Zenda is a world that guards the rimward flank of Far Fenwick from the Pryfyn menace. Its moon, Streslau, hosts the Pallenberg Naval Base and the famous 4th Flotilla. Zenda is also one of the most vibrant worlds of the Duchy, having been designed as a model planet by the great architect, Gawain haut Beaumains. Originally named Garree Bow, the great architect was on sabbatical with the IIAA from his position at the University of Dingir when he arrived in deep unknown space on board the IFA Vicuña. Sadly the official histories explain that he was given free rein to develop what was then known as Garree’s World. Though a genius he was politically naive and attempted to order his planet on the lines of an Athenian Democracy from ancient Terran myth. Unfortunately though his designs flourished his people fell in to a self-destructive anarchy.
It was necessary for Duchess Annatta to send aid in restoring order to the world. In gratitude for his technical success, Garree Bow was enabled as Gawain haut Beaumains though the world remained in ‘special measures’ for a generation till his son came of age. Gawain II proved a much more adept ruler and, the newly named Zenda, flourished under his benevolent rule. With his father retired to his estates, Gawain II improved the agricultural base of the planet and continued with his father’s plans for model towns and cities. Though Zenda grew at a slower pace it avoided many of the social issues that large population growth led to on Fenwick and Ruritania.
It is likely that Zenda would have dawdled along had it not been for the Naval Scout Ship Orion that surveyed the Emania system and was made fully aware of the Pryfyn threat. In ten years the moon of Streslau was militarised and became home to Pallenberg Naval Base and 4th Flotilla was established to 'keep the Pryfyn menace in check'. For the last nine years a bloody war has raged up and down the J-2 Ruskenn-Axphain main. The system is defended by several flights of system defence boats and numerous star fighters. Despite best efforts, the Pryfyn expansion has continued with Vexilli falling most recently.
The current ruler is Gawain IV, the great granddaughter of the planetary architect who is a lot more media savvy. She walks a fine line between loyalty to the Duchess and prioritising the needs of Zenda. The militarisation of the Streslau Moon has brought in wealth and development for the planet as well. This has been wisely invested in maintaining living standards and a first rate multi-media entertainment and news network, ZTV. The populace know that ‘she is on their side‘ and that beyond that lies the horror of the Pryfyn with few dissenting.
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