Penumbra

The Penumbra is a word used to encapsulate all of the elements that relate to a certain strata of Beaconspace society. It contains the various underworlds, corporate cultures, political movements, and other such groups that are in a struggle for their own agendas whilst operating within the bounds set by the larger geopolitical entities of the sector. The Penumbra is also notable for it's relation to Free Agents. Private individuals who provide plausibly deniable services for those who need their objectives and maneuvers to be unobserved or obfuscated.

Origins and History
The term 'Penumbra' originally refers to the section of a shadow that is partially lit due to the angle of a light source. This term, poetically refering to a mix of light and dark, does well to describe an area of life that is morally grey. Neither good nor bad, it just is. The first recorded instances of 'Penumbra' in reference to a societal phenomena crop up in post-glitch sociological and popular culture works. The hit R&B song 'Dancing in the Penumbra' by S.S.D Krewl is attributed with bringing the term from an academic novelty into the mainstream.

The Penumbra Network
Carried on a series of piggybacking transmission frequencies and encrypted data packets the Penumbra Network is the foremost way in which those who look to utilize the services and wares of entities within the Penumbra make their requests. Due to the nature of the secret transmission methods the network is very simple. Using old generation Ascii interfaces and antiquated electronic mail format. Also managed by the network is the Howl virtual currency.

Human Resources
Human Resources is a somewhat ironic name given to the culture of vendors offering their services within the Penumbra. Be it weaponry and armour, medical services, access to transport or a few good people, Human Resources can provide whatever assistance an agent needs, for a price.

Mission Hubs
Whilst not an official designation locations of convenience tend to become designated as mission hubs. Free Agents naturally congregate in areas that provide good access to resources, transport, and colleagues. A collection of Bars, Clubs, E-Cafe’s and other such locations that function as a place for Agents to meet and organise. It is also where Handlers will post available jobs and Human Resources will ply their wares and assistance