Ares Systems
History
Founded early in Era-1 on Mars, Ares Systems, Inc. provided a great deal of the practical machinery needed for space colonization. From star-ships to battleoids, Ares Systems made the basic hardware of day-do-day life in the galaxy.
After the founding of the Autonomous Republic of Lindbergh, Ares Systems moved its headquarters there to avoid taxes. Another benefit of the move was an early alliance with Krieg Enterprises, the largest mining operation in the main belt, which allowed Ares to save costs.
Later, Ares set up offices on Gibson, after it was found to have rich deposits of both antimatter crystals, and grivitonium. As time went on, and Ares grew more prosperous, it started several space colonies as manufacturing centers, mostly in mineral-rich systems. This was the first step to forming a moderately-sized corporate state that would encompass several star-systems.
The drive to colonize space led to booming business, and Ares expanded rapidly. Its products were known for sound engineering, reliability, and quality construction.
During Era-2, Ares Systems remained independent, but in an uneasy peace with the Holy Empire of Man. Many of the rebels, insurgents, and freedom fighters of the time used Ares Systems equipment. This state of affairs lasted until shortly after the War of the Empires, when the Empire conquered the Ares corporate state outright, and incorporated it into the Imperial war machine.
Products
Ares Systems made a wide array of durable, reliable products.
The 810-P Power-Utility Robot provided mobile power when the grid isn't available.
The A-550 Thunderhawk was a powerful attack craft used by the Planetary League.
The Aurora class light transport was a mainstay of the Planetary League. Notably, the Colonial Authority and the Tardigrades used it for establishing outposts. It was also popular among civilians.
The John-Henry industrial battleoid was used for heavy-construction, and occasional military missions.
The PK-5 Cargo Robot carried heavy loads over rough terrain.
The Series 80,000 Grabber truck was used extensively in mining and construction.
The Stormrunner was larger and more capable than the Aurora, and a favorite of pirates.