Common. There were many minorities which continued speaking their ethnic languages but over the years and with each new generation, Sol Common solidified itself as the main language of Libraea.
After the arrival of Slavic colonists in 2322, the government and corporate push for recruitment resulted in the Slavic nostalgia of 2322 where Pan-Slavic became the second most spoken language across Libraea. Schools continue to teach children Pan-Slavic as a secondary language since its use in new Libraen vessels made it essential. To this day, Pan-Slavic is considered the unofficial second language of the Libraen Federation and many Libraens can be observed reverting to the language by accident.
With the Tajaran and Vulpkanin refugee wave, demand to learn the languages of their species, Siik’tajr and Canilunzt, has grown. The curiosity of Libraen scholars has led many of them to appeal for paid classes. While still in the minority, scholars consider studying these languages to be the mark of a true intellectual.
Education
A standardization program was initially proposed by the Libraen Federation but was widely left as an optional package. The plans and data were provided and schools are loosely held to a mandated line of educational subjects. The manner in which these subjects are taught was left at the discretion of the schools and with regular observations and state supervised exams. Most children were taught from the age of 8 until they reach adulthood at 18 years, though exceptions were made if children were deemed adult enough.
For most young adults, adulthood means two paths. An option to further educate yourself in Librae’s capital and its many universities, join the circle of innovators or the other option of serving the mandatory service years in the military. Within the mandatory military service, gifted individuals are given the chance to attend one of the many prestigious Libraen Military Academies. Fortis Librae’s Vorsicht Academy is a continued staple of military education as it has produced some of the finest officers within the Libraen Federation Command Corps.
As a nation deeply rooted in military tradition, the Libraen Federation is renowned for its excellent military education and most young adults choose to fulfill their service year.
Health
Libraea’s healthcare does not rank high in terms of progress. In 2560, the Libraen Senate was pushing for an increase of the budget allocated to healthcare infrastructure but most of these projects required trained personnel and years worth of construction, procurement of specific medical machinery and patience. While the healthcare system isn’t nearly as bad as some make it out to be, it is considered outdated when compared to the advances which corporate entities use for their own vessels and stations. Many attribute high casualty rates to poor medical equipment and lack of proper medicine manufacturers.
Regardless of technological stagnation in the medical field, the Libraen Federation does provide a health insurance plan since its founding in 2280 to its populace and all workers are insured for medical treatment. In cases where Libraen medical facilities are unable to provide the needed care, Interdyne Pharmaceuticals is often contracted to assist, at great cost to the universal health care system. Many Libraen senators have stated that this is the least they can do for their people, although critics repeatedly point out that it’s not a permanent solution.
In a controversial report, the newly founded company MedcareLib, created in 2562, has not passed quality assurance checks and failed to receive its Libraen Federation Seal on February 2566, making it the second national Libraen company to fail it.
Culture
The culture of Libraea is shaped by its roots, its tragic moments in history and its unity throughout their centuries. While the Libraen Federation isn’t known for its cultural richness, iconic moments have been immortalized in its existence as a state and nation.
Libraen culture can best be defined by the Revolutions that took place in its time. Each Revolution produced its own cultural heritage and defined what the Libraens are as a people.
Libraea has a number of public holidays as well, the most well known ones being; Day of Founding, 26 August 2279, the conclusion of the First Revolution and creation of the Libraen Federation. Libertat Day, 1 November 2385, the end of the Third Revolution, the end of the Traitor Putsch and reinstatement of the Libraen Federation. Night of Angry Tears, 3 July 2382, the sacrifice of Stn Libraeja and its crew.
Art, flag and heritage
While Libraea doesn’t officially have it recorded as an art piece, experts agree that the Libraen flag should be considered a fundamental part of Libraea’s artisan history. Now seen as a cultural heritage, the inception of their flag and interpretation of its meaning is one of the first topics studied by students.
First spray painted by Elisea D’Ippolito, the flag featured 7 stars in a golden stripe, two black stripes flanking it at the top and bottom. The star in the middle is drawn bigger than the other 6 stars, flanking the bigger star. It symbolizes Libra itself, the star in the middle indicating Beta Librae and the capital of Libraea as it is the namesake of the nation. In 2295, the Libraen government accepted a miniaturized version of the flag as its Seal. It is used as a guarantor of quality by the Libraen Federation. To this day, many speculate on the true meaning of the flag itself but a widely accepted analysis was written by Matthias Groningen in 2514. He explains that the black stripes represent the empty and cruel space which has taken many loved ones from the initial settlers. The golden stripe, surrounding the stars, represents the golden and comforting light which was given to them by the very stars they garrisoned.
Another cultural heritage is the Citizens monument which is located in front of the old Venusian main hall on Librae. During the Third Revolution, the monument suffered damages to it but to maintain its historical integrity, the damages were left in the monument.
After the initial founding of the Libraen Federation, a monument was commissioned by the government in 2280 and an unknown artisan by the name Belinko fulfilled it. The statue itself is simplistic but was modelled after Libra’s constellation itself, the scales of justice. Made out of sturdy titanium and coated in a thin layer of gold, the scales balance 7 stars. Each scale has 3 stars and a half, perfectly balanced. When a skirmish occurred between RHL forces and LFAF Jury units on 23 August 2381, a grenade went off and snapped the wires holding the scales in balance. The scales fell to the ground but still kept the stars within. Interpreters considered the initial piece to be a statement of true balance that Libraea could have achieved but with the Traitor Putsch and the damage it consequently endured, its meaning changed to show the fragility of true justice and the loss of it in war.
The most famous piece of art and cultural heritage is located on the new Stn Libraeja. Senator Paula Sauvion had all 4.512 hardhat helmets of the dead crew collected and placed in a gigantic display case. Anyone arriving on the station would see them and the Protectors monument she chiseled.
Stairs are on the left and right of the enclosure. The display case is made of thick, reinforced glass where the monument itself is inside and centered. Within it, the helmets are stacked on top of one another and practically swallow up the monument itself. White marble was chiseled in Yelena Sauvion’s likeness, the mother of Paula Sauvion who was killed by the RHL. Her face is struck with grief, gazing down while she’s wrapped in a silk cloak adorning the black and gold colors of the Libraen Federation. The cloak’s black colors are covered in white writing and it lists the names of every lost crew member of the Stn Libraeja though most are unreadable due to the stacked helmets covering most of the monument itself. The golden stripe is empty and barren, like its very life was sucked out of it. Many consider the name Protectors to be directed at the scorched and melted helmets themselves which desperately try to protect Libraea, personified as Yelena Sauivon. She is often associated with Libra for her humanitarian and hopeful attitude.
Literature
Artistic literature, novel writing and philosophy isn’t what Libraea is known for. Since the start of the 26th century, many scholars are cultivating in these fields but none have proven to be noteworthy just yet. With government incentives through programs, the Libraen government is hoping to culturally develop their state in the future. Instead, the main focal points of Libraen literature are biographies of historical figures, scriptures or articles by revolutionary leaders and the many passionate speeches delivered during Libraen Senate hearings. This is generally supplemented by the vast history of the Sol itself, as many settlers brought their own cultural literature with them.
The most widely known literature can be traced back to the very beginning of Libraea with Jakob Augsburg. His most famous piece, “For a stronger Librae”, calls for the creation of a new nation and its title has become the official motto of the Libraen Federation. Along with his miscellaneous scriptures, Elisea D’Ippolito wrote a litany of critique aimed at the Venusian government as well as SolFed though analysts struggle to decipher most of her writing. While not as popular as Augsburg’s scriptures, D’Ippolito is often considered relevant to this day. With the conclusion of the Rimward War, her critique is often referenced by Libraen senators and representatives in the SFFA.
The 24th Century paved the way for Slavic literature to spread as the Second Migration took place. With it, many innovative changes to Libraea took place as its structure was modernized, along with technological advances in almost all fields. Feliks Lenkiewicz, Mikhail Ozolinsh and Artem Dyachenko were the most notable as they took active roles in the development of the LFAF. Mikhail Ozolinsh is also renowned for laying the foundation for what is now known as the Fortis Legion by drafting multiple strategy manuals. The most famous being “Battleships: Mobile Fortress, Headquarters and Defense.” which details the use of newly constructed LFAF vessels as a utility tool for defensive warfare.
With the initiative “Protect our Librae!” spearheaded by Senator Paula Sauvion on 15 January 2404, her speech and appeal to the Libraen people is still considered to be the most poetic and beautiful piece of cultural heritage. During the Fourth Revolution, doubt was cast by the Libraen people that their government was slowly turning into a poor imitation of Venus and its inept bureaucracy. Goodwill was at an all-time low but the initiative as well as Senator Sauvion’s efforts practically saved the Libraen Federation. To this day, the initiative is active yearly and is viewed as a day of appreciation for the star systems themselves where many young poets dedicate their work to Libra.
Media
Libraen media operates on both a local and nationwide level. Each star system has a number of local news and media companies which report and inform their respective populace. Stn Libraer being the only exception as it houses one minor news outlet.
However, three media companies operate nationwide, Expert Seven Libra, Hot Updates and NuclearNews. Along with it is the Libraen Federation’s own state media, the Messengers of Librae. While the independent media companies report on the daily to weekly news concerning all matters, the Messengers of Librae only focuses on the political ongoings of the Libraen Federation and is rarely used during peacetime. Their reports vary from quick summaries to lengthy documentation aimed to inform, while media companies are much more focused on entertainment.
The entertainment industry itself isn’t developed in Libraea. Most of their entertainment media is either relayed through the Holonet or provided by corporate entities which sell licenses for their programs. Some Sol studios are seen using Librae as filming stages which is often viewed with annoyance by the Libraens.
Cuisine
Agriculture and animal husbandry is at the center of Libraen cuisine. The diversity in their cuisine stems from their descendents, who brought their culture’s cuisine with them. Because of Libraea’s agricultural sector and its main export being multiple types of high quality grain, bread and pastries form the basis of Libraen cuisine. While vegetables and fruits are popular too, most Libraens prefer to supplement everything with some manner of grain product. Since 2552, Autira made rye breads have become extremely popular and are a staple of Libraen households. Meat products, especially venison, are highly esteemed and represent the hospitality of a household. Visitors or travelers are always offered cuisine with venison in it and if unavailable, sausages are served instead. This has been a tradition in Libraea which dates back to 2260.
Libraea is also the biggest exporter of wine. Librae’s capital has some of the best vineyards which have been cultivated and preserved since 2309. The Puckett vineyard is especially famous for its longstanding tradition of aging their wines organically and without the use of artificial methods.
In 2531, Commercans opened the largest and most prestigious restaurant, able to serve up to 12.000 customers at the same time. With the freshest produce from Autira, the Norme Traditionnelle is the busiest restaurant in all of Libraea.
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