‘The core’ is a generic term used to designate the most central, populated regions of Sector 9. Outlying worlds occasionally adopt the term ‘core’ as another name for the government or for the Coalition itself.
The core is dominated by a network of six star systems nicknamed the ‘Deep Six’; Haleian and Ulthun populations are strongest here, but Human numbers continue to grow rapidly year over year. These systems are the hub of technology, commerce and military activity in Sector 9.
The most prominent member of the Deep Six is the blue supergiant Tchel, an enormous star hosting a far-reaching net of fifteen planets, two large stations, and countless planetoids hidden in and amongst its extensive scattered disk. Over two-hundred years ago, this system was chosen by the Haleians and the Ulthun as the common ground on which the Coalition would take root; its central location to both their home worlds coupled with the mutually favorable conditions found on a number of its planets made it an attractive choice. The name ‘Tchel’ was chosen by the Haleians and roughly translates to ‘reminder’ – a shared reminder of the Haleian-Ulthun peace agreement and a symbol of the Coalition’s strength.
Three of Tchel’s innermost terrestrial worlds are populated: Thund Makat (the seat of the Coalition), Shosheen and Cedna. Because of Tchel’s strategic importance, the system is actively patrolled and protected by the Naggotha – an elite Coalition military group.
Tchel itself is visible from just about any inhabited planet in Sector 9.
The Haleian home system of Xel’than and the Ulthun home system of Uloth are two other members of the Deep Six collection. The remaining three systems are Omoros, Mi’zhan and dusky Laanek.