Washington DC

 

In 2097, Washington D.C. remains the symbolic and administrative heart of the UCAS, though its political power is somewhat decentralized, shared with Ottawa to accommodate the expanded geography of the nation. The city itself is a heavily fortified urban core, blending high-tech political arenas with the old-world grandeur of monuments and historical sites. It is part of the vast, interconnected urban sprawl that stretches from Boston down the eastern seaboard, making it one of the key hubs in the East Coast megaplex.

Washington D.C. has evolved into a city where politics, corporate influence, and military presence intermingle. The government buildings, including the White House and Capitol, are still in use, though they are surrounded by high-security zones, guarded not only by human soldiers but also by drones and automated defense systems. The city has a constant buzz of power and influence, as it houses key government officials, corporate lobbyists, foreign diplomats, and high-ranking military officers.

The rise of corporate power across the UCAS means that while Washington D.C. is still technically the capital, the megacorps wield substantial influence here. Corporate lobbyists have luxurious headquarters within sight of the Capitol building, and it’s not uncommon to see lawmakers and corporate executives mingling at high-end events. Politics is less about the ideals of governance and more about the intersection of government policy and corporate interests. The corporate sector has a strong grip on policy-making, but the UCAS government retains control over federal law enforcement, national security, and military operations, making D.C. one of the few places where government still holds its own against corporate power.

Despite its polished image, there’s a stark divide in the population. The wealthy political elite, corporate executives, and high-ranking government officials live in gated communities or high-tech luxury apartments. Meanwhile, the lower-class populations—service workers, maintenance staff, and the displaced—live in the more run-down outskirts of the city or in neglected areas where crime and poverty run rampant. This disparity has led to simmering tensions, though the heavy police and security presence usually prevents major unrest from spilling into the public eye.

D.C.'s role as the seat of the federal government also makes it a target for various factions. Political intrigue, espionage, and even shadowruns targeting government facilities are common, though security is incredibly tight. Any runners who target D.C. need to be highly skilled to navigate the surveillance, security forces, and government-sanctioned black ops teams that patrol the city.

The city's culture is a mix of old traditions and modern flair. Monuments like the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument still stand, though they are juxtaposed against futuristic skyscrapers and corporate headquarters. Public events like political rallies, diplomatic galas, and military parades are common, giving D.C. a constant air of spectacle.

Washington D.C. also serves as a diplomatic hub for international relations, with embassies representing nations from across the world, including the EU, TCA, Aztlan, and Quebec. The city is a key player in the global geopolitical landscape, and every action taken here has far-reaching consequences. While Ottawa handles much of the daily governance for the northern parts of the UCAS, D.C. is still the place where major decisions are made, and it remains a powerful symbol of the UCAS’s identity on the world stage.

Ultimately, Washington D.C. in 2097 is a city that epitomizes the balancing act between government authority, corporate interests, and military might. It’s a place of intrigue, power plays, and high-stakes decisions, where the fate of the UCAS—and often the world—is shaped.