Bakunin Expanse

The Bakunin Expanse is a lawless zone of the galaxy that begins toward the inner Sagittarius Arm of the Milky Way Galaxy, extending across to the Perseus Arm, and encompassing a gap of over 4,000 light years. Massively sized, the Bakunin Expanse is populated and controlled by an untold number of pirate groups, outlaws, raiders, and the mercenaries who hunt them down. There is extreme lack of order and cohesion in the Expanse due to rivalry and intense competition. There are exceptions, however, several of them being the Waystations that dot the Expanse--the largest of which being Herebrus.

Built by the Imperium Protectorate during the 9th century CE, the Waystations were initially designed as munitions depots, disguised as social hubs to mask their true purpose. In their fight to topple the brutal Vhoni Dynasty, the Imperium led several different species into open rebellion, taking advantage of the long-standing disorder in the Bakunin Expanse. Militia groups would meet at these hubs, socializing, planning, and arming themselves under the guise of trade. By the time that full scale war broke out, these hubs were already so deep in uncharted territory that they were virtually untouchable.

During the Reign of Imperia, the Waystations truly became refueling, trading, and social areas for the loose confederation which celebrated a new era of peace and prosperity. Ironically, the Entente used similar tactics when they toppled the Imperium Protectorate in the 17th century, using the Expanse as a staging area, though they held an advantage in the fact that Species 3 originated near the edge of the zone.

Since the fall of the Imperium Protectorate, surviving members of the former superpower have used the Waystations as listening posts, gathering rumors, secrets, and resources through contracts and alliances. Alpha made history in the Expanse when they began the the first modern movement to unite each outlaw tribe against the CSA. These allies would eventually become the first URG soldiers, and the young empire would pledge protection of the Herebrus sector of the Expanse.

The Bakunin Expanse has been known in recent times to be among the most dangerous places to travel, as outlaw groups have detectors and patrols that rape, pillage, and plunder any victims who fly into their traps.