The Expansion

+**The Expansion**, also known as **The Great Expansion**, was a pivotal period during the mid-22nd century. Catalyzed by the invention of [[Fabricator]] technology, this era saw humanity greatly expand its range into space. It was during this time that the [[Alterra Corporation]] rose to become a major power as a defense manufacturer, eventually orchestrating the end to the conflicts that defined the period.+ +## Background+ +Although space travel had become possible prior to the Expansion, it remained impractical for humanity to stray far from Earth for many years. This changed with the invention of Fabricator technology, which allowed for the rearrangement of matter at a molecular level. This breakthrough enabled the fabrication of complex structures from easily attainable feedstock, making deep space colonization viable.+ +As a time of great opportunity, the Expansion also became a time of great conflict. Various factions, including [[Trans-Gov]] entities and others, competed for strategic territory and resources in a violent war. It was during this turmoil that the Alterra Corporation became a major power. Acting as a defense manufacturer, Alterra took no side during the conflicts and supplied all parties, greatly enriching itself in the process.+ +Alterra's position as a supplier for the warring factions became so integral that their threat to cease trade was a pivotal step in ending the conflict.+ +## Aftermath+ +To formally end the conflict, **The Charter** was drawn up and agreed upon by thirty-seven Trans-Govs. This agreement set interstellar law and established the [[Trans-System Federation]].+ +The end of the conflicts also led to the formation of the [[Mongolian Independent States]]. Originating as strategic space colonies at the edge of the China Territories, these colonies were essentially abandoned while the central government recouped from the war. These colonies eventually banded together and declared independence as the Mongolian Independent States.