Convention Structure

• Council Composition: One vote per member nation or recognized bloc
• Headquarters: Earth-Moon Assembly Platform (The Forge)
• Treaty Scope:
  • Full military control of orbital and interplanetary assets
  • Mandated 1% GDP contribution (minimum)
  • Anti-terrorism, anti-piracy, and rapid response authority
  • Peacekeeping and deterrent deployments

Nations may increase their contribution above the 1% minimum to gain influence, higher prestige roles, and control over more powerful ships. The North American Federation, for example, contributes the most and is represented by the flagship ISA Battleship Columbia. In contrast, lower-contributing states are represented by smaller vessels like the ISA Destroyer Duma or ISA Frigate Sankofa.

Ship Rights and Political Stratification

Though the Council votes are equal, wealthier nations hold greater power within the fleet due to their larger, more capable vessels and greater crew appointments. This system affects:

• Ship class assignment (e.g., battleship vs. frigate)
• Technology trials and R&D access
• Command roles and officer training quotas

The OSC effectively mirrors the social stratification of Earth within its military structure. Leadership roles often stay within political or corporate dynasties. In an effort to counter criticism, the lottery cadet system was introduced to bring in cadets from underrepresented backgrounds—though these individuals, like Ryan Anders and his friends, are usually relegated to low-status assignments.

Weapons and Technology Restrictions

The OSC prohibits nations from independently fielding space-based weapons, fleets, or defense platforms. All space military development and deployment must flow through the ISA.

One of the most controversial rules involves nuclear weapons:

• Only battleship-class vessels are permitted to carry them.
• Deployment requires either prior ISA authorization, or a unanimous vote by the three highest-ranking officers aboard in the event of an extreme emergency.

This restriction further widens the divide between nations with battleships and those without—a functional hierarchy embedded in treaty law.

Controversies and Conspiracies

Though hailed as the beginning of a new era, the OSC’s formation is shrouded in suspicion. It was originally stalled in negotiation until the emergence of the terrorist organization R5. Some believe the asteroid strikes that killed millions, coincidentally timed with a revived push for ratification, were part of a deeper conspiracy.

Key conspiracy claims include:

• The R5 attacks were orchestrated or allowed to justify global unification.
• The ISA is hiding the discovery of an extrasolar threat that triggered the rush to centralize military power.
• The OSC was designed from the start to serve corporate interests and control the high ground of space.

While unproven, these theories persist… especially in Martian and outer-colony circles.

The Martian Exception

The Martian Republics were the final major holdouts to the OSC. Fiercely independent, culturally divergent, and boasting a powerful orbital defense fleet of their own, Mars resisted ISA authority for years.

They only signed the OSC after:

• Negotiating exemption from Phase III, which required full integration of national orbital defenses into the ISA
• Receiving approval to construct a Martian-flagged battleship, the in-progress ISA Olympus Mons

Since signing, Martian officers have begun to integrate into the ISA, though tensions remain high, and many on Mars view the treaty as a political concession forced by economic pressure.

Remembrance Day

While R5’s orbital strikes occurred on different days, the world recognizes August 25th as Remembrance Day, honoring the victims of New York, Tel Aviv, and Ottawa. The event is marked by moments of silence, official speeches, and policy reaffirmations across ISA member states.

Summary

The Orbital Security Convention (OSC) is a multinational treaty that governs space-based military operations in Fleet of the Forgotten. Ratified after the devastating R5 attacks, it gave rise to the Interplanetary Security Alliance (ISA) and shifted all orbital defense authority away from nation-states. Though each member has equal voting power, real influence is tied to funding, with wealthier nations controlling battleships and strategic decisions. The OSC prohibits national orbital weaponry, heavily restricts nuclear deployment, and remains controversial due to conspiracy theories, Martian resistance, and deep systemic inequality baked into its structure.