Notable Skrell Systems and Locations
The Skrell have come a long way from their beginnings in the Nralakk system. From the swamps and quagmires of early Qerrbalak to the cold metal hallways of modern space stations, Skrell have spread across the stars over their long history. Today, Skrell come from many places across the galaxy. The following is an overview of a few of the locations Skrell call home.
Nralakk: The Home system
The Skrellian home-system of Nralakk is largely considered to be the jewel of Skrell space. It has historically served as the center of government for the Federation and serves as home for roughly half of the galaxy’s Skrell population. Following first contact with humanity, the system has gained the colloquial name “Jargon”.
Qerrbalak
Qerr’Malic
First colonized in 510 CE by a mere 100 Skrell, Qerrbalak’s moon of Qerr’Malic has served as a testing ground for many of the colonization technologies which would be used in the following millennia. Many of the biodomes used to make regions of Qerr’Malic’s surface livable are still in use today. By building key infrastructure and housing units downward toward the moon’s center, Skrell engineers were able to pioneer the heat-management systems which would be instrumental in the colonization of Jargon V (Aliose).
Qerr’Malic today is a bustling population center and a popular destination for aspiring engineers. The many shipping centers across the moon’s surface are used to direct trade throughout Federation space, and have attracted a number of proficient aerospace engineers and technological innovators to Qerr’Malic. The recently renamed Qerr’Weirun Aeronautics University (formerly the Qerr’Malic Aeronautics University) on the dark side of Qerr’Malic produces a large number of the engineers and pilots seen across Federation space.
Aliose
The first planet to be colonized by the Federation, Aliose saw its first Skrell land on its surface in 1611 CE. To combat the planet’s much colder temperature, early colonists built much of their structures downward, beneath the planet’s surface. Aliose gradually became dotted with cities and laboratories as much of Qerrbalak’s scientific elite sought to take part in the Skrell’s first planetary colonization. Over time, Aliose became the scientific powerhouse of the Federation.
With the events of the Third Incident, Aliose gained a subculture of deep seated patriotism and duty as former military members and scientists worked together to strike back against the machines and establish a stronger Aliose. The city of Fedas was especially successful in their struggles to give Aliose back to the Skrell, and became the planet’s center of government following the end of the Era of Synthetic Oppression.
Aliose today is largely considered the heart of the Federation’s scientific and military endeavors. Research conducted by the Aliose University of Medical Sciences has had a role in producing many of the medical technologies we see today, making it a very attractive destination for aspiring Skrell doctors and chemists. Aliose continues to produce a large number of Skrell patriots and aspiring soldiers to this day.
Stellar Colonies and the “First Wave” Systems
When Skrell finally ventured beyond their solar system, they did so with great enthusiasm. Skrell culture has traditionally placed great emphasis on the importance of the stars, causing space exploration and colonization to be seen as very respected fields. Most of the early Skrell space endeavors centered around either exploration or resource harvesting within Nralakk. With the rise of space colonization, many Skrell began calling new and strange lands their home.
The “first wave” of extrasolar colonization is considered to have begun in 1748 CE, when the first colonists arrived in four systems with planets similar in scale to Qerrbalak. These first wave systems are highly populous with well developed infrastructure and healthy trade routes. The four First Wave planets are: Aweiji of the Waugshai system, Guibhin of the Niuopts system, Ruetzuil of the Xiltuat system, and Voullbalak of the Juuploux system.
Waugshai System
The Waughai system was one of the first Systems outside of Nralakk to be colonized by Skrell. From the start, colonization in Waugshai was intended to create permanent, livable settlements rather than temporary living conditions for mining operations.
Aweiji
In 1748 CE, Aweiji became the first planet outside of Nralakk to have a permanent Skrell colony. The planet was rockier, drier, and more mountainous than the settlers’ home planet of Qerrbalak, but advances in biodome technology gave settlers adequate shelter while early terraforming technology made the planet’s atmosphere habitable. The first settlers landed on a plain between two mountains, an area which would become the city of Tresja. Because of its history as the first Skrell colony outside of Nralakk, Aweiji would be chosen as the location of the largest political meeting in the Jargon Federation’s history, the Tresja Agreement.
Second Wave Systems
As the First Wave Systems grew, smaller settlements sprouted to support them. This Second Wave of colonization efforts saw the spontaneous rise of many colonies with single purposes, like mining outposts and farming operations. Some of these systems would go on to becoming thriving, if not modest, communities of varying levels of self reliance.
Xaqixal
The Traverse: “The Skrellian Frontier”
The modern Jargon Federation is very particular with a few things: its paperwork, its borders, and its colonies. The rate at which Skrell reproduce has slowed significantly, resulting in a Federal government that cares very much about its individual holdings. The frontier of Federation space is known as The Traverse. The name itself is meant to suggest that these colonial solar systems are just a stop on the road as the Federation gradually grows. This fixation with expansion comes from the importance Skrell culture has historically placed on the stars. Many believe it is a Skrell’s duty to traverse the stars, and so the ever expanding edge of Skrell space is known as the Traverse.
Settlements of the Traverse vary drastically, but a few trends are common among these Skrell systems. Firstly, the colonists consist mostly of carefully chosen civilians, professionals who will keep the colony running smoothly, and their families. The Traverse systems are also heavily patrolled by Federation military and naval forces. This military presence is meant to protect colonists from piracy and other dangers. Many colonists are also held to their new homes by contracts with the Federation itself. To ensure that each colony has their needs met, the Federation will often offer benefits to engineers, doctors, and other necessary professionals to work within specific Traverse systems for a number of decades.
The Federation offers the Traverse significant aid and benefits to help the budding settlements establish themselves and grow. The first and most notable Federal assistance comes with the initial colonization. Federation resources and workers build the initial infrastructure of Traverse colonies. These include hydroponics networks, schools, libraries, and housing complexes for the colonists. The Federation also gives bonuses to the pilots, traders, and cargo workers who assist budding colonies. This support also extends to whatever local government each system adopts, as Federation funds assist the colony’s early internal developments.
The “Independent” Solitary Systems
After the Third Incident, Skrell systems were largely isolated. Over time, the newly reformed Federation would re-establish contact with each remote system and slowly reintegrate their governments into the Jargon Federation. In 2398 CE, Aweiji hosted the Tresja Agreement, in which nearly all remaining Skrell systems were welcomed back into the Federation. The few systems which did not send representatives to attend the meeting in Tresja were cut off from the rest of the galaxy for a time. This “time apart” intended to allow each system’s population to consider whether or not they wanted to remain solitary.
These independent yet isolated systems were completely secluded for roughly sixty years before Grand Councilor Weashbi Jrugl reopened diplomatic relations with several systems. Among the places secluded after the Tresja Agreement were: the bustling Yui'qui'gliop system and its military remnants, the tiny Qrruhilum and its mining operations, and the Pluat system with its extensive factory complexes.
Locations Outside of Federation Space
Foreau
The human frontier world Foreau is one of the few human settlements located close to the Skrell Traverse. The planet first caught the attention of the Jargon Federation in 2430 CE when its local government first reached out to Jargon ambassadors in the hopes of establishing trade with the Skrell. This has gone quite well for the small frontier world, which is gradually receiving more attention from Skrell government and civilians.
Foreau’s surface is largely covered by deep seas and sparse islands. The majority of Foreau’s population converges around its several cities and the trade routes between them. Because of its wet climate, proximity to Jargon, and warming relationship with the Federation, Foreau has become a popular destination for Skrell tourists.