MKM

Mao-Kwikowski Mercantile, headed by Jules-Pierre Mao, was the largest private corporations in the Solar System, and by far the most influential even before the 2340-41 war.  It started out as a law firm, but expanded into interplanetary transport and then into research.

When Mars discovered the proto-molecule in 2331, it approached MKM for assistance in unravelling its secrets.  The MKM filial Protogen worked on the project on Phoebe, whilst a sister company, Strickland, began marrying proto-molecule and humans in top secret experiments on Ganymede.

MKM then began playing off Earth and Mars, in order to basically obtain control of the Solar System through its "Hybrids", the proto-molecule/human super soldiers created through its experiments.

Via Protogen, MKM was responsible for the Eros Incident, and was thus a key player in starting the 2340-2341 war, from which it clearly emerged the victor.

With civilisation on Earth in its death throes, its Luna offspring only a minor nuisance, Hybrid and proto-molecule infected Mars now in a state of permanent siege, and the OPA factions at each others' throats, MKM is basically the sovereign of the solar system.

At its head is Jules-Pierre Mao.  Since the discovery of the proto-molecule, he is convinced that he is some sort of Messiah, who will help mankind develops the means to defend itself against the mysterious alien aggressor that fired Phoebe and its proto-molecule at the Solar System several billion years ago.  The Hybrids are the first step in his plan.  Although he did briefly pause at the idea of mutating innoncent children into monsters, the fact that the Hybrids were able to communicate with the proto-molecule mass ultimately decided him on his course of action.

His inner guard is rather cynically known as the "Young Volunteer Corps".  Commanded by members of his family, of whom Clarissa Mao is the most ruthless, the YVC not only protects the Leader, they also seek out appropriate children for proto-molecule treatment.  The scientists with which Mao surrounds himself, of whom the leading element is Paolo Cortazar, continue their experiments with the proto-molecule, unhesitatingly using it in the same way it was used on Eros.

In order to keep the Solar System under control while he carries out his Great Work, Mao has retained the pre-war structure, but militarised it.  Ressources, missions and territory are parcelled out to subsidiary companies, each with their own CEO.  They are encouraged to compete, both economically but also with violence, using paramilitary elements and mercenaries.  This ferocious competition also ensures that no one rival emerges.

Examples of the most notorious subsidiary companies are :

-  Protogen, who specialise in research and development, including on the proto-molecule

-  Strickland, who create the Hybrids, try to improve control of them, and field test them with little regard for human life

-  CPM, tasked with policing MKM controlled moons and asteroids