FF26a

The FF26a star system contains three planets: a small, rocky, nearly molten planet nearest the star, a small-sized gas giant in the third orbit, and a rocky world that, at first glance, looks like it should not just be inhabitable, but desirable as a colony world. This is FF26a II - the only "Red Zone" world in the Firstfall subsector.

Facilities

Orbiting the forbidden planet is a starport capable of providing little more than unrefined fuel and basic repairs for jumpships in need. There are no shops, no restaurants, no lounges, and no room accommodations available in the station. There are offices for the small staff of Collective officials responsible for ensuring the quarantine on the planet below is maintained. Some laboratory space for authorized researchers is also available, but neither these personnel nor their research is available to outsiders visiting the station.

Red Zone Restrictions

According to the governing statues of the Firstfall Collective, unauthorized landing on the planet, or any attempt to collect surface samples of any kind, is punishable by death. In addition the the highport personnel that maintain constant surveillance on the world, a ring of automated defense satellites will detect any attempts to access the surface. These satellites are missile-equipped and will automatically launch if any unauthorized craft is detected beneath their orbital position.

Rumors Regarding the Planet and Its Restrictions

The official position of the Firstfall Collective is that atmospheric and surface conditions on the planet FF26a II are extremely hazardous to human life - so hazardous that even advanced protective gear is incapable of sustaining life. It is widely recognized (though not publicly discussed, since that is also a crime prohibited by Collective Statute) that this is not the case. Spectral analysis of the atmosphere - something almost every jumpship is capable of doing - shows no toxins. Surface temperatures, pressures, and gravity are all well within human tolerance, and the planet clearly sustains at least green vegetative life.

Rumors about why the Collective's government wants to keep this world off-limits fall into two categories: there is some research going on that the Collective does not want publicized, or there is some resource available on the planet that the Collective wishes to keep off the markets.

FOR GAMEMASTERS ONLY - The Truth

Actually both sets of rumors hint at the truth. The planet is home to an indigenous sapient, though primitive, species that has apparently developed psionic abilities. Researchers are studying these beings and their mental capabilities to determine if such abilities can be awakened in humans - most likely for purposes of weaponizing them. Historically, human psionics have been considered supernatural and "evil", so to avoid backlash, the Collective keeps the existence of these beings and their research out of the public eye.