Work in progress...
VRC civilian branches
The VRC consists of a wide variety of specialised branches, most of which have
been created just to service other branches.
Trade offices
The VRC conducts its trade(import and export) mostly through its network of
front officies and subsidiaries. The bulk of these fronts are located in RDC
space.
Recruitment office
The recruitement office is one of the few offices that openly advertises its
VRC affiliation. As the VRC keeps expanding, there is a continuing need
for new exployees and recruits.
It recruits mostly in the RDC and the Core worlds.
Exploitation branch
The exploitation branch provides the VRC with much of the raw resources it
needs. Its huge excess capacity also provides a steady income for the VRC which
it uses to obtain equipment and technology is does not have/produce itself.
Some of the mining operations are planetside. However, most of them are
located in asteroid belts. Raw materials are refined close to the place where
they have been mined. This refined material is then transported by the
interal shipping branch to its destination, which can either be an external
buyer, or a VRC production facility.
Exploration branch
The exploration branch often cooperates with the OU in exploring the vast
reaches of outer space. This kind of work attracts the more adventurous
employees, as a single trip can sometimes last years.
R&D
Biotech research
The VRC conducts biotech research for both civilian and military use. The main
purpose of this research department is to examine any new environment that is
encountered by the exploration branch, and if colonisation is wanted, to help
the terraforming branch with new methods for improving environments.
Some extraterrestial biology looks very promising, especially for military
purposes. However, the scientists, in their enthousiasm, are not always as
careful as they should be. This is illustrated by some unfortunate accidents
in a few xenobilogy installations. Fortunately, not much is publicly known
about these accidents, as this kind of research is kept very quiet by the
special branch.
Another problem the biotech research department is working on is the fact
that transporting new recruits to the farther VRC assets is becoming really
expensive because of the long travel times. An attempt was made to develop
cryonics, as this would severely decrease the amount of space and supplies
needed to transport a new recruit. Quick deployment of this technology has
been postponed after initial experiments resulted in unacceptable brain
damage to the subjects. More development is needed as the prospects of
transporting troops cheaper over long distances is still very appealing.
Another technology which seems to promise earlier deployment is the use
of artificial wombs. Obtaining human genetic material is not that difficult,
and it is much easier to transport in great quantities. Given the long term
view taken by the VRC, the long incubation and education times for new
employees is not a problem, and it promises to provide a quick way to bring
the population of the farther VRC colonies up to acceptable levels.
Ship design
The ships currently used by the VRC are mostly modified versions of older RDC
designs. These ships are well suited for their task, which is mainly patrolling
VRC space and escorting convoys. However, these ships begin to show their age,
and the requirements of the VRC are slowly changing. This is why radical new
designs are being considered right now. Once final approval has been given
production will start in the new shipyard at Nieuw Paradijs.
Shipping branches
The shipping branch supplies cargo, passenger and courier services to the
civilian branches of the company. It also supplies troop and supply transports
to the military branches.
Internal shipping branch
The internal bramch operates as a hub and
spoke system. Cargo and passengers are shipped via smaller vessels from
all outposts and installations to a nearby major colony or supply base. There
they are transferred to larger bulk carriers that operate the major shipping
lanes between those colonies and bases.
External shipping branch
The external branch operates out of Goede
Hoop, and consists of several front companies that transport goods and people
to and from destinations in the RDC and other trading partners.
All cargo and passengers are transferred at Goede Hoop between the internal
and external transport branches.
Construction branch
Shipyards
The VRC has two shipyards which are both intended for internal use.
The old shipyard at Goede Hoop is a relatively minor one.
It is mainly geared towards repairing and
refitting ships. There is a small shipbuilding capacity which is mainly used
for producing a constant stream of cargo ships. However, from time to time
this capacity is also used for major modifications to the military ships bought
from the RDC.
The new shipyard at Nieuw Paradijs is intended to be a major shipyard. It is
still under construction and its location is kept quiet. It is already in use
as a repair and support facility for civilian operations in the farther reaches
of VRC space. When it is fully operational construction will start of new
military craft currently being developed by the R&D department.
Terraforming dept.
As the VRC expands deeper and deeper into space it encounters planets that
are suitable for colonisation. However, most planets are not 100%
bio-compatible. When this is the case, the terraforming department is called
to improve the environment.