Comparative Reality

Our galaxy has lost two of its arms. At least, it has according to the latest map of the Milky Way.

And although we're not way, way out on the edge of the galaxy, we're not in one of the arms. Of which there are only two, apparently. No, we're off in a "minor arm," in an island of stars between the two big, galaxy-defining, and highly impressive-looking arms. (Well, ok, we're assuming that they look impressive, but we won't really know until something from Andromeda visits with pictures).

I don't like to think of it as a "minor arm," though, or as a "spur." No, I'm going to think of it as the galactic suburbs: Away from the densely-packed urban areas of the galactic core and the sprawl of the major arms. Secluded and peaceful. Oh, sure, "Orion Spur" doesn't have quite the marketability of a name like "Vineyard Hills" or "Oak Tree Estates," but trust me: This is place where the beings packed around the Core stars like sardines wish they could move to.

I'm not sure what this means for our future interstellar empire, though. Once humanity conquers the Orion Spur (sometime in the 4800s is my guess), then what? Sure, we're a bit closer to the Sagittarius Arm, but it's a minor arm. Probably good to start with, but eventually, we'll need to tackle the Big Boys.

Do we move outwards, and start with the Perseus Arm because it's closer to us? Or do we go for the bigger leap, right for the Scutum-Centaurus Arm, and then towards the Core?

Sure, maybe this slightly premature, but we're talking about conquering an entire galaxy here. You don't do that sort of thing without spending some time coming up with a plan.