On Ismara

[A/)- The Inner Phalanx]

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ISMARA - CAPITAL CITY OF AUXESIA

Ismara, named after Mount Ismara from the ancient Sol historical articles, is the capital of the Covenant of Auxo and home to the illusive transhumanist society. The city itself is elevated on a platform in valley hidden within a vast mountain range in the Northern hemisphere of planet Elgin, and fortified with various advanced security measures, including the use of thermoelectric technology to mask the heat signature of the city from thermal imaging. The various rooftops and spires are dotted with anti-air batteries, sensors, and communication nodes to ensure streamlined and efficient security efforts. In addition, the city is protected by both the paramilitary, and a recently established division identified as the Military Police, which limits its activities to domestic and on-world situations. Their uniforms and equipment use are no less advanced and lethal to that of the primary forces.

The city itself was designed with the idea of growth and expansion in mind. Its population count barely reaches twenty-thousand (including AI, drones and other machine-based life considered equal in Auxesian society), leaving the city often with little traffic and noise. However its size and architecture speaks rather boldly for the capabilities and technological prowess of the Auxesians.

Ismara makes use of a public tramway transit system to allow its citizens to travel between the various districts, as well as grant access to the isolated spires that surround the city. Each spire generates a portion of the atmospheric shield that protects the city from the harsh temperatures of Elgin, keeping the need for snow removal to non-existence unless otherwise specified in the shield control. The landing zone however is exempt from the shield, as visitors are required to pass through customs before being granted access to the tram. Private landing pads are made available to Auxesian vessels and specified guests, otherwise the city's security system would not be picky about what it targets when it comes to intruders.

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DISTRICTS

Temple District - The academic and religious section dedicated to the worship of Irene and reverence of technology. A spire is situated in the center of this isolated district, which serves as the center of religious activity within the city and home to the current Bishop of the followers of Irene. In addition, the district serves as the learning center of the Covenant. Children and adolescents are sent here to be educated in every subject available to the knowledge-and-tech hoarding society.

Angels District - An isolated spire aptly named Erebus and section of the city given to the Fallen Angels (Reapers of Sirius) remnants and home to individuals with a Cardamine dependency. Due to the presence of the narcotic, a significant number of ex-convicts and outlaws have taken an interest in its distribution in the area, causing a slight spike in criminal activity. Accessible via tramway and landing zones.

Emathia District - This district encompasses the majority of the public access points, a hospital, and various other tram stations that take others into the city. A plaza is situated in the center as a welcome zone to newcomers, and is the first thing visitors are met with when exiting the tram. The green garden is often walked by members of the society, and is tended to publicly. Various plants from all across the sector are displayed and grown in an environment-sensitive and conditioned zone to ensure proper nutrition. The district itself connects to the Vesuvius landing zone and the industrial areas of Haephestus.

Phalanx District - Home to the majority of the high command structure of Auxesia, the Phalanx district is cast in the shadow of a spire named Naxos, home to the Keepers and ceremonial hall for celebrations, inaugurations, and other traditional matters. The top two floors of the spire is home to the Keeper, or Keepers, whilst the surrounding area is home to the Venators and family. Much of the surrounding district is much like a heavily guarded fortress, as the spire itself contains an access point to secure areas and very sensitive data. Accessible via tramway and private landing zones, restricted to the Inner Phalanx.

Hermes District - Home to the majority of retail shops, the Hermes district is an economical center that houses the Logistics division’s operational headquarters from the middle of the city. Supply shipments are run through this district and sent to warehouses for storage and distribution to their appropriate benefactors.

Lennox District - Aptly named after one of the first defectors of The Order Overwatch, Johan Lennox, for his distinguished service within the paramilitary, this district houses several hundred former operatives of The Order that either came independently or in groups, and is considered a testament to independence from beneath tyranny. While not heavily populated due to the low influx of defectors, ample room was provided in the event a surge of relatives or people seeking to hide from the watching eye may be welcomed with open arms and be among friends.

In addition, the district is heavily monitored by the Military Police in the event of security leaks or information trafficking that may suggest the presence of a spy.

District AX-0131 - With no need for ceremonial or formal names, AX-0131 was designated by the various independent human-made or Gammu Artificial Intelligence units, drones and machines in general. With no real need for ample living space, the district houses a structure that serves as a network node to the rest of Auxesia as well as what could pass as storage lockers for the units that dwell within it. While not as cramped as it could be, a lot of foreigners may find themselves uncomfortable being surrounded by autonomous machines with citizen status, and acts of prejudice are frowned upon and considered a serious crime.

Sparta District - Home to a pair of skyscrapers adorned in armor and hidden gun placements, the Sparta District - named after the Spartans of historical Earth - is the primary garrison of paramilitary assets and intelligence. In addition, it also serves as the headquarters for municipal law enforcement efforts and monitoring of the Military Police. The two towers connect via an under-street tramway with restricted access, and manage various operations from outside of the field. Between the two is an additional sub-tram that takes personnel beneath the surface of the planet to Elysium, and is one of three access points.

AT-X 103 Elysium - A hidden facility beneath the surface, AT-X 103 is the designation for the heat sink system that operates the thermoelectric defensive mechanism of the city. Because of its important nature, Zeta Section in collaboration with R&D constructed a massive, underground complex around the device to shield it, monitor it and conduct its research in peace. It is the primary manufacturing point of Auxesia’s experimental equipment, and was named after the Greek Underworld. Two trams connect to the hidden facility: One in Sparta, and one in Naxos, hidden beneath the spire. A third access point is used primarily by craft on the surface, and is known only to the Keepers and Zeta Section. A buried and heavily fortified door lies somewhere within the mountain range, which allows for supplies to enter discreetly if unwanted attention might be caused by the presence of highly-valued cargo at the public landing dock.

Haephestus District - The industrial and manufacturing section of Ismara. This district is home to automated factories and test sites that manufacture light craft components for later assembly, and often conducts live tests of munitions and engines in public view for study. The district itself lies at the edge of the city and away from the more residential and recreational districts, bordering the landing zone and AX-0131 due to many of the robotic occupants not being concerned with noise.

Vesuvius District - The primary landing zone and shipping dock of the city. Guests are put through a rigorous customs process and security screening, while cargo is filtered through scanners and searched to ensure it is secure and non-harmful to the city’s populace. The landing pad was separated from the main city and contains one of the atmospheric shield spires. Due to the public nature of the area, the spire is heavily guarded by anti-air batteries and a heavy paramilitary garrison up to the presence of AMU tanks, and the spire itself serves primarily as a backup in case of a fault in one of the others.

The necessary cargo information is sent via the AI network nodes to Logistics in the Hermes District, and tramway access is only granted to personnel who have cleared each individual checkpoint at customs.

Nysa District - Named after a valley of nymphs, this district houses the primary entertainment and recreational activities of the city, including social gathering locations and training grounds. This district tends to be rather colorful, and sees the most foot traffic from civilians and guests alike. A simulated combat arena is one of the primary attractions, as soldiers wish to test their mettle against one another or in team scenarios within a massive holographic area, and are okay with the idea of being spectated by others. This allows for public evaluation of skill and strategy, and often times is visited by students of the Temple District for study.

Other attractions include high end bars, restaurants, theaters, and social clubs, many of which are automated while some are run by families of paramilitary members that don't wish to enter service or combat.

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SPIRES

Naxos - Home to the Keepers and ceremonial hall of Auxesia, Naxos is named after Naxos island of ancient Sol. This Spire can only be accessed via secure tramway or private landing. For all intent and purposes, the public section is an ornate palace with statues to heroic and important figures in Auxesian history, primarily consisting of the Keepers. Each had a plaque detailing their outstanding service and history, that can be modified upon death or retirement of any active individual in service.

In addition to being a ceremonial hotspot, the private sections act as a secure fortress, research center and workshop for the Keepers. The top two floors are reserved as residential space and contain several recreational options for health purposes, including a holographic training room and swimming pool, however public facilities remain available within the City itself. A library of all culminated knowledge is available for the Keeper or Keepers to access and monitor.

This spire serves as the primary control point for the atmospheric shielding control.

Erebus - This Spire, as well as the section of Ismara that surrounds it was given to the Reapers of Sirius remnants as a municipality within the Covenant of Auxo, and serves as the primary governing headquarters and law enforcement office of the minor community of barely seven hundred. The Military Police house their operations within this spire for the district, and maintain their modified AMU tanks within a specialized garage on the lower levels.

Like every spire, Erebus contributes to the generation of the atmospheric control shield that covers the city.

The Monastery of Irene - The religious foundation and academic center of Auxesia. The Monastery contains a vast and well guarded library of knowledge that directly connects and constantly updates the library within Naxos. Unlike other religious societies, the followers of Irene dedicate themselves to knowledge and the reverence of technology, thus they can often be found studying materials obtained from field operations in collaboration with Zeta Section and R&D, lending their vast library to the other divisions with heightened clearance. The Spire itself serves as a residence and place of study for the religious leader, identified as a Bishop, as well as the teachers of knowledge and followers of Irene.

This spire contributes to the generation of the atmospheric shield.

Vesuvius - This spire serves as the primary Air-Traffic-Control center for the landing pads and shipping docks. While designed to support the atmospheric shield, the public nature of the tower put the shield stability at risk, and this it serves as a relay and backup if necessary, and is not powered.

Nevertheless, the spire itself is well guarded with a heavy paramilitary presence to prevent tampering and deter intruders.

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[A/)- The Inner Phalanx]

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CEREMONIAL HALL OF NAXOS

Much like the Keeper's Hall of Ataraxia before it was closed and re-purposed, this hall is adorned with decorative statues, ample space and a ceremonial throne for the Keeper. However unlike the former hall, this hall represents all aspects of the society, including statues of the religious deity Irene, as well as the heroes and Keepers of Auxesia.

Many of the events that fill these halls involve colorful, traditional clothing, robes and armor. The largest event to be hosted is the celebration of the rebirth of Auxesia, where thousands occupy the hall and the district streets to enjoy another year of continuing existence and duty. They give thanks to those who serve actively, thanks to the Keeper for founding the society, and thanks to those who are no longer present, but put their lives on the line so that they may continue to preserve.

Other events include bestowing formal titles to outstanding individuals, including the title of "Star". These services are often short and limited to family, friends, squadron members and The Inner Phalanx. Individuals given this honor are handed a ceremonial robe and custom suit of armor for their service, as well as have their names and likeness displayed within the hall, detailing the reason for their entry and their personal history so they will not be forgotten.

(// This is a WIP since there's other stuff that needs to be put out as well)

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[A/)- The Inner Phalanx]

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AUXESIAN MILITARY POLICE

The Military Police fall under their own division standards and leadership. Seen here providing security within the Angels District, they operate similar to that of the Paramilitary, but with separate resources and no off-world operations. The Military Police are considered the domestic law enforcement of Ismara, sworn to protect the citizens that occupy its districts. Many of the officers of the MP had directly transferred from the paramilitary, having previous police experience within the Houses. They required re-education in procedure and Auxo law before entering service. Each officer was re-outfitted with new uniforms and tracking equipment better suited for domestic operations, providing them with a new uplink to the MP network in Sparta.

The leading Venator, former Naval Admiral Steven Bennett, has employed tactics he had learned from his career, modified with the enhanced tactics incorporated by Auxesia and inherited from observing The Core. While not as ruthless, the strategies used are just as effective in apprehension and elimination of potential threats and violations. To accompany this, the MP division was provided with improved and lighter versions of the AMU Spider Tank, due to the urban nature and need for rapid deployment. The new AMU is entirely automated, and sports a double armament of particle cannons, as well as light repeaters for close quarters.

The officers themselves are outfitted with customized tracking helmets and modified ballistic rifles, as well as stun batons for non-lethal take downs. Officers are also provided with gunship support in case of aerial pursuit and support being required, in the form of atmospheric fighters.

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[A/)- The Inner Phalanx]

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ELYSIUM

Elyisum, properly identified as AT-X 103 Elysium, is a complex and massive heat sink deep beneath the surface of Elgin, below the city of Ismara. Its home to a significant number of classified projects, production facilities, high-valued prisoners, dangerous equipment and the illusive Zeta Section. The compound itself was built around the Heat Sink as a security gate and last line of defense in case of incursion. Several potential escape routes exist for the Inner Phalanx, and off-site data upload becomes a priority if evacuation ever becomes a requirement.

The facility is accessible via two trams. One connects to the paramilitary headquarters of Sparta, and another to the Naxos Spire for the Keepers and Curator. Much of what goes on beneath the surface is kept secret to those above, as a significant amount of sensitive projects, operations and records are kept there, including the Thalatte details. Zeta Section remains unsure how many would react to tank-grown soldiers, thus the project remains secret like many others, with only the Keepers being aware. In addition, much of Auxesia's experimental weapons, armor and vessel designs happen within Elysium, and anyone who seeks to work below the surface is put through an interrogation and screening process. The only lines of communication are direct, and connect to Sparta and Naxos. Transmissions are blocked to prevent any security leaks.

As far as the rest of the city is concerned, only a maintenance station is down here.

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