Quote: The green world of Erie was discovered in 679 A.S. Although the Pennsylvania system is located relatively close to New York, it took some time before Liberty became interested in its exploration. Erie was the only planet in the system with environment suitable for human colonization. The ecosystem of the planet was exceptionally rich with various land and water species, and in some way resembled Earth of Triassic period. At first, Liberty considered Erie to be suitable place of colonization for undesired elements from Manhattan. Later, however, it became known that some of microorganisms that inhabit Erie can infect humans, and numerous predators posed significant danger. Since Liberty was not ready to provide socially undesirable colonists with expensive medical supplies or weaponry to defend themselves, plans to colonize Erie were delayed.
In 761 A.S., a group of Zoner colonists landed planetside. Aware of the dangers posed by local wildlife, they drained swamps in a few selected areas to eliminate insects that were major carriers of local diseases. Later, well-developed settlements were built in the drained territories. Settlements grew into cities, and many Zoners started to consider this planet as their new home, much akin to Gran Canaria. Liberty, of course, was aware of their progress, unwilling to allow an independent colony to arise within its borders. Liberty Security Force agents on the planet secretly bribed a group of high-rank Zoner councilors who controlled most of the planet's economy and space transit. At about the same time, Liberty Rogues and Xenos found jump hole paths into Pennsylvania and established bases of operation there. While the Zoners had enough firepower to fight back the intruders and protect their convoys, some of the councilors overestimated the threat, in an attempt to cause panic among pilots and the civilian population. In the end, the government of Erie made an ambiguous decision to invite Liberty Police Inc. to protect their Pennsylvania bases and trade routes.
Most of the local Zoners reacted negatively to this decision, and some even started to assemble resistance detachments in order to start a guerilla war in case Liberty will overstep its bounds. Liberty officials were witty enough to see economical benefits that the presence of Zoners provided, and avoided the fighting. Declaring Pennsylvania an independent system under Liberty protectorate, they offered Zoners economical and political freedom. Moreover, Liberty has built a system of trade lanes to allow safer and faster travels between Pennsylvania stations and New York. While the system is supervised by Liberty governor, the Zoner cities on Erie are self-governed and enjoy complete autonomy, unlike former Zoner space stations that have completely been taken under control of LPI. Zoners, of course, are not fully satisfied with their agreement with Liberty; however, they have to admit that any attempts to overthrow the Liberty reign will result in a war with the nearby House, leading to destruction of their new world.
It is a Zoner system, policed by Liberty. Dock on Erie all you like, but be respectful to any Libery law enforcement. We can't afford a war there. We'll loose.
