Industry represents a company or economic organization that plays a major role in the science fiction universe. Whether mining, technology, finance, medicine, or focused on construction or transportation, Industry is often a key narrative driver. Through its influence, innovations, or ambitions, it shapes the world in which it operates and affects characters, factions, and stories.

A pillar of the universe

Each Industry is much more than a simple economic entity: it is a living force that reflects the social, cultural and technological dynamics of the universe:

• Its domain: An Industry specializes in a specific field, such as resource extraction, spacecraft manufacturing, biological engineering, or interstellar finance.

• Its size: It can be a small family business with local impact or an omnipresent mega-corporation with galactic reach.

• Reputation: Some Industries are admired for their contributions, while others are feared or hated due to their questionable ethical practices or oppressive monopolies.

A crucial narrative role

Industries directly influence the plot and relationships between characters and factions:

• An action engine: An Industry can be involved in technological discoveries, conspiracies, or economic conflicts that fuel the stories.

• An Ally or an Antagonist: Depending on its motivations and practices, Industry can help the heroes accomplish their mission or become a major obstacle to overcome.

• A focus: Plots may revolve around Industry secrets, such as experimental projects, sabotage, or internal power struggles.

A structure and a hierarchy

Industry is often composed of multiple levels of organization, reflecting the complexity of its operations:

• The Leaders: At its head are leaders, whether visionary, pragmatic, or corrupt, whose decisions influence the entire universe.

• Employees: From underground miners to high-level scientists, each employee has a role that contributes to the identity and internal dynamics of the Industry.

• Subdivisions: An Industry may have several departments or subsidiaries, each with a different objective or specialization.

An influential presence in the universe

Industries leave their mark on the universe through their products, their services, and their ambitions:

• Technologies and innovations: An Industry can be the origin of revolutionary technologies that change daily life or the course of history.

• Political Influence: Some Industries manipulate governments, fund military campaigns, or establish laws that favor their interests.

• Environmental Impact: Whether exploiting natural resources or terraforming planets, Industry practices can transform (or destroy) entire worlds.

A symbol of universal issues

Beyond its narrative role, Industry can symbolize important themes or issues in the science fiction universe:

• Progress: It can represent innovation and the aspiration to improve humanity.

• Corruption: Some industries embody greed, exploitation, or the excesses of capitalism.

• The Moral Dilemma: Industry practices raise questions about ethics, social responsibility, and the sacrifices necessary to achieve a goal.

Interaction with other artifacts

Industry is often connected to other major elements of the universe:

• Planets: An Industry can exploit an entire planet for its resources or establish its headquarters there.

• Groups: It can be linked to factions, such as an engineering guild or an interstellar syndicate.

• Characters and Heroes: Some characters work for the Industry, oppose it, or seek to reveal its secrets.

An evolution over the course of the stories

Industries are not fixed: they evolve according to events and the choices of the characters:

• Growth or decline: An industry can prosper, conquer new markets, or on the contrary collapse under the weight of scandals or revolts.

• Reorientation: Under the direction of a new leader or faced with external constraints, an Industry may change its objectives or practices.

• Consequences of its actions: The Industry's ambitious or reckless projects can have major repercussions on the universe, whether it is a revolutionary advancement or a disaster.

In summary

Industry is more than just a corporation: it is a dynamic force that shapes the universe and its stories. Through its ambitions, innovations, and interactions with characters and other artifacts, it reflects both the promise and the dangers of progress. Whether a valuable ally or a formidable adversary, Industry remains a fascinating and essential element of science fiction stories.