Hekana (Shang Telu: “Protection”) is a fibrous plant native to the Asari Region of VOI 700 D, revered by the Native Tribes and later adapted by ExoHumans for textile production.

Discovered during the Beta Age, Hekana—called “Alien Cotton” by settlers — became the foundation of ExoHuman fabric manufacturing, leading to both innovation and conflict. While once harvested unsustainably, it is still used in the Gamma Age, albeit under strict regulations, with the last two remaining Hekana fields managed by the Federal Garment Manufactory in Hope.

For the Native Tribes of the Asari Region, Hekana is far more than a commodity. In Shang Telu, “Hekana” translates to “Protection”, symbolizing the way the plant wraps and shields the body. It holds cultural, spiritual, and survival significance, forming the basis of Native clothing, ceremonial textiles, and sacred artifacts.

Hekana is an alien fiber plant, visually distinct from Earth cotton but functionally similar. It thrives in moist, nutrient-rich soils, particularly in river valleys, floodplains, and marshlands of the Asari Region.

• Stalk Height: 1.5 – 2.2 meters tall, with flexible yet sturdy stems.
• Fiber Color: Pale golden fibers, soft but resilient, growing in long, thread-like clusters.
• Flowers: Deep purple blossoms, indicating the start of the harvest season.
• Leaves: Thick, waxy, and naturally water-resistant, allowing the plant to endure seasonal floods.
• Temperature Adaptation: Cold-resistant root system enables survival in both Habitual Belt and Dark Side regions.

Among the Native Tribes of the Asari Region, Hekana has been cultivated for centuries in sacred groves, harvested using ceremonial rites to ensure sustainability. It plays a crucial role in their spiritual and everyday life:

• Traditional Clothing: Handwoven robes, cloaks, and wraps made from Hekana fibers.
• Protection Rites: Infants are swaddled in Hekana cloth at birth, symbolizing protection and warmth.
• Tribal Markings: Dyed with natural pigments, different patterns and colors signify social status, tribal lineage, and spiritual roles.
• Sacred Tapestries: Woven by elders, passed down through generations, and often used in ceremonies.

While Natives only harvested what they needed, they viewed the over-harvesting by settlers as a violation of natural balance, leading to conflicts.

Hekana was first identified by settlers in 2626, when textile shortages forced ExoHumans to seek new fabric sources. It quickly became the primary material used by the Karabulut Garment Manufactory for large-scale clothing production.

Recognizing the growing demand for new textiles, Jeremy Karabulut expanded his operations in January 2628, founding the Karabulut Garment Manufactory (KGM) in New Kourou. This was the first large-scale textile production facility on VOI 700 D, introducing:

• New Fabrics – More durable and breathable than repurposed space suit materials.
• Diverse Colors & Styles – Moving away from the monochrome look of the Last Frontier.
• Mass Production – Making clothing affordable for settlers.

However, as KGM expanded its Hekana supply chain, it clashed with Native Tribes, leading to territorial disputes and increasing tensions. While Hekana farming was not the sole cause of the Great War of 2639, it was one of several economic and territorial conflicts that contributed to growing resentment between ExoHuman settlers and the Alliance of Native Tribes. The large-scale expansion of farmland, competition for natural resources, and repeated violations of early settlement agreements all fueled distrust, ultimately leading to open conflict.

After the Great War, strict sustainability policies were imposed on Hekana production. The Federal Confederation shut down large-scale plantations, nationalizing the textile industry under Communardism.

• Hekana can only be grown in two regulated fields in the Hope Region, managed by the Federal Garment Manufactory (FGM).
• Unlike food production, these fields do not fall under the Federal Food Plant's control.
• Hekana garments are issued only as needed, with all textiles being recycled and reprocessed at the Federal Textile Recycling Plant.

Illegal cultivation is strictly punished, with unregistered Hekana farms being raided by the Federal Sheriff and Local Sheriffs.

Hekana plays a crucial role in both the Beta Age and Gamma Age, offering unique opportunities for storytelling, conflicts, and player-driven decisions.

During the Beta Age, Hekana farming was a source of economic growth, innovation, and conflict between ExoHumans and Native Tribes.

• “The First Harvest” – The Karabulut Garment Manufactory needs a secured shipment of freshly harvested Hekana. Players must protect the convoy from raiders—or perhaps even sabotage it.
• “Hekana Heist” – A group of Native warriors plans to burn down an ExoHuman farm to reclaim their land. Will the players defend the settlers, aid the Natives, or attempt a diplomatic solution?

In the Gamma Age, Hekana production is strictly regulated, and most textiles are recycled—but there are still stories to be told.

• “The Black Market Weaver” – A Federal Sewing Shop in Morningstar is secretly growing unauthorized Hekana to make individualized clothing for high-paying clients. Players must track down the operation—but will they shut it down or protect it?
• “The Fabric Shortage” – A poor harvest has led to a Hekana supply crisis, and settlers are struggling to repair worn-out clothing. Players must find a way to secure additional textiles, possibly through smuggling, bribery, or sabotage.

• Exohuman Clothing, Fashion and Textiles in the Beta Age
• Exohuman Clothing, Fashion and Textiles in the Gamma Age
• Free State of Settlers
• Jeremy Karabulut
• Karabulut Garment Manufactory
• Federal Garment Manufactory
• Federal Textile Recycling Plant
• Great War