System: Gibson

Politically, Gibson is a prime example of politics making strange bedfellows. Declaring independence from the Principality of Regulus, it joined with Molokai and Clipperton to form the Principality of Gibson. The natives of this arid, culturally diverse world perceive Regulans as their oppressors. Independent for three and a quarter centuries, they are still wary of Regulans, but have lately sided with the Regulans in the Free Worlds Parliament.

Formed from dozens of ethnic and religious groups, the people of Gibson cling tenaciously to their Terran heritages and customs. In the capital city of Portent, it is not unusual to see men in dashikis walking with women in dirndl dresses: neither is it unheard of for one to hear three of four languages spoken in a quarter-kilometer of one of the many shopping districts. The largest single religious group is Buddhist, but all other major religions (and several minor sects) are represented in large numbers. One neighborhood in the capital is divided equally between Arabic and Japanese people, and a small town nearby has Quechua as its second official language.

Geographically, Gibson was once 80% land, but the contours of its surface made it ideal for terraforming. With the importation of water, lakes and rivers occurred naturally as the first rains ever fell on many parts of the planet.

Brigadier's Gibson factory is actually a converted repair facility. The changeover from repair to production was a success, and the plant is running smoothly; however, defence is complicated by a landing field with only makeshift defenses.

[3025] Gibson is governed by an oligarchy.