Alterra Corporation

The Alterra Corporation, or simply Alterra, is a Trans-Gov that funded the Aurora's mission to construct a phasegate in the Ariadne Arm. It also appears to be the manufacturer of many machines and tools in-game, as its logo is present on many of them.

As stated in several PDA downloads, they appear to be a democratic corporation, with a president. They however do not have a military force, with the exception of the police force, and also it is illegal to own weapons, again with the exception to the police force. The survival knife is the only exception to other individuals. They however are the top supplier to the Trans-System Federation.

Oddly, when surviving alone on alien worlds, survivors are expected to pay the full market price if Alterra claims the planet's resources as their property. The bill can reach from millions to even one trillion credits, as was the case with Ryley Robinson.

Alterra Profile
Trans-Gov Profile: Alterra Corp.

- One of largest suppliers of spacefaring technologies and consumer electronics in the federation - The official supplier of the TSF - Consistently ranked amongst the Galaxy's best employers - Began life as a defense manufacturer in the mid-22nd century - National Motto: 'Get what you deserve' Although most trans-govs can trace their roots back to earth, Alterra - literally meaning 'by earth' - is the only one brazen enough to take its name.

During the Expansion, Alterra supplied arms to all sides, acquiring and housing a vast colonist workforce, and making the transition from manufacturer to coprorate state. Alterra's threat to cease trade was one of the turning points in the conflict, bringing about the end of hostilities and the signing of the Charter.

Today Alterra has a ban on all weapons within its borders, although loopholes exist for law enforcement officers and manufacturers / exporters. The corporation has learnt that violence is most profitable when conducted between customers rather than employees.

Free enterprise within Alterra space is encouraged, but competition is tight, and all goods exported offworld must be Alterra branded. Profitable businesses are bought out by the state, owners ascending to the Alterra Board of Directors. Well-known Alterra technologies such as the Cyclops submersible originated with such private enterprises.

Despite superficial similarities to national governments, the corporation's lawyers have always maintained that it has no legal obligation to its 'employees', but voluntarily elects to take on the roles usually served by a democratically elected government. This claim has not yet been tested in Federation courts.

Appearances
The Alterra logo can be seen on objects such as:
 * Computer Chip
 * Cyclops
 * All-Environment Protection Suit
 * Fire Extinguisher
 * Flashlight
 * Lifepod 5
 * PDA Encyclopedia Tab
 * Picture Frame
 * Radiation Suit
 * Survival Knife
 * Thermoblade
 * Ultra High Capacity Tank
 * Water Filtration Machine