ETI: Luna

Initially founded by political dissidents fleeing the Saturn Federation, Luna has developed into a technologically advanced, relatively prosperous society. By 2500, the Free Luna Soviet is a well-established lunar society with a population of around twelve million, spread across a dozen underground and surface cities. The Free Luna Soviet prides itself on democratic governance, meritocracy, and a robust social safety net. However, this society is not without its contradictions. 

The Free Luna Soviet adopted its name as both a reflection of its political origins and a symbol of its vision for a society free from oppression. Founded by highly idealistic dissidents fleeing the authoritarian regime of the Saturn Federation and later the rigid social hierarchies of Mars, the colony sought to establish a new order on Luna based on quasi-socialist ideals. The word “Free” signified their commitment to balancing individual liberty with social responsibility within a meritocratic and democratic framework. The term “Soviet” to emphasize their system of council-based governance, where local soviets — democratic worker councils — would manage cities and industries, ensuring collective decision-making and avoiding centralized control. The state has varied between loosely run freedom and technocratic authoritarianism over the decades, but usually hews to a middle course between idealism and pragmatism.

The modern Free Luna Soviet functions as a socialist republic with democratic institutions, but the system is highly structured and paternalistic. Power is concentrated in the hands of People's Soviets, local councils elected by the residents of each city. These councils manage day-to-day affairs, distribute resources, and oversee industrial production, which is a key part of Luna’s economy. Above them is the Central Soviet, a planetary body responsible for broader governance, international relations, and defense. The military of the Free Luna Soviet is small but formidable, consisting primarily of defense forces that operate Luna’s mass drivers and laser systems. These industrial installations, essential for launching cargo and materials into space, double as powerful weapons that can defend Luna from external threats, particularly from the Saturn Federation, with whom the Soviet remains in a cold war. While the military is highly respected, it is often criticized for its influence on policy, particularly in matters of foreign relations.

A four-grade social system persists, with citizens classified by test scores and aptitude into a complex ranking system. Movement between these classes is theoretically possible but difficult in practice, and the system creates a subtle hierarchy that contrasts with the Soviet’s claims of total equality. The Soviet also maintains strict control over resource distribution, especially since Luna’s economy is based largely on mining and industrial production. While trade with Mars and the Belt ensures the availability of food and organic materials, Luna remains dependent on these partners for survival, making self-sufficiency a constant concern.

Luna’s society is highly meritocratic, meaning positions of authority are granted to those who demonstrate skill, competence, and loyalty to the collective. While this fosters innovation and ensures that the most capable lead, it can also breed resentment and inequality, as those deemed less "useful" struggle to rise through the ranks. The government strongly guides citizens' lives, providing extensive welfare programs such as universal healthcare, education, and housing. While these programs are well-regarded and provide a high standard of living, they also come with a price—personal freedom is limited by social pressure and governmental incentives, and everyone is expected to contribute to the collective in some capacity. 

Despite these challenges, life on Luna is relatively secure and comfortable compared to other parts of the solar system. The Soviet’s commitment to education and social welfare ensures that its citizens are generally well-educated and healthy. However, the environment can stifle individual ambition, and there is a growing undercurrent of dissatisfaction among the younger generation, who are starting to push for more personal freedoms and less oversight from the government.

The cities of Luna are primarily located underground or within massive domes, shielded from cosmic radiation and the harsh lunar environment. Each city is named after a major lunar crater, reflecting Luna’s connection to its landscape and history.

Tycho: One of the largest and oldest cities, Tycho is located near the Tycho Crater and serves as the industrial heart of the Free Luna Soviet. It houses massive mining operations and production facilities that are vital to Luna’s economy. With a population of over 2 million, Tycho is also a hub for trade and transport, with launch facilities sending materials to other colonies throughout the solar system.

Copernicus: Known as the intellectual and scientific capital, Copernicus is home to Luna’s most prestigious universities and research institutions. Located near Copernicus Crater, the city has a population of 1.5 million and is a center for technological innovation, especially in fields like engineering and space travel. It is also where many of Luna’s political leaders and intellectuals reside.

Clavius: Located near the large Clavius Crater, Clavius is the administrative capital of the Free Luna Soviet. This city of 1.8 million houses the Central Soviet and the key governmental institutions of the state. Clavius is known for its grand architecture and sprawling underground complexes, where the future of Luna is debated and shaped.

Plato: Plato is a quieter city located near the Plato Crater, with a population of 800,000. It is known for its focus on sustainable agriculture and hydroponics, which help supplement Luna’s food supply. Residents of Plato live in expansive domed habitats that house extensive vertical farms, providing Luna with a degree of self-sufficiency in food production.

Aristarchus: Aristarchus is a growing city located near the Aristarchus Crater. It has become the center for Luna’s burgeoning arts and cultural scene, with many of the Free Luna Soviet’s artists, writers, and musicians residing there. The city is home to around 600,000 people and is known for its vibrant cultural festivals and galleries, which draw visitors from across the solar system.

Schrödinger: Located in the far southern hemisphere near the Schrödinger Crater, Schrödinger is a remote city focused on scientific exploration and military defense. With a population of 400,000, it serves as a base for both deep-space research and the operation of Luna’s defensive mass drivers. Its isolation gives it a reputation for being secretive, and it is rumored that many of Luna’s military technologies are tested here.