Worlds: Altair

Star Type:          F7III
Position in System: 5th planet
Time to Jump Point: 10 days
Recharging Station: Zenith and Nadir jump points
Ruler:              Selena Kyle, Duchess of Altair
ComStar Facility:   Class A, Precentor Elba Fuentes
Population:         3.6 Billion
Native Life:        20% native, reptiles most advanced

Altair is a large, dry planet beneath a very unstable sun. The cause of the sun's frequent solar storms and violent flares in unknown, but such activity shuts down communications, sometimes for two months or more.

The planet's underground rivers are the reason that a few areas do support vegetation. Around these green patches cluster the three billion inhabitants of the planet. Mining is the major industry, with five iron ore deposits and one titanium ore deposit presently being mined.

The curious water in certain portions of the planet has given rise to the planet's second biggest firm, the Long Life Company. Head- quartered in the city of Bonanza, this company grows certain herbs in "Altairian Medicinal Water" (as they call it) so that the herbs may be used in teas. The company is also a large manufacturer of more conventional medicines.

From House Kurita, Editor Gillian Sorenson-Hague, ComStar Archives.

Corporation: Long Life Company

Home Office Location:
  Bonanza, Altair, Al Na'ir Prefecture
  Dieron Military District, Draconis Combine
President/CEO:
  Viscount Sanzo "Uncle San" Oguri

The Long Life Company began 200 years ago, at which time its founders sold herbal medicines and patented nostrums. It now produces sophisticated chemical medications and hospital equipment, but still derives a good profit from its "Tree of Life", "Hands of a Loving Mother", and "Secret of a Bull's Virility" tonics.

Corporation: Kurita Combine Munitions Corporation

Home Office Location:
  KCMC City, Altair, Al Na'ir Prefecture
  Dieron Military District, Draconis Combine
President/CEO:
  Viscount Darren Bleuel

The only manufacturer of military equipment on Altair, the KCMC builds heavy AeroSpace fighters for the DCMS. Originally founded in the days of the Star League, KCMC has never achieved its dreams of being a major player in military procurement circles. At its largest, the firm had three factory complexes on Altair producing all types of AeroSpace vehicles and fighters.

Now reduced to its original holdings on KCMC City, the company is still a major force on the world of Altair. KCMC City is strictly under the control of the company, which runs almost all public services, from street maintenance to the peacekeeping forces. Clashes between the company and various gangs is commonplace, as Viscount Bleuel is adamantly opposed to outside influences in his city.

Local: New Stadium Dies Stillborn

Altair City, Central Continent
Altair, Al Na'ir Prefecture
Dieron Military District, Draconis Combine

A large explosion destroyed the partially built Magic the Gathering Stadium. The Stadium was part of the governments comprehensive anti- crime program, started last month. Ironically, the Stadium was to replace the Nishiwa Building, which was also destroyed by an explosion.