Killzone 2: Back Story

This era marks the early days of the colonies of Alpha-Centauri. The planets are settled, the infrastructure established and slowly things are built up. This period ends at the beginning of the great boom on Vekta.

1. THE SETTLEMENT OF VEKTA (2129)

The first ships arrive on Vekta. Roughly 12 colonies are founded during the years 2129 to 2140. Vekta, roughly Earth-sized, is an agrarian and idyllic world, full of natural splendor and lushly forested; an Eden. Agricultural produce skyrockets on Vekta, and the colony quickly becomes able to feed itself.

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2. SETTLEMENT OF THE ALTAIR SYSTEM (2133)

The planetary colony of Gyre is founded in the adjacent Altair system. Gyre is largely ocean, smaller than Vekta and colder, with millions of tiny islands dotting the surface.

INAUGURATION OF THE ISA

As the first colonies get underway, the UCA discovers that communications do not allow it to efficiently manage colonial defense from a central headquarters. To combat inefficiency, the UCN creates the Interplanetary Strategic Alliance – a concept which allows systems of varying degrees of integration to enjoy membership of a unified defense alliance. The UCN provides backup, training and equipment whilst the local colonial administration provides funds and men. ISA duties are to include revenue gathering, policing and local defense. The local ISA Commands are subordinate directly to the civilians of the UCN and not under the military command of the UCA. All ISA Commands are completely independent of each other, their strength and budget determined solely by the funds the local authority provides.

ISA Altair and ISA Alpha Centauri are among the first ISA Commands created.

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3. COLONISATION OF VEKTA IS SECURED (2135)

Despite some very rough early years (and numerous occasions when the colony was almost wiped out) the initial Helghan settlers have managed to make the Vektan colony secure. In addition, their space station around the planet of Helghan is perfectly positioned to service ships that pass through Alpha Centauri on course Earth and the new colonies. Starships come here to be supplied, maintained and refueled. Tankers begin to ply the routes between their homeworlds and Helghan, bringing vital energy resources that command top prices. The money starts to roll in, offsetting the need to import comforts, medical supplies and food to the space station.

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4. ESTABLISHMENT OF THE HELGHAN PROTECTORATE (2138)

Communications technology improves to the point where real-time communications are possible between Helghan and Vekta. The government on Vekta establishes the Helghan Protectorate, whereby both worlds are administered from Vekta. Helghan taxes and energy are now pouring directly into the Vektan market without going through the ISA, whilst Vekta provides Helghan with a wider, healthier variety of foodstuffs and luxuries. Employment is at 95% and morale skyrockets on both worlds. A new emblem is created to symbolize the mutually dependent relationship between Helghan and Vekta: three interlinked arms, labeled Peace, Justice and Freedom.

The Helghan Protectorate forms the first legally recognized militia service that is not a direct part of the  ISA or UCN/UCA chain of command. They are small and lightly armed, performing only customs, police and ceremonial duties. Nevertheless, the ISA views them as something of a challenge and threat and imposes strict limitations on their size and equipment. In addition, all officers of the Helghan Militia are to be provided by the ISA.

5. INFRASTRUCTURE OF HELGHAN IS COMPLETED (2149)

Much of the infrastructure of industry has been laid by now, from turbines to the massive processing facilities in the Helghan wastes. The Helghan Corporation is in possession of vast sums of money and power, earned by selling energy to the passing colony ships, the newly established colonies, and Earth itself. Their presence on Earth has become minimal, with most of their assets and offices located on Vekta.

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6. INAUGURATION OF THE HELGHAN ADMINISTRATION (2152)

Due to the increasing complexity of managing the colonies on Helghan and Vekta, the Helghan Corporation decides to set itself up as a civil administration. This expanded charter allows it to take over all local administration duties from the ISA, levy taxes against the entire population, and reorganize all social services. However, they are still bound by strict ISA regulations on ship construction, orbital industries, and the establishment of new colonies on their worlds.

7. THE HELGHAN/VEKTAN PURCHASE (2155)

The Helghan government turns in a significant tax-surplus in each budget, stockpiling the money in case of disaster. By 2155, this stockpile has gotten so big that the Helghan Administration makes an offer to the ISA to purchase the Alpha-Centauri system outright. This will allow them to avoid sending their yearly tithe to Earth in favor of a fee-paying system for individual services, such as support of the local ISA Command.

The UCN, which would normally have rejected the offer, is suffering from a shortage of funds. Other colonial endeavors are costing them heavily. The idea of getting a big cash payout up front, followed by negotiable fees – with no requirement for the UCN to underwrite any colonial costs – is too attractive to refuse. The UCN Senate votes to go forward with the Helghan/Vektan purchase by a majority.

Next Page: Platinum Era