The Alpha Relay Web, and it’s ability to distribute power across vast interstellar distances, makes it possible to establish colonies in systems with no natural Alpha deposits. These so-called client-systems establish contracts with factions possessing Alpha Matter reactors to receive power via the Relay Web.

In 4021, Keldar, a small client-system, was engaged in an ongoing dispute with their energy supplier, Mutron Systems, alleging that Mutron was unfairly increasing energy rates. Unable to break their decades-long service contract, extremist elements on Keldar threatened to disrupt the Alpha Relay Web by destroying nearby network nodes if the Alpha Star Council did not intervene. However, the unprecedented threat only served to erode public support for the Keldarian position, despite Keldar officials insisting no such attacks would be allowed.

When the council upheld Mutron’s contract, Keldar insurgents carried out the promised attack. The disruption to the Relay Web resulted in extended energy outages across several larger systems, leading to economic chaos and loss of life.

The political and economic consequences of the Keldar incident continue to ripple across ASC space. Major powers and energy suppliers quietly fear an uprising of less-affluent worlds, while those client-systems feel increasing pressure to secure their own Alpha reserves. ASC reports note increasing pirate activity, while online pundits ruminate that galactic society is entering a new era of widespread instability.