Lunar destiny
Lunar Destiny
Overview
The Moon Colony of Lunar Destiny is a nation in the Nationstates game. It is located in the Federalist Europe Alliance.
The majority of the Colony is located on and under the surface of the Moon, but in addition the Colony possesses the "island" of the Crimea and adjacent coastlands as a launch/recovery area. The national animal is the "moonfish," a common goldfish which has adapted to the low gravity of the Moon by becoming very large (up to 30 lbs!). The official currency of the Colony is the Nickel Half-Ounce (Ni).
In-Character History
In 2017, a group of humans numbering about 140 adults of varying nationalities set out to be the first colonists to the Moon. Advances in private spacecraft since Scaled Composites' SpaceShipOne made possible the use of the Martz Atlantic spaceship. A large area of the Saharan desert in Mauretania was purchased and used for launching. After extensive scouting, the colonists established their initial colony in 2020 near a seam of nickel and copper in the lunar crust. The colony was aptly dubbed "Destiny". Over the next several years, the colony was able to expand. Using new fertilizer and water condensation technologies, the colonists set up greenhouses and were soon self-sustaining in food (although imported foods were still common). The colony maintained a strong income from its nickel and copper mining, as well as through space tourism. New mineral discoveries of platinum to the south, uranium to the north, and further copper finds elsewhere helped to spur development of colonial extensions.
For the Colony's first 14 years, the spaceport in Mauretania provided the essential link with Earth. The 2030's series of wars in Africa, however, threatened this link; and some of the dictators involved in Africa's decade of war attempted to use the spaceport for ransom and blackmail. Thus the Lunar Colonists struck out for a new spaceport. The Federalist Europe Alliance provided just that, allowing the Colonists to annex the Crimean island and adjacent coastlands. The annexation of these good farmlands allowed the Colony to ensure a steady supply of foods.
By 2045, the Moon Colony numbered some 24,000 residents and a fleet of 9 spaceships. While some have wondered about the possibility of terrestrial attacks against the Colonists, the Colonists remain confident the 2.5 day distance and the Colonial Sheriff's arsenal of M16A5 would deter any would-be invaders.
NationStates History
The Moon Colony of Lunar Destiny was founded sometime in October of 2004. After an initial founding in one of the Pacifics, the nation was moved to the region "Moon". After a short stint there, after much annoyance from potato-crazed players, the nation was moved upon invitation to the region "Federalist Europe Alliance". At the time, the founder, Twickers, was also the delegate. While he was away on holiday during Christmas 2004, one of his deputies, Great Agnostica, endo-swapped his way into the delegacy. Another deputy, Sindorin, was totally appalled at this move and declared open civil war. Lunar Destiny attempted to act as a qo-between for the warring parties, but being somewhat new to the game, was unable to really understand their dispute. Forces from Atheist Empire moved in to restore Twickers to the delegacy, after which Great Agnostica departed the region for another of his own founding. Sindorin was punished by the game mods for using UN multi's in his civil war attempts. Thus when Twickers returned from holiday, he found himself still delegate and most of his deputies gone. He then decided to promote new elections for the formation of a new government for the F.E.A. Twickers prodded Lunar Destiny into accepting his nomination then rigged the election to ensure his ascent to power. Lunar Destiny then served as delegate of the FEA for one full year, overseeing the recruitment of many prominent players to the region, including BigMikeistan, Lower Otter, Esthuaivia, Krydiq, and others. Upon his one-year anniversary, Lunar Destiny stepped down as delegate as the region voted in Mike to replace him. (I'll include more details at a later date).
