Sovereign Lore - The Imperial Federation
Victor Kane, The First Kane
AI rendition of Victor Kane, Captain of The Ark
The Kane Empire was a multifaceted, complex entity. It began with Victor Kane, the First Kane, an impartial and fair leader who wanted prosperity for all humankind. He ruled as Captain of The Ark from 1 **A.E. (or 2251 C.E.) until his death over 800 years later, on Dec 31, 872 **N.E., during which time he progressed through many different forms of leadership, from Captain to Emperor.
Victor was kept alive for so long using intermittent sleep cycles of Chronosis (Chrono-Synthetic Stasis), which is a rudimentary version of the more recent MindVaulting (Neuro-Cryo Disjunction) that enables bodies to be transported over many years without death or aging. Chronosis was an unstable and rare technology researched, built, and sustained onboard The Ark; as more time was needed for R&D, only one could be made due to finite resources.
Victor’s declining health was a result of a slow, terrible and painful syndrome known as ***CRES. It was the result of too many Chronosis cycles, ultimately leading to his death, which was why it was replaced with MindVaulting.
Victor’s planning and leadership qualities made him perfect for significant tasks, such as establishing colonies and government structure. Unfortunately, he was one of two onboard The Ark who knew such things. At the time of recruitment for The Ark, politics, social sciences, and economic policy & strategy were not things many people bothered studying, meaning Victor was invaluable for the betterment of humankind in a new world. He could make a better world than before, as was his goal.
The other on board was Ershal Kesyk, Victor’s second in command, a young man who, although incredibly brilliant, lacked the tenacity for leadership and always diligently followed the significant plans Victor had laid in place. As such, Ershal and Victor always planned many years ahead, and while Victor was in a Chronosis cycle, Ershal would enact those plans. Each generation of the Kesyk/Kane family was taught all ancestral knowledge, ensuring consistency of leadership throughout the voyage and colonisation; this knowledge was not included within the *Human History Archive, which was an oversight upon arrival to Proxima Centauri B.
*More on the Human History Archive below
**A.E. = After Earth, N.E. = Novum Era, C.E. = Common Era (Earth years)
***crez (k-rez) - Cryogenic Repeated Exposure Syndrome
Structure of Government
Initially, the government was a Council of Representatives comprised of democratically elected individuals around the time of the initial colonisation of Proxima Centauri B. After the commencement of the *Skyway (August 20, 834 N.E.), serious discussion began about how governing the galaxy would be accomplished and what best forms of government would benefit humankind.
After much discussion, it was decided that, surprisingly, an Imperial structure would be the best path forward. It would ensure security, prosperity, and singular oversight—if not forever, at least for the Empire’s period of expansion—providing a solid governing body.
It was thought that democratic elections at this time could be easily manipulated or nearly impossible to tally over such great distances without a means of instant communication, and as such, the Imperial Declaration was founded through the Imperial Establishment Committee. The Proclamation of Empire ushered in a new age on May 1, 840 N.E., also known as **Sovereign Day (May 1, 114 A.E.)
With the Skyway complete (August 16, 853 N.E.), a means of instant, if not rapid, communication was needed before more ships could be sent out to colonise farther reaches of the galaxy (Expansion Phase 2). Hence, the comms race began (May 1, 840 N.E.). A discovery was made that the Skyway may be usable as a means of communication as well - this discovery was made by Pensive Tech, who led the race in its early days, creating a prototype called SkyCom. After SkyComs’ completion (June 2, 854 N.E.), the Empire looked at a decentralised power structure, allowing each province to dictate and run the provinces as they saw fit.
However, some within the Advisory Council, formerly the Imperial Establishment Committee, disapproved of decentralising power. Besides rumours of personal gain, they believed instant communication would provide a better opportunity for a centralised government without needing change.
With the decentralised power structure in place (June 27, 858 N.E.), the Empire required official representatives, or regional governors, for each province. Thus, the Council of Imperial Representatives (known as The Concilium) was born, most of whom were part of the previous Advisory Board. Governors were responsible for healthcare, education, property rights, and justice (policing & Provincial Court). Law-making, however, was controlled and executed by the Empire and then upheld locally in the Province. If the gravity of the crime extended beyond the Provincial Court, it was taken to the Imperial Supreme Court, overseen by the Emperor.
After establishing The Concilium and the decentralised power structure, The Empire was officially rebranded into an Imperial Federation on March 1, 859 N.E.
*Skyway, a colloquial term for the interconnecting, naturally occurring network of cosmic filaments, utilised through advanced technology, into a galactic superhighway
**Sovereign Day commemorated the establishment of the first colony and its transition from colony to town after the construction of Kesyk Street, which was completed as an arterial connection from north to south.
-The Emperor-
The Emperor is the power of all powers in the galaxy; he controls all military, judicial, and parliamentary agendas. Over the years, this position has been held by nine men only, all within the Kane family bloodline. Depending on the Emperor himself, this position has been loved or hated; in most cases, it has been feared.
Each Emperor has been bestowed with a moniker that describes his time in leadership, such as Emperor Ildris Kane, The Just, or Emperor Victor Kane, The First Kane.
AI rendition of Lucian Kane, Emperor Kane IX
-The Concilium-
The Concilium is the cabinet of the provincial governors. It meets very regularly to discuss Imperial business, including, but not limited to, the economy, provincial matters, territorial disputes, recent discoveries, potential conflicts, and problems, and to discuss laws and bills to pass. Essentially, this is THE branch of government; it supersedes and controls everything except the judicial system.
The Imperial Supreme Court technically has Dominion of Law over the Concilium; however, the Emperor, who is also on the Concilium, has the final say over all court and judicial rulings.
No matters discussed within the Concilium Sancti (their meeting place) can ever leave its walls. All issues pertaining to the Empire are of the strictest confidence; not even other members of the imperial family, military, or government can know what has been discussed, no matter how mundane.
If one of the Governors of the Concilium dies suddenly, the *Chief Imperial Command immediately takes power. The command assumes government control until a replacement is selected, usually within familial bloodlines. The transitory governor is then MindVaulted, and information transfer begins. All confidential information discussed in the Concilium regarding the deceased member is transferred to the transitory governor to ensure a smooth and inconsequential transfer of power.
*Chief Imperial Command - please see Sovereign Lore - The Imperial Military
Imperial Territories
The Kane Empire is divided into four significant territories across The Milky Way:
Asar ("Ass-ar") Territories - Khet Ridge and Berillian Province
Outer Plain - Limina Province (only founded after the Tolîsian Displacement of 978 N.E.) and the Uncharted Region
Inner Territories - Cygnum Province, Sagitta Province and Eunari ("U-NAH-ri") Province
Bahrik ("BA-rik") Edge - Seraph Province, Iridius Province
The Milky Way Galaxy (Imperial Territories) artist rendition: Jason Arrow
These Territories are then divided into nine Provinces for easier imperial oversight led by Governors; they are as follows:
Stellar Sovereignty - Lucian Kane (Emperor Kane IX)
Capital: Sovereign (formerly Proxima Centauri B)
Population: 10.33 billion
Cygnum Province - Vernon Drake (General Fifth Class and Vice-Chairman of the Chief Imperial Command)
Capital: Cygnus (Miltary Homeworld)
Population: 190 million military and fleet including support staff
Sagitta Province - Amara Dystra
Capital: Carian ("KArry-in") - Largest planet
Population: 12.27 billion
Khet Ridge - Bertram Khet (CEO of Nebula Corp.)
Capital: Seru
Population: 8.57 billion
Berillian Province - Aniya Daivand
Capital: Khonon
Population: 9.70 billion
Seraph Province - Dr. Avar Therand (Doctor of Economics)
Capital: Bernia
Population: 9.01 billion
Iridius Province - Orin Karaay
Capital: Viridia
Population: 9.42 billion
Eunari Province - Yareen Tao (Ex-Military)
Capital: Mastef
Population: 8.84 billion
Limina Province - Tienga Waldon (only founded after *The Tolîsian Displacement of 978 N.E.)
Capital: Tolis ("Toh-LEE") - Last
Population: 4.33 billion
The above planets and populations reflect Capital planets only and do not include the broader community, including mining colonies. The total population of the galactic empire is around 221 billion people, including all military personnel.
Of the 100 ships launched during the Great Expansion (January 1, 616 A.E.), around 30 made it to habitable planets and thrived; the rest either did not make it to their destination or made it and essentially died out due to unfavourable conditions.
*The Tolîsian Displacement - more information on The Class Revolution of 960-962 N.E.
-Division of Power-
Provinces are in charge of healthcare, education, property rights, and justice (policing, Provincial Court). Law-making is controlled and executed by the Empire but upheld in the Province; if a crime extends beyond the Provincial Court, it is taken to the Imperial Court. The current Imperial structure dictates that the Emperor has the final say over case rulings sent to the Imperial Court—this differs from previous Imperial policies.
The Human History Archive
When The Ark landed on Sovereign (April 23rd, 85 A.E.), formerly Proxima Centauri B, Victor Kane ensured all physical and digital documents were collated and categorised into the Human History Archive. This digital mainframe contained thousands of years of human history and knowledge and was initially accessible to all citizens.
This remained that way even through the earlier years of the Empire.
However, in May 890 N.E., after the poorer communities started to secretly misuse the Archive to steal digital currency, Emperor Kane II (Nej Kane) implemented the Human History Decree in 898 N.E.
-Human History Decree (Implemented 898 A.E.)-
Limiting access of the Human History Archive to the Upper Class and above only—within this, there were limitations at each class level so that dependency was placed upon the Empire for knowledge, freedom, protection, and power, as well as a distinction between all classes.
After implementing the Human History Decree, the lower classes were noticeably angry about the limitation of information they faced moving forward. Many believed this to be the Empire's first massive breach of human rights.
*The class system is explained below
Imperial Currency
Sovra Centi Coin
-Sovra Centi pre. 928 N.E.-
Sovra Centi ("SO-vra CENT-i") was the galactic fiat currency implemented by the Empire; it reduced the need for separate economies and independent financial stability. However, it did mean that the economy was controlled solely by the Empire itself, creating a dependence on its controlling power. It was implemented across the Empire by the Galactic Central Reserve, or GCR, strengthening the economy and eliminating individual currencies being implemented across other Provinces, such as Iridian Credits, Eunra ("OOn-Rah"), Seraphine, etc.
At first, Sovra Centi was a minted currency. However, it became impossible to effectively deliver to far corners of the galaxy after its expansion to the entire Empire. Between the amount of minted materials, resources, and transportation costs, the cost-benefit of minted materials was unfeasible, and a shift to electronic currency was the way forward.
Implementing a united currency created a much stronger economy for the Empire. Without competing sectors, trade grew, and it was possible to unify under one economically solid ideology.
After some time, circa May 890 N.E, cybercrime became an issue within the poorer communities, accessing the Human History Archive to learn about criminal activities and steal Sovra Centi to increase their wealth. After heavy Cyber Crime and the overabundance of Sovra Centi in the economy, the currency crashed across the Empire, creating a hyper-inflated economy. Suddenly, Sovra Centi was not worth much. This resulted in the 1st currency crash of 895 N.E.
After the 1st currency crash, many citizens turned to old illegal Earth practices using the Human History Archive. The crash caused many citizens to be displaced and struggle to buy essential food items. The lower class grew in numbers, causing slums within the city of Sovereign and an unruly group within society.
Lower-class Riots ensued once the *Human History Decree was implemented (898 N.E.), and theft became rampant during the riots. The Empire took it upon itself to confiscate any stolen or ill-gotten wealth during the rise in cybercrime, labelled as the redistribution of wealth in Imperial circles. All criminals were given a ‘fair trial’, and most were found guilty of money laundering and other financial crimes.
After the riots and trials, those found guilty were either imprisoned or relegated to slums. These areas had little access to food, water, and healthcare but a massive presence of the Praesidium (Imperial Officer Unit). In response to the riots and crime, all financial aid and subsidiaries were removed from government foundations (The Kane Foundation) to protect the Empire from hemorrhaging any more money and punish the lower class; however, this was marketed to the public as a response to the currency crisis instead of a consequence for the riots.
Although all attempts to stabilise the economy were adequate, the redistribution of wealth and removal of financial aid did not fully rectify the surplus of currency flowing through the Empire; people were either still finding ways to obtain Sovra Centi illegally or were being paid to such high extremes that it inflated the economy again, resulting in a second currency crash on Jan 1, 915 N.E.
With a considerable surplus of Sovra Centi in the economy causing inflation, the Empire felt the need to implement a new decree with the help of the GCR that could help create a scarcity of Sovra Centi within the poorer communities and flow the wealth upward, back towards the government.
The idea was that if everyone had too much money, the money itself would lose its inherent value, thus causing a downfall in the Imperial economic structure. So, immediate discussions began regarding the implementation of The Sovra Divisionary.
*Please see Naming Rights Amendment at the bottom of the page for more clarity on the Human History Decree
-The Sovra Divisionary 928 N.E.-
With the creation of the slums and redistribution of wealth, there was still a surplus issue with some of the lower classes in the Empire, and thus, wealth increased across most class lines, creating a scrounge for social supremacy and ultimately driving down economic value, a need for more extensive currency options increased with it. Thus, the invention of The Sovra Divisionary was created by the Galactic Central Reserve and, of course, overseen by the Emperor himself. Implementing a class-based currency system furthered dependency on the Empire and developed a desire amongst those in lower classes for Social Delegation through Legionary Service, aka. Military service.
In other words, military service was an opportunity to work up the social ladder within the Empire in a legal and somewhat ethical way. The benefits were twofold: the government received a more significant military, and people achieved a higher status through the military ranking system instead of the social class system. On paper, this seemed to be a win-win scenario.
To prevent the lower class from committing financial crimes, the Empire ensured that they only received minted currency in the form of Sovra Centi, limiting their overall earning potential and cyber crime possibilities. The Sovra Divisionary ensured that all peoples under the Empire would remain under its control under threat of financial ruin—one of the three pillars of government control (Financial, Social, and Medical).
-Sovra post. 928 N.E.-
Sovra became the blanket term for the currency and was delegated into specific class systems as such, using the following categorical names;
Sovra Centi (as is)
1, 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, 250, 500, 1000, 5000 (hard minted currency)
Sovra Dunri (multiples of 1,000)
10, 50, 100, 200, 500 (digital currency only)
Sovra Mellma (multiples of 1,000,000)
1, 5, 10, 100, 500 (digital currency only)
Sovra Impi (multiples of 1,000,000,000)
1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 (hard minted currency only - minted directly within The Palace Regency - available only to The Imperial Federation, Major Imperialistically sanctioned corporations and high-ranking Militum Class)
The Class System
The Kane Empire is divided into five major class groups. Their rights, taxes and access are listed below;
Lower - is the working class, usually subjected to service work and in early Imperial governments were subject to enslavement.
Has no access to Human Historical Archives; therefore, is entirely reliant on The Empire.
Has no rights - property rights, social housing only.
Income Tax at 43% per 1 Centi.
Currency access is Centi ONLY.
Middle - is managerial and runs the lower class, but is still considered part of the lower class by higher classes of society.
No access to Human Historical Archives
Has minor property rights - rent only.
Income Tax is 50% per 1 Centi and, if applicable, 56% per 1 Dunri.
Currency access is Centi ONLY, and if one can accrue a net worth of 100 million, Dunri is open as well—although upper-class accreditation will not be granted.
Upper - is business owners, old wealth and significant donors to The Empire.
Minimal access to Human Historical Archives
Rights - Property ownership (personal and Investment ONLY), Subservient ownership (payment annually to The Empire), The Right to Prosecute (below classes (lower, middle) only and within upper itself)
Currency access Centi, Dunri and Melma.
Income Tax 35% per 1 Centi, 42% per 1 Dunri, 10% per 1 Melma.
Corporate - CEOs of major corporations and property groups
Limited Access to Human Historical Archives, including class access below, plus business, taxation, and corporate chapters.
Rights - Full property rights, Subservient ownership (payment to The Empire, tax-deductible under Business Related Assistance), The Right to Prosecute (all classes lower than Imperial)
Currency access Centi, Dunri, Melma and *Impi (Business use ONLY)
Income Tax 35% per 1 Centi, 45% per 1 Dunri, 11% per 1 Melma.
Business Income Tax 28% per Sovra. Deductible though Imperial Donation.
Militum - all facets of the Imperial Military and Judicial systems. There is also a tier system within this class - see below for military class divisions.
Imperial - select delegated government officials and the Kane familial line - all up to the discretion of The Sovereign.
Full access to the Human Historical Archive
Full Rights, including Class Delegation under the Delegatory Act
Full Currency Access for all use cases
Income Tax 20% per 1 Sovra of Personal Income. Optional full deduction under The Imperial Service Clause.
-Imperial Military Class System-
Lower Militum
Only military, tactical, warfare (general), warfare (specialist) and combat essentials, teamwork & planning.
Rights - All social class rights are below but do not include the Upper tier.
Currency Access - Centi and Dunri
Income Tax - 30% per 1 Centi, 38% per 1 Dunri
Income Limitation: Under the Imperial Service Act, income is limited to 2.5 Sovra Melma (2.5 million Sovra); the Empire collects anything above this.
To ensure service, under the same act, either by firing or quitting Legionary Service resulted in returning to the previously delegated class (under ten years of legionary service) or down to the Middle Class (after ten years of legionary service) - with a reduction of savings and net worth to 500,000 thousand Sovra or 50% whichever is greater.
Middle Militum
Only military, tactical, warfare (general), warfare (specialist), combat essentials, teamwork & planning, leadership and training.
Rights - All social class rights are below but do not include the corporate tier.
Currency Access - Centi, Dunri and Melma
Income Tax - 25% per 1 Centi, 32% per 1 Dunri, 43% per 1 Melma
Income Limitation: Under the Imperial Service Act, income is limited to 30 Sovra Melma (30 million Sovra); the Empire collects anything above this.
To ensure service, under the same act, either by firing or quitting Legionary Service resulted in returning to the previously delegated class (under ten years of legionary service) or down to the Middle Class (after ten years of legionary service) - with a reduction of savings and net worth to 2.5 million Sovra or 50% whichever is greater.
Upper Militum
Limited access to Human Historical Archives, including class access below, plus military, tactical, secret operations & organisations, technology & science, warfare (general), warfare (specialist), Conspiracy & Influence and Justice & Criminal.
Rights - all class rights below tier, incl. social class, plus limited class delegation under the Delegatory Act Military Draft Subsection - can only be delegated to the Militum class and Cross Spectrum Retraction (removal and redistribution of class status) exclusive of Imperial.
Currency Access - Centi, Dunri, Melma and Impi
Income Tax - 20% per 1 Centi, 28% per 1 Dunri, 39% per 1 Melma and 50% per 1 Impi.
Income Limitation: Under the Imperial Service Act, income is limited to 1 Sovra Impi (1 billion Sovra); the Empire collects anything above this.
To ensure service, under the same act, either by firing or quitting Legionary Service resulted in returning to the previously delegated class (under ten years of legionary service) or down to the Middle Class (after ten years of legionary service) - with a reduction of savings and net worth to 10 million Sovra or 50% whichever is greater.
-Naming Rights Amendment-
Implemented by Emperor Nej Kane II, naming rights was a decree passed just after the Human History Decree. It was always seen as an amendment to the Human History Decree instead of a standalone piece of legislation.
Nej Kane was a petty man and, among many things, was not fond of his name; he felt it was unworthy of an Emperor and wished for something more regal. As such, he changed his name to Nigel Kane, a name he found in the Human History Archive. He believed old-world names were a commodity that should only be attainable by the other upper echelons of society. It was a way of showing wealth and status without documentation, an immediate acknowledgement of one's societal position— a badge of honour.
After the amendment was passed, all newborn citizens' names had to be run through a database that checked the chosen name against the family’s societal standing. If all was in order, the name was approved, but if a conflict was found, the parents were to choose a new name; in many cases, they had to make one up. This started a trend of more modern and creative-sounding names within the Empire.
