Proxima Centauri b
The first stepping stone beyond the Sol system in humanity's endless expansion.
Proxima Centauri b stands as one of the earliest and most significant off-world colonies within the human diaspora of the Altered Carbon universe. While often overshadowed by the political intrigue of Lacerta or the density of Earth's Stacks, it represents a critical node in the interstellar Sleeper network. Its proximity to Sol makes it a vital waypoint for trade and data transfer between the inner system and the deeper colonies.
- Type
- Off-World Colony
- Affiliation
- Humanity / United Nations of Earth (Historical)
- Status
- Active
- Distance
- Nearest Star System to Sol
Lore & Background
Culturally, Proxima Centauri b reflects the stratification seen across all off-world settlements: a wealthy elite living in climate-controlled spires above the surface, while laborers and lower-caste stacks reside in sprawling industrial sectors below. The colony's economy is driven by resource extraction and transit fees for Sleeper traffic passing through its orbital lanes. Despite its distance from Earth, it remains under the loose jurisdiction of off-world corporate interests that often operate with more autonomy than the planetary governments.
In Their Own Story
The airlock hissed shut, sealing out the recycled chill of the transit hub. Mara adjusted her stack interface, feeling the faint hum of the Sleeper pod behind her. She wasn't here for the view; Proxima's sky was a permanent bruised purple under the dome. She was here to transfer data packets that couldn't travel the standard net—too sensitive for Earth's eyes. In the shadows of the transit station, she met the courier, his face obscured by a haptic mask. No words were exchanged, only the silent handshake of engrams swapping hands in the dead zone between stars.
Reader's Guide
The colony is divided vertically by altitude and wealth. The Upper Spires house the corporate executives and wealthy mechas who rarely touch the ground, enjoying simulated Earth-like environments. Mid-level sectors contain the administrative offices and maintenance crews responsible for keeping the atmospheric domes functional. Here, life is gritty but stable, with strict curfews enforced by orbital drones. The Surface Industrial Zones are where the bulk of laborers live. These areas are exposed to harsher conditions and rely on heavy filtration suits. It is a place of constant noise from machinery and the hum of Sleeper freighters docking in orbit.
Did You Know?
- Proxima Centauri b's proximity makes it a primary relay point for Sleeper traffic between Earth and deep-space colonies.
- The colony utilizes atmospheric domes that are structurally similar to large-scale Sleeper containment units.
- Like many off-world settlements, the population relies heavily on imported engrams from Earth due to local resource limitations.
More in World & Setting
Elsewhere in the Altered Carbon universe
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