Scoopers

Scoopers Generic term describing a multi race society found in, around and near dense stellar nebulae and matter clouds. Every element and mineral can be found in molecular purity in matter and nebulae clouds. Usually the particle density is too sparse to make collecting (scooping it) a practical venture. However in the dense, usually young nebulae this becomes a viable alternative to asteroid mining. Dense matter nebulae are dangerous, due to the fact that even the smallest particle becomes a serious problem when encountered at high speeds. Straining shields, armor and ship components. Sensor operation is hampered and navigation becomes more difficult. Scoopers use rugged, durable ships with beefed up shield systems and old fashioned optical navigation systems to edge out a living by scoping interstellar matter into densifier tanks. They conduct a balance act between dangerous conditions and profit and dive as deep as they dare or can into the nebula soups. Space born societies like the Dai often resort to Scoping to sustain their civilizations needs. There are several nebulas with scooper societies within Union territory, but most are found in Fringe areas,Free Space or Open Space regions. Scoopers, especially outside Union Space are generally a rugged, salty type of people defending their harvest against those who rather take than work themselves: Pirates, Scoop Raiders and Bandits. Scooper bases or trading posts are often run by Scooper Co-Ops. The larges Scoping operation is conducted by SII Matter Syphon Inc. with titanic Matter syphon factory ships, several of them begun operations at the Igras Expanse just recently.