Serendip Belt: History

5154-200AD The Belt Matures

Once the independence of the Angels was established, there followed a period of rapid, and relatively peaceful growth in the Belt. Each settlement was governed independently. The bigger ones were ruled by democracies or by the Bridge Crew system, which was essentially a civil service bureaucracy. Smaller settlements and homesteads were governed through the Prime Claim Law, by the homesteader. In essence, the homesteader was the absolute ruler of his own realm.

Most significant communities acknowledged the following agreements and treaties:

The Prime Claim Law, administered by the Prime Claim Court.

Regulated property rights. The Court arbitrated in disputes and interpreted the Law. The Court also maintained a register of valid claims. Homesteaded property could only be transferred through the Court.

The Free Commerce Agreement, administered by the Commerce Council.

Regulated interworld commerce and trade. The Council performed binding arbitration in disputes. Corporations that operated across several habitats had to be registered with the Commerce Council.

The Unified Astrogation Conventions, administered by the Astrogation Authority.

Regulated interworld travel. The Authority established rules of navigation, and minimum safety standards.