The Primary Timeline

Below is the Primary timeline as it relates to the human race. All dates are given in human terms.

## 2040-2077 -the Pre Colonial Era

### 2040-2044 From the Brink

**2040**- The world stands on a knife edge as tensions between the powerful CDSU and USCAF reach a near boiling point.  Cold war threatens to turn into actual war.

**2041**- The CDSU secretly launch their own manned mission to Mars

**2042**- The USCAF Mission to Mars in launched

**2043**- **Contact**.  The USCAF mission to Mars lands and encounters a Tranoan Scout party, along with "Ancient" technology.  The Human race is "welcomed" into the galactic community and despite one or two early misunderstandings, the Human race awakes to see a Tranoan scout-cruiser in orbit above the Earth.  There are huge political, sociological and religious connotations and there are literally thousands of suicides as a result of this news.  A world-wide summit is called to attempt to form a unified response

**2044**- The Rome Summit- The leaders of the world meet and after six days of intense talks, they form a Terran Federation.

### 2044-2060 The Federation

**2044**: The Federation is officially formed in Rome

**2045**: The Interim Government elects Prime Minister H Suzuki of AEJIS as the initial Chairman of the Executive. The Terran Federation Military Executive is set up to oversee and decide on practice, doctrine and hiring for a Federation Armed Services (FAS).

**2046**: The Federation is able to form and apply to the Tranoans for the technology that was promised. Chairman of the Federation Armed Services, Retired General James Thuram, begins the long program of creating a multinational fighting force for the Federation. He projects it will take at least 10 years to create a force capable of using any of the technology or being combat worthy.

**2047**: The Member States agree to ratify the Federation Constitution and elect the first Federation Senate. The initial Senate comprises 1 Senator for every 10 million citizens in a state. 620 Senators are chosen by the States. USCAF and EU/COM both plan to hold full scale elections in 2049 to elect future Senators to 5 year terms. The CDSU directly appoint all of theirs. AEJIS appoint the first round and then intend to elect further Senators to 10 year terms. Brazil and India both plan to elect their Senators starting in 2050 to 4 year terms.

**2048**: The Tranoan Technology grant arrives and is handed to the Technology Board. The Technology Board begin work on making sense and integrating this technology. Project Director Martin Kharine suggests it will take four years to fully crack the technology. The Federation Senate elects Senator H Suzuki as the First President of the Senate. Former USCAF President, Senator Wexler, is named new chairman of the Executive board

**2049**: USCAF and EU/COM both hold full scale elections for their places in the Senate. The Federation Colonial Administration (FCA) is set up to oversee and rule on colonial exploration from the Federation.

**2050**: India and Brazil both hold full scale elections for their places in the Senate

**2051**: President H Suzuki resigns from office after clashing with hardliners in the Senate who are largely CDSU appointees. The President blames resistance from the CDSU to modernizing the Senate and that they wish to make the Senate irrelevant Senator Michael Wexler becomes inter-rim President. An election is held in the Senate to name the new President. Little known Senator Anaj Rishi of India is named President. Senator Wexler is re-elected as Chairman of the Executive

### 2052-2056 Faster Than Light

**2052**: The Technology Board announces the first successful Faster Than Light shuttle launch and the first successful use of the Van Dyne shielding technology. Extra-solar travel is now possible. The first inner-system FTL jump is a failure. The FSS “Extant” is lost with all hands near Mars. The disparate nations of Africa form the League of African Nations (LAN) to gain more strength in the Federation Senate.

**2053**: Using the failure of the Extant as an excuse, many CDSU and independent states attempt to wrest power and technology from the Technology Board. They are rejected by the Senate. President Rishi is rightly praised for his skillful handling of this crisis. The FAS complete successful combat exercises and announce that they are finally operational. James Thuran retires, handing the Federation Armed Services to Lt-General Abidaye Kurai. The 2nd major FTL launch is successful. The FSS“Pursuit” is successful in making an FTL jump to and from Jupiter. The jump causes a wave of hysteria and jubilation. Taking advantage of this, President Rishi and his supporters in the Senate work to wrest more power from the States. There is much wrangling and negotiation between member states, the Senate and the Federation Colonial Administration over the development of the colonies.

**2054**: The USCAF and India both agree to cede more powers to the Federation in their own legislative elections. President Rishi successfully puts down a revolt of CDSU lead members who work with Brazilian Senators. The Federation Colonial Administration agrees to allow colonization of Mars. There is a legal challenge to the Federations rights to the planet which is upheld. None the less, the Federation is the only polity able to reach Mars. President Rishi and Senator Auden successfully defuse a stand off with the rest of the Senate over Mars.

**2055**: The FAS have completed their first FTL capable ships. The FSS “Intrepid” and FSS “Corwin” are both unveiled to a very impressed public. Lt-General Kurai announces that keels have been laid down for 2 more ships. The FAS gives an audit to the Senate Committee on Armed Forces and is given a thumbs up. The first experimental extra-solar jump is made. The FSS “Preistley” jumps 4.2 light years and conducts experiments for two days before returning. The ships commander, Captain Ross McCone, is briefly a massive hero. There is intense politicking in the Senate as President Rishi reaches the end of his term. He has been hailed as a superb President. Rishi chooses Senator Richard Kassenbach to succeed him as President. The EU/COM and Indian Senators begin attempting to get enough support to see him named as the next President.

### 2056-2060 Scandal

**2056**: Election fever freezes the Senate and little actual achievement is made during 2056. Senator Michael Wexler is considered by many to be the front-runner but he is rejected by the CDSU senators who back their own candidate, Senator Peter Lien. The EU/COM candidates are Senator M Reilly, Senator Richard Kassenbach and Senator Penelope Cassano. India is unable to back a candidate but support Kassenbach and Cassano. AEJIS are also forbidden to nominate someone and most of them fall in behind Kassenbach or Wexler. The LAN support Lien and Cassano. Brazil becomes the swing vote, after initially supporting Senator Oliver Borgetti, they get strongly behind Richard Kassenbach. Senator Kassenbach of the EU/COM is named the new President of the Federation. Michael Wexler steps down as chairman of the Executive and concentrates on a bid to become chairman of the FCA. Penelope Cassano wins the position of vice chair and Senator Andrew Auden is named chairman of the executive. The FAS announce successful exercises in deep space maneuvers and combat. Lt-General Kurai announces his intention to retire at the end of 2056.

**2057**: There is a terrorist attack against the Senate building in Rome and three senators (two CDSU and one Brazilian) are killed. The terrorists appear to be religious fundamentalists. President Kassenbach attempts to defuse the situation. The CDSU make retaliatory bombing attacks against Syria and Iran. The FCA announces the laying down of the first nine colony ships but that there currently isn’t enough money available to fund a full 12 ship mission. They also announce the formation of a Federation Scout Service (FSS) which will begin cataloguing these worlds. The FSS is placed under the control of the FAS. The FAS name Chinese General Law Huang Hu as the new chief of staff of the FAS. The FAS also announce the laying down of two new keels for FAS ships. They also unveil the completed scout ships for theFSS. Six small ships with FTL capability will be deployed in 2058.

**2058** The Federation votes to send ambassadors to the Tranoan Empire. There is an intense political clash over who should be the ambassador to the Tranoan Empire. President Kassenbach narrowly survives a vote of confidence (begun by CDSU and USCAF senators). The ambassadors are chosen and sent to the Tranoan Empire on the FTL capable ship FSS “Preistly”. The FSS begins making scouting runs to the nearby star systems. Largely overseen by the military, there are complaints that the information is being censored and hoarded. Chairman Wexler begins an oversight hearing into the FSS.

**2059** Chairman Wexler’s investigation causes a huge controversy in the Senate as it reveals patronage and insider dealing between FAS chairman Law Huang and many corporate contractors. It also reveals widespread corruption amongst the Senate and the executive. Chairman Andrew Auden resigns to clear his name and Senator Penelope Cassano announces her candidacy for the chairmanship. She is beaten to the chairmanship by her fellow European Senator Matthew Reilly who is seen as a reformer of the Senate.

President Kassenbach dismisses Law Huang but the CDSU senators do not recognize his power to do so without a vote in the Senate. President Kassenbach pushes the issue and narrowly wins the vote. Several hard-line CDSU, Brazilian and even European Senators leave the floor. President Kassenbach holds talks with the Senate and the new Executive and then announces his resignation as President. He suggests that the atmosphere requires a clean slate and a neutral broker. This also provokes a constitutional crisis over whom holds the Executive Power of the Presidency while there is no President.

The FSS, despite the tumult surrounding them catalogue the first half a dozen worlds. They lose one ship, the FSS “Alundra” is lost with all hands visiting CM01 in Canis Major. The FAS appoint American retired Admiral Howard Bayard as the new Chief of Staff of the FAS. Bayard announces a wide spread look at the composition and procurement policy of the FAS. Eventually the political crisis calms down and Senator Michael Wexler succeeds to the Presidency. This draws much complaint from the CDSU hard-liners who see him as the architect of the fall of President Kassenbach.

### 2060-2063 The Wexler Administration

**2060**: President Wexler works closely with Chairman Reilly and Vice-Chair Cassano to expand the scope and powers of the Federation, whilst also sweeping away much of the old corruption. He attempts to expand the powers of the Supreme Court but is defeated in the Senate. President Wexler gambles his nascent presidency on a vote of no-confidence linked to a new vote on the scope of the Federation and wins.

The President negotiates with Senator Bulgarin, the leader of the CDSU faction, to appoint Senator Kim Romanov as the new chair of the FCA. Kim oversees more modernization and more corporate partnership working. She becomes famed in the Senate for her skilled negations. Former pilot Ross McCone is elected to the Senate as a USCAF Senator.

The FAS unveil newly completed ships, the FSS “Howard” and the FSS “Ulysses”. Chief of Staff Bayard also announces his intention to see a massive program of recruitment in the FAS. The FSS finish their scouting missions of the nearby colonial worlds. They also announce that there are, in fact, 14 worlds not 12 that have a breathable atmosphere and that all 14 would be suitable, if not easy, to colonies.

**2061** The Federation suffers from political in-fighting for much of 2061 and the previously unofficial post of “Leader of the Opposition” is recognized as an office of the Senate, given an increased wage and staff. CDSU Senator Alexyi Kanev is named as the Leader of the Opposition. His deputy is none other than former President Richard Kassenbach. The FCA announces the laying down of five new colony ships. These have been paid for largely by partnership working with outside bodies (like the states and the corporations).

The FSS are given four new ships. Chief of Staff Bayard also announces that the FSS “Alundra” may have been destroyed by a hostile starship. The Senate Armed Services committee announces an oversight investigation into the loss of the “Alundra”. Meanwhile the CDSU continues to batter Arabic nations in its quest for revenge. This leads to massive terrorist attacks against Volgagrad and Beijing. Hundreds are killed.

**2062** President Wexler suffers a heart-attack and is unable to function as president. The Crisis worsens when it is pointed out that the “deputy” to the Presidency (and de-facto Vice President) is a member of EU/COM and unable to be President. Chairman Reilly resigns as chairman of the Executive to avoid a constitutional crisis. Little known Ghanaian Senator Billay Kutai is named new chairman of the Executive. Billay, a member of the Liberal Wing, becomes “acting President” while President Wexler recovers. Senator Kanev and Senator Kassenbach both lead a motion to dismiss the Wexler Presidency but they are unable to get enough Senators to join them. They go after the chairmanship of the previously a-political technology board and dismiss long serving scientist Stefan Kurzek. They replace him with conservative USCAF Senator Oberon Telman.

The FSS begin a major refit of their fleet but complain that the ships are already suffering badly from overuse. The FAS chairman lacks the ability to find them any more money or resources to remedy this. The FCA announce that the first two colony ships, bound for Mars, are complete and begin the long and arduous process of filling out these colony ships. Both are designed to be broken down and become the colony habitation for the initial colonies on Mars.

**2063**President Wexler resigns from office after being defeated in a vote of no confidence (but not by 2/3rds of the Senate). President Wexler attempts to broker a deal to see an orderly transition to Senator Kutai as President but this is shot down by the Senate. There is a long period where the Senate is unable to act and Senator Kutai becomes acting President in this period. The FAS chief of staff Howard Bayard announces his retirement and is replaced by Israeli officer Peter Lieberman. Peter continues to follow up the work of the previous COS.

The FCA announce that whilst the colonies will be protectorates of the Federation, there will be 6 colony worlds made open to private investment. The colonies will belong to the Federation but be developed privately. The Federation is then rocked by its first truly galactic political event as a Vatu warship penetrates the Sol system. The warship gets as far as Mars before it is challenged by the FSS “Preistly” and FSS “Howard”. The Vatu warship makes no reply to challenges but then makes a jump out of the system. The Senate vote to send ambassadors to the Vatu (who it turns out are Terran neighbors!) and to the Tazzyn (who are a close by race). These two ambassadors are chosen quickly and efficiently.

### 2064-2068:  The Collapse of the CDSU

**2064**  There is much chaos as the Senate fights over a new Presidential election.  Senator Kutai has gained much credibility but is still considered to be too green to be President.  Senator Alexyi Kanev becomes the front-runner but is rejected by the liberal and moderate Senators.  Moderate CDSU senator Yakov Tannant is considered to be the compromise choice.  Meanwhile Brazilian Senator Julia Hernandez becomes a major contender too.

Senator Penelope Cassano attempts to amend the constitution to remove the clause stopping the Presidency from going to the same state more than once in 4 terms.  She fails (narrowly) but then succeeds to amend the constitution to specify that it is 4 terms not 20 years.

Senator Yakov Tannant is named President and promises to be a moderating influence.  He backs USCAF Senator Andrew Auden as the new chairman of the Executive and sees Alexyi Kanev named as vice chair.  To spread the power, he replaces Kim Romanov as chairwoman of the FCA with Indian Moderate Senator Deepak Asseem.  EU/COM moderate Penelope Cassano becomes leader of the opposition

The technology board chairman negotiates a deal to build clean-hydrogen power plants in countries for member states, in return for a large financial contribution (and the eventual ceding of more power to the Federation).

The world watches the departure of the “Bradbury” and the “Merlin” to Mars to begin the first extra-Terra colony.  This project is expected to take a decade to truly become successful.  The Colony ships take 8,000 colonists of varying stripes.  New colonists will depart in 2067 to follow up.

**2065**There is a major civil war in the CDSU and the CDSU senators are largely called home.  President Tannant is forced to spend the first year of his presidency working closely with his opposition.  Former President Kassenbach is considered to be the power behind the throne.  Technology board chairman Oberon Telman resigns from the Senate to an incredibly well paid private sector job.  He is replaced by Liberal Senator Cris Tellar

The Federation makes contact with the Vatu and Tazzyn, sending ambassadors to both races.  The Federation also announces that it will begin building a new capitol building in India, in Delhi.  The capitol will be home to the Executive, the Senate and the alien embassies.  The FAS and FCA will remain in Rome

The Bradbury and Merlin colonies are established on Mars as a pair of small colonies with the basic mining materials.  They find life under shielded domes very difficult and there are a number of deaths.  The FCA appoint Greg-Allen Petersen as the first governor of Mars.

**2066**The CDSU effectively collapses.  The Chinese government withdraws to fight against its own rebels.  The Russian government stabilizes but is then subject to a terrorist nuclear attack against Minsk which kills 115,000 people.  The world is pushed to the brink.  The Federation President uses his legislative skill to assume more powers.  The USCAF President resigns in protest but the Vice President immediately ratifies, handing more powers to the Federation.     The Senate also passes a new act that will mean that each Senator must be elected to the Senate for a fixed term of 10 years.  The nature of these elections will be down to the member states but in another 10 years, they must all be elected in the same way.  President Tannant loses his vice chairman as Alexyi Kanev is forced to resign and return to Russia to fight in the civil war.  He asks for a new vice chair and veteran Senator Richard Kassenbach is named as new vice chairman of the Executive

**2067**The Senate begins to stabilize but is still short by around 90 members as the former CDSU states continue to be busy elsewhere.  The President has gained massive respect as a moderate voice and has commanding respect from all parties in the Senate.    Andrew Auden resigns as chairman of the Executive and is replaced by Senator Richard Kassenbach.  There is much friction between Kassenbach, Cassano and the President.  Senator Keisha Morse is elected as vice chair of the Executive

FAS Chief of Staff Peter Liberman announces that four new ships have had their keels laid down.  He also oversees refits of the existing fleet.  A new FTL engine is perfected and is more efficient than the original one.

The follow up wave of colonists are brought to Mars on the FSS “Preistly”, the FSS “Howard” and the FSS “Pursuit”.  The total population on Mars is over 10,000 already.  The population continues to adapt to the harsh lifestyle.    Former President Suzuki Hitomori dies.  There is a Federal funeral.  He is hailed as the original leader of the Federation and given much plaudits.  Former President Michael Wexler delivers a powerful eulogy, calling on the Federation to embrace his vision.

Technology board chairman Cris Tellar continues to make deals with states and corporate bodies, agreeing to oversee production on faster than light ships for them in return for HUGE investments of capital and further concessions.  The Brazilian government becomes the single largest investor into this technology, followed by AEJIS.<

**2068**The Senate is frozen again by elections.  Senator Kassenbach argues (unsuccessfully) for recognition of Senator Kutai’s year as acting President to be recognized as a complete “term”       AEJIS Senator Marco Wire becomes the front-runner.  Whilst he is reasonably corporate, he’s also considered to be a moderate voice in the senate and has achieved much as chairman of the Senate Finance oversight committee.  He is opposed by Indian Senators Deepak Asseem and Priya Pratima.  The outsider choice is Senator Billay Kutai.  Kutai is seen by many as a powerful choice but he withdraws from consideration in respect of a place on the Executive.  Brazilian Senator Oscar de Marquez is also a contender.

The Senate votes and elects Marco Wire of Australia as the new President.  President Wire promises to continue in Tannant’s stead and offers to work closely with Senator Kassenbach’s wing of the Senate.  Senator Penelope Cassano steps down as Leader of the Opposition and is replaced by Senator Deepak Asseem.  He is, in turn, replaced by Senator Pratima as chair of the FCA. The Mars colony suffers its first major setback as a new cavern is subject to a gas fire which kills 315 colonists.  Never the less, the colony industrial output is about five times the level it would be on Earth.  With increased corporate interest and offers of incredibly cheap land, the interest in “Wave 3” is intense the FCA set even more stringent rules.

The Terran Ambassador to the Tranoan Empire successfully agrees the first trade deal between the two empires.  The Tranoan ambassador arrives on Earth with trade goods and technology.  Tranoan shipboard technology is given over to the technology board.  The Tranoan’s request a sampling of Terran animal life.

### 2069-2071:  The Corporate Years

**2069**The Senate is granted some legislative power for the first time and is able to pass laws of its own.  The Supreme Court rules on the case, “the Federation Vs Kassenbach” in favor of Senator Kassenbach, allowing him to consider Billay Kutai’s run as a term.  Senator Kassenbach announces his intention to seek the Presidency when President Wire’s term expires.  The FAS unveil their four newest ships.  The “Gallant”, the “Reprise”, The “Juliet” and the “Extant A”.  The FAS also unveils its new state of the art space station, in orbit around the Moon. This facility is known as Fort Vigil.  The FAS chief of staff, Peter Lieberman, oversees some final preparation and then announces his retirement as chief of staff.  He also announces that in future, the chief of staff will be a serving member of the Federation Fleet Arm.  This is passed in the Senate.  The new chairman is Vice-Admiral Matsumoto Kaneda.

The Technology board also has a change in chairman as Senator Oscar de Martinez becomes chairman.  He oversees a massive overhaul of the investment procedure and more articles of incorporation.  The Technology board is renamed and reorganized as the Federal Technology Corporation (FTC).

The rest of the FCA colonial fleet is completed and the process of selection of colonists and testing begins.  The FCA announces that two ships will be used to expand the Mars colony; the other 7 will go to the other colonies.  They will be followed up by another wave two years on.     The Tranoan Empire continues to trade with the Federation, even offering manufactured goods.  Tranoan levitation and anti-grav technology becomes one of the must have objects.  President Wire also becomes the first Terran President to visit the Tranoan home systems, along with most of his senior leadership.<o:p></o:p>

**2070**The Federation faces another internal crisis as there is an intense nuclear stand off between India and China over Vietnam's right to “self determine”. President Wire is criticized widely for his inability to solve the issue.  India refuses to blink but in the end, the crisis is narrowly averted.

The President is then defeated in two of his efforts to modernize the colonial procedure and to open the asteroid belt up to corporate exploration and exploitation.  The President survives a vote of no confidence.  He successfully dismisses several members of the executive.  Senator Richard Kassenbach steps down as Chairman to begin his campaign for President.  Vice-Chairwoman Keisha Morse also steps down.  The new chair of the Executive is Senator Billay Kutai and the vice-chair is former pilot, Ross McCone

The FSA lay down keels for another four ships and five new scout ships.  The FSA also begin fleet-wide exercises which show a lack of doctrine.  Chief of Staff Kaneda organizes a wide spread training program.  There is also the first private FTL jump (in system) by Corporate cruiser, the “Agile”.    There is another civil war in Russia> but this one is put down successfully by the elected government.

The colonies on Mars are now much more successful and self reliant.  Vast wages are paid to the average employee and Pyramid Industries is one of the most powerful new corporations to come through.  The Technology Corporation also begins a major dig at the pyramid complex in Cydonia but is unable to get direct access to the pyramid.

Former President Michael Wexler dies of a heart attack.  There is another state funeral and he is held up as a great visionary leader of the Federation.  His son, Thomas Wexler, is a newly elected Senator and delivers the eulogy.

**2071**President Wire’s presidency comes under increasing attack as Senator Kassenbach’s wing of the Senate replace Senator Aseem’s wing as the opposition. Senator Aseem agrees to work with the President to hold back Kassenbach.

Former FAS chief of staff Peter Lieberman is elected as a Senator and becomes a sterling voice on the militarism of the Federation.  He warns that the Federation has become an overtly military organization and suggests the Senate must watch for the growing power and confidence of the military.   The FCA announces that the first colony ships will leave the system for their colony worlds in 2080.  They begin vetting for appointments and the competition is fierce.<

The Vatu Empire exchanges ambassador’s with the Terran Federation and begin trade talks.  The war-like Vatu are impressed with the perceived militarism of the human race.

### 2072-2076:  The Second Kassenbach Administration

**2072**The final year of President Wire’s Presidency sees his administration utterly paralyzed and he calls for an early election, so save the Senate from failing to move forward.  Senator Kassenbach is the front-runner, facing opposition from Senator Oscar de Martinez and Senator Deepak Asseem

Senator Holly Maguire makes an impassioned speech during the hustings to avoid handing so much power to Senator Kassenbach.  He rebuts with a promise that he will be the best choice for President and that power is given to him because he is fit to lead.  He will promise to be a moderating voice.

Senator Kassenbach wins the Presidency, becoming the first two-time President.  He is only narrowly elected and other votes in the Senate go badly for his party.  Deepak Asseem becomes leader of the opposition again and USCAF Senator Keisha Morse becomes chair of the Executive.  Chinese Senator Zhong Diang is named Vice-chair.  Thomas Wexler is elected as chairman of the FCA, following in his father’s footsteps.

The Federation completes a new trade agreement with the Tranoan’s that will see the two continue to trade.  The Tranoan’s establish a trade mission in Delhiand are granted some rights outside of the ambassadorial compound.   Tranoan ambassadors visit several world leaders.

**2073**President Kassenbach begins his first major attempt at legislative overhaul, agreeing a new procedure to officially designate the Chair of the Executive as the Vice President.  This passes in the Senate.  He then increases the pay and staff to chairmen and the leader of the opposition.

FAS Chief of Staff Matsumoto Kaneda retires (early) and is replaced by a more moderate officer, Vice-Admiral Jack Hughes.  Admiral Hughes agrees to some budget cuts but resists any cut in procurement or personnel.  He skillfully defends the current mission of the FAS.

The Mars “Wave 3” arrives and integrates with the population.  There is a Martian gold rush for rich mineral deposits and the planet sees its nascent economy boosted massively.  Mars ends 2073 with a population of 52,000.

The Technology Corporation agrees to license the exploration of the Asteroid belt and the Jovian belt of moons for corporate and private development.  Huge Corporate board “Neeson/Willis” beat most of the others to it and briefly become pre-eminent in the Asteroid belt

**2074**President Kassenbach agrees to the opening up of the Jovian and Asteroid belt and negotiates further concessions to allow more corporate and private FTL construction.  These ships, however, are all still built by the Federation.

The FAS are annoyed at this and begin pressuring the hawks in the Senate to back FAS expansion in 2075.  Senator Ross McCone quickly becomes the figurehead for this and uses it, wisely, to boost his chances of being President in the next election

The Technology Corporation chairman is replaced Senator Oscar de Martinez begins to work out his own Presidential campaign also, working closely with the conservative Senators under former President Marco Wire.  The new corporate chairman is Billay Kutai who arrives as a reformer

The FCA launch a colonial operation towards the Jovian belt, using new anti-grav technology acquired from the Tranoan’s.  The FCA also agrees to an FAS request to make Titan an FAS training and command base.

There is another extra-solar crisis as a pair of Vatu ships arrive in the system. This mission is a training program, according to the Vatu but the FAS take a hard-line and stand off with the larger Vatu warships.  The Vatu ships are able to evade with ease and leave.  The FAS is humiliated but successfully hush this incident up.

The diplomatic corps exchanges ambassadors with the Tazzyn Empire who are not impressed with the Terran Federation’s slow and bureaucratic style of Government.

**2075**The Federation adopts a hard line with the Vatu as they begin to make claims against the unoccupied Terran colonies on Ross 359 and Lalande.  The President agrees to a summit with the Vatu but also requires Chief of Staff Hughes to deploy the fleet ready to move to these two star systems.  The Senate votes a new procurement program.

The FAS rush through production of three new starships to add to the fleet.  The FAS are keen to see what they can do in actual combat.  Privately, Chief of Staff Hughes is not at all confident of their chances against massively superior Vatu warships

Senator Ross McCone becomes leader of the opposition with support from the hawks and conservatives.  He forms a coalition with the Presidency in mind. Senator McCone calls Senator Kassenbach a power hungry veteran and calls on him to face a vote of no-confidence.  President Kassenbach easily defeats the motion.

Senator Keisha Morse steps down as chair of the Exec and is replaced by Zhong Diang who is a hawk but not part of McCone’s party.  President Kassenbach gets former opponent Deepak Asseem onto the exec as vice chairman and begins to talk openly about who will succeed him.  He backs Senator Peter Lieberman as his successor.

**2076**All talk of the election is temporarily halted when there is a stand off with the Vatu in Ross 359.  The entire terran fleet is deployed and the 11 warships are able to force the Vatu ships to withdraw without a shot being fired.  President Kassenbach works with the Tranoan ambassador to talk a truce with the vatu.

The Terran’s also make first contact with the Karkouri Empire who are disdainful to Terran chances of making it alone.  They offer the Terran’s to become a protectorate but the Terran’s reject it   The FAS replace chief of Staff Jack Worth with Admiral Helena Montoya.  She is a young officer (only 41) and more hawkish and aggressive.  She backs Senator Ross McCone’s bid for the Presidency.  She also formats the Federation Intelligence Service (FIS) as the internal intelligence gathering force.

President Kassenbach uses the last of his political clout and capitol to agree further concessions from the states.  Many of the states no longer elect President but instead now appoint Governors and will cede more legislative power to the Federation.

## 2077-2098 - the Colonial Era

### 2077-2081:  Heading Forth

**2077**The election of 2077 is very bitter indeed and sees widespread protests on the streets at the lack of direct representation.  These riots and protests do not turn overtly bloody but in India and Brazil they are put down with a fierce response.

Senator Billay Kutai stands as the liberal/reformer but isn’t given much chance.  Senator Ross McCone stands as the hawk/conservative and Senator Bras Domingues of Brazil stands as the moderate candidate, hoping to offer a reasoned approach.  Senator Peter Lieberman also stands, his campaign is managed by veteran Senator Cris Tellar and he is backed by exiting President Richard Kassenbach.

The vote is acrimonious and there is much consternation as McCone wins the vote but is unable to form a ruling coalition.  McCone decides to take the Presidency, even if it is a neutered one.  Deepak Asseem is voted in as chairman of the Executive and Peter Lieberman is voted in as vice chairman. Politically, Richard Kassenbach returns to be leader of the opposition but he begins to look for a long-term successor.  He continues to tout Peter Lieberman as the logical choice to succeed him in the long term.

The ongoing border crisis with the vatu flares up again.  A vatu force is spotted in Ross 359 and the fleet is once again deployed to stand them off.  The two fleets close to within 500,000 miles before the Vatu fleets once again break off. FAS chief of Staff Montoya unveils a massive new recruitment program and lays down the keels for 9 new starships.  She is also there for the decommissioning ceremony of the FSS “Preistly” which becomes a museum ship.

The Martian colonies continue to grow, financially and gain more political clout than they are able to wield.  The Martian colonies worth is nearly that of the entire USCAF.

**2078**President McCone sends ambassadors to the Karkouri Empire and also sends ambassadors to Bl’Hud and Mor-Du Empires.   He also holds a hard line against the Vatu aggression on the borders.  The Tranoan’s suggest that the summit between the two would be successful but President McCone refuses to surrender any territory to the Vatu.

Meanwhile the Senate sees a new opposition leader emerge as Senator Sagewa Takumi becomes opposition leader.  A noted Senator and legislator, he works closely alongside the former President Richard Kassenbach but also along side moderate leader Bras Domingue.

The FCA announces wave 4 of colonists for the Jovian belt and Mars.  This wave has lower standards than the previous ones as there is an increased financial input and the FCA can afford to make the colony ships more accessible.     The FAS begin major exercises and an improvement to ship to ship battle doctrine.  They have integrated much Tranoan technology into their ships and feel more confident than ever of their chances against the Vatu.

**2079**The Senate rejects President McCone’s bid to increase FAS spending (by 50%!) and the Senate rebuke the President and his allies for attempting to hot-wire the Senate.  President McCone then attempts to use his executive orders to force the spending bill through but this is rejected by the Executive committee.  Chairman Deepak Aseem resigns and returns to the backbenches

The FAS continue to put pressure on their allies in the senate to support them and also begin to exert influence in the States to elect hawkish Senators.

The FAS chief of staff is forced to resign after she writes a memo that becomes infamous for its rhetoric in suggesting that the FAS is the true backbone of the Federation.  Moderate Admiral Stravos Etharios is named new chief of staff.

The Karkouri embassy is established.  The Karkouri offer trade alliances and this alliance begin to bear fruit by the end of the year.

Mars receives a massive arrival of workers and laborers and a two tier society is formed, with the original “Martian’s” being much wealthier than the newly arriving citizens.  Mars population reaches 175,000.  The newly built Jovian colonies find life very difficult and a colony on Sinope is utterly destroyed by a shield failure.  The FCA comes in for much criticism but avoids the blame.

**2080** The Federation faces another crisis as there is an intense civil wa in India as the Pakistani people go into revolt against the occupation of the Indian Government.  President McCone takes a dim view of this and threatens economic sanctions.  He also deploys a Federation peacekeeping force to Pakistanto oversee the new demarcation.

The FAS unveil new ships, taking the fleet up to 12 modern fighting ships and a moth-ball reserve of another 9.  The FIS reveal that their information shows a massive disparity with the fleet-arms of the Tranoan, Tazzyn and Vatu Empires.  This report is classified and buried.

The FCA load their first ships for extra-solar colonization.  These huge “Whale” ships will carry a massive payload of citizens to these colonies.  Work has been done in preparation of their arrival and expensive space-stations have been established in each system.  A large percentage of the cost was passed to the corporations.

The technology corporation sees a major overhaul in its makeup and the chairmanship remains a Senate appointment.  However the board of directors now holds a huge amount of private power over the technology.

As the end of the McCone Presidency is now in sight, the various challengers begin to build up their campaigns against him.  Peter Lieberman has the backing of a large number of moderate and dovish Senators.  True moderate Bras Domingue also puts his name forward again, suggesting that a new slate needs to be drawn.  Indian Senator Davades Rishi also puts his name forward, hoping to follow in the footsteps of his famous uncle, Anaj Rishi.

**2081** President Ross McCone begins to wind up his administration.  He avoids a vote of no-confidence by agreeing a small 5% increase in FAS budget.  He is defeated by Senator Sagewa over circumventing the budget process once again.

The Executive sees Chairman Billay Kutai retire from the Senate (to an appointment as Governor of the LAN).  Senator Peter Lieberman steps up as chairman and Senator Thomas Wexler becomes vice chairman.  Thomas Wexler, unable to run for President, concentrates on a bid to become chairman of the Executive.

The FAS continue to build up their readiness for a perceived border war with the Vatu.  The classified report on comparative fleets is leaked to the FAS and the chief of staff hangs onto the report but makes sure that key Senators see it.

The Tazzyn Empire is almost provoked into a war when a Tazzyn Imperial Aide is arrested in New Dehli for his part in an honor duel.  The Tazzyn insist that the Aide is immune to Terran law and insist that being held is an act of war.  The Terran ambassador on Tazzyn is able to calm the situation down and the Tazzyn accept an apology.

The colonial ships for the Extra-solar colonies begin to arrive……

### 2082-2087 The First Colonies

**2082**The Senate goes into a new election and recently elected Senator Akash Sanjiy is elected President.  As a Federalist, President Sanjiy is expected to lead the drive for increased Federalism.  Presidential rival Bras Domingue is named leader of the opposition, a coalition of moderates, conservatives and anti-federalists.

The Senate clashes with the FAS repeatedly and there are some fierce diatribes from Hawk Senators and their allies in the FAS.  The FAS budget is kept at its current level but only two new ships are paid for, including the first ever Federation Cruiser, the “Perseus” and another new frigate.  The Senate directs the FAS to build more orbital structures, including a new orbital shipyard at L-5 point and a network of orbital defense satellites.

The FSS benefits as well with a massive expansion of the Scout field, with 8 new scout ships constructed and put into service as a courier boat network. The scout ships are deployed at the new colonies.

The Colony ships arrive at their destinations, setting up the initial colonies who endure difficult first years but expose amazing potential in the colony worlds that were “handed” to the Federation.

Newly named FCA chairman Senator Davadas Rishi agrees to sublease two new orbital worlds to the corporations.  Pyramid Industries become the sole owner of one colony, the first one to be completely owned by one corporation.

The Federation Senate passes a landmark piece of legislation, offering massive farm subsidies to the new colonies, offering tax breaks and incentives for “extra-solar trade” (which is subject to a strong attempt by Senator Domingue in derailing it) and setting out a new foreign policy (which is even more unpopular with Opposition Senators)

FAS Chief of Staff Etharious is replaced by hardliner Vice Admiral Eiirk Andersen of Sweden  Andersen is a fierce opponent of the current administration

The Federation begin pulling things together to host a massive trade summit on Mars.  The Federation make a deal with the Tranoan’s to get the Tranoan Emperor to attend!

**2083**President Sanjiy leads a major trade summit on Mars which is lauded far and wide as a major success.  The Tranoan Emperor attends, drawing major players from all over the quadrant.  The Karkouri Chancellor, the Tazzyn Imperial Heir and the Vatu First-Lord all attend the conference.  The Federation sign trade compacts with the Rorn and Bl'Hud, as well as negotiating a major new trade agreement with the Tranoans.  President Sanjiy is hailed for his leadership and briefly the Federation is seen as a shining new power.

    Elsewhere the Senate continues to be fractious and fifficult.  President Sanjiy's administration fails in nearly all its attempts at major overhauls of the electoral policy and then faces a vote of no confidence lead by Hawk Senator Otmin Katlego.  Senator Ovid Matharu helps put the rebellion down and President Sanjiy survives.

FAS begins a new program of ship building after some bitter confrontations between Senate hawks and doves.  Senator Bras Domingue calls for a major renewal and investment in FAS and gains a massive amount of support.  The Sanjiy administration caves in to his demands.

Senator Piotr Roskov is appointed new chairman of the Technology Corporation and leads more major investment by VENTRISS, West Corp, Sun-Star and IRONWORKS into colonisation.  Two more colonies are allowed to be opened up by the Corporations

**2084**There is a critical leak from within the Senate as to Federation Armed Services level of readiness, compared to the Vatu and Karkouri.  This causes major consternation to President Sanjiy and sees Chief of Staff Erik Andersen resign (who is almost instantly elected to the Senate in his native Sweden).

President Sanjiy heads into a confrontation with Senate Hawks under Bras Domingue.  His main supporters are political scions Otmin Katlego and Judson Wikheiser.  When they fail to unseat the President, there is a major political crisis which sees troops invade New Zealand (home to one of Sanjiy's main allies, Senator Harker).  Meanwhile a car bomb kills Senator Ovid Matharu in New Dehli.  The world ends up on the brink of war.  President Sanjiy meets with Senator Domingue and they beat out a compromise.

President Sanjiy resigns after just two years as President and Senator Domginue is "elected" by the Senate (facing no actual opposition).  However he is forced to form a limited coalition to run the Senate.  Many Senators protest the "coup" of the Hawks and call for Senator's Katlego, Wikheiser and Roskov to be impeached.

Federation prestige falls a little and this sees Indirian Frigates begin to raid Federation space

**2085**The new Domginue Administration fails to get any major legislation through the Senate.  Senator's have blocked every piece of legislation emanating from his office in committee or filibustered it on the floor.  New leader of the opposition, Senator Takewa, proves to be unsumountable in direct political confrontation.

The Senate Judiciary committee meets to decide on sanctions against Senator's Katlego and Wikheiser.  Both are forced to resign within a year.  In the corporate world, the Matharu's and Harker's are able to drive the Wikheiser's out of the boardrooms of most of the major companies.

Meanwhile the border skirmishing gets worse as Federation worlds are forced to protect themselves.  New FAS Chief of Staff Robert Stansfield calls for an increased deployment to the frontier.

The Federation also meets in diplomatic talks with the Tranoan's, the Rorn and the Bl'Hud.  A new Military Alliance is signed with the Rorn which will see technology exchanged and lead to some fleet integration.  This leads to a cooling of relations between the Federation and the Karkouri

President Domginue is also able to get a compromise bill past the Senate to gradually increase the FAS budget from A$400B per year to A$1200B over three years

**2086** The new colony ships have left Earth and begin to open up half a dozen new corporate run colonies.  FCA Chairman Davadas Rishi has been able to wring more exchanges out of the corporations and their allies.

President Domingue survives a major attempt by Senator Takewa to force him out of office and begins a series of meetings with Senate Moderates and centrists to try and keep the peace.  At one point it is strongly suggested that he will resign but in the end he is able to formulate a major deal to keep the power of the Presidency

The Tomahawk War, as it is known, sees the Federation deploy its fleet and armed forces to confront Indirian raiders all over the frontier.  There are four or five major battles, most of which see the Federation suffer heavy casualties.  However, General Lucas Veculli is able to win the war in a year and drive the hostile Indirians ships out of Federation space.  President Domginue and General Veculli are hailed as heroes.  Federation's political prestige is greatly improved but the reputation of the Federation is somewhat darkened by their bloody-handed attitude towards the war

The fleet is upgraded to include Rorn technology and will, hopefully, see Federation warships able to compete with their enemies.  The Federation is finally offered diplomatic ties to the enigmatic Taur'Lei Empire

**2087** President Domingue enjoys a political honey-moon and pushes through some minor legislation to ease life for the corporations.  The FAS continue to build new and larger ships and begins to reorganise the fleet a little.  General Lucas Veculli, promoted two ranks above the current FAS chief of staff, ends up Commanding Officer of the Fleets by default.

As agreed with Senate moderates, President Domginue replaces his ally, Senator Kunnai, with Senator Grissom as chairman of the Executive and is able to exert a little more power in the Senate.  Meanwhile candidates have begun to emerge for the Presidency which is not expected to last beyond early 2088

Meanwhile new colonies are founded on Van Diemen's World, Fort Kurzon, St Lawrence and Whitworth.  All of these are at least part owned by major corporations.

**2088**President Domingue is succeeded by Senator Helen de Michelle who forms a war-time coalition with Vice President Takumi Sagewa and Executive Chairman Adlai Kimov.  They begin a massive increase of the FAS budget, a full A$1.2T increase in the space of one year, against the objections of the Senate doves.  The Federation sees the worlds of Furnace and Whitworth evacuated and occupied by the Karkouri.  However, renegade colonists wage a resistance war against the new occupiers

### 2089-2091 The Four Empires War

**2089**War finally breaks out with the Four Empires War as the Karkouri invade the Sol system, engaging the Federation in two large fleet actions and closing to within one AU of Earth.  However attention is drawn from this battle by the Vatu attack on both empires.  The Vatu were able to take the Stark and Furnace colonies from the Federation and another 3 colonies from the Karkouri.

The Federation fought off the Karkouri during the so called "Sol Campaign" which was waged by the Federation Combined Fleet.  The Combined Fleet was defeated in the Battle of Mars but then held off the Karkouri in the Battle of Falling Stars.  The Federation counter offensive won the Mars campaign and Jovian campaign, driving the Karkouri Task Force out of the home systems

President de Michelle's wartime government called up all reservists and pressed all suitable warships into service, adding another 30 ships and more than half a million personnel at a stroke.  An emergency bill passed the Senate 581-39 to raise the military budget from A$1T to A$2T.  The Federation began producing warships at a phenomenal rate.

**2090**The Federation replaced it's commander of the combined fleet as Major General Daniel Lau replaced General Lucas Vecuclli.  Lau planned and lead Operation Pinwheel, with an assault against both the Ross 159 and Alpha Centauri systems.  The Federation were able to retake both colonies, allbeit with heavy casualties.  This lead to the Tazzyn Peace accords of 2090 where Vice President Takumi Sagewa successfully negotiated an end to the Karkouri element of the Four Empires War.

President de Michelle was able to get the Federation Executive to agree to hold back some of the Production budget, forestalling her fears about a millitant and aggressive Federation using the new fleet as a weapon of aggression.

Federation diplomats finally visited the Taurlei homeworld in the first official diplomatic exchange with the ancient power

**2091**The Four Empires War against the Karkouri is ended and the Federation are able to concentrate their affairs against the Vatu Empire.  Most of the year is spent refitting the fleet and preparing the fleet and marine forces to retake the lost colonies from the Vatu.  Major General Lau plans "Operation Arc-Light" to retake these lost colonies.  The plans are initiated in May of 2091.  The Operational plans are a success, defeating the Vatu with huge casualties and ending the Four Empires War.

Meanwhile, the Karkouri Empire collapses into civil war as the military overthrow the ancient Imperial House.  The entire Royal House, chancellor, Emperor and his two sons are all executed.  The military leadership settle the war with the Vatu and agree to honour their previous treaty commitments.  The surviving noble houses (largely two powerful merchant Houses) prepare to fight a long and bloody civil war.  Surviving nobles flee to Tazzyn and Federation space and are harboured by both powers.

The Federation exchanges ambassadors with the Taurlei Empire after long and rather cryptic talks

President de Michelle surprises most by calling an early election.  Vice President Sagewa edges out Senator Grant Grissom to be elected the 13th President of the Federation

### 2092-2098 The Rewards, The Post War Years

**2092**Newly elected President Sagewa brought forward a plan to revolutionize the FAS by downsizing the large wartime fleet from 141 ships to just 40.  Newly sworn in FAS chief of staff and war hero Peter Lau was charged with performing this task, over his own and other admirals objections.  30 warships were sold to the Rorn, Mor Du, Bl'Hud and Gannid Governments.  Another 90 ships were mothballed (and around 20 of those were scrapped or sold off to private industry)

President Sagewa introduced several federalist measures to strengthen the arms and institutions of the Federal Government.  He added the FRS (Federal Ranger Service) to the FSS as a police force able to operate between worlds (even in space).  This organisation was met with some resistance in the Senate but the vote was passed.  The President then successfully added Senate oversight to corporate financing and decreased the military budget from A$2T to A$1T

Senator Santiago Peretz made a contreversial suggestion that the Federation should take over the former colonies of the Karkouri Empire but this plan was defeated before it was brought to a vote.

**2093**President Sagewa continued to expand the reach and power of the Federation, reducing the ability of Russia, China and India to self govern.  The Indian Government was fairly satisfied with the state of affairs as they are major players in the Federation.  The growing rivalry between President Sagewa and Chairman Grissom looked like it might paralyse the Senate but Sagewa was often able to out fox his rival.

President Sagewa and Senator Deepak Asseem worked out a new Trade Summit that included the gutsy plan to jointly settle and govern the former Karkouri colonies.  This plan called on the Mor Du, Rorn, Bl'Hud and Gannid to take on the ambitious project.  FIS began back channel overtures with the Tazzyn Empire to help out and take control of the Karkouri Empire.  The Tazzyn were struggling to get a unified government support for the operation into Karkouri space

Meanwhile the military faction finally won the civil war, rounding up and killing the remaining Merchant Faction leaders.

Vice President Roskov resigned his office, claiming that he wasnt given anything to do and was "wasted" in that role.  His successor was chosen, Senator Keisha Morse.  Then President Sagewa was able to remove his rival, Grant Grissom, as chairman of the executive.  A clever political ploy was pulled together by Ryu Honda who then resigned as Chief of Staff to protect the administration.  Dallas Breen was promoted to Chief of Staff in his place.

**2094**This was a major wedge between the Federation and their longtime allies the Tranoans.  The Federation begun major talks with the Bl'Hud, the Mor Du, the Rorn and the Gannid about a mutual trading bloc that might evolve into great alliance.  This was also a symbolic moment of the Federation moving away from its pro-Tranoan axis towards a more Tazzyn orientated foreign policy.

President Sagewa was hailed for his state-craft in delivering such a large overhaul of foreign policy and for opening up six new colony worlds (as part of the deal that the Tazzyn offered).  The Major Corporations were forced to each sell around 15% of their assets to open up proper and fit competition, diluting their collective power.  Meanwhile the Federation was able to increase its powers at the expense of its member states.

Many political pundits believe now that the next election (2096) would be the most crucial one for more than 20 years.  Another Federalist may be able to cement the authority of the President and the Senate over all citizens of the Federation and all the smaller polities may begin to phase out.

Meanwhile the Federation began a major rebuilding process of its fleet and ground forces.  The "Caesar" Project was funded to offer better protection to Marines and soldiers.  Meanwhile the mothball reserves would be called back to activation.

**2095**President Sagewa continued to exert more power, building up the TSA (terran Security agency) and other Federal agencies.  The President overcame the Leader of the Opposition in funding attempts for FAS and other projects.

The President also began to wrap up his affairs and begin to set up his successor, Senator Robin Whitlock, as the front runner for the election.  However after nearly 10 years of Federalist rule in the Senate, the libertarian "lobby" believed it was time for a change

A merger between Bradbury Industries and Pyramid Industries to create Bradbury-Pyramid created a fifth Mega-Corporation to compete with the "Big Four".

**2096**More Federation marines die in Karkouri space, raising to an average of 150 per week and another 350 wounded.  The ongoing attacks continue to cause damage and havok.  FIS's belief that the Karkour military regime was secretly behind it.

The Federation also worked towards trying to build lasting ties with the Gannid, Rorn and other smaller powers but the ongoing warfare between the Federation and the occupied Salborians.

The 2096 Election was a shock, this most critical of elections saw young Indian Senator Shiva Jaywant win the election in one of the most one sided elections ever.  The young President was sworn in alongside Santiago Peretz   Veteran Senator Archie Gibbs was promoted to Executive Chairman and became a hugely powerful and influential figure in the new Senate.  President Jaywant proceeded with the JOZ in Karkouri space

**2097**The Federation re-organises its military efforts in Karkouri Space.  A major act of the Senate allow the "Big Five" to begin setting up their own operational zones and even gradually build up their own military forces.  A major review of the Intelligence Services was made by retired Admiral Robert Stansfield alongside Senator Jang Ryang.  Admiral Stansfield was determined to run the investigation with as little Government interference as possible and often clashed with Senator Ryang, Senator Domingue and the Vice President

The fighting in the JOS continued but the FAS was directed to reduce its defensive posture.  The FAS suffered more casualties, amounting to nearly 10,000 casualties in 2097.  Admiral Verekker organised "Operation Cyclone" to try to break down the organised resistance.

The Federation enjoyed a huge economic boom, seeing average GDP increase by 2.5% and a massive reduction in unemployment.  This allowed President Jaywant's administration to reduce the "Welfare State" in a tight vote and to increase corporate supports.  Opposition Leader Robin Whitlock was muted in his criticism but liberal Senator Espara was searing in her criticism of the Government

**2098**Admiral Verekker launches "Operation Arc-Angel" where FAS forces, working alongside mercenaries and corporate units attack all over the JOZ including into Karkouri sovreign territory.  The Karkouri Military regime is outraged and insists that no further violations of their space will be allowed.  Verekker was not seriously reprimanded but a Rorn Vice Admiral was given overall strategic command in the JOZ.  This caused a major political backlash against the President

Meanwhile there are a couple of major political clashes as the President's chief of staff, Aleksandr Koburn, steps down.  The President began to distance himself from the Vice President as their relationship continued to worsen.  Executive Chairman Archibald Gibbs gained more executive power and was hailed by many as "The Real President"

Retired Admiral Robert Stansfield handed in the "Stansfield report" on FIS and intelligence services.  The report was damning of the political interference and claimed that FIS had not been supportive or open to the investigation.  The President welcomed the report but the Senate did not.  Senate Exec members Pavel Sforza and Leonard Vermier were both hugely critical of the report and FIS and called for a cut in the FIS budget.  This lead to a showdown between the President and the Senate. The President threatened to veto any reduction in the FIS budget.

The Senate was then rocked when Vice President Santiago Peretz died.  At first it was thought to be a natural cause but was later revealed to be an assassination.  This lead to Brazil threatining to withdraw from the Federation, taking India and China with them.  The President was able to defuse the crisis but the Senate Hawks and other Brazilians repeatedly held up the Senate, filibustering nearly any piece of legislation until a truce was called.

Veteran Senator Peter Lieberman was appointed Vice President in 2098 to fill out the remainder of the term.

## 2099- 2149 - The Middle Era

### 2099-2104 The Golden Age Ends

**2099**.With the Senate gridlocked and fierce schisms breaking out, the end of the Jaywant administration was in sight. The President called for an early election in 2100 and began the process of an orderly hand off of power.  Privately he backed Exec Chairman Archie Gibbs but publicly stayed out of the race.  The President was seen as one of the weakest in the history of the Federation and a major political millstone to carry

Meanwhile the JOZ descended into even worse bloodshed as Karkouri troops openly began to raid Federation, Rorn and Gannid outposts.  Mercenary forces fought a very bloody urban battle, killing 2,300 Salborians and Karkouri.

A new galactic crisis emerged also in 2099 when Vatu forces engaged Karkouri border patrols, attempting to assert their authority over the old Karkour colonies they controlled.  Using this as a pretence for a declaration fo war, the Karkour went to war with the Vatu and the two fleets clashed three times in 2099.  The newly re-armed and re-trained Karkouri fleet stunned the Vatu with three successive victories and drove them back into Vatu space.   Karkouri ground forces began the long job digging the Vatu out of their old colony worlds

On Earth the Federation was rocked by the construction of a new major space-station.  A joint project between China, Brazil, India and some of the "Big Five", this major space port was seen as a blatant threat to the hegemony of the Federation.  The Chinese premier and the Brazilian President both snubbed visits from the Federation President in 2099

The field for the critical 2100 election began to form.  Executive Chairman Archie Gibbs was seen by most as the front runner. His principal opponents appeared to be Federalist Senator Robin Whitlock and Hawkish Senator Lucas Veculli.  There was also a dark horse challenge from Vice President Peter Lieberman..

**2100**The "Manhiem Trial" goes ahead and badly bloodies the reputation of the Federation and the Senate.  Federation Prosecutor Andrew Donnowitz goes for the maximum penalty and is able to tie Senator Manhiem to a number of sordid business deals and corrupt alliances.  Senator Manhiem is found guilty in a 7-2 decision of the court and sentanced to death.  However the death sentance is commuted by President Jaywant.  However Sygir Manhiem ends up serving a life sentence at a Super-Max facility in Texas

A set of major political reforms are voted through at the tail end of the Jaywant administration.  The office of the Presidency is strengthened and Presidents were allowed to seek re-election.  The President would also no longer be able to be removed by a simple vote, it would require impeachement in the Senate.  Senator Robin Whitlock is elected President in a fierce election.  He chose fellow Federalist Senator Annasly Keates as his Vice President and ascended to the highest office with more power than any previous President.  Senator Sotaru Sasuke was elected Chairman of the Executive and Senator Lucas Veculli was named Leader of the Opposition

See also:  The 2100 Presidential Election

The newly elected Federalist administration took power and the President busied himself with trying to heal the rifts in the Federation.  The Vice President was given authority to go after banking and finance reform and began to pull together a strong committee, comprised largely of Federalist Senators

The Karkouri complete their victory over the Vatu, recapturing their old colony worlds.  The Karkouri Regime turns its attentions to its old colonies within the JOZ

**2101**Increasing pressure on the JOZ sees the body count increase from 1,000 casualties per week to nearly 1,750 per week.  President Whitlock gave orders to Rear Admiral Verekker to try and crack down on Salborian resistance.

The banking reform committee completes its reforms which, in the opinion of many Liberal Senators, dont go far enough

**2102** The Tazzyn Empire began to withdraw its forces from the JOZ, surprising most with this climb down.  The Federation and the Gannid are the two remaining Empires inside Karkouri space.

Major political clashes between the President and the Opposition Leader, Lucas Veculli, reach a critical mass.  Senator Veculli is soundly out fought in pure political terms and Senator Veculli steps down as Leader of the Oppsotion.  Russian Senator Piotr Roskov is elected Leader of the Opposition

**2103**The Karkouri Empire insists on the Federation withdrawing from the JOZ.  The President agrees to begin withdrawing FAS forces from the JOZ, over the objections of several high ranking FAS admirals.  FAS Chief of Staff Ramseur draws up Operation Jupiter, which slowly withdraws all FAS forces from the JOZ.  Salborian attacks continue.

New leader of the Opposition Piotr Roskov is far more successful than his predecessor.  He begins drawing up his committee and staff to run for President in 2105

**2104**All Federation Forces are withdrawn from the JOZ.  In nearly ten years of occupation, there were more than 51,000 casualties including 17,000 dead.  President Whitlock commisions a Veterans Hosptial to be based in Houston, Texas and then a momument to the dead to be built in Delhi, India.

A major commision into intelligence services begins, lead by Senator Christian Zenninger.  This wide ranging committee includes opposition Senators as well as "Federalists"

The rifts between China, India and Brazil are very much healed by the President.

### 2105-2115 The Time of the Federalists

**2105**President Robin Whitlock announces he will seek re-election.  Vice President Keates is kept on as his Vice Presidential candidate.  With a new election process, the opposition look to Senator Piotr Roskov as their nominee.  However former Exec Chairman Archibald Gibbs is seen as the most likely person to defeat the President in an election.

In the end, President Whitlock easilly defeats Senator Archie Gibbs and Piotr Roskov.

See also the 2105 Election

The re-elected President announces his intentions to seek a broader and lasting peace in the Quadrant.  However one of the first things he's forced to deal with is the assault on the Vanhiem colony by the so called "Nacht-Volker".  This mysterious race defeat a combined Terran, Tranoan and Rorn Task Force, destroying two cruisers and four frigates.

President Robin Whitlock, along with his old mentor Takumi Sagewa and the Vice President form the "Federalist" Party which is built around the major Federalist movement.  This becomes the first real political party within the Federation Senate.

see also The Federalist Party

**2106**New Federation colonies are built out on the Tazzyn Border.  One is Corporate funded, controlled by Sunstar.  The other two are both federally mandated, though one is a pure outpost, a military instalation.  The colonies are expected to be founded in 2109

There are no further Nacht-Volker raids but many Hawkish Senators call for an increase in the military budget.  A 30% increase from A$1 trillion to A$1.3 trillion is agreed.  FAS chief of Staff Ramseur continues to upgrade the fleet to newer warships, keeping the numbers more or less the same

The President agrees to further break up the control of FIS.  The FIS budget process is changed, with an Executive Sub committee now given control of its budget.  The President also instructs the FIS to begin plans to divide up its operations.

**2107** Things are quiet in the Federation.  The President's administration busies itself with the work of state, continuing to build up a better health care and education system.

There is a falling out between the President and the Vice President over corporate interets and the two end up with a very frosty relationship

**2108**Rising tensions between the Gannid and their neighbours, the Rorn, Mor-Du and the Bl-Hud result in the Federation being forced to intervene.  The Federation signs a new military treaty with both the Rorn and the Bl-Hud whilst the Mor Du are apparently protected by the Tranoans.  This leads to increased tensions between the Gannid and the Federation

The newly signed triple alliance sees Federation military prestige increase.

**2109**The FIS responds to increasing political pressure by drawing up plans to reduce its operational size.  However the Senate Exec committee reject their plan as being unworkable.

Vice President Keates announces that he'll seek the Presidency in 2110.  The President happily endorses him, despite the rifts between them.  Keates faces no opposition to win the Federalist nomination.  Opposition Leader Piotr Roskov appears to be his principal opponent but he also faces a liberal challenge from Senator Tkose Rudabe.

**2110**President Whitlock leaves office after 10 years as President, looking much older and greyer than when he went in. He campaigns hard for Vice President Keates.  Keates defeats Roskov, Rudabe and Gallet in the 2110 Election.  The Federalist Party has now controlled the Presdiency for 3 successive terms.  Keates picks Croation Senator Svomir Vucic as his running mate and Vice President.  Roskov is once again named Opposition leader.

see the 2110 Presidential Election

President Keates has to react to Hawks calling for an increase in the FAS budget.  This is made even worse when the Karkouri and Gannid sign a major alliance.  The Quadrant is now divided into two major power blocs opposing each other.

**2111**A major trade war begins as Gannid construction and mining corporations begin fiercely competing with Federation and Rorn industries.  The Karkouri also engage in this trade war too.

President Keates agrees to raise the FAS budget to A$1.5 trillion.  New FAS chief of staff Mattheu de Spain begins  major reconstruciton project using Bl-Hud technology to upgrade the fleet.

**2112**The Galaxy is shaken by the death of the Tazzyn Emperor.  The Imperial Royal Heir ascends to the throne but the Tazzyn Empire is badly disrupted by the ascension process.

President Keates gets narrow Senate approval to break up the FIS into four new district offices.  The Central Office is the main command of it but there are also the SO (Special Operations) district, the North, East and West Districts.  This should make FIS easier to control and police.

**2113**Senate Hawks and Libertarians get increasingly difficult as the Trade War continues to bite.  The Big Four lobby fiercely for retalitory tariffs and black-lising of Karkouri and Gannid corporations.

President Keates is able to maintain control of the Senate but the opposition gains in strength.  Opposition Leader Piotr Roskov forms the "Alliance Party" to find a unified nominee to face the Federalist Party in the 2115 election.

see also the Alliance Party

**2114** The Keates administration is plagued by serious allegations of "unreadiness" and a lack of strength.  He brings in long time ally Emily Warrington as Executive Chairman to help maintain some control of the Senate.

The new Tazzyn Emperor is known to be a major fan of the Federation.  The President visits the new Emperor and begins to forge closer ties to the Tazzyn.

**2115**President Keates wins renomination by the Federalist Party and stands for re-election alongside Vice President Vucic.  The "Alliance" party nominate German Senator Christian Zenninger to face him.  Radical conservative Senator Desmond Odeffi also runs as an independent candidate.

see also the 2115 election.

In the end, Senator Zenninger narrowly wins the election and becomes the new President, ending 15 years of Federalist domination of Federation politics.  President Zenninger hopes to form a broad ranging coaltion government.  Senator Jon Muntarri is elected Vice President and sir Hugh Attwater is named Executive Chairman.  Mexican Senator Adin Rodriguez is named Opposition Leader (and thus de-facto nominee for the 2120 election).

### 2116-2130  The Middle Kingdom

**2116**- A Nacht-Volker raid destroys the colony on the world Alice in the Lalande Star System.  A Federation lead Task Force is deployed to track and engage the Nacht-Volker.  This time the force doesnt contain any Tranoan warships.

President Zenninger agrees major corporate tax cuts and allows further involvement in the colonies.  He attempts a partial privitisation of the FSS (Scout Services) but this motion is rejected in committee.

**2117**The Federation Task Force 33 engages three Nacht-Volker battlecruisers in the Proxima Centarui System.  The task force contains 22 ships (including four Rorn warships).  The battle is very one sided and the Task Force is routed, losing twelve ships destroyed.  This causes shockwaves across the Federation.  The President passes an emergency powers bill and increases the FAS budget to A$2 trillion.  FAS Chief of Staff Matheu de Spain suggests a major deployment.

The trade war, meanwhile, has settled down but the Federation economy has suffered

**2118**The FAS Task Force 71, under direct command of FAS Chief of Staff de Spain engage the Nacht-Volker in the Vega system.  A major battle is fought and the newly upgraded fleet are able to better hold their own against the Nacht-Volker ships.  However their superior technology once again is telling and the Federation lose a staggering 22 ships.  The Nacht-Volker then destroy the Fort Darwin colony.

**2119**President Christian Zenninger loses control of the "Alliance" Party and insists he'll run for re-election with or without their nomination.  The Federalist Party begin a primary election which sees Russian Senator Lidyia Kostova win the nomination ahead of French Senator Pierre Kastevezz.  She choses American Senator Joshua Bronte as her running mate.  Zenninger narrowly wins the "Alliance" nomination but there are two other "Alliance" candidates, Kazuya Shen and Jang Ryang.

There are no further Nacht-Volker raids and news arrives that the Tranoans had engaged them in a major battle in 2119, destroying one battle cruiser (at the cost of four of their own cruisers)

**2120**President Christian Zenninger makes a strong account of himself during the 2120 electiom.  Widely considered one of the smartest men in Federation politics, he wows the Senate with his ambitious plans for his 2nd term.  However the organisational strength and unified voice of the Federlaist Party gives them the edge and Senator Lidya Kostova is elected President in 2120.

seethe 2120 Election

The newly elected Federalist Administration take over control of nearly every office of state.  Senator Adin Rodriguez is named Executive Chairman.

**2121**The trade war sparks up again as the Karkouri dump billions of tonnes of Gannid goods into Federation and Rorn space.  The Federation respond with black listing and attempt to fight back in this trade war.

President Kostova visits the Tazzyn homeworld.  While she's away Vice President Bronte leads the Senate in a vote to increase the welfare state, helping to get social justice caught up with the 2120's.

**2122**The Senate passes the "Federation Trade Act 2122" which sees major trade excemptions for the corporations.  The Big Four begin to police their own trading routes better but are sorely pressed and there is talk of a possible merger between Sunstar and Ironworks.

Vice President Bronte visits the Tranoan homeworlds.

**2123**FAS spending actual increases to A$2.2 trillion.  Senate doves decry this, including the vice President but the Senate seems fairly well in agreement.  However the Federations GDP and trading deficit is really begining to cause serious pain to the Federation.

The new colonies are suffering badly and there is talk of one of them being abandoned

**2124**The merger between Sunstar and Ironworks is blocked by the Senate Anti-Trust committee.  The two corporations begin an appeal to the Federation Supreme Court.

The Bl-Hud agree to a new alliance but down grade their involvement in miltiary affairs.

President Kostova orders the FAS to deploy a task force to patrol the borders and to interdict Karkouri traffic where possible.  This military action causes a flare up in the border and the spectre of war rises again

President Kostova announces her intention to seek re-election.  She is unopposed for the Federalist nomination and stands as their nominee once again.  There is talk that Bronte will be dropped from the ticket in 2125.  The "alliance Party" has ceased to exist as an effective force so she faces several opponents, Senator Antonio Cappa, Senator Kazuya Shen and Mars Governor Callum Browne are her main competition

**2125**The Presidential election is close but the Federalists are just about able to edge the other candidates.  Oppositon Leader Antonio Cappa calls for an Oppositon Party to be formed and it forms around him, too late to stop President Kostova from winning her 2nd term.  She swaps running mates, changing over to hawkish Senator Eirik Andersen.

see the 2125 Presidential Election

see also the Libertarian Party

The Tazzyn Emperor intervenes the Karkouri/Federation stand off and helps to ease the pressure.  Tazzyn trading policies help to cool down the economy of the Federation and the Rorn

**2126**The new administration begin a major program of building new ships and FAS facilities.  The President allows VENTRISS UDC and WestCopr to buy up former FAS warships.

A major program of helping the colonies begins.

Mars lobbies hard to be given Senate represenation and the Senate begins debating the political role of the colonies

**2127**The Supreme Court rejects the merger between IronWorks and Sunstar.  This sees Sunstar collapse as a corporation and eventually forced to go into administration.  The shockwaves of this cause a major fall in GDP and a major recession strikes the Federation.

President Kostova is forced to reduce the FAS budget to A$1.8 trillion.

**2128**Seperatist terrorists in Russia set off a dirty bomb in St Petersburg, killing 70,000 people.  The President leads the Federation through this crisis.  The TSA successfully capture several members of this terrorist cell.

**2129**President Kostova collapses during her "State of the Federation" address and is briefly succeeded by Vice President Andersen.  She resumes the office after about a week.  She announces that she will not seek a 3rd term.

The recession begins to ease up and the signs of recovery are seen

### 2130-2149 Turbulent Times

**2130**An outbreak of so-called "K19" virus on the colony world of Hollis spreads out to four other colony worlds which are eventually kept under a quarentine.  The Federation is then shocked to see the K19 virus mutate into the mucn more lethal K20 virus which has a lethality of more than 70%.  Emergency powers are granted to the new President and the Federation acts to stop the spread of the deadly virus.

A quarentine is even placed over the entire Sol system which ultimatley saves lives.  Bl'Hud scientists crack the code and are able to manufacture a cure and a vaccine.  The final death toll of the K20 virus is nearly 2,000,000 people.

Newly elected President Joshua Ramis is widely credited for his skilful and calm handling of the crisis

see also the 2130 Presidential Election

**2131** The President deals with the aftermath of K20, including the possible consitutional violations in Thailand.  A Senate committee investigate the violations but are able to aquit the issue successfully.

The clean up sees two entire colonies utterly emptied

**2132**FAS complete a test progam of AI warships and unveil the A-31 "Arrow" and the A-39 "Solo" which are AI war-drones.  These drones will supplement the existing fleet.  A test fleet is constructed, with IronWorks winning the contract worth more than A$400B

The FAS budget is very gradually reduced after much discussion within the Senate.  The President makes a personal appeal to do more for "social justice" within the Federation and makes this one of his key issues.

A new political forms up, comprised of Pro Corporate moderates.  The so called "Community Party" had begun out on the Frontier.

**2133**New Political reforms are rejected by the Senate.  Mars Governor Callum Browne accuses the Federalist Party of "tyranny".

**2134**The Federation has finally finished tidying up after the K20 Virus.  Federation trade has suffered badly.

**2135**President Ramis defeats Governor Browne for re-election.  The Federalists can look forward to their fourth consecutive term in the Presidents office.

see the 2135 Presidential Election

A Nacht-Volker raid near Alpha Centauri forces the FAS into action.  FAS chief of Staff Langdom works with former FAS chief of staff Rear Admiral Marinna Richards to draw up a plan to deal with this highly advanced race.

**2136** A joint summit between the Tazzyn, the Tranoans and the Federation narrowly fails to get the two superpowers to form a joint task force to take on the Nacht-Volker.  The Federation turn its attention to the Vatu and gain their support to take on the Nacht-Volker.  A joint Tranoan, Vatu, Rorn and Federation task force of more than 100 ships is formed under the command of a Tranoan Admiral.

The Battle of Barnards Star sees a large Nacht-Volker fleet (more than 20 ships) engage the huge Allied Fleet.  The battle is incredibly fierce and the Federation and Vatu ships are battered, losing nearly half of the ships deployed.  Even the Tranoans lose four cruisers to the Nacht-Volker.  However Vatu ramming tactics bring down a Nacht-Volker battle-cruiser.  Tranoan cruisers take out three smaller Nacht-Volker ships and the Vatu also take out another.  The FSS Hercules destroys a Nacht-Volker frigate with a spinal mounted laser weapon.  The battle is won at a great cost.

**2137**The Federation begins planning a major trade summit, inviting all the major powers of the Quadrant to Earth space.  The initial response is much weaker than expected with only the Federations close allies willing and interested to attend.  President Ramis begins personally courting the leadership of other races to get them to attend

**2138**Major social reforms on Earth begin to take effect.  The general standard of life on Earth and Mars increase radically

President Ramis forms the OSB to keep an eye on the TSA, FIS and ONI.  The Senate find this to be an overreach and do not approve but Ramis is able to get just enough support..

**2139**FAS Chief of Staff Peter Langdom steps down as he will not have enough support from the new administration.  He is named head lecturer at the FAS fleet academy.  President Ramis announces he will not seek a 3rd term, keeping with the tradition of President's only seeking two terms.  He names Vice President Pierre Kastevezz as his chosen successor.

The Libertarian Party rally around Exec Chairman Matti Sugiharu for the 2140 election with the rallying call that "Four Terms was enough!"

**2140** The Libertarian Party finally retake the Presidency when Matti Sugiharu is able to sweep Vice President Pierre Kastevezz aside to be elected President.  This ends more than 20 years of Federalist Control of the Presidency.  However the Exec Chairman is a Federalist, Pierre Chancier.

see the 2140 Presidential Election

FAS Chief of Staff Helton Weiss personally promotes Tomegku to Captain and gives him command of the FSS Pursuit A.  He is the first Rorn officer to be given an independent command within FAS and to be given the rank of Captain.

**2141**The Social Reforms of the Ramis administration are finally fully ennacted.  There is now universal health care across the Federation (at least in the core systems).  There is also very good low cost education.  Former President Ramis's popularity spikes hugely and there are even some calling for him to run again in 2145.

**2142**A series of major corporate oversight committees begin putting new safeguards and watchdogs in place over the big four.  President Sugiharu vetoes the most extreme of them, risking a possible veto override by the Federalist Majority in the senate.  He rides his luck and is able to just about tow the line.

**2143**The Federation economy begins to slow to a crawl again as the Corporate reforms, along with aggressive Gannid practises, cause a slowdown.

**2144**The long planned Federation Trade Summit on St Lawrence takes place.  President Sugiharu is lukewarm in his support for it and leaves most of it to Vice President Jang Ryang.  The Tranoan send their Warden, the Rorn and the Bl-Hud send senior leaders, as do the Mor-Du.  The Gannid and Karkouri both send trade emissaries but the Tazzyn only send a couple of nobles. The summit is a dismal failure.

**2145**President Sugiharu wins renomination for the Libertarian Party but faces a renergised Federalist Party which nominates Russian Senator Adam Miranov.  Independent candidate Andreas von Falkenhayn runs too.  In a truly shock result, President Sugiharu pulls off a victory and is narrowly re-elected President, the first Libertarian to earn a 2nd term.

see the 2145 Presidential Election

The Quadrant is forced to react to the "Great Dhaugosk Migration" as more than 600 million Dhaugosk begin to arrive in the Quadrant.  Many attempt to settle in Tazzyn space but are moved on, aggresively.  They settle in the end on two Federation colony worlds, along with worlds in Tranoan, Karkouri, Mor-Du, Bl'Hud and Vatu space.  Only the Tazzyn seem to want to resist this large scale migration.  President Sugiharu skirts a tricky line with this.

**2146**The great alliance with the Bl'Hud and the Rorn is finally broken as the Bl;Hud withdraw from the renegotation talks.  President Sugiharu passes the buck, very well, to the Federalist opposition under Senator Adin Rodrguez.

A series of successful financial reforms are passed by the Libertarians that see the corporations able to get back to old profit levels.  The corresponding injection of money sees the economy moving forward again.  President Sugiharu takes the plaudits

**2147**Former Vice President Pierre Kastevezz is re-elected to the Senate and is named new Opposition Leader.  He seems all but certain to be the Federalist nominee in the 2150 election.

**2148**The Karkouri Gannid military alliance finally ends, leading to the gradual slow down of the "Trade War" that has lasted for nearly thirty years.

There is much trouble in the Tazzyn Empire as two great houses go to war.  The Emperor is forced to intervene to stop the Tazzyn Empire from sliding into actual civil war.

**2149**War breaks out between the Vatu and the Karkouri

see also the Fourth Vatu and Karkouri War

## 2150-2198 - the Rise of the Federation

### 2150-2155 The Calm Before the Storm

**2150**An incredibly competitive Presidential election stalls the Federation briefly but it is remarked upon by many leading Senators and political observers that the new Political reforms have lead to a more robust Senate.  Veteran Libertarian Vice President Jang Ryang is able to just about edge out his Federalist opponents to win the Presidency in 2150 and take up office.  This is the first time that the Libertarian party has had power for three successive terms.  Senator and former Vice President Pierre Kastevez becomes opposition leader over a weakened Federalist Party.

see also the 2150 Presidential Election

The TSA successfully conclude Operation Spirit Eagle, capturing sixteen key cell leaders and reportedly killing another 30 in a year long operation, largely based out of the lawless zones in Vietnam, Afghanistan and Syria.  The TSA take its victory lap at this point and are lauded by its Federalist allies in the Senate.

**2151**President Ryang successfully passes a major reform of financial regulations allowing some major new corporate investment.  He narrowly gets approval to hand over the rights for Faster than Light Travel to the corporations, after a hugely lucrative auction.

The Karkouri successfully defeat the Vatu in their fourth war of the last one hundred years.  The Federation stand aside and allow the Karkouri to win this war but the Tranoan Empire prevent a Karkouri occupation of Vatu worlds

**2152**The Libertarian Administration pass a 10% FAS budget increase and also oversee a new investment in the FIS, TSA and ONI.  The OSB is kept at current funding after talks to prevent it from being defunded.

Some political commentators accuse the Libertarians of pushing things too far one way as rampant corporate corruption leads to massive price hikes from the big four and the other "New Guard" corporations

**2153**A Federalist lead committee investigate price fixing and insider dealing.  Senator Jody Sickles leads the investigation, making her name with the Senate and the voting public.

There is much trouble within the Tazzyn Empire as there are rumors that there was an attempted coup by members of a rebel house.

**2154**The "Sickles Committee" prove several major cases of corruption and graft against the Ryang administration which struggle with damage limitation.  A combined Federalist/Community Party initiative overturns the President's budget and then shockingly overrides his veto, the first in the history of the Federation.

2155  The entire quadrant is shaken to its core, once again, by the death of a Tazzyn Emperor.  The Emperor has died younger than expected and his heir is considered to be a weak one.  The various great Tazzyn Houses move quickly to consolidate power.  Two houses even openly try to take the throne.  In the end, House van Pall are able to put the Imperial Heir onto the throne and reestablish themselves as the ruling dynasty.

President Ryang announces he will not seek another term and endorses Vice President von Falkenhayn.  However Vice President von Falkenhayn is blown out of the water by Senator and former Vice President Pierre Kastevez who becomes the first son of a President to also become President (his mother was President Helen de Michelle).  President Kastevez is also able to install Senator Adam Miranov as his Exec Chairman.

see also the 2155 Presidential Election

The Galaxy stands still, waiting to see how the Tazzyn empire will change with its new Emperor.

### 2156-2169  The Gathering Dark

**2156**The Tazzyn Empire continued to suffer as the New Emperor struggled to exert any power away from the Imperial Capital.  Houses Van Saar and Raviere had both refused to show fealty to the new Emperor and his court.  Duke Addierr van Kalmen was appointed a powerful Lord Marshal and began the complex job of reuniting the Tazzyn Empire.

The Federation began to see increasing pressure on the Southern borders from the Gannid Empire.  The Rorn and Bl'Hud were both put under severe pressure by the Gannid fleet and a new, smaller scale trade war began to wreak havoc with the two smaller races.  The Federation backed up the Rorn during this and still supported their old ally the Bl'Hud.

**2157**The Federation begins more legislation to reduce corporate corruption and insider dealing.  The "fall out" from the old Ryang administration leaves the Federalists with a lot of work to do.  They find surprising allies in the growing Community Party and begin a bi-partisan committee to sort out the corporations

Federation warships begin patrolling the trade lanes in the South.  The MTS (Mutual Trade Station) based in Rorn space is partially militarized.

**2158**The Tazzyn Empire finally reestablishes as the rebels houses both offer full fealty to the new Emperor.  He shocks the Tazzyn Court by insisting on hostages being taken "as wards" from both Houses to enforce their loyalty.

**2159**The FSS "Pices", a Federation Cruiser on commerce patrol in the Southern regions in Rorn space, is attacked and badly damaged by a mysterious ship which is later identified as a Gannid Commerce Raider.  The Federation insists on an apology and reparations from the Gannid Empire.

Senate Hawks call for a declaration of war and a full deployment into Rorn space.  The President stops just short of this but deploys another task force into Rorn space, taking the number of Federation warships on the Gannid border up to 50 (along with nearly 90,000 marines).  The Gannid begin a massive up-scaling of their military on fhe border with the Bl'Hud and the Rorn

**2160**President Kastevez is renominated as the Federalist Nominee for President in 2160.  The Federalist Party call for Unity and even offer the Community Party to run on a Unity Ticket which they turn down.  The election is fairly one sided as the Federalists defeat the Community Party and the Libertarian Party to win re-election.  President Kastevez promises to keep the economy strong but to reduce tensions with the Gannid Empire

see the 2160 Presidential Election

The Federation ships on the Gannid border continue to patrol the trade-routes.  The tensions continue to escalate.  Vice President Breen and Foreign Minister Kawashima both travel to the Gannid home-world to attempt to defuse the growing crisis

The Federation agrees to some trade concessions with the Gannid Empire in order to forestall a war with the aggressive Empire.  The Federation loses face in the galactic community and the Gannid put more pressure on the Bl'Hud and Mor-Du Empires.  Senate Hawks call for the President to "show his teeth".

**2162** The crisis comes in an unexpected quarter as the Fort Blue-Water in Karkouri space is attacked by a terrorist bomb.  A Karkouri neutral trader explodes in the cargo bay killing more than nine hundred Federation personnel and putting the dry-dock out of action for nine months.  The FAS mobilize a task force to go to Fort Blue-Waters aid.  The Karkouri claim they had no involvement in the attack.

Very quickly FIS prove Karkouri involvement in the attack.  President Kastevez very reluctantly declares war against the Karkouri Empire, starting the so called "Second Karkouri War."

see the Second Karkouri War

The FAS deploy nearly sixty warships to the defense of Fort-Blue Water but the Karkouri quickly assault and capture the Fort, ending the long standing stain on Karkouri honor.  The battle of Fort Blue Water is fought in December of 2162 and is a shocking defeat for the Federation.  The hastily assembled task forces are no match for the battle trained Karkouri ships.

**2163**The Federation regroups in the face of the defeat at the battle of Fort Blue Water.  The Federation activates all reservists and unmothballs over sixty warships.  The largest Federation military deployment for more than thirty years sees nearly one million people flock to the Federation's colors.

The Karkouri mount a cautious offensive into the Ross 159 System, attempting to capture (for the 2nd time) the key colony of St Lawrence.  The Federation task force, under the command of Rear Admiral John Thorne, defeat the Karkouri invasion force in a pitched and very bloody battle as Indirian frigates and Federation warships fight side by side against the Karkouri task force.

In September of 2163 the Federation mounts two counter offensives over the border to attack Karkouri raider bases.  The battle of Kdik is a victory for the Federation as Task Force 14 destroy the raider base and destroy six Karkouri frigates for the loss of just two of their own.  The battle of Mzenkeer is a defeat for the Federation, Task Force 39 is outflanked and dealt a severe blow, losing ten ships.

The Tazzyn land occupying forces to "secure" the Federation colony worlds on the Tazzyn Border.  The Tranoans move warships to guard their own border worlds.

**2164**The war goes into its third year but is already slowing down and losing momentum.  The threat  of Gannid intervention is matched by Vatu intervention and the Karkouri Regime starts to become amenable to a peace treaty.  The Federation make one final assault across the border, fighting the battle of Hazalik.  This fierce battle sees Federation Task Force's 14 and 55 engage a larger Karkouri fleet in a brutal battle.  The Federation wins a tactical victory but is forced to withdraw with heavy damage.

President Kastevez begins peace talks with the Karkouri and the war ends after three years and more than 10,000 Federation casualties.

**2165** The fall out of the Second Karkouri war sees the Federation economy improve, Karkouri trade practises have been slightly pushed back the actual hot war.  President Kastevez seems unwilling to laud it as a victory.  He announces he'll not seek a third term as President.  He endorses Jovian Administrator Christopher van Taggart as the Federalist Nominee.  The resurgent Libertarian Party feel they have a great chance to win the Presidency.  However there is a shock result as Community Party candidate Senator Rachael Vaughn is able to form a Minority Government and is elected President, the first Communtiy Party President to manage this feat

see the 2165 Presidential election

The Community Party works with the now 3rd Party Libertarian Party to keep things on the right track.  Some small scale corporate scale backs see the taxes and corporate taxes lowered.  The Big Four (or Five as it now is) find a good working relationship between the two.  The so called "Anchorage Agreement" sees the Big Five agree to work with the Federation on establishing new colonies and even investment in the FAS fleet.

**2166**The Gannid Empire begins aggressive trading tariffs against the Federation and its allies and friends.  The President sends foreign minister Javinder Rishi to the Gannid Empire to try and find a peaceful solution.  Meanwhile the FAS insist that they can enforce Federation trading policies in the Southern sector against the Gannid Empire.

**2167**The Quadrant becomes even more dangerous as a border conflict breaks out between the Vatu and the Tazzyn Empire.  Tazzyn Raiders had repeatedly attacked across the Vatu border, provoking Vatu warships to counter-raid.  The Emperor stops just short of declaring war but large numbers of Tazzyn Warships reach the border to enforce "Imperial Peace" on the Vatu.

The federation trade summit is a failure as the Rorn and Bl'Hud are signatories but the Gannid hold out once again.  It comes down the Tranoans to defuse the situation between all four powers in the South

**2168**With Federation prestige low, the President stakes her reputation on supporting the Vatu in their stand off with the Tazzyn Empire.  The Federation braces itself and many dove Senators call the President "reckless" for putting the Federation square in the path of the quadrant's pre-eminent super-power.  The stand off reaches its boiling point in November of 2168 but the Tazzyn never quite push a war and the crisis begins to ease off.  Federation prestige is greatly boosted by its loyalty to an ally.

**2169**The Tazzyn Empire abruptly seizes Tranoan colonies on the Tazzyn Border, claiming that pirate operations were coming from them.  The Tranoans protest this blatant provocation.  The colonies are released in May of 2169 and then retaken again in July of 2169 as Tranoan warships arrive.  The Tazzyn landing force lands under the guns of the Tranoan ships who hold off from firing on the Tazzyn.  The entire galaxy is pushed to the brink of the unthinkable, actual war between the Tazzyn Empire and the Tranoan Empire

### 2170-2198 The Age Of Terror

**2170**- FAS army officers with some FAS fleet support attempt a coup, forcing President Vaughn to resign.  Eventually Vice President Heller and Senator Piotr Kimov successfully end the coup with no real loss of life.  Radical xenophobes and nationalists are implicated in the coup

There is an attempt to reform the intelligence services but this ends up being a mere strengthening of OSB.

The 2170 "snap" election is a blood bath where incumbents, especially hawks, lose their seats.

The 2170 Presidential Election sees the Federalists retake power from a stunned Community Party anda  ridiculed Libertarian Party

see the 2170 Presidential Election

**2171**Newly elected President Rakiv is forced to deal with the escalating Tazzyn/Tranoan showdown.  He succesfully forges an impressive compromise that results in a face-saving exercise for the Tranoans, gives up the territory that the Tazzyn want and keeps everyone alive a little longer.

He also brokered a very expensive military alliance with the Gannid Empire.  This was forged on better trade ties between the two, at the expense of the Bl'Hud, Mor-Du and Rorn.  The Federation made up for this short-fall in trade by subsidizing these races.  The Federation lost a lot of prestige during this exchange

**2172**The Tazzyn and Tranoan's both return to normal, cold war footing and the galaxy breathes a sigh of relief.  President Rakiv wins the Nobel Peace Prize

**2173**The Senate passes a reform bill that will allow representation for all colonies of the Federation at normal levels.  For every colony with over 10,000,000 citizens, they will get one Senator.  For each colony with less, they will get a non-voting Resident Delegate.  The Branden-Locking Act is signed into Law by President Rakiv

Mars elects a Community Party Senator and a "Free Mars" Senator (who sits as an Independent).  Whitworth elects a Federalist Senator and an Independent (who sits with the Community Party).  St Lawrence elect a DFL Senator who sits with the Community Party but is still considered to be "Independent"

**2174**Allied Technology announce record profits and begin to overtake Bradbury-Pyramid

**2175**Another great Dhaugosk Migration sees nearly two billion Dhau enter the quadrant.  The Federation opposes Tazzyn attempts to lead a conference on how to proceed, nearly causing a major diplomatic incident.  The conference has little actual impact

President Rakiv, with a huge amount of popularity, wins re-election at a canter

see the 2175 Presidential Election

**2176**The Federation pass a law allowing all "Resident" Indirians on Federation worlds to become citizens

**2177**The Senate passes another set of laws that will allow limited and skilled migration of most other races into the Federation

**2178**The Trade Deal with the Gannid is now highly profitable.  Allied Technology win the race to replicate and sell Gannid tech domestically

**2179**The first Indirian to join the FAS begins his basic training as an enlisted crew-member.  There are protests within FAS and by ultra-nationalist Senators.  Some Libertarians call for an "Earth Guard" to be set up to protect Terran Racial Purity

**2180**With the expiration of the Gannid treaty coming up, the Federation decide not to renew as the Gannid are insisting on bigger and bigger trade sanctions against the Rorn, Mor Du and the Bl'Hud

The TSA complete a successful anti-terrorist operation against Ultra-Nationalists in London and Munich

A resurgent Community Party win the Presidency in the 2180 Election

see the 2180 Presidential Election

**2181**The FAS goes through a major overhaul and the Community Party successfully pass a major military spending bill in peace-time

**2182**President Pershing makes several visits to the Frontier and begins to hear out the interests and opinions of the Colonies

**2183**A Tazzyn Commerce Raider destroys two Terran cargo transports on the Tazzyn Border.  President Pershing attempts to force the Tazzyn to recompense the Federation but the Tazzyn claim the attack was made without orders and refuse to back down.  President Pershing is forced into an embarrassing climb down

**2184**A referendum on Mars narrowly rejects the growing call for Independence.  The Free Mars movement is growing in strength all the time.  Similar "free-colony" movements have grown across the Frontier

**2185** The Federalist Campaign on widening and broadening the Federation, pushing a vision of a huge galactic wide alliance.  This angers many xenophobes and nationalists but resonates with the Senate and the people.  President Mutaya Abassi is elected President

seethe 2185 Presidential Election

**2186**The Federalists, back in power, begin a series of meetings and committee hearings on more colonial involvement.  Mars Senator Beckett Browne, is elevated to chairman of the FCA committee and is courted by the Federalists but remains a committed member of the Community Party

**2187**Gannid trade imports and fierce trading practices begin to bite and a new trade war is born

**2188** The FSS "Helena A" makes an incredible 13.1 light year jump, the longest single FTL jump in Federation history

**2189**The Federalists pass a large scale reform of the Colonial Movement and FCA, making it easier for the colonies to gain funding and aid from the Federation.  Large scale colonial building projects are funded and set to begin in 2190.  The Community and Libertarian Parties both campaign against these measures

**2190**The electoral showdown highlights the popularity of the vision of President Abassi as the Federalists win a 2nd term in the Presidency and take total control of the Senate. see The 2190 Presidential Election

**2191**A Gannid commerce raider destroys a Federation sponsored tug in Rorn space.  There is a brief showdown between the two powers which President Abassir successfully talks down.

The FAS begins another refit under chief of staff John Thorne

**2192**A Senate bill finally allow the FAS to begin promoting officers to 3 and 4 star ranks, with Senate approval

**2193** There is a shocking massacre of Federation citizens on the colony world of "Delta White" by Dhaugosk Mercenaries.  The Dhau were hired by IronWorks, according to some in the Scout and Ranger Services.  President Abassi takes some punitive action against IronWorks and sets up the Kassenbach Committee under Senator John Kassenbach (grandson to the great President).

**2194**The Kassenbach Committee begin to indict IronWorks and Allied Tech executives.  Both companies claim their innocence but several are sent down in highly expensive trials

The OSB finishes a major audit of FIS, TSA and ONI;

TSA recieves a good health report but is apparently too slow to react due to its own internal structure and bureacracy

FIS is horribly inefficient, over budget and as it currently stands, not fit for purpose (FIS refute this)

ONI is over-funded and needs a new remit.  There is wide-spread wastage in the ONI

The senate reject calls to change the intelligence agencies, once again

**2195**- Tensions grow between the Gannid Commonwealth and the Federation over raiding and trade wars

Vice President Alexander Krane defeats Community Party Senator Reuben Santiago to be elected President of the Federation

See the 2195 Election

**2196**- President Krane makes good on his election promises, focusing on a peace treaty with the commonwealth.  Senator Matthew Hunt, a senior Federalist ally, is sent to set up the deal and work with the Gannid Commonwealth.

President Krane then finalizes the deal and signs it into law, heralding a new age of peace between the two powers.  The Bl'Hud and Rorn are both sold short by this new trading alliance but this is seen as the "price of doing business"

**2197**- The Entire quadrant is shocked by the "Jump Space Tidal Wave" that knocks hundreds of ships out of jump space.  A dozen Federation trading ships are lost and another thirty are damaged.  Several FAS warships suffer damage too.  The effect orginates in Tranoan space (or at the edge of it) and emanated over 300 light years in all directions, including Tazzyn, Vatu, Gannid, Rorn, Bl'Hud and Mor Du space.  Theorertically, even the Taurlei were affected by it.

President Alexander Krane collapses addressing the Senate and is later removed from office when he cannot discharge his duties.  Vice President Aldai Maracov becomes acting President and then in June is sworn in as President of the Federation.

## 2198-2214 - the Time of War

### **2198-2205 The Dhaugosk War**

**2198**- The Tranoan Empire is shocked to the core by the outbreak of the "Dhaugosk War".  The Federation is forced to decide how, if at all, to react.  Senator Linda Argyll gained a huge amount of influence by giving an impassioned fifty minute speech in favor of full scale intervention of the side of the Tranoan Empire. Meanwhile Senator's Gant and Dampier both preached the Federation using the chaos to attack its enemies.  President Maracov spoke of the need to deploy a "limited force" to aid the Tranoans.

The
Federation began to rally a coalition to intervene against the Dhaugosk Empire. They successfully gathered the Mor Du, Bl-Hud and Rorn together without too much fuss.  The great coup's came from gaining the Vatu and then the Gannid as allies, though the Gannid entered the fight as "co-belligerents" rather than allies.  The "coalition" declared war against the Dhau and prepared for a long and bloody fight.  President Maracov then has his veto overridden by the Senate, a humiliating defeat for the Federalist Party.

The Dhaugosk started the fighting in Federation space, massacring the Marine garrison on Furnace before a blockade was placed around Furnace.  The Federation "Combined" Fleet was deployed to Tranoan Space to fight as the "left wing" of the combined front-line.

The first
major battle was fought and the Federation fleet under Admiral Helen Hood fought the Dhau before withdrawing and having suffered 15 lost ships to 25 they had destroyed.  However the marine deployment to "Fort Polaris" fought a bloodbath, suffering 1,700 casualties in the first hour and then more than 63,000 killed or seriously wounded in a three months.  The Federation Marine corps had been bled dry in the first major campaign of the war

see the Dhaugosk War

**2199**-  The War Widens-  The Karkouri Regime invaded Mor Du space.  The Federation are compelled by their treaty with the Mor-Du to declare war on the Karkouri Regime.  They launch "Operation Flywheel" and Rear Admiral John Tarver takes command of the Federation 5th Fleet to oversee operations in Mor-Du space

see the Third Karkouri War

Meanwhile the Dhaugosk War goes on and the death-toll and destruction for the Federation is unprecedented in the history of the Federation.  Admiral Hood's fleet holds its own and greater cooperation with the Gannid see the Federation hold its ground until the end of the year

**2200**-  -Fighting on the Dhau front has been bloody and more intense than anyone could have imagined.  Admiral Hood has managed a vast front-line and ferocious fighting.

Vice President Muray Rishi shocks the Political world by winning the Presidency, becoming the youngest President in the history of the Federation (at 39 years old).  She is sworn in and takes her place as a war-time President.  Opposition Leader Joachim Santiago (of the Community Party) becomes Executive Chairman in a coaltion with the Libertarian and nascent DFL.

President Rishi is granted emergency powers which she uses to begin an unprecedented military build up.  More than 30,000,000 humans are subject to the draft and nearly 10,000,000 are recruited in the first year.  Three vast training bases are set up.  The entire Federation economy is militarized and all industries are directed towards the war.

See the 2200 Presidential Election

Senator Adam Kassenbach and Emma Treadwell attempt to broker a peace treaty with the Karkouri Regime to end the Karkouri War.  The disastrous battle of Aqaan ends the chance of a quick Federation victory.

The Federation suffers a decisive military defeat to the Karkouri Empire in the Battle of Aqaan which all but ends the 3rd Karkouri War.

**2201**-  There is more fierce fighting on the Dhau frontier as the reorganized FAS-Allied Fleet engages with the Dhau.

Meanwhile the Senate is rocked a series of minor scandals as media corporation Commerzion publish a series of interviews that damage the credibility of the Senate

A major corporate take-over takes place as Allied Technology buy out a small but influential Gannid Trade Consortium.  The Senate Anti-Trust and Mergers Committee's sign off on the take over in rapid time.  The Federation becomes a major investor in the new corporation, buying a 25% share

Senator Treadwell authors a treaty to end the 3rd Karkouri war.  President Rishi agrees to sign the treaty, somewhat reluctantly and the Senate votes to approve it, over the resistance of a large part of the Federalist Party.  FAS Chief of Staff Jean De Brussaud resigns to take the fire from the President and her administration.  Commodore Inge Torensen is promoted to Full Admiral and named new FAS chief of staff, the youngest FAS chief of staff ever.

**2202**- The Dhau war enters into its fourth year and with no end in sight.  The disastrous "Lamont" campaign sees more than a million Federation casualties.  New FAS Chief of Staff Inge Torensen comes under pressure to resign from within the Fleet but the President stands by him.

Several million displaced Mor-Du citizens cross the border into Federation space, arriving on the Eastern frontier.  There is a political and economic shock wave from this.  Admiral Kunneshe becomes the head of the Mor-Du Fleet in Exile, what little of it remained.

The Senate votes to bring the Browne-Kassenbach Act forward, allowing 45 extra colonial Senators to stand for election during the 2205 electoral cycle.

**2203**- The Dhau war goes on, with more bloody fighting on the front lines.

The Mor-Du exiles continue to arrive but the Karkouri close the borders between what was Mor-Du space and Federation space.  Around eighty six million Mor-Du now live in Federation space.

The Senate votes to make the election of the President direct to the people, offering up a new expanded ballot.  This follows an embarrassing defeat for the Coaltion Majority in the Senate.  The second vote passes with a slim majority.

The Senate investigates Allied Technology.  Senator Ryan Calleigh (C) chairs the committee.

Senator Emma Treadwell has emerged as the front-runner for the Community Party.  Meanwhile the DFL and Libertarian Parties announced a joint ticket, nominating DFL Governor Steffon Lawton as their nominee for President.

The outbreak of the J91A virus kills nearly 13 million people on the Fort Carpenter and Nova Terra.

**2204**- The Mor-Du exiles form an effective government in exile and continue to create pressure on the Galactic community to intervene in Mor-Du space.

President Rishi sets up the Federal Communicable Disease Organisation (FCDO).  Their primary role is to investigate and control diseases and pandemics within the Federation.  Some Senators criticize the President for setting up yet another new agency

The Calleigh commission reveal some small infractions by A/T and cause some harm to the growing corporation but generally return a clean bill of health to the corporation

The Federalist Party looks set to replace sitting Vice President Mateo Braga on the ticket before the 2205 election.  Whitworth Governor Noah Beck is named as the President's first choice of running mate, a move that is widely seen as political genius.  It appeals to the Reform movement, the colonials and to the Senate.  Term barred, Governor Beck looks set to be the first Colonial to be elected to the Executive branch.  The opinion polls show a massive lead for the Federalist Party in the Presidential election

**2205**- The Dhau war finally ends as the Tazzyn Empire intercedes to broker a successful peace treaty.  A ten year treaty is signed and the Dhau hand 5 worlds back to become "neutral".  The peace is greeted with mixed emotions but relief stands out as one of the principle reactions in the Federation.

President Muray Rishi wins re-election in a landslide, defeating Senator Emma Treadwell (C) and Governor Scott Lawton (D) to be elected to her 2nd term.  Former Whitworth Governor Noah Beck is elected Vice President.  The Federalists complete a sweep and win the control of the Senate, with Senator John Kassenbach named as new Exec Chairman.

see the 2205 Presidential Election

### 2206-2214 The Post-War Period

**2206**- The Federation begins a period of major rebuilding and introspection.  President Muray Rishi and the Federalist Senate agree a major infrastructure project across the Federation, agreeing to build hospitals on every single colon world.  Another wave is set to take place where a garrison will be placed on each world but the Colonial Congress initially appear to reject the bid.

Senator Matthew Hunt leads an informal delegation to the Karkouri Regime in an attempt to find a compromise with the Mor-Du Republic and to avoid another costly war between the two major powers.

The Senate agrees to send a huge amount of money to the Vatu Empire to help them re-build after the war.

**2207**-A terrorist attack, motivated by the Seperatist movement, take the FCA offices in Delhi by storm.  Two TSA agents are killed, along with four Rangers.  A siege develops but the terorists choose to "martyr" themselves and blow the building apart, killing 89 people.  Later on the terrorist group is identified as the "Sepertist Liberation Army" or **SLA**

Senator Matthew Hunt and the Federalist administration met with the Karkouri Regime in an attempt to avoid another war.  Eventually an agreement was made and signed into law by President Rishi.  The Mor-Du Republic wouldnt be reborn, instead the worlds of Raphian and Aqaan would be ceded to the Federation as a "protectorate".

Senator Holtzman's committee begins a series of strong oversight hearings, targeting the corporations and political corruption

**2208**-The DFL and the Libertarian Parties form a new Political Party; The Democratic-Libertarian Party.  The two parties unite as a centre-right Party campaigning on a Reform ticket and platform.  Senator Bryan Lee of the old DFL was named Floor Leader whilst Senator Heikke Manhiem of the old Libertarian Party was named Party chairman.

A strong "draft Holtzman" campaign is successful in getting the highly recognized independent Senator to run for President in 2210.

**2209**- President Rishi announced she would not seek a third term as President and the Federalist Party began a divisive and bitter primary contest.  Exec Chairman John Kassenbach and Vice President Noah Beck clashed to win the Federalist nomination but in the end, Vice President Beck clinched the nomination.

Meanwhile Senator Beckett Browne swept the Community Party field to win the nomination for President.

**2210**-Senator Beckett Browne won the Presidency in the 2210 election, ending 25 years of Federalist rule.  New President Beckett Browne makes his famous" Community of Worlds" speech, setting out a decisive and clear vision for his view of the future of the Federation under Community Party rule

The new Senate building opens on Mars as Mars becomes the center of all Federation politics

Meanwhile the Colonial Congress formed a legislative body, naming Congressman Andreas Klay of the Democratic Libertarian Party as the Speaker of the House.  The Colonial Congress move their legislative body to the New Berlin colony

see the 2210 Presidential Election

**2211**-The Galactic Council makes a new agreement to meet on a yearly basis.  The Bl'Hud Republic and the Rorn Federation follow the Terran Federation and name permanent consuls to the Galactic Council which takes its place on Whitworth.

The Federation spends A$250B on helping to rebuild the Tranoan Empire.  Meanwhile A$200B of Federation money and A$100B of Bl'Hud money go to the Vatu Empire to restart their shattered economy

**2212**-The Gannid Commonwealth put pressure on the Bl'Hud and the Rorn in a potential trade-war.  The Federation push back and hold them off for now.

President Beckett Browne signs the "Cydonia Agreement" where the Corporations agree to work with the Federation.

**2213**-The Galactic Council begin to form a common economic framework but the early discussions are incredibly complex.  The Tranoans try to take leadership but newly named Consul Nihal Subari rebuffs these attempts, stalling progress.

**2214**-The Colonial congress votes in favour of a common trade tariff on Alien exports (which is narrowly agreed to not include Federation Core-worlds)  They agree to extend an offer of membership to the Congress to Mars, Titan and the Jovian Colony.  Earth will be given a "resident commissioner" but no voting powers

President Browne successfully privatizes the FSS

President Beckett Browne announces his intention to run for a 2nd term

## 2215-2240 - the End of the Federation

### 2215-2230- Introspection

**2215**-President Beckett Browne is re-elected, defeating Federalist Senator Linda Argyll (F) with a decent margin of victory.  Meanwhile the well drilled Community Party riding momentum defeat the Federalists and take control of the Senate, allbeit as a minority.

the 2215 Presidential Election

The Dhau Empire and the Federation agreed a new long term peace treaty to prevent another war.  President Browne is hailed as a hero and wins the Nobel Peace Prize.

**2216**-President Browne announces his intention to privatize the FCA.  The Senate resist this attempt but agree that the body is no longer needed and the FCA is disbanded and closed down.  The FSE go on strike, paralysing the Government.  Steffan Kallenberg, the chief lobbyist of the FSE, emerges as a major threat to the Browne Presidency

A series of scandals rock the Democratic-Libertarian Party as they are targeted by a brutal series of smears.

**2217**-The FAS complete their refit of the fleet, moving the Fleet HQ to Mars along with the Government.

The Tranoan Empire has now finished its repairs after the end of the Dhaugosk War.

Congressman Lisa Montrow (C) is elected Speaker of the House in the Colonial Congress as former Speaker Klay steps down to deal with the allegations from the media.

**2218**-Tazzyn Emperor Manitaf van Pall dies with no heir.  The Tazzyn Empire was paralyzed by this crisis and there is even talk of a civil war.  The Galaxy wait to see what will happen.

President Beckett Browne attempts to privatize the EXF but the FSE go on strike again.  President Browne clashes fiercely with Senator Adam Kassenbach over the Unions.

The Federation Senate approves a landmark Constitutional amendment that will re clarify each colony as a seperate "block" for the purposes of seeking the Presidency.  Some Senators vote against the motion, stating its against what the founders had in mind.  Others reject the motion stating it hands too much political power to the colonies.  The amendment, brought forward by Senator Michael Heller (C) and co-sponsored by Senator Lucan Jerome (F) passes the Senate and is signed into law.

**2219**-Prince Mafray van Pall was enthroned as the Tazzyn Emperor.  The Tazzyn Empire settles down and the new Emperor begins exerting his authority.

Congressman Andreas Klay is elected to the post of Speaker of the House again as the Democratic-Libertarians once again become the Majority Party in the Colonial Congress.

President Beckett Browne announces he will not seek a 3rd term as President.  He endorses Vice President Takahashi Shinzaemon who sweeps the Community Party field with ease.  The Federalist Party have a fierce and vibrant primary and Senator John Kassenbach wins the contest.  The Democrat-Libertarian Party nominate Speaker of the House Andreas Klay.

Ventriss UDC completed a 40% takeover and investment into Darwin, creating Darwin-Asajji.  The Senate agree a new set of stricter rules on corporate finance which are decried as anti-innovation.

**2220**-Senator John Kassenbach wins the Presidency for the Federalist Party in a very close election.  Meanwhile the Community Party strengthen their grip on the Senate.  President Kassenbach names his brother, Senator Adam Kassenbach as chief of staff.

the 2220 Presidential Election

Indirian Mayor Astivar is elected Governor of St Lawrence on the Federalist Ticket.  He becomes the first Indirian to be elected to major office

The Karkouri Regime begins very aggressive trade practises against the Federation and its allies, starting another "trade war".

**2221**-President Kassenbach works on a new and major welfare reform that spreads the same wellfare state on the coreworlds out to the colonies.  Speaker of the House Klay is successful in his attempts to make sure this is totally funded by the Federation

The FAS unveils the "Lankveil" experimental ship, a joint FAS and TSA project with a projected jump range of around 18 LY.  The Lankveil makes a 17.2 LY jump in October of 2221.

**2222**-Senator Serafina Valken (D) authors a major reform bill in the Senate Judiciary committee which goes to the floor in 2222.  The bill intended to change the Senate by reducing its numbers, replacing one third of the Senate with "non-voting delegates".  It would also mean the Presidency would be "non-partisan".  Senator Valken's bill, co-sponsored by Senator Ryu Koga, was seen as "unconstitutional" and defeated.  Senator Valken called for a constitutional reform and an amendment to the constitution.  This too was voted down.

The SLA (Separatist Libertarian Army) blow up a marine training base on Stark and kill sixteen marines.  The TSA launch "Operation Scimitar" to try and shut them down

**2223**-Operation Scimitar concludes a major sweeping operation on Eden, killing fifteen insurgents and capturing another forty.  The SLA counter-attack with a series of bombings on Vanhiem and Furnace that kill about ten people.

The Senate rejects a major reform bill that would strip more power from the Presidency and the Senate.  The reform bill begins with the Democratic-Libertarians but also gains some support from back-bench Community Party Senators.

The Galactic Council agree an economic framework that brings the Bl'Hud Republic, the Rorn Federation, the Gannid Commonwealth, the Vatu Empire and the Tranoan Empire together to form a common economic policy.  The Gannid are successful in their attempt to exact a steep tarrif on the Federation and the Rorn.  The Tranoans exert an increasing amount of influence on the Council

**2224**-A new terrorist group known as "OMDA" strike on St Lawrence.  They kill six Ventriss corporate mercenaries and three rangers.  The Marines involved in the TAS strike back and kill a dozen militia

A possible trade deal between the Tranoan Empire and Darwin-Asajji falls apart.

Senator Valken brings forward another attempt to alter the constitution but she is defeated again.  Many believe this was politically motivated.

IronWorks suffers a severe downturn in its fortunes and announces major lay offs

Senator Michael Heller sweeps the field to win the Community Party nomination for the 2225 Presidential election.

**2225**-President Kassenbach announces his intention to seek a 2nd term.  He defeats the Community Party nominee Senator Michael Heller of Australia in a close election and wins a second term.

The TSA announces Operation "Narrow-Sea" to try and reduce Seperatist terrorist groups.  They kill more than forty five militants

the 2225 Presidential Election

Bradbury-Pyramid announced the completition of a test model advanced AI mecha known as the Quintius Series.  The TSA and the ONI investigate this mecha

A Federation diplomat is arrested in the Tazzyn Empire under suspicion of spying for the Federation.  The Federation disavows him and he is returned in disgrace.

**2226**-President Kassenbach is defeated by the Senate in his attempts to expand the welfare administration.

Governor Astivar is wounded in a shooting on St Lawrence.

The Federation agrees to a common trade policy with the Gannid Commonwealth in order to compete with the Karkouri Regime.

**2227**-The Galactic Council agree a new set of major deals that will see tech-goods exchange between the signatory members.

The Democratic-Libertarian Party disrupt attempts by President Kassenbach's attempt to expand the administration of the Health Services.  President Kassenbach criticizes their "shrillness".  Meanwhile the radical Earth-Guard Senators filibusters several bills in the Senate until Exec Chairman Lyon Hinds is forced to make a deal with them , just to get business moving in the Senate again

There is skirmishing on the Dhaugosk Border.  President Kassenbach deploys the Federation 2nd Fleet to patrol the border.

The Federation is stunned by the revalation that two recent FIS assets were double agents reporting back to the Tazzyn Empire.  The FIS is forced to break down an entire bureau.  FIS Director Llewellen Pace resigns under a cloud.

OMDA bomb a FAS tug in drydock near Mars, killing sixteen crew and putting the ship in dry-dock for four months.

**2228**-Exec Chairman Lyon Hinds (C) steps down, citing exhaustion but most pundits believe this is to seek the Community Party nomination.  Veteran Senator Michael Heller is named new Exec Chairman

President Kassenbach announces his intention to briefly nationalize the IronWorks owned shipyards.  IronWorks resist the bid and Attorney General Lucas Wellenberg gives a landmark legal opinion on the shipyards.  IronWorks lobbyist Deval Asivitra works around the clock to try and block the attempt and to challenge the primacy of the Federation.  Senator Daniel Redding (D) accuses IronWorks of trying to crack the Federation wide open

The Tazzyn Empire begins buying up surplus materials that the Federation needs and begins exerting trade-pressure on the Federation.  This opens up the trade war onto another front.

Operation "Narrow-Sea" concludes with more than 250 militants dead and another 1,000 arrested.  The SLA announce that they still exist.

Speaker of the House Andreas Klay announces the expansion of the Colonial Congress to reflect membership.  The Speaker and the President clash repeatedly

**2229**-President Kassenbach follows convention and does not seek a third term.  He endorses Vice President Gregory Estevez as his successor and Estevez clinches the Federalist nomination.  Former Executive Chairman Senator Lyon Hinds (C) wins the Community Party nomination.

IronWorks appeal the decision on the seizing of their shipyards to the Supreme Court.  An initial *obiter dicta* from the Court of Appeals appears to rule in favour of the corporations

The SLA fight a series of skirmishes on Eden, New Silesia and Vanhiem.  Around two hundred people die in various small scale battles.

There are reports of fighting in Tazzyn Space.

**2230**-Senator Lyon Hinds defeats Vice President Estevez to be elected President of the Federation.  The growing power of the Democratic-Libertarian Party is felt as new Exec Chairman Michael Heller is forced to form hand some chairmanships to the Democratic-Libertarian Party to avoid senate shutdowns.  The Earth-Guard, in protest of being closed out once again, filibuster the opening session of the Senate which is derided by the President.

the 2230 Presidential Election

A Federation courier is stolen and jumps into Tazzyn space.  The Tazzyn Empire claim to know nothing about it.  The FIS publish a list of recent attempts by the Tazzyn Empire to damage the Federation.  Newly elected President Hinds directs the ONI and the FIS to begin operations to push back against the Tazzyn Empire

### 2231-2238 Cracks In The Federation

**2231**-The Federation supreme court makes a landmark ruling in *Ruger v Garland* that the Presidency lacks the constitutional authority to nationalize industry under National Security.  President Hinds agrees to obey the decision but Senator Anatoly Lyanov (F) protests the decision, stating that it will badly damage the authority of the Federation and the Presidency in the face of the Corporations.

OMDA destroy a fast patrol ship off the shore of Van Allen's world.  The FAS respond with a marine deployment in the system and there are a series of skirmishes.  Operation Tintagel sees an entire Marine brigade deployed to the Frontier and begin sweep operations looking for OMDA bases.  The ONI has intelligence command over the operation.  The Colonial Congress denounce the move as an overreaction.

**2232**-A large scale TSA and FAS deployment into the frontier causes a huge political storm as the Colonial Congress denounce the move as Federalism run amok.  President Hinds attempts to broker a solution, stating that the marine and TSA deployments are nothing to do with the Colonial Congress.  Speaker Klay accepts the olive branch from the President but takes a public victory lap

Earth-Guard Senators protest as what they see as the President climbing down over national security

An ONI agent is murdered and his intelligence is stolen.  The ONI puts the blame on Tazzyn Agents.

**2233**-The Governor of New Berlin refuses to admit Federation civil service to do an inspection on New Berlin.  The Colonial Congress attempts to broker a solution but President Hinds is forced to act this time, insisting that the Governor admit the civil servants to the planet.  In the end Governor van Thomas resigns in protest.

The Servitius Nine Mecha is released to the general public.  This incredibly advanced mecha is too expensive for the average citizen but they start to become the must have toy for the utlra-wealthy.  TSA are wary of the reasoning and learning abilities of the Servitius Nine, believing that it is an offshoot of the Quintius Mecha

**2234**-A massive political crisis breaks on Earth over the authority of the President, the Presidency and the Federation.  IronWorks refuses to admit subpoenas to its offices, claiming that the Federation doest have authority to its books based on the judgement in Ruger v Garland.  The Attorney General makes an argument that this is an exception to the judgement but IronWorks CEO Emily Tarrant stands by it and refuses admittance.

Meanwhile the Earth-Guard Senators repeatedly filibuster legislation, calling on President Hinds to deal with the separatists once and for all.  When Exec Chairman Heller fails to make a compromise with them, they leave the floor.  The Democratic-Libertarian Party follow this up with a call for a vote of no confidence in the President and the Exec Chairman.  The Federalist Party splits on the vote but President Hinds narrowly survives a vote of no confidence.

On the eve of primary season the political landscape is incredibly turbulent and some sources are calling for the election to be delayed.  President Hinds rules that out and insists that there will be a Presidential election in 2235.  However President Hinds shocks the political establishment by announcing that he will not seek a second term.  Vice President Hua Jin wins the Community Party nomination in a muted primary contest.

Meanwhile Senator Anatoly Lyanov (F) wins the Federalist nomination in an intense and exciting primary for the Federalists.  However the Democratic-Libertarian's poll numbers surge and Senator Shane Walker (D) wins the Democratic-Libertarian nomination.  Going into 2235, Senator Walker is the front-runner for the Presidency

**2235**-Democratic-Libertarian Senator Shane Walker from the Eden Colony is elected President in a complex and contentious election.  There is even a recount which slows the Federation to a near crawl.  Presidetn Walker takes office after over a month of legal wranglings.  Meanwhile Senator Emma Breen (F) is named new Executive Chairman, leading a coalition of Federalist and Democratic-Libertarian Senators.

the 2235 Presidential Election

President Walker meets with the Colonial Congress, working with Speaker Klay to see if they can find a way past the secession crisis

The Servitius Nine Series is subject to a "soft ban" where no new models will be built or sold until the Federation has had a chance to examine them.

**2236**-The New Berlin conference takes place as President Walker, Senator Teddy Lucianno (F) and Speaker of the House Andreas Klay (D) try to find a way to fix the breech between the Federation and the Seperatists.  Representatives of the UFS, the political wing of OMDA take part in the talks but the SLA are frozen out completely.  After months of ardous talks, a deal is brokered that will allow a full referendum on the Federation constitution, as well as a referendum on each colonial world as to its future membership.  A negotiated withdrawal policy is the most radical part of the New Berlin Treaty.

On Earth the reactions are of shock and in some cases, outrage.  President Walker is derided by some radical Senators for ostensibly breaking up the Federation.  Earth-Guard Senators call for a vote of no confidence which is narrowly rejected.  They attempt to paralyze the Senate instead with filibusters but Exec Chairman Emma Breen stops them with cloture motions.

The Corporations flex their muscles in the face of a weak President by setting forward a full buy out on the small colonial world of "Grails World."  The Supreme Court is asked to review the decision.

**2237**-Foreign Minister Senator Teddy Lucianno (F) attened the New Berlin conference along with Speaker of the House Klay (D) and several other major leaders within the Colonial Community.  After months of exhaustive, pain staking debate, a framework for a new state of affairs between the Colonies and the rest of the Federation had been agreed.  Representatives of the Union De Muncial Systema (UMS) met with the Delegates.  They spoke for OMDA (though SLA was kept away).  An agreement was agreed, in principal by November of 2237.

Meanwhile back on Earth, radical Senators opposed to the measures being agreed were "a surrender to the separatists".  Several Earth-Guard Senators attempted to impeach Senator Lucianno and President Walker.  These measures are rejected but are seen as a sign of the growing hatred within the Senate.

The supreme court rejects the corporations attempts to drive a legislative or legal stake into the heart of the Federation.  In a split decision, the judgement in *Halleck v Neuwarth* strikes the down the notion that the corporations can simply buy a colony world from the Federation.

**2238**-The New Berlin agreement is made and President Walker signs off on it.  The Colonies will be granted individual referendums on their continuing status as part of the Federation and their legal status would then be moved to a state of transition where they would be first considered a protectorate and then eventually be granted full independence.  OMDA agrees to the conditions and prepares to disarm but the SLA denounce the move as "a half measure".  Meanwhile the Senate rejects the treaty.  Executive Chairman Emma Breen attempts to force the bill through but the Federalist Party splits over it, ending the coalition.

The President puts the treaty into law by executive order. In retaliation, Earth-Guard Senators attempt to force a vote of no confidence on the Presidency which is only narrowly rejected.  President Walker's treaty remains legally binding but will undergo judicial review.

FAS chief of staff Rainer Morrow warns that the Federation is now at breaking point and could disintegrate without strong leadership.  He tenders his resignation after making this open warning to the President.

### 2239-2240 The Breaking Point

**2239**-The Senate is paralyzed by filibusters from the Earth-Guard Senators in protest of the President "handing the Federation to the rebels".  New Executive Chairman Michael Heller cannot make a successful cloture motion to break the filibuster as he cannot find enough support the Federalist Senators.  A terrible split in the Federalist Party paralyses them and further weakens the Senate.

President Walkers executive order is dragged through a supreme court review.  The Senate Judiciary chairman, Senator Harland Vickers (C) begins a series of hearings on the legality of such an action which further undermines the Presidency and the Executive branch.

The SLA assassinate two TSA agents and then ambush a marine patrol. A series of ferocious skirmishes break out between the marines and the SLA's militias.  There is fighting all over the Northern frontier.  OMDA announce that they will not fully disarm until the Supreme court ratifies the treaty decision.

President Walker announces that he will seek a second term but there is some concern within the Democratic-Libertarian Party that he's un-electable now.  Vice President Turner is considered a more electable figure within the Party.

The Federalist Party rally around moderate Senator Said Sarifou of Egypt.  A divided Federalist Party is able to reform as a cohesive political unit after over a year of intercine feuding.  The Community Party nominate Senator Gordon Ikafu as their nominee.  The conventions are generally fairly muted affairs but there is an air of almost fanatical hatred from the Earth-Guard at their nominating convention.  There is a ground-swell of support, ignorant of the media, towards the Earth-Guard.  The 2240 Presidential election threatens to be the most divisive Presidential election in history

**2240**-During the 2240 Presidential Election there is a sudden and well organised coup.  The Presidential Guard division turns on the President and he is captured and placed under "house arrest".  The "Admirals" at the heart of the coup disband the Federation, suspend the Supreme Court and end the constitution.  The Senate is also suspended.  A state of emergency is declared and martial law is also declared.  The Federation is then rocked by the emergence of two "successor states":  The Independent Systems Alliance (ISA) and the Confederacy.

The ISA elect former Federalist Senator Piotr Kimov as their Prime Minister.  Speaker of the House Andreas Klay remains in his role.

Confederacy Chancellor Scott Reynolds attempts to negotiate a settlement with the ISA but no agreement can be made.  The Confederacy declares war on the ISA and begins an invasion, sparking the Terran Civil War.  Admiral Carilse's task force attack the Ross 159 system in an attempt to decapitate the ISA in one stroke.  50,00 marines land on St Lawrence and the planet sees ceaseless skirmishing and murders.

On Earth there are widespread sparks from left-wing Unions.  The Military react with force and the economy suffers.  Ventriss UDC close its Earth and Mars based offices, halving themselves overnight.  IronWorks are all but nationalized.

see the Successor States

## 2241-2318 -the Successor Era

### 2241-2248 The Successor States Emerge

**2241**-The Civil War goes on into its second year as the Confederate Fleet under Admiral Rainer Morrow fights to overcome the ISA fleet.  Admiral Jamie Monroe launches a daring raid at the Mars fleet-dock but is seen off.  Fighting drags on and on on the ground on Eden and St Lawrence.  There is bloody skirmishing throughout the Frontier.  The SLA commit murders and bombings in an almost indiscriminate fashion

Chancellor Reynolds agrees to a cease fire and peace-talks begin.

The other neutral colonies begin to coalesce as the "Foundation Republic" based around the Gaia colony

**2242**-A peace agreement and a ten year non-aggression pact is signed between the Confederacy and the ISA.  Prime Minister Kimov wins a settlement that all Confederate Worlds will be allowed a referendum on their membership in the Confederacy.  The Foundation Republic attempts to find a way through to reunification but no way through can be found.

Chancellor Reynolds of the Confederacy comes in for criticism from opponents within the administration.

**2243**-The Confederate Government is finally up and running.  Senate and parliament elections begin but there are no political parties and wide ranging rumors of a "secret police" run by the military.  Chancellor Reynolds focuses his efforts on the creation of a centrally managed economy.

The ISA moves from a war-time footing to a peace-time footing and some new agreements are made.  The ISA, which was originally considered a temporary measure, looks much more permanent now.

The Foundation send a consul to the Galatic Council but they are not formally recognized.

The Rorn Federation recognise the Foundation Republic

**2244**-The Confederacy begins a full referendum in its colonial worlds.  Chancellor Reynolds calls on the colony worlds to stay the course and to help build the new Confederacy.

The ISA sends its own Consul to the Galactic Council.  The Galactic Council still doesn't officially recognize the ISA or the Confederacy.

The Foundation Republic sends a "Consul" to the Galactic Council but he isn't officially recognized as having full Consul authority.

Both the ISA and the Confederacy recognize the Foundation Republic.

The Gannid Commonwealth and the Karkouri Regime recognize the Terran Confederacy.

The Rorn Federation recognize the ISA

**2245**-Reports back from the Galatic Council reveal that the Tranoan Empire and the Gannid Commonwealth have taken over the body and are leading it forward.

Fort Kurzon, Fort Scorpius vote to leave the Confederacy and begin talks to join the ISA.

Rygar, Fort Verekker vote to leave the Confederacy and begin talks to join the Foundation

The Confederacy is rocked by the decision of four of its colony worlds to leave the confederacy and to become, by 2250, members of the other successor states.  On Whitworth and Mars there is some talk of electoral fraud.  The military move to close down the protests.

The Confederacy moves into its "conclave" to choose a new Chancellor.  Foreign Minister Theofor Manhiem is named Chancellor.

The ISA sends a new consul and his team to the Galactic Council.

The Vatu Empire recongize the Confederacy

The Karkouri Regime recognize the ISA

**2246**-ISA Prime Minister Kimov stands down, citing ill health.  He is succeeded after a brief election by Congresswoman Annastasia Vernier.

The Dhau Empire recognize the Confederacy

The Gannid Commonwealth and the Vatu Empire recognize the ISA

The Karkouri Regime recognize the Foundation

**2247**-The Tazzyn Empire recognize the Confederacy

The Tranoan Empire recognize the ISA

The Vatu Empire and the Gannid Commonwealth recognize the Foundation

**2248**-Former ISA Prime Minister Piotr Kimov makes his return to the mainstream of ISA politics when he is named Navy Minister.

The Tazzyn Empire recognize the ISA

The Tranoan Empire recognize the Foundation

### 2249-2253 Shifting Sands

**2249**-The Foundation secure a trade deal with the Rorn Federation

The Bl'Hud Republic and the Dhau Empire recongize the ISA

The Bl'Hud Republic recongise the Foundation

**2250**-Fort Kurzon and Fort Scorpius both agree membership to the ISA.  The ISA celebrates its increasing membership.

Rygar joins the Foundation after discussions.  Fort Verekker's discussions are slowed by the Confederacy garrison remaining in place.

The Confederacy returns to the Conclave and appoints retired Admiral Matthew Jack as their new Chancellor.  A hardliner, Chancellor Jack institutes a series of political and security reforms.

The Bl'Hud Republic recognize the Confederacy

The Dhau Empire recognize the Foundation

**2251**-The ISA elects New Berlin Governor Michael Hackett as their new Prime Minister.  He's a strong proponent of the ISA's military strength and their need to remain unified in the face of the Confederacy.

The ISA secure a trade deal with the Rorn Federation

Rising political pressure between the Foundation and the Confederacy sees the Confederacy deploy a Task Force to the border between the two Successor States.  The Foundation decry this aggression and the Tranoan Empire call on the Confederacy to obey its own treaty stipulations.

The Tranoan Empire recognize the Confederacy

The Tazzyn Empire recognize the Foundation

**2252**-The Fort Verekker crisis ends as the Confederacy agrees to remove its garrison but can maintain an outpost on Fort Verekker for five years.  The Foundation take control of Fort Verekker

The ISA and the Confederacy begin escalating weapons and ship production as their peace treaty comes to an end.  Chancellor Jack institutes a program of compulsory military service.  The Foundation attempts to cool the "cold war" between the two powers but neither power is set to back down.

**2253**-There are major protests on Whitworth as the colonists call for another referendum to their membership to the Confederacy.  The Planetary Governor deploys troops to control the crowds and six people die in a shooting incident.  The protests go on and on.  There are sympathy strikes on Mars and Earth.  The Mars Provincial Parliament denies an attempt to declare martial law so Chancellor Jack suspends the Parliament and deploys troops.

The Confederacy begins to mobilize its fleet and its reserves.  War looms between the successor states again.

### 2254-2256 The Second Terran Civil War

**2254**-The growing crisis on Whitworth turns bloody as protesters and rioters clash with soldiers and security forces.  There is a series of fierce skirmishes which leave around 200 people dead.  The Governor declares martial law and a task force is deployed to patrol the system.  The ISA call on the Confederacy to grant Whitworth its referendum and they suggest that the Foundation could serve as election monitors..The Confederacy flat-out reject this as "insulting".

The crisis escalates as the Confederacy deploy warships to the border with the ISA.  The ISA follow suite, deploying their militias and calling to arms the reservists.  The ISA and Confederacy mobilise and more than four million people come to arms.   The Foundation also begin limited call ups of reservists.  The Tranoan Empire attempts to broker a peaceful solution but the Confederacy reject these attempts.  Chancellor Jack narrowly survives an attempt by Senators to dislodge him.

The CFS "Achilles" opens fire on the Vanhiem militia cutter "Miranda" and a second civil war begins.  The Confederacy declare war on the ISA.

**2255**-The Second Civil War begins with a major offensive from the Confederate Fleets.  Two Task Forces cross into ISA space, attempting to blockade Vanhiem and Fort Kurzon.  The ISA strike back with militia forces and there are a pair of fierce fleet engagements which end with the ISA being pushed back.  The Confederate ground forces suffer massive casualties on landing at Vanhiem as the Vanhiem militias put them under ferocious fire.  The Vanhiem ground force is reinforced later on.

The ISA's counter-offensive starts in April as an ISA Task Force assaults the Confederate Force in orbit around Fort Kurzon.  The ISA's main fleet, under the command of Admiral Misha Lewis, scores a sudden and spectacular victory, destroying a cruiser and an escort carrier.  The Confederacy is forced back away from Fort Kurzon.

The ISA forces then assault across the border at Whitworth, pushing away the initial picket ships but then clash with the local task force.  A sharp battle sees the Confederacy thrown back into Confederate space.  The Confederate reserve fleet arrives but an ISA ground force lands on Whitworth and they link up with local militias and resistance groups.  There are a series of fierce battles and the ISA forces begin to gain an edge.  A Confederate relief force strikes and a major fleet action is fought with the ISA forces defeated, losing six ships.

However the Confederate marines are beaten back and forced to surrender on Vanhiem.  As the year ends, Whitworth is under siege and the ISA are narrowly ahead of the Confederacy again.

Meanwhile the SLA strikes in Confederate space, blowing up a refinery on Mars and killing a dozen Confederate troops.

Chancellor Matthew Jack goes into the conclave as Chancellor and is re-elected by the Conclave.

**2256**-The 2nd Civil War goes into its second year with a pair of major ISA offensives.  The ISA 3rd Task Force assault Whitworth, sparking a major battle which sees the Confederate forces badly defeated with the loss of a battle-cruiser.  The other offensive relieves the pressure on Vanhiem.  The ISA continue thier offensives elsewhere with an attack against Vesper.  The picket ships are driven away and a small ISA raider force make a successful attack but achieve nothing much.

The ISA ground forces conclude a major campaign on Whitworth, overwhelming the local Confederate forces who face constant strafing attacks.  Lt-General Dino Askan surrenders his force to the ISA forces and Whitworth is "liberated."

Chancellor Jack reluctantly accepts that the Confederacy has been defeated in the 2nd Civil War and peace talks begin.  In October of 2256 a peace treaty is agreed for a five year term.  Whitworth is ceded to the ISA, leading to a full referendum.

Prime Minister Hackett's term ends in victory and Congressman Nathaniel Slade is elected Prime Minister of the ISA.

### 2257-2264 Uncertain Times

**2257**-The Confederacy goes into severe internal turmoil due to the aftermath of the 2nd Civil War.  Chancellor Jack reformat the Senate by Executive Order which is held up by the Supreme Court.  The Senate is now "elected for life".  There are many "pro-Democracy" rallies, centering on Mars but the Confederacy reacts with a hard-line towards such protests.

**2258**-The Foundation calls for talks towards Reunification.  This is firmly rejected by the Confederacy and to a lesser extent by the ISA.  The Foundation declares itself the true "successor" to the Federation.

Rising tensions on the North-Eastern frontier as the Karkouri Regime begins pushing towards its old conquests like St Lawrence, Whitworth and Furnace.

**2259**-The Galactic Council forms a new "Executive Action Committee" to discuss major foreign policy decisions.  The Dhaugosk accuse this as being an "alliance against them" whilst the Karkouri Regime and Tazzyn Empire both reject the authority of the new body.  The Tranoan Empire take the lead over the Galatic Council, followed by the Gannid Commonwealth whose status as a major rising power is affirmed.

**2260**-Chancellor Matthew Jack declines a third term and Ribal van Tarnal is elected Chancellor. A moderate and former Judge, Van Tarnal is hoped to liberalize the Confederacy in some regards.

The ISA charter is reviewed in a major convention based on New Berlin.  Stark Governor Edvard Kimov chairs the convention and the ISA forms a new binding agreement.

**2261**-ISA Prime Minister Slade is succeeded by New Berlin congressman Yohan Szerny.  The ISA faces issues of some of its more libertarian members wanting to break away and become "true independents".

The Karkouri Regime and the Gannid Commonwealth begin to put increasing trade pressure on both the Rorn Federation and Bl'Hud Republic.

**2262**-Mars is paralyzed by an uprising in the Century-Ville slums.  A local insurgent force takes control of the slum and the mines and fight off the local security forces for two days until they are overrun and massacred.  The "Free Mars" movement gains around 100 martyrs

**2263**-The Foundation Republic signs a major trade deal with the Tranoan Empire.  Gaia based corporation "Espirit De Nacional" has become an economic power-house in the old human territories.

The Galactic Council attempt to cool the rising tensions between the Gannid Commonwealth and the Karkouri Regime.  The Bl'Hud Republic complain bitterly over Karkouri Commerce practices.

**2264**-Eden and Fort Darwin both vote to leave the ISA during their elections.  The two worlds will become "fully Independent".  This is seen as a better than expected result for Prime Minister Szerny

A major trade-deal is signed by Ventriss and West-Corp, linking up the ISA and the Confederacy by trade.  These links are heavily policed by the Confederate Police forces.

### 2265-2270 A Changing Order

**2265**-War breaks out between the Gannid Commonwealth and the Karkouri Regime.  The Karkouri score a couple of initial victories in ambushes.

see the Karkouri - Gannid War

Chancellor van Tarnal is replaced during the conclave by former Admiral Uther Magnard.  Magnard is considered much more of a hard-liner and more socially conservative.  Some moderate sections of the Confederate government fear that he will move the Confederacy towards a police state.

**2266**-The Karkouri are badly defeated in a series of major battles by the Gannid and thrown back beyond thier original front-lines.

The Tazzyn Empire is subject to more raids and the Emperor mobilizes his fleets.

The ISA elect Jansen Whitting as their new Prime Minister.

**2267**-The Gannid mount a major offensive into Karkouri space but cannot overcome the Karkouri ground-forces and garrisons on the borderlands.  The Galactic Council Executive Committee calls on the war to end.  There is a cease-fire.

ISA Prime Minister Whitting rejects attempts by the Governor of St Lawrence to privatize all of his local militias.  The ISA goes into serious talks over the issue of economic sovereignty.

**2268**-The Gannid / Karkouri war ends with a peace settlement which sees just one world change hands as a Karkouri border-world is ceded to the Gannid Commonwealth.  The Karkouri, who have not lost a war for more than 150 years, are shocked and go into a period of introspection.  The buoyed Gannid Commonwealth are expected to exert increasing control over the Galactic Council.

The Tazzyn Empire fights two major battles against the Nacht-Volker, throwing back to the Triad.  The Tazzyn call on the Galactic Council to back them in an invasion but this is rejected.

**2269**-Fort Scorpius Governor calls for independence from the ISA and a third world breaks away from the ISA.

**2270**-The Foundation Republic once again attempts to broker a reunification treaty with the Confederacy and the ISA which starts in August of 2270.  The talks go on into 2271

The Mor-Du call for their worlds to be handed back to them and for the Galactic Council to restore the old Mor-Du Republic.  The Bl'Hud and the Rorn both back these calls but the Gannid Commonwealth block them.  The Tazzyn Empire finally join the Galatic Council to try and exert more influence.  The increasingly isolated Dhaugosk and Karkouri Regimes both smolder on the sidelines.

2271-

### 2271-2273 Reunification

**2271**-Picking up from the call from the Mor-Du to liberate them, the Foundation initiated talks to begin reunification between the successor states.  Talks were set out on Gaia where the three major powers all attended .  The initial talks were unsuccessful but a "program of action" was successfully set out by Foundation Prime Minister Tien Chan.

A possible military alliance for the liberation of the Mor-Du but this also fizzled out due to the ISA holding out

**2272**-A second major attempt was made towards reunification and a new set of talks were begun.  The talks began on New Berlin in the ISA.  This time a major break through was made.  The Confederacy received the reassurances that the military would be involved and that they would not face any "Prosecution" for their part in the 2240 coup.  A rough agreement was made and as 2272 ended, the new state began to take shape and then was officially founded in 2273

**2273**-The new "Confederate-Union" was officially founded.  The center of Government was placed back on Earth, much to the former ISA members consternation.  A new Executive was formed with a Union-President as the chief Executive and then a chancellor working the day to day.  The "2nd tier" Of colonial governors began to take their places and to choose the inaugural President and chancellor.

With no official political parties the election of the President proved to be a bit of a free-fall. Former New Berlin Governor Christopher Estlund is elected as the first President of the Confederate Union and given a ten year term. He names retired Admiral Shawn Tasker as the first Chancellor.

see the Foundation of the Confederate-Union

### 2274-2296 The Rise of the Confederate-Union

**2274**-The newly established Confederate Union began to normalize its internal trade policies and to agree its new constitution.  The Confederate-Union military was also founded, based out of its new HQ on Mars.

**2275**-The Confederate Union made enquirers to the Galactic Council towards the freedom of the Mor-Du planets that were part of the Karkouri Regime.  The two worlds who were "protectorates" of the Confederate-Union, agreed membership.  This was seen as an epoch making moment.  With a causus belli now, emergency talks took place between the Confederate Union and the Karkouri Regime.  There was no breakthrough and war was declared in December of 2275

see the Fourth Karkouri War

**2276**-The Confederate offensives in 2276 were brutal but unsuccessful and the Karkouri made a series of bold strikes across the border, raiding Whitworth and St Lawrence.  A major battle was fought in Confederate space near Aqaan.  The Confederate-Union launched another set of offensives as the year closed out but couldn't find a break-through

**2277**-The Fourth Karkouri war went into its third year and the fighting was back and forth.   The Karkouri offensives began to wind down and the growing confidence of the Confederate-Union forces saw them break-through and land a huge land force on the Mor-Du homeworld.  Fierce fighting broke out and the campaign dragged on into the new year.

The Confederate-Union fleets also attacked across the border from Whitworth into Karkouri space and scored a major victory there too.

**2278**-The Confederate-Union secured the Mor-Du home world after a fourteen month campaign, all but ending the war.  The Confederate forces slowed down to recover but a Karkouri counter-attack reigniting the fighting across the front-line.  A major fleet action was fought in orbit around the Mor-Du homeworld but ended with a Confederate victory.   The Regime finally agreed to peace-talks.

With the onset of peace-talks, Chancellor Tasker resigns his office, citing exhaustion. He is replaced by former Esprit du Nacional CEO Ricardo Ezquerro.

**2279**-In January of 2279 the war finally ended with the Karkouri agreeing to liberate the remaining Mor-Du worlds.  The Mor-Du worlds agreed membership to the Confederate-Union.  A major recovery in the affairs of the human=race and its allies had begun.

**2280**-The recovered Confederate-Union wasn't quite seen as a recovered super-power but had seriously regained its place in the galactic stage, managing to regain some influence in the Galactic Council.  But all of this was swept aside when the peace-talks between the Tranoan Empire and the Dhau failed, resulting in the 2nd Dhaugosk War.

The Confederate Union agreed to support the Tranoan's and their allies as the Dhau made a major invasion of their systems. A small allied fleet was sent to support them whilst the Confederate Union tried to raise forces to contribute to a major war.

**2281** -The Confederate Union Government raised five hundred thousand troops and over a hundred fighting ships to support the beleaguered Tranoans. This allied force operated in a flank role, fighting the Dhau forces in several pitched battles. Casualties were high and the Confederate forces were found to be badly outgunned by their Dhau enemies

**2282** -Reinforcements were sent to aid the Tranoans and the battered expeditionary force. Another two hundred and fifty thousand troops and sixty ships were sent. However the political will is already draining away back home.

Chancellor Ezquerro resigns his office ahead of the Presidential elections and to avoid potential impeachment for insider trading. He is replaced for a year in a caretaker administration by former Secretary of State Ruvinda Shen.

**2283** -An Allied Tranoan and Gannid Force wins a major victory against the Dhau but the war is continued. The Confederate Forces taking part were relegated to a second line role but gained valuable combat experience. The Confederate commanding officer, Admiral Reed Matthews, felt that the Confederate battle doctrine was badly outdated and he espoused a major reform and refit of the Fleet.

President Estlund's ten year term comes to an end and the Council of Governors vote on the new President. Former Mars Governor Oren Yates is elected as President of the Union. He replaces the Chancellor with his own man, former Attorney General Liam Collingwood, as the Chancellor. The young dynamic Chancellor assembles a new coalition government.

**2284** -The war began to slow down as the Dhau and Tranoans ground out results in a slow, brutal war of attrition. A Vatu lead task force broke open a salient in the Dhau front and a Terran lead marine force under Major General Jimmy Sparkwood won a major but costly victory on the world of Tasvaan.

**2285** -The Tazzyn begin a limited intervention on the side of the Tranoans, shocking the Galactic community. The Karkouri Regime protest this and begin to threaten some of the other allies. This provokes peace-talks which take place on the Gannid home-world. A treaty is agreed and the fighting ends.

The Confederate Union lost 91,500 dead and another 100,000 wounded during the war but gained vital combat experience.

**2286** - The new Confederate Counsel to the Galactic Council is appointed. Counsel Sela Whirry has a lot of work to rebuild Terran standing in the Council which is still largely dominated by Tranoans and the Gannid. The Tazzyn continue to largely ignore the council. Counsel Whirry works behind the scenes trying to improve their relationship with the Gannid and the other minor races.

**2287** - With the war over, President Yates calls on the Chamber of Deputies to give him a mandate. The Chamber wants to work in an introspective way and elect a moderate government. President Yates denies Chancellor Collingwood from leading the new government and appoints former Federal Bank chairman Harris Whitaker as the new Chancellor.

The Chamber of Deputies approves a major fleet refit but not at the full price that Admiral Matthews had suggested.

**2288** - The Karkouri Regime begin to put economic pressure on the Confederate Union. The Gannid Commonwealth take a neutral stance so it falls to Counsel Sela Whirry to try and make a deal to defuse the situation. She is able to get the Gannid foreign minister to agree in principle to refuse to help the Karkouri damage the Terran economy.

Chancellor Whitaker engages in ongoing political battles with the Chamber of Deputies who he accuses of a lack of patriotism for their refusal to support major fleet expansion. Admiral Matthews plays an increasingly political role, making some speeches and giving quotes to the press.

**2289** - The Karkouri's aggressive economic policy continues to bite deep. Chancellor Whitaker refuses to introduce counter-tariffs or introduce protectionist policies. The Governor of New Silesia, Aarin Kasprak, begins to campaign against Whitaker's leadership.

Admiral Matthews is forced to retire early from active service due to political pressure. The Hawks in the Chamber of Deputies are disappointed in his resignation and are able to get a new spending bill through to expand the Confederate Fleet. Veteran officer Admiral Joo-Jin is appointed the new Fleet Chief of Staff. He's considered a steady hand but cautious

**2290** - The increasingly bitter political feud over the Karkouri trade war and the military expansion sees Chancellor Whitaker call for the President to "back or sack" him. President Yates takes the surprising route to replace Whitaker. She names the chairman of the Oversight committee, Deputy Beatrice Galloway, as the new Chancellor. She's a much smarter politician than Whitaker and works behind the scenes to sure up her political base.

**2291** - Chancellor Galloway passes a raft of tariffs designed to push-back the Karkouri on the trade-war. These somewhat protectionist policies are not popular with the big corporations and VENTRISS UDC and West-Corp both begin lobbying for a change in policy. However President Yates backs them.

Admiral Joo-Jin oversees a new major fleet refit, the most expensive one yet.

**2292** - The Karkouri regime put pressure on the Gannid Commonwealth, as well as the minor races like the Mor-Du and the Bl'Hud to support their restrictive trade policies. They get little traction. The Galactic Council calls on both sides to cool down their ongoing trade-war.

**2293** - The Confederate Union has a major election with the Presidency up for grabs. Former Chancellor Liam Collingwood emerges as a popular candidate but he states time and again he doesn't wish to be President. The surprise winner is entrepreneur and philanthropist Yancy Greer who is elected due to her status as an outsider and a reformer.

She meets with the Chamber of Deputies, setting out a surprisingly moderate program of work. They suggest she name former Mars Governor Lloyd Kovalic as the Chancellor so she agrees to do so.

**2294** - Chancellor Kovalic talks about scaling back the protectionist policies of the previous administration but comes under intense pressure in the Chamber of Deputies. The Chancellor is forced to concede that, for now, they will remain in place.

Sela Whirry, the Counsel in the Galactic Council, retires. She is replaced by Erik Hearne, a language professor who is seen as intelligent but also remote and fussy.

**2295** - Left-wing terrorists OMDA bomb a VENTRISS facility on St Lawrence. Sixteen mercenaries and twelve civilians die. Chancellor Kovalic directs the Confederate Inteligence Services (CIS) to investigate the attack. Meanwhile VENTRISS pay hundreds of millions of adjusted dollars in bounties on OMDA members

Admiral Joo-Jin retires as Chief of Staff and is replaced by another veteran officer, Admiral Mitchell. A highly decorated officer and another safe-hand, Admiral Mitchell oversees a program of exercises to prepare the fleet for future wars.

**2296** - Chancellor Kovalic is forced to resign due to increasing pressure in the Chamber of Deputies. Lobbyists from VENTRISS had played a major part in his fall, as had the work from former Chancellor Liam Collingwood. President Greer makes a bold move, naming former Admiral Reed Matthews as the new Chancellor.

Chancellor Matthews makes a bold plan of expanding the fleet which meets with success. The lobbying by VENTRISS and West-Corp sees the Chamber very receptive to the plan. A massive plan of fleet expansion begins.

### 2297-2317-Darker Times

**2297** - the Karkouri Regime begin to exert political and military pressure on the Rorn Republic. The former close allies of the Confederate Union lean on the Galactic Council for aid. The Tranoan Empire warns the Karkouri not to attack the Rorn. The Confederate Union loses some respect by failing to take a strong stance on this.

OMDA kidnap VENTRISS lobbyist Enzo Falconi, ransoming him back to VENTRISS for A$100M. The corporation spend more money on bounties and more than 20 OMDA members have been caught or killed in the ongoing "private" war.

**2298** - The Karkouri are forced to back down by the Tranoans. President Greer decides to push them to give up their trade tariffs and to end the trade war. This ploy backfires as this sees the Karkouri begin to deploy fleets to the mutual borders. The Confederate fleet is also deployed and both sides are inches away from open war.

Chancellor Matthews uses the crisis to first pass a new fleet expansion bill and then to pass a new bill restricting freedom of speech and movement. The bill is somewhat watered down by the Chamber of Deputies but does still pass.

**2299** - The tense situation between the Confederate Union and the Karkouri Regime is the major business of the Galactic Council. The Tranoans and the Gannid Commonwealth try to talk the two powers down from open war. Counsel Hearne resigns his office, seen as an ineffective ambassador. He is replaced by Rebekah Harper, the former Foreign Minister under Chancellor Galloway.

**2300** - The stand-off finally ends with both fleets moving back to jump off points. However both have established outposts and starbases on the frontier. The risk of a future war seems very strong. Admiral Mitchell develops operational plan "Crimson" for a future war with the Karkouri.

Chancellor Matthews deploys tens of thousands of troops to help suppress OMDA. There are skirmishes across the Frontier including a bloody massacre on Stark.

**2301** - Chancellor Matthews passes another bill to expand the fleet. He is bullish about the Confederate Unions chances in a fifth war with the Karkouri. President Greer speaks of trying to forestall a future with the Karkouri.

Counsel Harper has more success, meeting with the Tranoans about greater cooperation. The Tranoans warn of the risk that a war between the Karkouri and the Terrans would give the Dhaugosk the opening to start another war.

**2302** - The Tazzyn Emperor dies but there is an orderly transition to the Imperial-Prince Ravida van Kalmen. The new Tazzyn Emperor is an experience and bold leader and he takes a strong stance against the Dhaugosk and the galaxy holds it breath.

Chancellor Matthews resigns his office a year ahead of the Presidential elections. There is some talk that he is now a candidate for President but he rules this out. The Chamber of Deputies, now sharply divided into Hawks and Doves, speak of the need to deal with the private war between VENTRISS and OMDA.

The care-taker Chancellor is Deputy Petra Miles.

**2303** - The 2303 Presidential Election sees hawkish former Whitworth Governor Claus Wickleff named as the new President. President Wickleff takes a strong stance on the Karkouri and the Dhaugosk, regarding them as the most dangerous regimes in the galaxy. He names former chancellor Liam Collingwood as his chancellor.

Chancellor Collingwood is able to build bridges in the chamber of deputies. A highly experienced political operative, he is able to strengthen the central hold of the Confederate Union over the colonies.

**2304** - OMDA ambush a Confederate Marine force on Eden, killing sixty two marines. President Wickleff orders the military to respond and to go after OMDA. Admiral Mitchell directs operation Lancer, which sees the Confederate Fleet and marines conduct sweeping operations against OMDA across the frontier.

The ongoing issues with OMDA see a number of colonies complain about the overreach from the Confederate Union.

Supreme Court Justice Hayden Stansield makes a major ruling in the case of Van Treur v Warrington which rules that the powers passed by Chancellor Matthews in 2298 are unconstitutional. The bill is overturned but some in the chamber of deputies try to pass a new version.

**2305** - Operation Lancer proves quite successful as OMDA bases are destroyed and dozens of their people are caught or killed by the Marines and the CIS. VENTRISS and West-Corp mercenaries are also effective in killing a fair few of OMDA's people.

Liberal Senator Marco King calls for peace between the marxists and the corporations and that a dialogue should start. This is ignored by Chancellor Collingwood but behind closed doors he expresses his concerns about this undermining the authority of the Confederate Union.

**2306** - Admiral Mitchell retires from active duty and is replaced by Admiral Myles Dulvenny who is, once again, a safe hand and a veteran. Admiral Dulvenny expresses his concerns about the ongoing issues with OMDA and the corporations.

There is an surge in anti-alien protests on Earth and Mars. This sees the nearly extinct political party Earth-Guard make something of a minor resurgence.

**2307**- Chancellor Collingwood resigns and goes into political retirement. He cites health issues. President Wickleff names former Secretary of Defense Saul Lowenthal as the new Chancellor. Chancellor Lowenthall tries to slow down the open warfare with OMDA. However behind the scenes he grants the CIS huge resources to track down and destroy OMDA.

West-Corp CEO Leo Jackson Jr dies in an apparent accident but there are swirling stories that OMDA have bombed his car. West-Corp increase their internal security and their lobbyists call for more action to be taken against OMDA.

**2308** - There are unconfirmed reports from the Western Frontier that independent "wlld-cat" colonies are being destroyed. The Nacht-Volker are rumored to be on the move again.

Pioneering journalist India Templeton reveals that OMDA had nothing to do with the death of Leo Jackson. She suggests that a free-lance assassin was responsible

**2309** - A Karkouri raider penetrates the Terran border and destroys a commercial freighter. The Regime claim that this was not a sanctioned action and offer a somewhat incincere apology. Chancellor Lowenthall urges restrain but President Wickleff orders Admiral Mitchell to deploy the fleet to the border. He does so over his objections.

This provokes a political crisis. Chancellor Lowenthall resigns and President Wickleff chooses firebrand Senator Renn Vargas as the new Chancellor. Chancellor Vargas clashes with Admiral Dulvenny over military policy.

India Templeton is killed in an apparent shuttle accident.

**2310** - The Karouri Regime accuse the Confederate Union of "secret paramilitary action" behind their borders as a series of raids destroy Karkouri listening posts. President Wickleff denies that the Union had any involvement in these attacks.

Feeling that the President is provoking a war, Admiral Dulvenny resigns. He is replaced by Admiral Jonas Stark who is seen as much more hawkish.

**2311** - The Senate begins to investigate the rumored abuse of power by the President and his chancellor with the secret paramilitary operations against OMDA and their allies. The "Ward-Varlene" committee begins calling for testimony. President Wickleff's staff generally avoid being called to testify

Admiral Stark deploys the fleet to its old positions opposite the Karkouri Regime.

**2312** - The Chamber of Deputies gets in on the act and forms a select committee under Deputy Everett Hale. The Hale committee begin investigating the abuses of power by the Wickleff administration. Chancellor Vargas resists calls to resign from the Chamber of Deputies.

West-Corp buy-out a major independent corporation in New Carthage.

**2313** - A minor corporation known as The Sunderland Foundation win a military contract. Few eyebrows are raised and the Senate armed services committee agree to the new procurement plan.

The Senate Ward-Varlene committee depose former CIS Deputy Director Jamie Oakes. He testifies that there had been some "overlaps" between the corporations and government paramilitary operations.

Chancellor Renn Vargas, on the verge of also being called to testify before one of the two investigating committees, resigns from his office. President Wickleff's term also ends. A major backlash to the corruption and abuse of power sees rookie politician Senator Shayne Sadelowe as the new President. President Sadelowe names former law lecturer and private prosecutor Jamie Nance as the new Chancellor.

**2314**- The Ward-Varlne committee wraps up its investigation. It publishes a verdict that the Wickleff administration had exceeded its mandate but had not broken the law. The Hale committee is more damning with its conclusions.

Chancellor Nance attempts to cool things with the Karkouri, recalling about 50% of the fleet away from the frontier. Admiral Stark resigns in protest and Admiral Evie Kyle is named the Chief of Staff. She is a veteran, a steady hand and very cautious

**2315** - The Galactic Council is rocked by accusations that there has been widespread collusion between elements of the Tranoan, Terran and Gannid governments. These "cabal" are accused of trying to start a war. There is no proof to force the Council to act, however, so nothing comes of it.

Senator Leigh Overton begins to investigate the rumors of this cabal. The Overton committee is widely decried as a waste of time and money

**2316** - Chancellor Nance resigns her office, feeling that the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies are too entrenched in their current attitudes. President Sadelowe chooses Senator Carmen Estrdige as the new Chancellor.

**2317** - The Confederacy is plunged into crisis as Karkouri raiders penetrate the border, claiming to be pursuing privateers. President Sadelowe calls on them to apologize and to open their borders for an investigation but they refuse to comply.

Admiral Kyle conducts exercises to prepare for a possible war with the Karkouri. The Confederate Fleet performs well and Admiral Kyle is confident that the Fleet can hold its own against the Karkouri.

## 2318-2388 :The Second Dark Age

**2318** - The 5th Karkouri War breaks out as a Karkouri Task Force breaks through the Confederate Border. President Sadelowe orders the Confederate Fleet into action to stop the Karkouri aggressors. Admiral Kyle takes personal command of the main effort. He places the 2nd Fleet under the command of Admiral Richard Beatty.

The first skirmishes see the Karkouri drive back Confederate picket ships. However the first major engagement sees the 1st Fleet under Admiral Kyle, consisting of more than 70 fighting ships, engage the Karkouri near Stark. The battle ends up as one of the most one-sided in Terran history as the 1st Fleet is totally wiped out in less than two hours. More than 50,000 lives are lost. However the 2nd Fleet doesn't receive any word of the catastrophe and look to repeat it.

The 2nd Fleet and its 55 ships go into action. Some elements refuse to make the move and Admiral Uwe van Lowe orders his elements to jump away and disperse. The 2nd fleet suffers the same fate as the 1st and is wiped out with the loss of 38,000 lives.

The Karkouri fleets pause for a couple of days and then move towards the core-worlds. The shockwaves on Earth and Mars are huge. There are massed panics, riots and protests. President Sadelowe attempts to arrest the collapse but very quickly things unravel. The Governor of St Lawrence threatens to secede from the Union and make a separate peace with the Karkouri.

The arrival of a Karkouri task force near Jupiter is the death blow to the Confederate Union which collapses. The Military move in to restore order. The Karkouri land troops on Mars and Earth but to stop a bloody orbital bombardment, the military forms a provisional government to negotiate with the Karkouri.

The Karkouri regime takes possession of the worlds of the old Union but most of the colonies simply secede as they are no longer bound to the old Confederate Union agreement.

### **2319-2322 - Occupation**

**2319** -President Sadelowe resigns her office. The Confederate Union is replaced by the new Provisional Government of Earth, headed up by a committee who will negotiate the terms of the Karkouri occupation. The Karkouri deploy a large fleet of about 40 ships to watch over their new conquest.

The Provisional Government face widespread resistance from the Civil Service, the courts, the colonies and the military.

Admiral Uwe van Lowe, leading what remains of the Terran fleets calls for an armed resistance. His small fleet begin hit and run actions against the Karkouri. Meanwhile OMDA chairman Thane Spiers calls for unity in the face of the Karkouri occupation.

**2320** - The Provisional Government begin to set up a democratic election to choose the new President of the Provisional Government. The Karkouri are, largely, disinterested in the process.

West-Corp and VENTRISS UDC use the lack of oversight from the Provisional Government to begin a widespread expansion. EDN and Allied Tech follow suite.

On Mars there is a major deal brokered as Mars, the Jovian colonies and Earth all sign up to the new agreement and are formally recognized as part of the Provisional Government. Beyond that, the PEG has almost no authority.

An uprising begins on the Stark colony, supported by members of OMDA. A Karkouri force lands and brutally suppresses the uprising in just six weeks. This prompts the Eden colony to go into uprising. However Karkouri forces follow and land there too.

The Resistance goes into action with several effective raids. However, a Task Force under Rear Admiral Dacey Rayburn is badly defeated by the Karkouri, losing nearly 30% of the Resistance's remaining fleet and all but ending hopes of a military victory.

**2321** - On Mars, VENTRISS UDC sign an agreement to buy out PINNACLE, a market leading bio-engineering company. The Mars Government become 60% shareholders and VENTRISS take the other 40%.

The Karkouri finally pacify Eden after six months of bloody fighting and nearly 120,000 casualties. Any goodwill that the Karkouri and their PEG allies have is lost.

OMDA begin organizing a major resistance effort, crippling Karkouri movements through their espionage work. Meanwhile the outbreak of a weaponized virus that kills only Karkouri cripples the Karkouri fleet.

A massive counter attack, lead by OMDA but including Corporate and militia fleets, stuns the Karkouri and wipes out a major fleet group, losing 33 ships.

### **2322-2332 -The League and the Hansa**

see also: The League

The Hansa

**2322**- The Karkouri Governor-General orders the Occupation Fleet to withdraw from Occupied space. The Salborian ground forces isolated and left behind are ordered to carry out scorched earth tactics. The Occupation is ended.

Provisional Government President Dustin Brecort announces that a full, Democratic election will take place. The election is not a smooth process as OMDA spokesman Cole Berenhault wins the election but then passes up on being President, calling the election a farce. St Lawrence politician Elle Shockley is elected as President. She helps to form The League; a military alliance between the colonies that will take on the old Confederate political structures.

Most of the outlying colonies reject the League and gradually, the Hansa is formed by the Corporations. The human race now stands divided into two major factions

**2323**- The League struggles to organize itself and President Shockley gets a feel for the sheer scale of the problem. Supreme Court Justice Hugh Stansfield makes a ruling in *Newburn v Cole* that the League currently has no judicial standing. President Shockley rules (and is eventually backed by the Senate) that the old Confederate laws still apply until new laws are written.

The Hansa proves to be effective at setting a common economic policy but not very effective at anything else. However the Hansa and the League are able to coexist as the major corporations continue to trade with the League and have facilities based in League space.

There is a short and bloody coup on Fort Carpenter and the Black Dragon Yakuza take over control of the planet.

PINNACLE end their association with VENTRISS and become a fully independent corporation again, making the big four into a big five.

**2324**- President Shockley announces that there will be Presidential elections in 2325 as she feels that her term was as a "caretaker" President. St Lawrence Governor Rust Collingwood emerges as the front-runner.

Word comes from the so called "Lost Colonies" that they have lost contact with the most outlying colony. They implore the Tranoan Empire, the League and the Hansa to take action.

Former Chancellor of Weller-Banks university Dr Valerie Oxford, known for railing against the Corporations, becomes a viable political candidate as OMDA and their political allies, the Progressive Union, back her to run for President in 2325

**2325** -The League is gripped by election fever as Governor Collingwood, Governor Pierce Colby, Governor Kit Rykker of Mars and Dr Valerie Oxford seem the most viable to seek the Presidency.

see The 2325 League Presidential Election

The Council of Governors vet the list, as per the League's constitution and reduce it to young Governor Colby, who favors reunification, and Dr Oxford, the firebrand liberal who wants to "smash the corporations" and opposes reunification. The polls show a commanding lead for Dr Oxford.

However a scandal destroys her candidacy as it is revealed that she has taken consulting money from VENTRISS for years. She denies this but the left-wing coalition beings to unravel. Progressive Senator Klan Hackett calls for her to withdrawn from the ballot but the Attorney General rules that this would not be legal.

Governor Pierce Colby wins in a landslide, along with Jovian Belt Attorney General Altus Kinnick. President Colby appoints veteran Senator Braer McQaid as his Secretary of Defence and keeps the influential TH Sorrell on as Secretary of State.

**2326** -The talk of reunification begins. The unofficial St Lawrence summit sees former President Shockley host a meeting between representatives of both factions. Secretary Sorrell conducts shuttle diplomacy between the two factions.

The Mars summit is set for October of 2326 and President Colby's delegation initially make some headway with the Hansa delegation. However a lack of clarity between the two parties desired end state sees the talks stall.

A further summit on New Berlin is set for April of 2327

**2327** - President Colby takes part in the New Berlin summit which proves more effective. Secretary Braer McQaid's plan of a new "Federalized" state is introduced with both factions gradually ceding power to that new state until they are dissolved. The two factions agree to begin forming this state and a working group of Civil Servants is created, with open applications to fill the ranks.

President Colby is frustrated by the slow going and turns to trying to make the Senate more effective. He has his allies in the Federalist Party try to introduce new laws but they do not have enough power to get them through committee.

**2328** - A major trade initiative begins between the Tazzyn Empire and the Hansa. The Tazzyn begin trading in luxury goods, heavy metals and some mechanical parts. The deal brokered by the Hansa leadership makes them a lot of money.

A limited Senate bill to increase its level of law making power manages to get out of committee in the Senate. The Federalist faction, under Senator Alden Haer, work with the AIS Party under Senator Hedges Sleeker to get the bill to the Senate where it fails to pass the 600 member chamber.

President Colby announces a cabinet reshuffle and moves Braer McQaid from Secretary of Defence to Treasury Secretary. He recruits influential Hawkish Senator Kyra Novotny as the new Secretary of Defence.

**2329** - The Karkouri Regime announce a series of trade restrictions and tariffs against Terran goods. This "trade war" begins to take effect by the end of the year. Earth-Guard Senator Thom Galberian leads the political charge against this, calling it unprovoked economic warfare.

The League begins to gear up for the next Presidential election. President Colby, somewhat frustrated by the lack of action in reunification, announces that he will seek a 2nd term to finish the work of his first term. He is opposed instantly by former Governor Rust Collingwood and by retired Marine General Miles Behan. More candidates are expected to emerge.

**2330** - President Pierce Colby is able to pass the first stage of the election campaign, vetted by the Council of Governors. Left wing candidate Cole Berenhault is able to surge onto the ballot against him and in a virtual repeat of the 2325 Presidential election, Berenhault initially polls ahead by 25%.

However a mixture of lobbying money from the big corporations and a scandal about Berenhault's alleged abuse of prisoners sees the polling draw level. A last minute switch of support from the center left sees Colby secure the Presidency for a second term. He names Braer McQaid as the new Secretary of State.

However TH Sorrell isn't so lucky and faces investigation from the Senate Oversight committee under Senator McGill Lowton for alleged abuses of her office.

the 2330 League Presidential Election

**2331**- Talks on reunification began in earnest as new, progressive Chancellor of the Hansa Sotaru Ayada lead the talks from the Hansa side of things. The initial talks showed that the leadership of the Hansa, perhaps influenced in part by Governor's Mears, Maquessa and Tellar, had become more receptive to the idea of reunification.

However an amendment to the "Future Governments Project" blue-print to reunify the two separate polities was an amendment offered by Senator Alden Haer which would limit the reach and influence of lobbyists. The corporations protested which caused the Hansa leadership to pause.

In the end a counter-offer was made which would see the corporations assigned 75 deputies inside the Chamber of Deputies. Whilst this was protested from the League side as anti-democratic, it was agreed in the end. The agreement was signed and reunification would begin.

### 2332 -2360 Reunification -The Federated States

**2332**- President Colby and Chancellor Ayada continued the negotiations to bring all the worlds of the Hansa under the banner of the new Federated State. News of famines inside Hansa space worried the leadership of the League but these were blamed in part on piracy within Hansa space.

The investigation into former Secretary Sorrell failed to pin any proof to the influential politician. There were some revelations that didn't sound very good including accusations that were never proven that she had leaked information to the Hansa on several occasions. However nothing was proven and the committee moved on to new targets.

see the Federated States

**2333** -Reunification: the two states became one in July of 2333. The newly named Terran Federated States was formed and the Hansa members joined this new polity. President Pierce Colby was named President of the new state whilst Chancellor Sotaru Ayada was named Prime Minister.

The Senate approved this, declining calls to have new elections of the new state. The Fleet was deployed into formerly Hansa space to deal with the pirates. The Senate began, however, to direct criticism at West-Corp for its handling of the food crisis on the frontier.

A splinter faction from OMDA known as October 83 began to launch bombing attacks against corporate targets on the frontier. President Colby empowered the judiciary to create a special police task force to go after them. They were granted access to military assets.

Having been exonerated by the Senate, TH Sorrell was named as the Ambassador to the Tazzyn Empire.

**2334**- The Senate judiciary committee appointed a special prosecutor to investigate the food crisis on the frontier. West-Corp began to protect itself against these accusations but the Senate made it clear that this wasn't directed at West-Corp, but was more aimed at whomever was actually responsible. West-Corp's veteran CEO Aden Storn resigned and Cornelius Hale was named as the CEO.

The Tazzyn Empire made an offer for a very profitable trade deal which would limit Terran trade with other powers. The Senate and the State department agreed to accept the offer but the President vetoed it. However the Senate overturned the veto and the trade deal was signed.

The special judicial task force under General Josie Estlund scored a series of major victories capturing dozens of members of October 84. There were skirmishes across the frontier in which there were dozens of casualties but by the end of 2334 it appeared that October 84. OMDA chairman Thane Spiers protested this attack and suppression but President Colby stated that the law of the Federated states had to be respected.

President Colby was not bound by term limits but stated he would respect the spirit of the constitution and he announced he would not seek a 3rd term as President (which would be his 2nd term as President of the Federated States). Vice President Altus Kinnick announced that he would be in the running to succeed the President and polls showed him with a decent lead over his competitors.

**2335** - The chaotic 2335 Presidential election, still conducted with the Executive committee functioning as a vetting process, saw independent Senator Etan Ben Urris nominated for the Presidency opposite the front-runner, Vice President Altus Kinnick. Kinnick then won the Presidency with an alliance with the Progressive Union.

President Kinnick named Senator Valeri de Bruyne as the Treasury Secretary (to the horror of the corporate sector), Kya Valane as Secretary of Defence and TH Sorrell as Ambassador to the Tazzyn Empire (completing her political rehabilitation). The alliance with the Progressive Union (and the newly formed Universal Party under Senator de Bruyne) put Governor :Lucie Tellar from Eden in as the new Prime Minister.

The first order of business saw President Kinnick plan to send Business Secretary Kit Rykker to talk to OMDA President Than Spiers to try and broker a peace agreement.

The Senate voted to change the Presidential election system, opening it up to the "two round" system that had originally been proposed by the 2332 Convention.

see the 2335 Presidential Election

**2336** - The peace talks take place on New Carthage. Prime Minister Tellar took over the leadership of the delegation from the government. Senator Klan Hackett (PU) General Rico Harmel (Wellfield) Rafe McQaid (VP for Esprit du Nacional) and Julius Zavitz (COO of West-Corp) attended along with delegates from all the major corporations and observers from all the major political parties. OMDA President Thane Spiers and former OMDA spokesman Cole Berenhault also attended.

The talks ended in tragedy when a close focus nuclear weapon obliterated all in attendance, killing 3-5,000 people. Both sides accused the other of the attack and the Federated States when into a state of emergency. President Kinnick ordered a massive military reaction. Secretary of Defence Valane and chief of Staff Sati organized "Operation Midnight Tempest" which saw the Fleet launch attacks against known OMDA strong holds across the Frontier. The Senate voted in favor of the President's military reaction. A leak from the Cabinet showed that Treasury Secretary de Bruyne had not been in favor of the attack. President Kinnick called on her to back his actions or resign and so she chose to resign.

With the death of Prime Minister Tellar, President Kinnick met with the Progressive Union leadership and asked them to nominate a replacement. They chose Senator Harminder Mosier and President Kinnick nominated her for Prime Minister. She was confirmed by a large majority of the Senate.

Initial contact between the Fleet and OMDA saw fierce and bloody fighting but on a small scale. OMDA, under its new highly militant leader STILETTO began to fully militarize.

**2337** - The conflict continued with slow, grinding attritional battles fought all over the frontier as Marine forces began to root OMDA militias out. OMDA pulled off a shocking commando raid on Earth, striking at the HQ's of the major corporations, wounding West-Corp CEO Cornelius Hale in the process. The attack on the Senate and Government quarter ended in failure.

AIS Senator Hedges Sleeker called for a pause in the conflict to examine the cause of the attack and who had benefited. The President chose to ignore this, calling on fully support to continue the war and to expand the reach and power of the Federated States Intelligence (FSI). This was narrowly passed in the Senate.

Prime Minister Mosier is able to halt potential roll backs in social programs but the budget begins to go into deficit.

Governor Hubbard Green of Fort Verekker was a leading critic of this, calling it an act of tyranny.

**2338** - The campaign to root out OMDA dragged on into its 2nd year with the Fleet continuing to tighten the cordon. OMDA finally faced up to the Fleet in an open battle with a spectacular ambush in the Struve 139 system. A squadron of cruisers were caught at anchor and the FSS Lucien was destroyed after multiple torpedo hits. However the other cruisers were able to get away. A following task force lead by Admiral Stargher in command of the battleship FSS "Republic" were able to inflict grievous losses on the OMDA fleet, all but ending them as a threat.

The ground campaigns began to come to an end as well as thousands of marines fought on worlds like Eden, Japser, Al Ahily, Furnace, Stark and New Silesia. However one by one, OMDA's strongholds fell to the Marines. In December 2338 Admiral Sati reported that the combat operations were all but completed.

**2339** - Intelligence affairs concluded that the terrorist attack was likely an internal OMDA attack, that is, the militant wing were responsible for it. Senator McGill Lowton (PU) called for an investigation into this report, calling the impartiality of the FSI into question.

The political sphere had been badly polarized, with support drifting to the extreme wings of the political spectrum. Most polls pointed towards an AIS Presidential win in the 2340. President Altus Kinnick was initially pugnacious about this, stating that he was ready for a strongly contested election in 2340.

**2340** - The election year saw things heat up as Senator Jayne Tigh (AIS) continued her fierce criticism of the Kinnick administration. Ahead of the convention season, President Kinnick announced he would not seek a second term. He gave a weak endorsement of Vice President McQaid.

Vice President McQaid narrowly beat Governor Jon Ramirez (AIS) to win the Presidency. He made a deal with the left wing parties and the centrist Wellfield Alliance and formed a working agreement in the Senate. Former Prime Minister Harminder Mosier was invited to continue as P/M.

see the 2340 Presidential Election

A wide ranging set of social reforms were announced with an expansion to the Federated States bill of rights, to schools, hospitals, law enforcement and union rights.

**2341** - The McQaid administration rejected the offer of a new treaty with the Tazzyn Empire. President Kinnick,, Secretary of State Sorrell (FED) went to the Tranoan home-world to meet the Emperor and the Prime Minister. They signed a mutual defence pact.

The 2341 budget saw a huge increase in the military budget. This was funded by an increase in corporations tax. This was initially resisted but passed with support from the AIS.

Whilst President McQaid was away, Vice President Ocampo was the day to day head of the administration. He pushed through new social reforms and nominated a liberal to the Federated States Supreme Court.

**2342** - Reports came back from the so-called "Lost Colonies" that one of them had been destroyed. The McQaid administration did not commit to a military operation. Senator Shen Axxelson called for a select committee hearing into this lack of action.

Whilst touring the Frontier, Secretary de Bruyne was recorded stating that the corporations would "start a coup and take over" if the administration pushed them too hard on corporations tax. President McQaid was forced to fire the Universal Party's cabinet member.

**2343** - A budget crisis began to develop as the TPE and budget hawks from the AIS and the Federalist Party began pushing for a cut in corporations tax. President McQaid made a deal to reduce the corporations tax and the military budget increases.

A new "Agile Spending Program" was agreed to limit the budget overruns on military construction. Admiral Ravi Sati made a rare public statement, criticizing this decision.

Contervesey developed after it came out that a secret back channel envoy from the Federated States was offering a trade deal with the hated Karkouri Regime. Treasury Secretary Suzlie Maliwa resigned to protect the administration.

**2344** - The McQaid administration is beset with stories that the President is in poor health. The administration struggles to get its agenda through an increasingly difficult and divided Senate.

Secretary of Defence Taylor Rishi resigns, stating that he opposes the military budget cuts. His name is mentioned as possible contender for the Federalist nomination in 2345.

Fund raising reports show that the money being donated to the Federalist Party and the AIS has decreased by more than 50% in the last two years. The TPE and a rejuvenated Earth-Guard are reporting huge increases in fund-raising.

In November of 2344 President McQaid confirmed that he would not seek a second term as President.

**2345** -Former Admiral, Secretary of Defense and the current Director of the FSI Kya Valane dies in office. Her death is greatly mourned in government and in the fleet. Former Secretary of State Roderick Strickland wins the Federalist nomination and businessman Dustin Attencort (Wellfield) challenge for the Presidency. But the New Berlin Governor Cameron Vessey (AIS) wins the Presidency in a landslide.

The Vessey administration makes a broad center-right coalition. They quickly set up peace talks with the Karkouri Regime but these do not succeed. The Vessey administration pivots, signing a new military alliance with the Vatu Empire in return for a huge amount of aid.

see the 2345 Presidential Election

**2346** - The Vessey administration pass a bill in the Senate to reduce social welfare spending in the core-worlds. Mars Governor Izzy Bel Mar (PU) decries this. The Vessey administration also pass a number of pro-business programs including the popular "Axxelson Initiative" lead by TPE staffer Marius Axxelson.

**2347** - Word of the loss of another of the so-called Lost Colonies drifts back but no firm action is taken. Fleet spending is kept at its current levels despite the huge cost of the aid package going to the Vatu Empire. The Earth-Guard campaign successfully against this.

The Frontier worlds expand their colonial militias thanks to some funding and organisation from the Vessey government.

**2348** - A shock program sees the Federated States sign into law the "Farrel-Coburn" Act, to grant a license to corporations to trade in Dhaugosk Space. The Universal Party do not support this but it is voted through, narrowly, in the Senate. Prime Minister Moatt calls for the UP to support their coalition partners but the President is happy with Secretary Sanderson's (UP) involement.

**2349** - The funding deficit has not been addressed, despite attempts by the Vessey administration. However the feared recession appears to have been avoided. West-Corp announce an increase in market share and profits.

President Vessey announces his intention to seek the AIS nomination for President in 2350. The polls are close, with Vessey showing a slight lead over an unnamed Federalist nominee. Former Attorney General Maya Abbott (Federalist) was the front-runner.

**2350** - The 2350 Presidential Election saw an unprecedented A$5B spent by the two major campaigns. In the end, President Vessey was narrowly able to secure a second term.

see the 2350 Presidential Election

The Senate elections saw a shock result as the extremist party's of Earth-Guard (on the far right) and Universal Party (far left) surge to highest ever poll results.

President Vessey promised to govern from a centrist, consensus based style of government.

**2351** - The Vessey administration was able to pass its sweeping "Social Contract" which promised a basic infrastructure level of schools, healthcare and transport to all colony worlds. The Big Five had already agreed to pick up the cost of the improvements required.

Major new media Corporation New-Star was set up on Mars. Testar Hindley, the son of Treasury Secretary Mathis Hindley, was named as CEO.

**2352** - A new trade deal was signed with the Gannid Commonwealth. This ended the favored trade partner status of the Tranoan Empire. New high quality Gannid goods would be purchased or traded in return for raw materials from the Federated States.

Several tax loopholes were closed and codified

Chief Justice Myer passed away. Justice Joshua Ennick, appointed under President Shockley, was named as Chief Justice. Moderate Justice Landen Stone was appointed to fill the vacancy on the bench.

**2353** - The Vessey administration agreed to send Task Force Lancelot into Tranoan Space to offer support to the Tranoan's who were under siege from an extra-galactic invader. The Task Force, under Admiral Rebekkah Valane, fought several major engagements and in its first year suffered nearly 70,000 casualties. Secretary of Defence Walt Vasser resigned over the huge loss of life.

**2354** - The Hannover-Deerfield Act failed to get voted out of committee. This landmark piece of legislation would have recognized sentient AI (which do not currently exist) as living things. The Senate agreed to set up a study program into the concept

Going into his last year, President Cameron Vessey announced that he would not seek a third term. The AIS was expected to rally around Vice President Ebbert Keever. However the AIS polls looked gloomy going into the 2355 Presidential election. Federalist Taylor Rishi looked to be the front-runner for their nomination in 2355.

**2355** - The 2355 Election sees a seismic shift as the incumbent AIS Party suffers a disastrous performance as Vice President Keever is badly defeated during the first ballot. The Universal Party, riding a wave of popular support on the frontier, go to the second ballot opposite former Secretary of Defence Rishi. However a combination of support from the AIS and a better run campaign sees Rishi elected President.

see the 2355 Presidential election

President Rishi has been elected on a platform of dealing with the recession and he sets out his stall of how he intends to do it; by ending the corporate tax loop holes. President Rishi also reaches across the aisle and appoints AIS luminary Olan Maquessa as Secretary of State.

The President signs a new military alliance with the Vatu, though on far more generous terms than the last one.

Admiral Etrigar is appointed the new commander of Task Force Lancelot. He is now the most high profile Indirian in the FS armed forces. T/F Lancelot begins the defensive operation "Citadel".

**2356** - Justice Breer retires from the supreme court which allows President Rishi to appoint moderate judge Haley Haart to the supreme court with near universal support. Later in the year justice Olmsberg also retires and she is replaced by fiery liberal Justice Devis Adair.

The President signs a new trade deal with the Gahnnid Commonwealth. He also signs a 100 year lease of the uncolonized world of Arpad 103 in the Luyten system on the Gannid / FS border.

Attorney General Reiko Tellar is directed to begin a major investigation and audit into the big five and their tax policy. Meanwhile Treasury Secretary Boyd Darrow meets with the CEO's of the big five.

**2357** - Allied Tech and PINNACLE voluntarily pay the tax that they owe back to the Federated States. After a long period of negotiation, the other three of the big five agree, through paid lobbyist Dexter Holland, to pay their owed taxes, though this is structured in a highly complex fashion. President Rishi is hailed for closing the budget deficit. Economists predict the recession will end by 2360.

Senator Marten Brightwell (F) begins an oversight hearing, setting up the Brightwell committee to investigate alleged corruption in arms procurement inside the Vessey administration. President Vessey and Vice President Keever both claim to know nothing about it.

**2358** - The Brightwell committee begins calling witnesses, largely from the big five. Dozens of low level procurement agents are charged and convicted and many then turn in evidence. This gradually leads to a snowball effect which sees many members of the Vessey administration department of defence implicated, all the way up to the Deputy Secretary of Defence.

There are protests on the frontier about the corruption and greed of VENTRISS UDC who see a major slowdown in profits.

A series of stories slandering President Rishi begin appearing in the news

**2359** - President Rishi's administration is battling back rumor after rumor but the President announces his intention to seek the Federalist nomination and then the Presidency. Support inside the Federalist Party appears to be strong for him. Most polls show the Federalist's as the front-runners, followed by the Universal Party, the TPE, Earth-Guard and the AIS.

Fleet Chief of Staff Everett Stargher announces he will retire in 2365. There are swirling rumors that he may seek the Presidency. Admiral Willis Corrick is named as Acting Fleet Chief of Staff.

Senator Eudora Clemmons (I) the chairwoman of the Senate Rules committee, calls for a serious look into how the Federated States is organized and governed.

### 2360-2366 The Bleeding Frontier

**2360** - The clamor for reform sees the Deerfield-Clemmons Voting Reform Act passed through the Senate. After much wrangling in the Senate judiciary committee, it passes the Senate with 51% support. President Rishi had felt that the issue should be put to the electorate in the 2360 Presidential election but in the end, signed the bill into law, despite it being bad news for his own chances of winning the Presidential election.

President Rishi narrowly secured the Federalist nomination but was beaten in a shock result by Admiral Everett Stargher, running as an independent and with a broad right wing coalition behind him. Newly sworn in President Stargher named retired Admiral Rebekkah Valane as his Prime Minister, securing for Earth-Guard their most powerful role to date.

see the 2360 Presidential Election

Mars threatens to secede unless the Voting Reform Act is appealed and the Senate goes into intense debate over the issue, again.

Chief Justice Joshua Ennick passes away. President Stargher nominates superb but highly conservative appeals court judge Albion Culley to join the bench. Justice Perry Albrecht is named as the new Chief Justice.

**2361** - After fierce negotiations with the Mars colonial government a landmark agreement is signed. The Harrow-Moya agreement sees Mars become an independent protectorate of the Federated States, essentially becoming an allied, trading but fully sovereign world no longer governor by the Federal States constitution. The President's chief of Staff Jost Kilward resigned and was replaced by former marine officer Veet Khanan

In reaction to this, the colony of Al Ahily secedes from the Federated States and the worlds of Stark and New Corinth both also threaten to secede. The Stargher administration, already plagued by the issue, begins another round of complex negotiation.

Justice Albion Culley wows the Senate judiciary committee and he is confirmed to the supreme court.

Admiral Willis Corrick is named Chief of Staff until he reaches mandatory retirement in 2365.

**2362** - A major military spending bill, seeing spending increase by 8.5%, is passed by the Senate and signed into law. The bill includes new bases on New Corinth and Stark as well as a major militia training and armament package. Governor Katerina de Bruyne of the Universal Party wins major plaudits for her role in the negotiations.

To balance the budget, there is an attempt to defund several welfare programs. The Prime Minister is able to negotiate a compromise package and keep spending in place or make up the deficit in spending with charitable work or corporate work.

**2363** - The Rephaim assault on the Dhau systems worsens and the Federated States debates, briefly, intervention. However in the end it is not a popular decision and the Federated States instead launches a major diplomatic campaign to try and persuade other races to aid the besieged Dhau.

**2364** - As the Stargher administration lumps to a close, there are question marks over President Stargher's health. However he is bullish about his chances of winning a second term in 2365. New Corinth Governor Katerina de Bruyne is seen as a major threat to the Presidency. The wounded but not broken Federalist Party looks to go into another complex primary with no clear front-runner.

The Wyvern Anchorage begins construction at New Corinth. This A$15B project is expected to take nearly five years to finish and will be one of the largest fleet bases in the Federated States. It is expected to bring nearly 100,000 jobs to New Corinth.

**2365** - The 2365 Presidential election is one of the most chaotic in the history of the Federated States. Federalist Senator and Presidential nominee Moses Zinn is subject to an attempted shooting at a campaign rally on Fort Darwin. He is later nearly killed in a shuttle crash caused by a limpet mine. There are brutal campaign attack ads against the Federalist ticket which at one point look set to defeat the Federalist ticket. However a glut of outside money came in to stablize the Federalist campaign.

see the The 2365 Presidential Election

There was widespread rioting and civil disobedience across the Frontier which lead to the unprecedented step of suspending the election. President Stargher ordered the fleet in to keep the peace and 75,000 marines under Lt-General "Bull" Hammond landed to restore order. After this, the votes were finally tallied and Senator Moses Zinn was narrowly elected President but he had to be sworn in from his hospital bed.

The new Federalist coalition came together with support from their usual allies in the Progressive Union, running on a joint list for the first time, and the VANGUARD who split from President Stargher in an acrimonious way and attracted a lot of attack ads. Reiko Tellar of the Progressive Union was sworn in as Prime Minister

There was much accusation and disharmony in the Senate. Conservative back benchers in the TPE, AIS and Earth-Guard suggested that emergency powers should be granted to the Prime Minister but this was rejected. Slanderous comments were made by VANGUARD senators towards Earth-Guard and Senator Clemmons (IND) the chairman of the Senate rules committee, called for the comments to be withdrawn. However a contentious spat between VANGUARD and the Universal Party saw Senator Mohamed Hajesh withdraw his Senate faction from the floor.

Newly sworn in President Zinn sent Secretary of State Darrow to agree a new mutual defence pact with the Vatu Empire. The old rate of federal aid was agreed.

**2366** - The trouble on the frontier escalated again and more troops were required to keep the peace. Another 75,000 marines were deployed to deal with the ongoing insurrection and states of emergency continued across a dozen colonies. An insurgent force attempted to seize the fleet dock on New Carthage but they were driven back with heavy casualties.

As if things could not get worse, two Karkouri Task Forces attacked across the border into Ross 159. Task Force Blue under Admiral Carpenter attempted to hold them off but her force was badly defeated, losing more than 15 ships and 25,000 dead. The Karkouri landed troops on St Lawrence and the governor surrendered the colony. However the Karkouri unleased the JS1E1 bio-weapon which proved to be lethal to humans. After Task Force Gold under the command of Admiral Paxton Greene arrived to drive them back, the Karkouri withdrew.

The JS1E1 virus proved to communicable to 70% of the population with an excess mortality of 95%. Nearly 80,000,000 died on St Lawrence and around 5,000,000 elsewhere. The planet was partially evacuated and a huge relief effort was launched.

Former President Everett Stargher died aged 71. He was eulogized by his colleague Admiral (ret) Rebekkah Valane.

The Senate voted to amend the constitution to prevent further worlds from breaking away. They now required a certified referendum and then a 20 year negotiation period. There was a controversial clause which forbade worlds critical to security from breaking away, causing some concern that the coalition may see the Progressive Union peel away. However pressure from the Federalist leadership saw the vote pass and the constitution amended.

Whilst visiting a frontier world, Jonas de Bruyne (UP) was killed when a militia soldier detonated a grenade next to him

President Zinn agreed to lease two more worlds to the Gannid Commonwealth. Suggestions of political corruption dogged the Zinn administration. The President, whose health had still not recovered, cut a disconsolate figure.

### 2367 -2369 The Third Terran Civil War

**2367** -Ongoing bloodshed on the Frontier saw at least four worlds in an ongoing state of insurgency. More than 50,000 lives had been lost in the conflict so far. Lt-General Hammond called for more troops and a further 25,000 marines were deployed.

Senator Marius Axxelson (TPE) formed the Axxelson-Hearst committee to begin investiging:

1. The lack of Prepardeness and Warning from FSI regarding the Karkouri attack
2. The Irregular Campaign Donations that went to the Zinn campaign
3. The Allegations of Political Connections to the Frontier crisis

The committee quickly gathered steam with broad bi-partisan support. Attorney General Caylee Stattler (FED) also conducted an investigation too. Director of the FSI Nya van Kamp resigned her office. The dynamite moments came as the Universal Party was implicated in the ongoing frontier crisis! Many Universal Party senators simply resigned their seats. A dozen were indicted to face prosecution. Attorney General Stattler called for the Universal Party to be banned and a shock Senate resolution saw the Marxist Universal Party banned!

Further revelations saw the Federalist Party's fund-raising tainted by a huge amount of "outside money" which looked like it would prove to be hugely embarrassing but certainly not lethal. The Zinn administration agreed to hand over all fund-raising documents and the Axxelson committee scored a huge political victory when President Zinn agreed to resign his office for failing to prevent this fund-raising that may have come from a foreign government. Vice President Pave Shenker (FED) was sworn in as President of the Federated States.

Secretary of State Darrow conducted diplomacy with the Karkouri Regime who were happy to de-escalate the situation and the conflict was defused. No one felt that it had been ended however.

The colonies of Stark, Jasper, New Silesia and Van Allen's World all went into open revolt, declaring themselves the Union of Socialist Worlds. Former Governor Katherine de Bruyne was named as the first "head of state" of the new fledgling polity. Reaction in the senate was one of anger and indignation.

Prime Minister Reiko Tellar was blown up by a terrorist outside of the capital. Senator Bartlett Killian (FED) was promoted to fill the role.

**2368** - Governor Cris Manolos (FED) was elevated to Vice President after a vote by the Senate. A Unity government was formed with TPE and Earth-Guard support. Former Director of FSI Rebekkah Valane (EG) was appointed to be Director of FSI once again during the crisis

Operation Heath-Stone was set up with Admiral Matharu ordering the fleet to blockade the worlds of the USW. The marines then made a landing on New Silesia under heavy fire and 33,000 marines were killed but the world was secured after nearly four weeks of fighting. First Citizen Katerinna de Bruyne was killed by an orbital strike.

The campaign to secure the other worlds began but the USW fleet, lead by defector Admiral Iris Carpenter, fought a successful guerilla war.

The Senate voted to make the "Post Human" Project by PINNACLE legal.

**2369** - A viral outbreak on Earth was later revealed to be the JS1E1 bio-weapon spread by the terrorist Thurston Kellic. The former USW agent's attacked ended up killing 2.7 billion humans including Director of FSI Rebekkah Valane.

The capital was briefly relocated to Vanheim. A huge relief effort was launched on Earth and the Tazzyn Empire sent aid to the stricken humans. The economy stalled into recession.

Mars began talks to resume its membership to the Federated States. Meanwhile the remaining USW worlds agreed to rejoin the Federated States, under occupation.

Juliette de Bruyne fled into exile, promising to seek revenge.

The AIS and Earth-Guard agreed to form a new conservative political Party. The Foundation Party was founded with the far-right members of Earth-Guard abandoned to form a rump Party.

Going into the 2370 electoral cycle there were still no avowed candidates, though Governor Jan Bolmar (FOU) was one of the most popular potential candidates. Senator Marius Axxelson (TPE) remained a popular choice as well but had denied that he would seek the Presidency

Attorney General Caylee Stattler (FED) appoints Jesalee Cambridge (IND) as Special Prosecutor amid growing rumors of treason!

### 2370-2379 On The Brink

**2370**- The 2370 Election looks to be unpredictable as five major candidates tussle for the Presidency. However the newly formed Foundation Party drop out and endorse Senator Marius Axxelson (TPE) who, thanks to a huge financial advantage, goes on to win the Presidency, forming a broad right-wing coalition.

see the 2370 Presidential election

Jesalee Cambridge begins her investigation with reams of private interviews and lots of staff work. She sends a security cleared lawyer in to begin looking through classified FSI documents, with cooperation from the President. There are clashes between Cambridge's office and that of newly sworn in Attorney General Tilly Valane-Warwick.

The TPE/Foundation Coalition appoints Senator Gallow Knightley as Prime Minister but he struggles to pass the initial major spending bill through the Senate thanks to opposition from the Federalists, the Progressive Union and VANGUARD.

**2371** - The Axxelson administration agrees to move the capital of the Federated States to Mars. However the Senate also reject this measure in its initial form. The President is forced to agree a new compromise measure that will allow for a rotating 50 year run as "Capital" of the Federated States. Mars agrees to this on the basis of "special tax exemptions".

The Senate also initially rejected cuts in social welfare and on civil service cuts. A bi-partisan committee is set up after a tense Senate vote. Members of all major parties agree to send members to take part.

**2372** - Pirates operating out of the Valamir badlands raid New Carthage but are driven off by the militia. However they do destroy many commercial freighters. There is growing pressure to occupy the Badlands.

Prime Minister Knightley manages to secure support for a new fleet spending program. The 7% fleet budget increase also includes a major increase in marine spending, promising to recruit 250,000 marines by 2377.

The Office of the Special Prosecutor agrees a plea-bargain with former Secretary of State Olan Maquessa who gets a custodial sentence but is not sent down for treason. His own son, Senator Troy Maquessa, joins in the criticism, stating that his father acted rashly. The Special Prosecutor has now widened her investigation into the FSI.

**2373** - The Bi-Partisan committee agrees to cut welfare spending as well as civil service jobs. Education is largely protected. The Unions threaten strike action but do not carry out their threat.

Attorney General Tilly Valane announces a campaign to go after organized crime within the Federated States.

The Big Five agree to freeze interest on their loan repayments for a year and then to renegotiate in 2374.

**2374** - Operation Perikles is launched under Gannid command with the main fleet operating alongside them. The Valamir Badlands are occupied at the cost of about 2,500 marine casualties. However the pirate fleet was not located and appeared to escape thanks to dithering by the Gannid Fleet.

Corporate loan repayments are frozen for another year, officially ending the recession.

President Axxelson announces his intention to seek a second term. His polling, whilst not strong, is still ahead of his competition.

**2375**-The hugely contentious 2375 Election arrives as President Axxelson (TPE) seeks a second term. His divisive presidency faces the challenge from a young Federalist Senator Molly Hastings. In a fiercely and bitterly contested election, President Axxelson wins, in large part due to the huge financial advantage enjoyed by the conservative coalition of TPE and the Foundation Party.

During the election there are widespread strikes which are condemned as "unpatriotic" by the President.

see the 2375 Presidential election

Questions are raised by the Senate about the source of the large PAC donations that helped Axxelson win in 2375. The TPE lead coalition appoint independent Senator Ichan Sleeker as the new chairman of the Senate Oversight committee but no further investigation is deemed necessary.

President Axxelson announces that he will not sign a new Treaty backed by aid to the Vatu Empire. Secretary of State Inman Hearst conducts some shuttle diplomacy to sooth Vatu concerns.

Attorney General Alice de Valera shutters Special Prosecutor Jesalee Cambridges investigation into the FSI. The report published afterwards is disowned by Cambridge and her supporters.

**2376** - Pirates successfully raid Fort Verekker, making off with hundreds of millions of adjusted dollars worth of goods and some captives. There are some casualties but the Fleet is unable to track the movement of the pirates and catch them.

Tensions mount on the Karkouri / Vatu border. The Karkouri claim that the Vatu have been sponsoring raids across the Karkouri border.

President Axxelson is able to pass a 3% corporations tax cut with support from Senator Ephraim Zavitz (VANGUARD)

**2377** - Tensions boil over between the Karkouri and the Vatu and the two powers go to war. Initially the Karkouri score gains against a disorganized Vatu fleet. However major Vatu counter attacks regain much lost territory until a decisive Karkouri victory at Korinkal where 25 Vatu warships are destroyed.

The Karkouri then occupy 5 Vatu worlds, pouring millions of Salborian shock troops into Vatu space. The Galactic Council calls for a cease-fire and tries to broker peace between the two warring powers. Secretary of State Hearst meets with representatives from most of the major powers to find a solution to the crisis.

There is another pirate raid but this time against the Yakuza controlled world of Fort Carpenter.

President Axxelson passes the bi-partisan Dempsey-Racier Act, which creates national service for all persons inside the Federated States from the age of 21-35. There are exemptions granted and this service does not have to be military in nature. This is passed over the objections of the New Horizon Party who end their coalition agreement with the TPE and the Progressive Union.

**2378** - The TPE and the President call for support for intervention against the Karkouri invasion in Vatu territory. The President and his administration is accused of misleading the Senate and this begins the first tentative calls for impeachment of the President.

The Galactic Council tries to broker a peaceful solution between the Karkouri and the Vatu, offering 2 worlds to return to the Vatu, one to be made a neutral colony and the other two to remain under Karkouri jurisdiction. The Vatu do not like this arrangement but seem powerless to continue the fighting without external help.

**2379** - President Axxelson makes the shock announcement that he and Secretary Hearst have found a working coalition with the Tranoan's and the Gannid to potentially intervene in Vatu space. He calls up reserves and calls on volunteers to be ready to serve.

He also announces, against the convention of two terms, that he will seek a third term and run for re-election in 2380.

Senator's Epping (VAN), Van Zant (PU) and Schottan (FED) formally began to move for indictment hearings. Senator Sleeker (IND), the chairman of the Oversight Committee, agreed to call for a sub-committee to begin investigating the President and to potentially begin impeachment hearings

After nearly four weeks of debate and acrimony, the Senate voted 172 to 131 to indict the President, a first in the history of the Federated States. A month later, the President announced that he was suspending his campaign for the Presidency.

On November 1 of 2379 President Axxelson announced that he would not seek a third term as President of the Federated States. A Supreme Court case "*De Laan v Axxelson*" would be convened in 2380.

### 2380- The Coup and the New Order

**2380** - The 2380 Presidential election is very competitive and sees Secretary of Defence Floyd Remmick elected President in a very narrow win.

Secretary of State Troy Maquessa is a kidnapped by "rogue Karkouri agents" and President Remmick orders the joint task force to prepare for war.

In July of 2380 marine brigades from the Assault Landing Division seize the government quarter on Mars. There are skirmishes between the President's protection detail and marines but very quickly the coup seizes power.

The President and his cabinet are arrested but then later freed. The Senate is dissolved and the Supreme Court is also dissolved.

The fleet defeats insurrections on New Silesia, Nova Terra and in the Badlands.

A new Advisory Committee is set up which is lead by the Admirals and Generals. This new group gives itself veto power over the newly formed "Executive Council" which is formed from leadership from many walks of life. The colonial governors are allowed to remain in place.

The outside world takes some note of this momentous change but the biggest result is that the Federated States ships are pulled from the Joint Task Force and the military threat to the Karkouri is ended.

**2381** -The Junta struggles to maintain order and there are riots, protests and even open insurrections on the Frontier. Marines are deployed to keep the peace. Former Law Lecturer Bann Morgan is named President of the Inter-rim government by the Executive Committee but he wields little real power.

**2382** -The Executive Committee votes to expand its powers and reestablishes the civilian courts. They also elect former Fort Kuzon Governor Dina Holcombe as the President. She sets up a working group to establish a reform to the current form of government.

A protest group coalesces as peaceful resistance calling itself the Committee to Restore Democracy (CRD). It is lead by former President Floyd Remmick and is largely Federalist in character.

The Tazzyn Emperor dies, younger than expected and his son, the Crown-Prince struggles to exert authority outside of the Throne-World.

**2383** - There are more terrorist attacks, even as the President and her cabinet start to expand the government back out. An anarchist terrorist group called "Black-Star" make a series of bombing and shooting attacks across the frontier.

Chief of Staff and Junta leader Admiral Paxton Greene retires and hands over power to Admiral Clarice Woodleigh who agrees to President Holcombe's time-table to Democracy. A new President will be elected by Popular vote in 2390 and then a move towards a new form of government will follow.

**2384** - Black Star bomb two marine barracks. Marines make mass arrests across the frontier.

The Zero Point Drive is tested and is proven to work, though it is expensive to build and maintain. The Infinity Ship Project relocates to St Lawrence where it can be more easily protected.

The Tazzyn Emperor finally takes control of the court but many of the major houses continue to resist him.

**2385** - The CRD calls on the Executive Committee to commit to democratic reforms. The Executive Committee is not willing to promise anything beyond what President Holcombe has promised.

The Galactic Council give a one year deadline to the Karkouri to cease their actions in Vatu space and to allow independent inspectors.

**2386** - The Karkouri Regime, three days ahead of the deadline, withdraw their troops from two of the Vatu worlds. Inspectors reveal that the worlds have been badly strip-mined and estimate Vatu casualties to be in the millions.

The Tazzyn Emperor has not taken total control of his Empire but many still feel he lacks the authority to exert military power outside of Tazzyn Space.

## 2387-2430 The Empire Rises

### 2387 2404-the Foundation of the Empire -Emperor August Solarin

**2387** - Admiral Clarice Woodleigh is assassinated along with her entire staff and former Senator Ola Ingarmarsson en-route to a summit. General Desper "Bull" Hammond becomes the leader of the Junta.

The Junta announce that they have dissolved the Executive Committee & the Inter-Rim Government in favour of a new, more stable structure. They announce that the Terran Empire has been founded, on Earth with August Solarin crowned as the first Emperor.

A new nobility is to be established but for now the Colonial governors will still have authority. President Holcombe's cabinet are taken into custody, though Secretary of Defence Danesh Hawthorne is released.

Many colonies refuse to recognize the new Empire's authority and go into rebellion. Around 30 ships also refuse to follow the "illegal" orders of the new Junta chief and go into rebellion.

Emperor Solarin names corporate exec Boal Leaven as the Lord-Chancellor of the Empire. An Imperial Court is formed to be the senior leadership body of the Empire.

**2388** -Isaac Solarin, the "Prince" of the Empire marries Ivy Valane to seal an alliance between two powerful "Houses". Many of the most powerful political, military and corporate families are recognized and ennobled.

Colonial governors who resist or do not meet the standards of the Empire and its leadership are removed from power.

The colonies of Stark, New Silesia, Jasper, Nova Terra & Fort Verekker have all gone into revolt but marines quickly recapture these worlds, putting them under martial law.

The CRD goes into exile and calls for all democrats within the Federated States to take up arms against the Empire. A state of Civil War exists.

The entire Zavitz political family go into exile.

**2389**- There is a tense diplomatic incident as the Gannid Commonwealth deploys ships to protect the "shield-worlds". It warns that any interference in these worlds by the Empire will be considered an act of war.

There is a major outbreak at a bio-testing facility on Lightning Point. Rumors that the Rephaim have been seen are confirmed by local news sources. The Rephaim incursion is later explained away as an outbreak of a bio-weapon

**2390**-Emperor August Solarin appoints Lord-Governor Troy Maquessa as the new Lord-Chancellor and shifts his focus to foreign policy.

The Empire argues with the CEO's of the Big Six corporations about them paying corporations tax as well as having issues around them having their own corporate military forces.

**2391**- The Empire imposes subsidized travel between worlds.This is greeted with enthusiasm by colonists.

Foreign Minister Hana Belzen has difficulties persuading the Tranoan Empire and the Gannid Commonwealth in supporting intervention in Vatu space.

**2392**- The Empire makes a shock surprise attack against the Karkouri fleets occupying Vatu territory. The fighting, lead by Admiral Lucy Stargher, is a success and the Karkouri are badly routed. The Karkouri are offered to remove their ground troops without a fight and agree, returning to Karkouri space.

The Galactic Council chides the Empire for acting without the Council's authority but Terran prestige has been greatly boosted.

**2393**- The Tazzyn Empire take exception to the Terran's new prestige and make a point of embarrassing the Terran Empire by ordering their ships to fly through Terran space.

The Resistance captures a major weapons cache.

Leaks from Allied Technology confirm that the new Kronus 10 Mecha is ready for launch but its per unit cost is truly extortionate.

**2394** - The resistance captures a convoy with fuel and supplies on the Frontier.

An "infinity ship" is destroyed in orbit of St Lawrence. Lord-Chancellor Troy Maquessa, who claims that the Infinity Ships are owned by him, calls for reparations from Lord-Governor Collingwood of St Lawrence and a complex legal case develops

**2395** -Karkouri Raiders trouble the northern frontier but the Karkouri Regime Council claims to know nothing about them. The Emperor orders Admiral Stargher to work with Lord-Marshall Hawthorne to develop a counter-raid plan.

In October of 2395 Operation Belepheron is launched Admiral Stargher sends five small task forces across the Karkouri border to destroy the raider bases which is done with minimal damage to Imperial ships.

However, while the Fleet is distracted, the Rebels launch their largest ever operation and attack the fleet dock at Nova Terra, destroying three incredibly valuable "Infinity Ships" and wiping out the Colonial Militia. An Imperial Patrol group in range engages but is driven back with heavy losses.

The Rebels are able to bounce back across the border into Tazzyn space.

**2396** - Lady Hana Belzen is sent to the Galactic Council where she gets a frosty response from the Tranoans.

The Empire establishes a new bureaucracy to deal with the poor tax revenue. The new Imperial Revenue and Treasury Department is formed by Lord-Chancellor Maquessa.

**2397** - An investigation into Westcorp reveals that they had helped to develop a Zero-Point reactor for the rebels. The CEO and COO of West-Corp voluntarily hand themselves over for arrest pending a trial for Corporate Treason. This narrowly averts a showdown with the corporations.

Lord-Chamberlain Brahms is crippled by an assassination attempt.

**2398** - in a rare appearance at the Galactic Council, the Taur'leir envoy offers Taur'lier aid to deal with the Rephaim incursion. Thanks to the efforts of Lady Belzen, the Council narrowly votes to ask for intervention. The Taur'leir make it clear that if they do that, it will be the last thing they do in the quadrant.

The Emperor is subject to a vast number of nuisance law suits.

**2399**- The Taur'leir fleet attacks and apparently wipes out the entire Rephaim fleet in an incredible display of power. The Taur'leir then turn their attention to the occupied worlds which they blast from orbit until literally all life on those planets has been destroyed. The Dhau empire reports more than a billion dead.

However it does appear that the Rephaim have been wiped out.

Traders and privateers report that there are no ships or outposts in Taur'leir space. An area of over eleven star systems has become open. There are discussions between the Dhau, the Terrans and the Gannid over who will have rights to them. The new Gannid Chancellor makes it very clear they will not share this space with the Dhau Empire.

**2400** -A major political summit takes place between the Terran Empire, the Gannid Commonwealth and the Dhau Empire. The talks, taking place on the neutral world of Halvon, see the three powers decide to carve the former Taur'Lier space up between them. The Gannid emerge with the most territory, taking advantage of a weak Dhau bargaining position.

The Tranoan Empire and the Galactic Council condemns the three powers for violating Taur'leir sovereignty

The Dhau Empire has entered into a period of civil war as nine worlds go into revolt against the Imperial leadership.

Former Chancellor Boal Leaven is appointed Chancellor again as Lord Maquessa is given the wide-ranging brief of "Minister of State for the New Worlds".

**2401** -On Mars, the CEO's of the big six corporations announce the formation of a new "Hansa" which will operate as economic and political guild, formalizing the agreement that the corporations will not tolerate illegal interference in one of their number. The Emperor reacts with outrage but finds little support at court

Emperor August Solarin becomes increasingly fascinated by military affairs, spending much of his time on military bases and associating with senior military officers

Minister's Maquessa and Tellar agree to cede permanent control of the "Shield Worlds" to the Gannid Commonwealth, ending the lease and handing these planets to permanent control of them to the Gannid

**2402**- Allied Technology reveal massive profits which see them take a narrow lead over Esprit du Nacional and become the second largest corporation in the Empire. The Imperial Military order nine Kronus-10 mechs.

There is a widespread security sweep which leads to dozens of arrests including some senior military officers. General Reav Wallender commits suicide but his senior officers implicate many more. Major businessman and billionaire Tokic Isenholt is revealed to be the mastermind behind the plot and he is arrested by IIS

Imperial Marines are deployed to Vietnam to take control after civil war breaks out there.

**2403**- The Dhau civil war continues to drag on with the Imperial faction unable to conquer the rebel worlds but the rebels unable to breakout. A bloody stalemate sets in. No other major power appears to be interested in taking sides

The Committee to Restore Democracy agree, in historic talks, to disarm and to come back to the Empire. Emperor Solarin agrees an amnesty for all former rebels and grants them an undeveloped colony (Within Terran borders) to run as they want, as part of the Empire which is agreed. Former Vice President Padmini Yureck and a few other rebel leaders are granted amnesty within the Tranoan Empire

Kronus-10 mechs have now been available for ten years. They have largely been purchased by corporations but a few colonies and the military have also purchased them. They have been found to be very effective. They are considered, by Allied Technology, to be "employees" and their license is sold rather than they are sold themselves. Allied Technology urge the Empire to adopt a bill of rights for AI

**2404**- Emperor August Solarin announces, to the shock of the Empire, that he will abdicate the throne in favour of his son, Prince Isaac, in 2405. The Empire's political class goes into a frenzy with the Isenholt plot unmasked and now the Emperor's looming abdication

the first attempts to land on former Taur'Lier worlds by the Gannid are met with automated defense systems that wipe out the landing attempts.

Chancellor Boal Leaven falls ill and dies later that year. His funeral is widely attended.

### 2405- the Mutiny of 06

**2405** Emperor Isaac Solarin ascends to the Imperial throne and he was crowned in a low key ceremony on Mars. He named long-time tutor and attendant Lord Cort Yardley as his Lord-Chancellor ahead of the first session of his Imperial Court.

However, before he had even met with his court, his mother-in-law, Duchess Tilly Valane, the Minister of Communications, was arrested by a squad of recon marines who shot their way into the HQ of Fleet Intelligence. She was taken away to an undisclosed location. Lord Danesh Hawthorne met with the Emperor and stated that he had arrested her and charged her with the murders of a dozen officers during the Imperial Coup of 2387 as well as other high crimes. He insisted that the Emperor agree to her trial as well as other reforms.

Two weeks later, whilst inspecting a marine garrison in Vanheim, his home colony, Lord Hawthorne was shot in the head by a sniper and killed instantly. His son, Colonel Quinton "Quin" Hawthorne, was named Lord-Governor.

Prompted by this, marine units on Earth attempted to seize the Imperial palace and insisted that the Emperor abdicate. There was a pitched battle on the streets of the Imperial Capital. Initially the marines are able to push through the Imperial Legion garrison but with fanatical defence and mounting reinforcements, they are pushed back. The "Battle of Dhaka" ends after five days of fighting, leaving nearly four thousand dead.

Marine garrisons across the Empire go into revolt as Generals call on the Emperor and his councillors to agree to major reforms. There is no clear pretender put forward by the mutineers. An attempted mutiny within the fleet sees a major task force also declare for the rebels but the majority of the fleet side with the Emperor. Admiral Lucy Stargher personally executes half a dozen mutineers in her force and orders the remainder to either be spaced or put into holding cells and stockades.

There is a long period of stalemate across the Empire with most of the colonial governors remaining neutral.

**2406** A pirate force ambushes and badly damages a small task force on the Tazzyn border. The Tazzyn Empire is condemned for harboring criminals but the Tazzyn dismiss this rebuke.

After a long, uneasy period of phony war, the mutinious rebels, whose leadership is largely comprised of marine generals, agree to meet with the Emperor to discuss a cease-fire. The Hansa agree to host this in the Ross 159 system near St Lawrence.

The colonial governors are also invited and agree to attend.

The **Prosperity-Mount Summit** sees the Emperor agree to major reforms that include:

* On the death, abdication or other removal of the Emperor, the new Emperor will be chosen by a "Grand Council" of Colonial Governors with each governor getting one vote.
* The "Grand Council" can also convene to vote to veto a decision of the Emperor with a simple majority.
* If the Grand Council is empowered to remove the Emperor from office if he has committed "grand crimes" against the state
* An Imperial Parliament will be set up, directly elected from the colonies. This body, which will have a ten year term, will be an advisory body to the Emperor and his government.

In return, the rebels agreed to disarm and all senior officers (colonel or above) to retire. The fleet officers would stand trial, with the death sentence for mutiny commuted.

For his part in the mutiny, Lord Quin Hawthorne also agreed to retire and abdicate his role. He named his cousin, economist Albion Hawthorne as the new governor of Vanheim.

Chief of Staff General Elizar Brosh also retired. Whilst he had not been a formal part of the mutiny, as it had happened under his watch, he was unable to escape the blame. Admiral Lucy Stargher was named as the new Chief of Staff

Duchess Tilly Valane was released but, as part of the cease-fire agreement, she agreed to resign her post as Duchess and Minister of Communications.

**2407** - The Jerriver Commission, set up by the marine corps, began interviewing all marines who had taken part in the mutiny from the rank of Lieutenant to Colonel with possible exemptions given to some.

Kronus-10 Mecha "Millar 202" asked for the right to find a new job or to be paid for his work. The Imperial Court agreed to the concept and long term discussions over the rights of sentient AI began

**2408** - The Millar Reform was enacted by the Emperor. This landmark law named sentient AI as citizens of the Empire, though with some minor restrictions for now. AI would be required to repay their construction costs by their wages to the company that built them.

**2409** - Allied Technology began a major outreach program to the frontier and the Badlands to help with what was seen as a mounting humanitarian crisis. This came after Allied saw a major drop in its share-price in the last year.

**2410** -At the Imperial Council, Lord Joachim Brahms is named as the new Lord-Chancellor of the Empire. The Empire enacts a new set of strong fiscal policies, including a tax reform that was written by Lord-Treasurer Fulbright Nolan and Minister of State Albion Hawthorne.

Karkouri border raids stoke the tension between the Terran Empire and the Karkouri Regime

**2411** - The Karkouri Regime falls into civil war as rebel factions attempt to seize power in a coup.

The Terran Empire takes advantage by launching "Operation Red Tiger". Admiral Stargher leads 250 fighting ships in an attack that destroys 50-60 Karkouri warships. The Imperial fleet then pulls of a very successful encirclement which wipes out nearly 100 fighting ships. The Imperial fleet successfully disengages with the loss of 30 ships and 2,500 men

The Empire celebrates a huge victory but is condemned in the Imperial Council.

**2412** - Foreign Minister Troy Maquessa is summoned to the Galactic Council to answer for the aggressive actions of the Empire. The Empire is condemned and censured but no formal action is taken. However, the Tazzyn Empire orders a trade embargo against the Empire.

The Terran's attempt to broker a deal to keep their trade deal but are rebuffed by all but the Gannid Commonwealth, who agree an exclusive trade deal.

The Empire announces the "Imperial Peerage Act" which will formalize the granting of life-peerages.

**2413** - Major advancements in AI and computing across the Empire. Allied Technology announce that they are on the verge of the 11th generation mecha but the Empire orders them to halt their advancement, especially that of an AI factory until at least 2420. A Ministry of Robotics and AI is set up

The Terran Empire begins colonization efforts on the Southern frontier. The worlds of **Vodhyonna** and **Skerrit’s World** are the first to begin colonization with joint efforts between the Empire and the corporations.

**2414** - Reports of a major crime wave across the Empire, with the colony world of Avalon all but overwhelmed. An Imperial Judicial task force is deployed and crime gradually decreases

Aside from the Gannid Commonwealth, all other races have now ended trade with the Empire. The Dhau were willing to continue trading but due to the exclusive arrangement with the Gannid Commonwealth, they cannot continue trading. The Terrans agree to provide military aid to the Gannid in their civil war.

### 2415-Prospero

**2415** -The Empire sends a diplomatic mission to Prospero which has the mission to evaluate whether the Jaradino are suitable for uplifting. Initial contact is very successful but after several months of talks, things break down as miscommunication and religious doctrines result in a war breaking out between the various city-states. The diplomatic mission is withdrawn.

The Council of Governor's call for an Inquiry and Lord McQaid is named as chairman, despite the Emperor's initial resistance to the idea that it is necessary at all."

The Imperial Economy is in recession and Lord Treasurer Gell Omerhaus begins the process of trying to fix the economy. Talk of a potential bond issue and loans are floated.

The Dhau civil war winds up with a huge loss of life and the Imperial faction victorious. Most feel that it will be 10-15 years before the Dhau Empire returns to its old strength

**2416**- Colonization bonds are issued to try and stablize the economy. No new taxes are put in place and there is a minor cut in government spending.

The Empire is rocked with the news that Allied Technology has agreed to merge with West-Corp, creating the largest single corporation in the Empire known as Allied West. After an initial outcry from the Empire, there is nothing much that can be done. The run on shares also help to stablize the economy

Foreign Minister Fulbright Nolan is given the brief to begin trying to sort out communication with the Jaradino on Prospero with a view to their eventual uplift

**2417** - A major pro-AI lobbying group called ADVANCE continues to advocate for AI rights and for the creation of the 11th generation mechs. However, the Ministry of Robotics, headed by Lord Aldrich Collingwood, reject this and state there will be a further five year moratorium for further study

A rift suddenly develops between Empress Ivy Solarin and Emperor Isaac Solarin and she returns to her estates on Mars, prompting concern within the Council of Governors. Lord Niort Kallis takes the Emperor to task over this and there are tense exchanges.

**2418** - Imperial Prince Michael Solarin, a serving 1st Lieutenant in the Marine Corps, is killed in action whilst taking part in a sweep and clear operation. He is mourned by his parents and the Empire as a whole. There is confusion over who the Solarin dynasty will have as their designated heir with Prince Alexander Solarin being very low profile. His 25 year old daughter, Princess Regina Solarin, is spoken of as the potential new heir

**2419** - The Karkouri civil war ends with the Regime Council victorious, though they face ongoing resistance on the Frontier. The Karkouri Regime council has been aided by the Tazzyn Empire

Emperor Isaac Solarin announces that Princess Regina Solarin will be the "preferatti" of the Solarin/Valane dynasty. The court is somewhat surprised that the 26 year old Princess has been elevated to de-facto heir of the Empire

**2420**- Emperor Isaac Solarin announces a wide-ranging set of new laws to manage the corporations, largely based around anti-trust and to prevent monopolies. This is perceived as an attempt to blind-side the Hansa who are outraged at not being consulted. The Edict is initially met with support from the Council of Governors but begins to flounder after strong resistance from the Hansa

The Council's inquiry into the Prospero affair concludes that the operation was run correctly but that subsequent corruption and inefficiency has lead to arms-dealing to the native Jaradino. Admiral Mabbut is directed to increase the size of the blocking force and deploys a Task Force under Admiral Shane Godfrey

Former foreign minister and Holliston CEO Fulbright Nolan is named as Lord-Governor of Vodhyna in the new Frontier. He steps down as Holliston CEO and is replaced by Hadden Morrow

A terrorist attack destroys a marine training camp on Jasper, killing nearly 1,000 marines

**2421** -the ongoing political battle between the Emperor and the Hansa escalates with the Hansa's lobbyists beginning a wide-spread media campaign calling the Emperor's judgement and sanity into question. The Emperor stops just short of accusing them of treason.

Things get even worse and Allied West, EDN and VENTRISS UDC all announce they will not continue to supply the Imperial Military. Allied West's new Lattice computers are thought to be a major break through in computer tech and would revolutionize the Empire

Minister of Robotics Lord Collingwood announces a further moratorium on 11th generation AI.

**2422** - The Imperial Council votes to veto the Emperor's new law, with both the Conservative and liberal factions united in opposition to the Emperor. Things become very heated and some harsh words are exchanged between Lord Hawthorne and Lord Hammond

Princess Regina Solarin marries Galen Hammond, son and heir of Lord Maece Hammond.

**2423** - The Governor of Stark colony, Lord Lussert, names Hadden Morrow as his heir and then abdicates, elevating the Holliston CEO to a Lord-Governor. The council of governors, disproving of this, pass a new law that will put future successions subject to scrutiny and a potential veto from the council of governors

The Fleet begins a major refit using the new Lattice technology to upgrade the fleet. Estimates suggest that with the combination of the technologies, this would bring the Empire's fleet to a tech level superior to all but the Tranoan and Tazzyn Empires

**2424** - A terrorist bomb rips through the Imperial palace on Dhaka, crippling the Emperor and Lord-Chamberlain Tancredo. Both survive but are left in critical condition and go into comas. Emperor Solarin is unable to exercise his Imperial power but power still lies with Empress Ivy Solarin.

The Empire continues to hold talks with the Hansa regarding the reforms to the law with the hope that this will be better received this time around

Davian Morrow marries Ima Nolan, to create House Lanrow, an amalgamation of the two families

### 2425-2429- The "Regency" Of Ivy Solarin

**2425** - With Emperor Isaac Solarin unable to exercise his role as Emperor, power was divested to Empress-Regent Ivy Solarin. She named Lord Collingwood as her Chancellor and put together a broad ministry that involved many of the major governors as well as Lady Lucy Stargher and, for the first time, Ranger Paddick Montrose from the Valtinist faith

Operation Thundercloud is executed, with the marine corps leading attacks on six colonies to destroy Black-Star bases. Hundreds of militants are killed and dozens are captured with the loss of around 130 marines. Several colonial legislatures, as well as the Imperial parliament, decry the loss of life

**2426** - The Empire passes a reformed Monopolies and Merger Act, leaving the increases in tax code out of the law which is then comfortably passed by the Council.

A well armed terrorist attack rocks the Downport at St Lawrence and the militants are killed by the local militia with support from the marine corps. Over 1,000 people die and the Downport is crippled.

There is another terrorist attack against Furnace and a military lab is destroyed

**2427** - The Empire institutes a wide ranging security lockdown which is decried by the Governors of New Berlin, Whitworth and St Lawrence.

There is another terrorist attack against Whitworth but the terrorist ship is shot-down, crashing in a field outside the city. The survivors are then killed by an orbital nuclear strike. CIS teams then sterilize the site

**2428** - Empress Ivy rewards Hisato Yamamoto, the Minister of Communications,, as a Life-Peer for his sterling work over the last two years. She also confirms that Lord Collier McQaid will be appointed Inspector General of the Empire, to serve until 2445 (unless death or resignation ends his term).

The Empire agrees a new Mutual Defence Pact with the Gannid Commonwealth, lasting until 2445. This commits both Empires to protect each other in times of war (though not if the other had started the war!). In a banner year for foreign policy, the trade embargo against the Empire is lifted by the Tazzyn Empire

**2429** - The Moratorium on 11th generation AI continues with no agreement on the potential existential threat that the AI pose to the Terran Empire. There is heated argument in the Council of Governors but not agreement on a way forward

The continuing issues on Prospero are brought to talks and agree to form some sort of world governing body to commence talks in order to progress the project to be uplifted. It has now been nearly 15 years since the Prospero mission.

Empress Ivy Solarin and Emperor Isaac Solarin announce that they abdicate, triggering an Imperial election, the first one since the law was put into place in 2406.

### The Conclave of 2429

The Council of Governor's met in the Imperial Palace in Dhaka on December 1st. They were given 48 hours to announce preferatti, with one already nominated before the contest:

* Princess Regina Valane-Solarin, daughter of Emperor Isaac Solarn & Empress Ivy Solarin
* Lord Joachim Brahms, the former Lord-Chancellor and the Governor of New Carthage

Voting then commenced under the aegis of the Imperial Civil Service. After just three days and one ballot, it was confirmed that Princess Regina had won the title of Empress with 13 votes, opposed to 7 for Lord Brahms and 3 abstentions

Princess Regina was immediately confirmed as Empress Regina Valane-Solarin I. Her husband, Galen Hammond, was confirmed to the title of Imperial Consort.

## 2430-2476 -The Valane Dynasty

### 2430-2459 Empress Regina Valane-Solarin

**2430** -Empress Regina Valane-Solarin decided to largely keep with the government of her mother, retaining the service of the influential Lord-Chancellor Collingwood. She also kept Lord Hawthorne as the Lord-Treasurer despite his often adversarial relationship to the Hansa. She appointed a very wide ministry which included more nobles in the council than ever before

The Empress passed a major increase in the fleet budget, which new Chief of Staff Admiral Eton Coetze used to continue and accelerate the fleet refit program.I

Inspector-General McQaid began an investigation into Operation Thundercloud, looking into where the blame lies for the failure of the operation

**2431** -There is a brush-fire conflict between the Gannid Commonwealth and the Dhau Empire. The Terran Empire intercedes and managed to, thanks to skillful diplomacy lead by Lord Maquessa, bring both parties to the negotiation table, ending the armed conflict but not ending the bad blood between the two Empires

Inspector-General McQaid reported to the council that the failures of Operation Thundercloud were largely due to incompetence in the marine corps higher echelon with Lt-General Montez took the blame and retired.

**2432** -Lord Abner Grumman successfully got a narrow mandate from the Imperial Council of Governors to end the moratorium on 11th generation AI. This was celebrated as a landmark moment for the Terran Empire and AI. ADVANCE celebrated by giving out 5,000 free scholarships to impoverished students to study technology, physics or computer tech at colleges

The uplift effort on Prospero progressed with 32 scientists, engineers and other experts from Jaradino society brought to an off-world station to learn modern sciences so they can progress with the uplift.

At the Galactic Council there was a debate on giving the Dhau Empire a voting seat in the council chamber. This was initially referred to a committee but was instead vetoed by the Tranoan delegate

**2433**- The Imperial Council debated increasing the tax burden on the larger corporations to try to encourage them to reduce their size and to encourage competition. Lord Hawthorne ended up in another bitter, acrimonious row with the Hansa reps who stated bluntly they were unwilling to deal with him further and called for his replacement, which did not happen. The council agreed to set up a committee under Lord van Teufal to investigate the right response to this issue

Killian Energy announced a merger with Calburn SK forming Kllian-Calburn, a huge corporation which instantly became one of the restored "big six" and a major voice in the Hansa

**2434**- Prince Alexander Solarin announced his plans for "Operation Longview", an attempt to launch an infinity ship to another quadrant with an AI crew. He invited independent fund-raising for this project which was quite successful. This was in contrast to the muted response that the Empress got for her own Empire funded infinity ship project, budgeted at a far higher cost and involving a colonization effort in another quadrant

An intelligence operation in Karkouri space ended up with a spectacular defeat. Dozens of ONI assets and more than 12 hired ships were captured or destroyed after a major intelligence defeat. Director of ONI Holly Muir resigned and took the blame but did point out that the Council had ignored her recommendations. The Minister of Communications, Gossamar Bluth, stood by her decisions and resisted calls to begin an inquiry into intelligence handling, leading to a tense confrontation between the Lord-Chancellor and the Minister of Communications

### 2435-St Lawrence Summit

**2435** -The Terran Empire hosts the **St Lawrence Summit**. The Gannid, Rorn, Mor-Du and Bl'Hud are invited to discuss a potential defensive pact along with trade and research opportunities. The Tranoans and Vatu send observers but the Dhau Empire is left out of the talks, signalling a shift in Terran policy towards the Dhau Empire. Former foreign minister and elder-Statesman Lord Troy Maquessa resigns from the foreign office in protest, sparking some intense political debate in the council.

The summit is largely a success, with deals to form a Defensive Pact with the Bl'Hud all but agreed. Closer trading ties and research ties with the Rorn are also agreed

A formal military alliance is agreed with the Bl'Hud. A task force will be deployed to Bl'Hud space as part of the agreement A formal military agreement with the Rorn is deferred for further discussion in 2440

11th Generation AI, known as Euclid-11, go on sale and the 75 initial licenses are all sold in the same day they go on sale. This also prompts what is referred to as the "Silicon Baby-Boom" as 10th generation AI drops in price, with thousands of new 10th generation AI, including those built by AW's competition go onto the market

**2436** - Operation Hangman sees IIS score major victories over Black-Star, killing hundreds of combatants, seizing many high value prisoners and apparently crippling the terrorist movement. There are protests in the Imperial Parliament about the lack of due process but this is hailed as a significant victory. Minister of Communications Gossamar Bluth, a former CIS agent, is careful to state that Black-Star may be crippled but is not dead. Increased Security orders go out across the Empire

The Van Teufal Committee submits its proposals to not increase corporations taxes for the largest corporations. However, the Treasurer Prince Alexander Solarin is able to marshall votes in council to get the new tax approved over the strong objections of both the conservative wing of the Council and the Empress herself. The tax revenues will be used to support smaller corporations and start-ups

**2437** - A separatist militia on Vanheim seize several government buildings in Aesir City, prompting the so called "Battle of Blenhiem Street". Marines seal the militia into three buildings and there is a five day siege, with considerable loss of life on both sides. The "Sons of Huss" call for a referendum to grant Vanheim independence from the Empire but this rejected by Lord-Governor Hawthorne. Recon marines are sent in and end the resistance with nearly 500 dead militants and over 250 dead marines

A major Valtinist conference takes place on New Corinth. 20 million Valtinists flock to the planet and take part in two weeks of debate, discussion and workshops. There are some fierce arguments about the future direction of the Valtinist movement as well as the nature of the soul and the future of the Terran race. In the end the valtinists conclude that whilst AI do not have a soul, they are not certain to be evil or inherently wrong. One group of Valtinists break away and form a splinter group in protest to this

**2438** - The Tranoans agreed to schedule a vote on granting the Dhau Empire a seat in the Galactic Council. The specter of a veto from the Tazzyn Empire hovers over the entire endeavor.

Lord Benson Valane Jr died aged 84. This major figure in Imperial Intelligence was hailed as the most influential figure in Terran intelligence for the last 60 years

Treasury reports show that the Terran Empire has begun to slow and some feel that a recession is a certainty

**2439** - Due to the controversy over the St Lawrence Summit, Lord-Chancellor Aldrich Collingwood promises that he will not seek a 4th term as Lord-Chancellor of the Empire.

House Solarin are subject to a court order for compulsory purchase of several areas of land that they control in Dhaka to end overlaps with the Imperial Palace.

House Solarin also celebrate the completion of Project Longview, an "infinity ship" that is designed to travel out past the frontier to explore a new Quadrant of the Galaxy

Icon of the Imperial Fleet, Lady Lucy Stargher died peacefully aged 80. Her funeral was very widely attended.

**2440**- The Terran Empire concludes a treaty with the Rorn Republic, signing a mutual defence pact in return for the sale of Zero Point reactors. This now gives the Terran Empire an alliance with the Rorn, the Bl'Hud and the Gannid Commonwealth

Inspector-General McQaid concludes his investigation into the office of the Lord-Chancellor, concluding that whilst the actions of the previous Lord-Chancellor, Aldrich Collingwood, were unwise, they were not illegal.

Project Longview launches, heading West out of the Quadrant. It is not expected to reach its destination until the 2520

The Imperial council votes to grant Lord Claus Overhelm the governorship of the colony world on Skerrit's World

**2441** -Lord Maquessa, the foreign minister, sparks controversy by calling for a vote in the Galactic Council to declare war on the Dhau Empire. This is a bluff, intended to create a logic trap for the council. The vote is defeated and the subsequent vote to bring the Dhau into the Galactic Council is also defeated by the Council

Lord Maquessa is fired by the Empress on his return and placed under house arrest, pending an investigation from the Inspector-General

**2442** - In order to repair the collapsing Imperial economy, Lord Clemence Irons, the Treasurer, insitutes sweeping spending cuts in a narrow council vote. The new cuts include cuts to both the infrastructure and social programs, as well as rolling back various marine corps programs

Sweeping new powers are granted to the CIS by the Ministry of Communications. This measure was brought forward by Lord Maece Hammond, the Empress's father in law

Conflict breaks out on the colony-world of Furnace, with isolated raids against the marine-corps. 5,000 marines are deployed to the planet with the agreement of Lord-Governor Sondeheim

**2443** -Influential Lord-Chamberlain Drake Grumman completes a major overhaul of the Imperial palace. Noted designer and 10th generation AI Lucien 415 is hired to consult on the program

Empress Regina institutes a new formal dress code in the Imperial Palace as she has become increasingly concerned with dress codes and fashion

**2444** - The Imperial economy continues to stabilize thanks in large part to the budget cuts. The Gannid Commonwealth begins to agitate for being allowed to purchase Zero Point reactors as well as Lattice Computers

The "Burning Path" hold protests on Mars, Earth and New Berlin against Allied West and the Empire, calling for a ban on the production of 10th and 11th generation AI. Their leader, Dillon Schroeder, claims that AI are an existential threat. New Berlin order the protests broken up and hundreds of protesters are arrested

Emperor-Emertius Isaac Solarin dies aged 80. There is a major state funeral for the late Emperor

**2445** -The Vanheim colonial legislature votes to hold a referendum on leaving the Empire. There is intense debate but the legislature votes to hold a referendum to take place in 2446. 75,000 marines were deployed to Vanheim to help keep the peace

The Imperial Council of Governor's hold a secret discussion on whether to launch a pre-emptive attack on the Karkouri Regime. The measure, whilst holding some military appeal, is defeated handily in the Council of Governors

The Inspector-General concludes that whilst Lord Maquessa used poor judgement he did not do anything illegal

**2446** - 100,000 marines are deployed to Furnace to end the ongoing conflict. The conflict is ended quickly, with the "Brotherhood of the Sun" was surrounded and destroyed. Marine casualties were fairly light, with 675 dead and 2,500 wounded

Vanheim votes 51%-49% to remain part of the Empire. VOS HORVIK claim interference from the Empire and election monitors were brought in. A full inquiry was set up by the Colonial Legislature

The offices of Kapek R&D are subject to a suicide bomb attack. 25 people and 1 AI are killed in the attack

**2447** -75,000 marines are moved to Avalon to deal with the escalating issues with separatists there. The marine garrison sets up defensive perimeters and there is some small-scale skirmishing

A long dead ancient alien remains are uncovered on New Carthage. The University announce plans to clone one of these long dead aliens in cooperation with PINNACLE

**2448** - The Garrison Act is passed through the Council. The new garrison forces will establish a huge number of new mechs.

There is an assassination attempt against Robespierre 492 but it is thwarted by a police officer. The suspect turns out to be a member of Burning Path. The Imperial Council votes to make Burning Path illegal

**2449**- The Terran Empire expands the defensive CANDL treaty with the Rorn, Gannid and Bl'Hud so that an attack on one will trigger the Defence Pact

The Imperial Council pass the controversial "**Existence and Intelligence Laws**" which limit what can be done with an uploaded biological consciousness. The ethical and religious consultations are left out of this and a committee is set up to look into the long term ethics of TND programs

There are wide-spread protests by Burning Path allies against the relaxing of restrictions on AI

A newly cloned alien is born on New Carthage based on the DNA of the body found on New Carthage

Lord Governor Drake Grumman renames his colony of New Berlin as Technopolis over the objections of the planets political class

**2450**- Project Xenophon departs from the quadrant, heading out for the Gamma Hydra quadrant. It is not expected to arrive until 2565

Princess Charlotte Valane marries Kotek Grumman, the heir to House Grumman

The St Lawrence colonial legislature votes to hold a referendum on its continuing membership of the Empire. 50,000 marines are deployed to the planet for peacekeeping

Another 50,000 marines are deployed to Avalon as low-intensity conflict begins between separatist rebels and the marines

**2451** - The St Lawrence referendum ends with a very close result with fewer than 6,000 votes between REMAIN and LEAVE. REMAIN has narrowly won but the Colonial legislature calls for a second referendum

The Imperial Council debates whether these ongoing referendum are legal. It is decided in a narrow vote in council that colonies cannot "vote to commit treason" and therefore all future referendum on secession are illegal. Lord Elliot Hawthorne withdraws from the council in protest, returning after speaking to his people on Vanheim

### 2452-Project Azure Leak

**2452** - News leaks out to the mainstream press that Project Azure is a secret "super-weapon" for killing 80% of all AI's in the Empire. There are wide-spread protests though some extremists affiliated with the banned "Burning Path" movement celebrate the existence of such a weapon

Burning Path founder Dillon Schroeder hands himself in to CIS.

Minister of Communications Lord Bluth denies the existence of such a weapon but Lord Gage-Hawkins, the inspector-general, begins an investigation into recent leaks

Furnace dissolves its colonial advisory committee, the equivalent of its colonial legislature

**2453** - Burning Path fanatics attack the offices of Allied West on Mars, killing sixteen people and destroying two AIs. Another terrorist attack on Technopolis is prevented by the swift actions of the planets police force

A successful landing is forced on the former Taur'leir colony world of Silence by the fleet. Full scale exploitation of the planet is halted due to protests from the Tranoan Empire.

The Treasury agrees to offer recommendations on the use of Universal Basic Income in the future within the Empire

Jasper dissolves its colonial legislature. Fort Kurzon follows suit a few months later

**2454** - The Imperial Council votes to found a new Appeals Court along with a system of legal aid. A bank of appeals courts judges are to be appointed by the Empress with all future justices being subject to council approval

An expansion of the 2448 Garrison act is voted through seeing more mech lances and marines deployed across the other worlds not covered by the first act

Lord Gossamar Bluth, hailed as a hugely respected figure in the intelligence community, passes away after a long illness

**2455** - Foreign Office officials, lead by Lord Elliot Hawthorne and Lord Cabbot Brahms negotiate an extension to the CANDL agreement with the Rorn, Bl'Hud and Gannid. The new arrangement is put in place for a 30 year period

This is done after successful talks with the Tranoan Empire and agreement to discuss potential sharing of Taur'lier technology with the wider quadrant. A working group is set up to begin talks lead by the foreign minister, Lord Hawthorne

Lord-Chancellor Hayden Tancredo sets an executive order, making any further leaks of privileged information a criminal offence.

**2456**- Minister of Communications Ordell McQaid flees the Imperial Palace and is later fired on the orders of the Lord-Chancellor. An arrest warrant is put out for him and Lord McQaid eventually agrees to return to Earth to face a peer-trial.

Lord McQaid is accused of exceeding his brief as Minister Robotics and "executing without trial" Imperial Citizens. This is based on the orders for the MBE (Ministry of Robotics Enforcement Division) who have been "disposing of" un-registered 10th and 11th generation AIs.

The prosecution cases is laid out that by doing this, the Minister has essentially murdered Terran citizens. The defense claims that as they were not registered, they are not AI's, not sentient and not citizens. The jury of three Imperial peers quickly find Lord McQaid guilty. The prosecution recommend that Lord McQaid is stripped of his title and sentenced to no less than 20 years in prison. Empress Regina Valane agrees to the sentence despite threats from Ordell McQaid. Prescott McQaid is elevated to Lord Governor of Whitworth

### 2457- The New Carthage Incident

**2457**- Four unknown alien ships attack New Carthage, destroying militia and coast guard ships. They land a ground force, though it is unclear why. They reject all attempts to communicate. A quick reaction force is assembled but is easily defeated, losing eighteen Imperial ships to the loss of just one of the "unknown" aliens. Their technology appears to be bio-organic in design and far more advanced than Terran technology and at least as good the Tazzyn or Tranoans.

Extensive damage is done to New Carthage including heavy damage to the downport and 18,000 people are reported killed, a total that would have been far higher but for the heroic sacrifice of the Imperial Navy.

There are widespread calls for an investigation as to who these aliens are and why they have attacked. The Imperial Navy begins studies into the attack and the foreign office makes contact with all the other powers, confirming that no one knows who they are. The Galactic Council, due to hear debate on the formation of a Galactic Peace-Keeping force, schedules further discussion

**2458** - The Serpent Army on Avalon agrees a cease-fire and disarm, ending hostilities on the planet. Lord-Marshall Ashpool celebrates a victory won with a relatively low body-count and the end of the continuing separatist problem across the Empire, at least for now.

Former Empress Ivy Valane-Solarin dies aged 96. She had been serving as the Governor of Mars. Her funeral was widely attended on Mars

Lord-Treasurer Collingwood announces major budget amendments to increase the size of the Imperial fleet, starting with a major fleet expansion and continuing this over the next 20 years. This is in conjunction with a new procurement process which will not involve the Treasury or the Military but instead set up a new bureau.

In recognition of record term as Lord-Chancellor, Lord Hayden Tancredo receives the honorary title of Lord-Protector of the Empire and is feted on Earth and Mars as well as being subject to a large number of positive public service announcements. This unprecedented show of favour from the Empress hugely boosts Lord Tancredo's profile

The Imperial Court of Appeals hands down its first landmark legal decision in "*Keller v R*". Civil rights lawyers representing Jamieson Keller, who has been a prisoner of the CIS for over ten years without trial on the basis that it is not legal or equitable that she has remained a prisoner for all this time without CIS having to share any evidence or prove "beyond a reasonable doubt" that she is a terrorist. In a 5-2 decision, the Court of Appeals upheld the legality of CIS's emergency powers. Justice McBride delivered the judgement stating that the Court of Appeals is not there to test the wisdom of the law that grants the CIS emergency powers but that it was there to test the legality of said powers and that they are legal. In a dissenting judgement, Justice Cortez stated that these "emergency powers" should have a sunset clause on them and should be subject to review.

Monmouth Financial merge with Octavius Industries to form the new, much larger corporation known as **Mosovai**.

The Governor of Stark colony reduces the colonial legislature's power to propose laws and to control the planets budget, essentially reducing it to a talking shop.

**2459** - Empress Regina Valane, having ruled the Empire for nearly 30 years, announces that she will adbidcate in favour of a conclave. She names her daughter, Princess Charlotte Valane as the preferatti for House Valane and she receives the immediate backing of Lord-Chancellor Hayden Tancredo, though there is a split in the Conservative bloc as Lord Kotek Grumman announces the formation of a new Imperial Protectorate Faction that may split the conservative vote.

Prince Alexander Solarin agrees a plea bargain with the Imperial prosecution after details of the Inspector-General's report incriminate him. The plea bargain does not include any admission of guilt. As a result of the agreement, Alexander abdicates his title and will retire from all public service, though he will likely continue to work for the Solarin run family industries and businesses.

Lady Teagan Yardley, the moderate and reform minded Governor announces that she will oppose the Princess in her bid to become Empress.

The Court of Appeals made another landmark decision in the case of "T*echnopolis v Ministry of Robotics*" the court ruled 6-1 that AI's remain "sentient" and are protected by the implied rights that all sentient beings are endowed with, whether registered or not. Justice McBride's decision was fiercely critical of the Ministry of Robotics in his decision, stating that "sentience" should have been the factor that triggered their decision making rather than the existence of a license. Furthermore Justice McBride stated that "sentient beings" can be registered, by a birth certificate for example, but the absence of one did not automatically rob such a person of their citizenship and certainly didn't rob them of their right to live

The Governor of Jasper dissolves the colonial legislature.

### The Conclave of 2459

The Council of Governors met in the Imperial Palace of Dhaka in October of 2459. They were given 48 hours to announce preferatti. Whilst there was frenzied speculation on various names, in the end there were only two preferatti named:

* Princess Aurora Valane, daughter of Empress Regina. She announced she would co-rule with her husband, Colamere Tancredo and would name Lord Stafford Collingwood as her Chancellor
* Lady Teagan Yardley, the noted moderate and daughter of Lord Cort Yardley. She announced that Lord Cabbot Brahms would be her chancellor

Voting then commenced under the aegis of the Imperial Civil Service. After just one day and one ballot, it was confirmed that Princess Aurora had won the title of Empress with 15 votes, opposed to 8 for Lady Yardley

Princess Aurora was sworn in as Empress Aurora Valane I. Her husband was sworn in as Emperor Colamere I.

### 2460- Empress Aurora Valane I

**2460**-On Technopolis there are days of Valtinist protests against
the TND program, calling on the corporation to close and to stop “creating AI ghosts”.  They will also call on the Empire to ban the technology, claiming that literally no oversight has gone on
and that TND are playing “Gods”.

There are also protests on Whitworth, Vanheim, St Lawrence, Earth, Mars and Eden. The protesters are law abiding and non-violent.

Moderate Judge Jeunelle Escher is named Inspector-General of the Empire, with her term to expire in 2480

There is a terrorist attack on Technopolis. They attempt to seize the Colonial senate but are cut down in a firefight by the Colonies police and CIS agents. They are identified as radical students affiliated with a pro-democratic splinter group

Empress Aurora Valane names former Allied West CEO Caston Sickles as a life-peer for his services to the Imperial economy and the Hansa. She also names TND's "genius" CEO Justus Ballinger as a life-peer

Meanwhile Emperor Colamere Tancredo names his mentor, General Austin Valane, as a life-peer.

**2461** - There's an attempted terrorist attack on Mars as a radical faction of a pro-democratic faction try to seize the Cydonia chamber of Commerce. They are captured by CIS agents before they can launch their attack

Princess Charlotte Valane takes part in a live interview with EDN's media arm which goes badly wrong when she is asked a question that she was not prepared for. House Grumman sue EDN for breach of contract

Emperor Colamere Tancredo names conservative lecturer and legal theorist Jute Kallstrom as a life-peer

Empress Aurora Valane names retired Admiral Lacey Sondeheim as a life-peer. She also names Director of IIS Esteban Wincott to a life-peerage

The Court of Appeals hands down a landmark decision in *Effingham v Ministry of Robotics*

**2462** - There's a terrorist attack on Lightning Point and Lord Krane and his wife are fired upon by radical terrorists. Lord Krane's wife Ilsa is killed and two members of his staff are also killed. The terrorists are all killed.

**2463** - The Imperial Council of Lords votes on the historic Democratic Reform Bill, brought forward by Lord-Chancellor Stafford Collingwood. There are accusations and intense, passionate debate. However in the end a bare majority of the council vote in favor of the democratic reform package as intended

The Imperial Parliament celebrate being empowered by the Council of Governors

Later, Lord Collingwood is assassinated by a former marine officer in the Imperial Palace for "democratic surrender" which he felt would doom the Empire to anarchy.

Lord Pike Cappotelli is elevated to Lord-Chancellor

TND goes public and House Grumman sell a majority of their shares.

Emperor Colamere Tancredo names former First Ranger of the Valtinists, Paddick Montrose, as a life-peer

**2464** - Medical and pharma corporation PINNACLE, owners of the Apollo treatment, are bought out in a hostile takeover, lead by House Valane. The takeover sees PINNACLE broken up, ending their run as a major corporation.

The Emperor and Empress issue a full Pardon to Alexander Solarin. Details on why he is being pardoned are ruled secret on a matter of state security

Empress Aurora valane names her equerry, Sedgwick Rains, to a life peerage.

The Court of Appeals hands down another landmark verdict in the case of F*eldman v Fort Verekker Colonial Government*

**2465** -The Imperial Council of Governors debated the merits of the research agreement with the Tranaons and agreed to accept the Tranoan demands, as long as the Gannid were included in the research agreement. The foreign ministry conducted shuttle diplomacy with the Tranoans and were able to secure agreement.

There is a failed terrorist attack on Technopolis as pro-democracy terrorists attempt to ambush a marine patrol on the planet.

There are widespread police and military sweeps on the planet Lightning Point, with thousands arrested and then many more deported under the orders of Lord Azrael Krane

Lawyers representing the Hansa agreed to settle out of court with House Solarin in a civil case. The settlement was confidential.

Emperor Colamere Tancredo granted a life-peerage to the former Lord-Governor of Lightning Point, Lord Savindar Krane who had retired from public life since the death of his wife.

Empress Aurora Valane granted a life-peerage to retired Admiral Porter Vinkman for his service to the Imperial Navy as well as his service to the world of business. Porter, a former AHI CEO was very happy to take up a seat as a peer.

**2466** - There is a terrorist attack on Avalon as a truck-bomb is detonated in Tintagel city, killing five police officers and wounding another ten.

There's also a skirmish between police in Dhaka on Earth and militants. Two police officers are killed another twelve are wounded. A militant later handed themselves in to Dhaka police claiming that his pro-democracy group.

There are major protests by Valtinists regarding TND again.

Retired Admiral Flint Valane is named a life peer by Empress Aurora Valane. Emperor Colamere Tancredo granted a life peerage to Valtinist first-ranger Fortis McDere.

The court of Appeals hands down a landmark decision in *Packard v Pandev*

### 2467-The August Uprising

**2467** - The Galactic Council fails to stage a vote to support Hressan independence within the Tazzyn Empire. However the Terran envoy backs an official call for support with other members of the CANDL alliance and the Tranoan Empire. The Tazzyn Empire dismisses the concept of Hressan independence.

There is a major terrorist attack on Mars, referred to as the "**August Uprising**". A thousand militants seize the government headquarters in Cydonia city and stage a defence against the marine corps there. A fast reaction group is brought to the planet and cordons them off. After a three week siege, in which time the so-called "Free Mars" or "August" government reads its constitution and promises free elections, the militants are forced to surrender after running out of food, water and ammo.

A book written by Burning Path founder Dillon Schroeder, "The Dawning of the Dark" is a best-seller despite being banned on many worlds.

**2468** -There is an attempted terrorist attack by Burning Path on Earth which is thwarted by CIS. Eight Burning Path militants are killed by CIS and the police and another four are taken into custody.

There are reports of piracy taking place in Karkouri space. The Karkouri take steps through the Galactic Council but the Terran Empire claims no knowledge of these pirates.

The Court of Appeals hands down another landmark decision in *Stackley v Bullingham.*

The Imperial Parliament narrowly passes a vote to ban the future construction of AI colonies.

Former Proteus KP CEO Persephone Valane passes away, aged 110. Her widely attended funeral sees the major figures of the Hansa attend. She is lauded as an Icon of the business community by many top journalists.

Dr Rebecca Coghill, a senior Valtinist lecturer and a member of their SAC is granted a life-peerage by Empress Aurora Valane.

**2469** - Life-peer Lord Aldrich Collingwood attempts to "hand back" his life-peerage on the basis that the honour was cheapened based on the sheer number of them handed out by Empress Aurora and Emperor Colamere.

Lord-Chancellor Kotek Grumman has an executive order veto'd by the council of Governors as he attempts to fast-track the uplift of Prospero.

Court of Appeals justice Cleander McBride dies after a long illness, opening up a seat on the Court of Appeals.

Industrial leader Rafe Kroenen is granted a life peerage by Empress Aurora Valane.

Emperor Colamere Tancredo granted a life peerage to Tagge Lawler, a business leader on New Corinth and the head of a major children's charity. This was a popular move with the conservatives in the Imperial Council

The Empress makes publishing and sale of "The Dawning of the Dark" legal within the Empire. Spokesmen for the Empress confirm that she dislikes the message of the book and that Burning Path remain illegal but she hoped the decision would "demystify" the book.

**2470** - Stark judge Madeline Connolly is nominated for the Court of Appeals and confirmed after a brief discussion in the Council of Governors.

The Technopolis "Festival of Life" reveals that Abner Grumman, the former Lord-Governor, has been "reborn" into an AI frame using TND technology.

There is a thwarted terrorist attack on Technopolis by Burning Path.

Empress Aurora Valane names former Allied West CEO Merevald Lawton as a life-peer. She also conferred a "Knight of the Emperor" peerage on General Pike Watson

The 2470 Imperial Parliamentary elections are hotly contested as vast amounts of outside money flows into the campaign warchests of the major parties. After a contentious vote amidst complaints about dirty tricks, voter suppression and freedom of speech, the Center-Right bloc of the Alliance for Prosperity emerge the largest voting bloc, though they lack a majority.

see the 2470 Imperial Parliamentary Election

**2471** - There are ongoing terrorist attacks on Mars, as the so-called "Mountain wars" begin. Three terrorist factions attack marine, police and corporate PMC patrols, causing over 150 casualties per year. They are prevented in an attempt to assassinate Lt-Governor Lola Whirry.

Emperor Colamere Tancredo introduces an Executive Order putting a 10 year moratorium against TND and its technology. TND insist they will appeal this decision to the Court of Appeals

Former Minister of State and Governor Fletcher Bluth is arrested by CIS for criminal negligence and incompetence. His high profile trial is set to go through in 2472. He is not subject to a peer trial having adjudicated his office as Lord-Governor.

Life-peer and former civil servant Lady Harminda Kasavarr attempts to hand back her life-peerage, citing the devalued nature of the recent peerage from the Emperor and Empress. The Palace once again responded that peerages cannot be handed back but that Lady Kassavar was welcome to remove herself from court and hand back her pension or donate it to charity.

Lord Solway Ashpool, President of AHI, is assassinated whilst campaigning on behalf of the Destiny Party on New Carthage. His assassin, a Burning Path supporter, is killed by police. Eleutheria-01, the AI "daughter" of Lord Ashpool, is named as the CEO of AHI and takes over the family business while Dorsey Ashpool finishes his military service.

Former EDN CEO Harriet Klementoff is granted a life peerage by Emperor Colamere Tancredo. He also confirms his father, former Lord-Chancellor Hayden Tancredo to a life-peerage

The Empress conferred a life peerage onto former lobbyist Orseon Wiess. She also named longtime lady in waiting Cerys Walcott as a Knight of the Empire.

**2472** - Lord-Chancellor Kotek Grumman suspends parliament, citing the dangers after the murder of Lord Solway Ashpool. This is resisted after an effort lead by Lord van Teufal but it is narrowly defeated by the Council of Governors.

Fletcher Bluth is found guilty of criminal negligence whilst acting as Minister of Communications and is given a fifteen year sentence, which the judge agrees to commute to a house arrest.

The Court of Appeals hands down a landmark decision in *Williams v Imperial Parliament,* overturning the Parliament's ban on AI colonies.

Emperor Colamere Tancredo passes another executive order, banning the use of super-lobbyists.

There is a bombing on Technopolis that destroys the Church of the Ascendancy, killing all the worshipers there.

Former prosecutor Carvus Yarwood is confirmed to a life peerage by Emperor Colamere Tancredo. Empress Aurora named her cousin and former Minister of State Ernest Valane-Kroenen as a Life-peer. She also conferred a knighthood onto retired marine General Lisa Lefford.

**2473** -Lord Chancellor Kotek Grumman extends the suspension of the Imperial Parliament until 2475, calling off the elections of that year.

There is another thwarted terrorist attack by Burning Path on Avalon.

The court of Appeals makes another landmark decision in *Miller v Whadham*

Court of Appeals justice Ezio Cortez, the most respected liberal on the Court of Appeals dies of a sudden heart attack aged 73. He is replaced by liberal judge of Indira Varu.

Former life-peer Justus Ballinger is killed when his shuttle explodes on the way down to Dhaka.

100,000 marines are deployed to Mars to help out with the Mountain Wars.

Retired Admiral Perseus Malbright is confirmed to a life peerage by Emperor Colamere Tancredo. Empress Aurora Valane named prestigious Valtinist lecturer Dr Atkins Romily to a life peerage.

**2474** - A diplomatic crisis with the Tranoans is averted with the Tranoans allowed to scan several Terran worlds. Many members of the Council bemoan the humiliation of the Empire by the Tranoans.

Empress-Emeritus Regina Valane dies after a long illness. Her funeral is widely attended.

The Galactic Council rejects a call from the Terran Empire to censure the Karkouri for interfering in Terran space.

A Gannid task force is badly shot up attempting to force a landing on a Taur'leir world.

Technopolis end all democratic voting in the colonial legislature, siting the current dangerous climate and the violence inherent in the democratic system. These moves are widely decried by people on Technpolis and there are protests and strikes.

The Court of Appeals loses Justice Porthos Enderby, another liberal, aged 74 after a long illness. He is replaced by moderate Justice Elton Stone.

Former CIS Director Emily Aravedo is confirmed to a life-peerage by Emperor Colamere Tancredo

Research corporation Vivant EC is sold to Allied West for a figure of around A$14 billion.

### 2475 The Zzenddi Invasion

**2475** -Eleutheria Ashpool, the AI "daughter" of the late Lord Solway Ashpool is appointed Chancellor of the Empire, the first AI to be appointed to a high office of state.

Inspector-General Jeunelle Escher resigns after a series of scandals break out over her prior drug use. She is replaced by Caroyln Weldon, the lawyer and liberal activist known for her crusading against corruption.

Former Chancellor and current Lord Marshall Kotek Grumman is arrested by the CIS but escapes before a trial after a team of PMCs and his own retainers shoot his way out of the holding cell. He flees to Technopolis.

In August 2475 a massive fleet of unknown ships, showing the same size and make up of the "roaches" appear in the Quadrant. They invade space around Fort Verekker, New Carthage and Technopolis, later landing and fighting pitched land battles on all three planets.

The Imperial Navy does not engage and falls back to link up with allied elements from CANDL.

The Empress named prominent Valtinist lecturer and author Lidia Hassir as a life-peer. Emperor Colamere named Atreus Velasco, a longtime ally from New Corinth, as a life peer.

Alexius Solarin, who had taken over as Lord-Marshall after the flight of Lord Kotek Grumman, was also granted a life peerage.

## 2476-2480 The Regency and the Zzenddi War

### 2476 - The Jovian Disaster

Empress Aurora Valane and Emperor Colamere Tancredo are both evacuated with a skeleton staff on marine shuttles. In a truly shocking moment, both are killed when their shuttles are destroyed by automated defenses around the Jovian belt, apparently due to faulty transponders.

The Empire reels from the shock of the death of both Rexes. The Lord-Chancellor assumes power and states that there will be a conclave held in 2480. Many members of the Council initially withdraw, stating their fear that the Empire will fall into chaos. The Empire enters into an unprecedented regency

The Council of Governors debates what action to take regarding the roaches but are facing a huge roach fleet which is more powerful than anything previously seen. Lord Horus Inkerman calls for the Empire to "show some backbone" and fight back but there are many that state the war cannot be won and peace must be sought.

### 2476- The Regency Begins

The Lord-Chancellor organizes a major cabinet reshuffle, replacing Alexius Solarin as Lord-Marshall with Lord Horus Inkerman and breaking up the Ministry of Communications.

Lord Desper Valane, Lord-Governor of Mars, calls for a full inquiry into the disaster that claimed the life of his sister. This was backed by Lord Crayl van Teufal, Lord Azrael Krane and many more governors. Minister of Communications Lord Maddox Collingwood agreed to make CIS resources available to begin an inquiry. However, this is overruled by the Chancellor.

There is an intense political stand-off between the Chancellor and the Council of Governors. Lord Elyon Maquessa calls for a vote of No Confidence to be taken in January of 2477 in the Chancellor.

Kotek Grumman is handed over to CIS and goes to trial on multiple charges, including Embezzlement, corruption and most crucially, the assassination of the Rexes. He is also implicated in the funding of the Terrorist movement which is linked to more than A$5 billion divested out to radical terrorists across the Empire.

The first prosecutor, Hailey DeMont, is killed in an apparent assassination. The new prosecutor, Erland Cyranno, takes over the case which, on a matter of state security, takes place behind closed doors. Kotek Grumman is found guilty on all but one charge and sentenced to death.

His defense lawyer, Javinder Bulworth, calls for an appeal and the Court of Appeals reject a bid by the government to restrict his right to a trial in open court on the basis of national security, in a tight 4-3 decision.

A Special Operations Division task force of four frigates successfully got past the Zzenddi fleet around New Carthage and carried out a daring raid on the planet, rescuing 105 scientists, engineers and civilians.

There were twenty-one casualties and one frigate took heavy damage but the task force was able to escape and return to the Sol system.

Josephine Osmore, a prominent and popular playwright from New Corinth was named a life peer in Emperor Colamere's will.

### **2477** -The Disputed Regency

The Imperial Council passes a vote of No Confidence in the Chancellor, with only two votes supporting the Chancellor and two abstentions. Lord Elyon Maquessa, leading the vote, calls on the Chancellor to resign. The Chancellor rejects the outcome of the vote. On the back of this dozens of AI civil servants, followed by another hundred or so biological civil servants quit in protest.

The Imperial Council then moved to call for a conclave, with the civil service divided on a legal technicality. Chancellor Eleutheria then ordered a marine brigade deployed in orbit over Dhaka to land and "evacuate" the council. Lord August Solarin, governor of Earth, resisted the landing and when the marines refused to back down, the Dhaka downport defenses destroyed the marine transport in orbit.

Many governors fled the capital or went to bunkers as a period referred to as "The Contested Regency" began. Chancellor Eleutheria fled from Sol with the garrison fleet under Admiral Sordell, leaving Earth essentially unprotected in space.

The Council moved to consolidate behind Deputy Chancellor Cabbot Brahms who was elevated to the title of Lord-Chancellor, Pro Tempore. He called together a new cabinet and Chancellor Eleutheria was declared a terrorist and orders for her arrest were sent out.

Chancellor Eleutheria, who would be subject to many assassination attempts, would move the Navy that had sided with her to Nova Terra, executing a swift and bloody purge to consolidate control of the West Fleet. The "rebel" Fleet also came under attack from the drone swarm defending Nova Terra, destroying six ships and killing more than 3,000 navy personnel.

Former Lord-Chancellor Kotek Grumman admits to his guilt in assassinating the Rexes, claiming that this had been done for revenge. He also claimed that the terrorist attacks were carried out with agreement with the late Empress Aurora

The Zzenddi moved again, capturing the planets Gaia, St Lawrence and Nova Terra. Most of these worlds surrendered with only token resistance.

**2478** - Chancellor's Brahms and Eleutheria entered into a long period of negotiations to try and find a way past the impasse as the East Fleet has sided with the Council and the West fleet with Eleutheria.

The CANDL allies initially refused to enter the conflict if there was a divided leadership of the Terran Empire. However, after intense negotiations, the Ganndi Chancellor agreed that the Gannid Commonwealth's Navy would stand with the Terrans, regardless.

The Zzenddi fleets moved on again, overrunning Whitworth and Eden. The Zzenddi fleet then moved on the Sol system.

The Imperial East Fleet, under the direct command of Admiral Pavantarr, was joined by a Gannid Task Force and other allies, including corporate ships, PMCs and even the Yakuza. The line in the sand was drawn around Mars and the Zzenddi fleet was baited into battle, caught in Mars's gravity well.

A desperate battle was fought, with the allied Fleet losing two ships for every Zzenddi ship destroyed. the super-carrier Arasai was destroyed with 16,000 hands lost and the Gannid flagship "Hammer of Zhand" was also destroyed.

However, the timely arrival of the West Fleet under Admiral Sordell turned the battle into a double envelopment and the Zzenddi fleet was wiped out. When the battle ended, the allied fleet had lost nearly 300 ships and over 100,000 lives.

The Zzenddi had also landed on Mars and been defeated in the landing by Marines, militia, PMC;s and even Mars's police force but 65,000 people had been killed during the fighting.

There was a moment of pause as the Empire began another round of negotiations

**2479** - The intense negotiations ended with a complex and unwieldly command structure. All strategic command was to be run through the Gannid commander, Admiral Duhzankan who would be seen as a "neutral party". This allowed the other CANDL allies to join up with the new combined fleet.

Admiral Duhzankan then lead the combined fleet to defeat the divided Zzenddi fleet near Eden, again with the lost of around 200 ships and 75,000 lives.

The remaining Zzenddi task force withdrew to defend its Star-gate. The Zzenddi occupation has so far claimed the lives of at least 6 million imperial citizens.

Seven worlds remained occupied and the reported death toll from the occupied worlds was now in the millions. Lord-Chancellor Cabbot Brahms suffered a stroke and never recovered, dying in 2479.

The Imperial Parliament agree that it is not practical or fair to hold a parliamentary election with worlds under occupation. Parliament's election is held over until 2485, with a vote to be held on whether the next election will be 2490 or 2495.

The Tazzyn Emperor was killed, apparently assassinated. His brother assumed the throne but the Emperor's bastard son, referred to as "The Golden Prince" also claimed the Throne and the Tazzyn Empire sunk into a civil war.

## 2480-Emperor Azrael Krane

**2480** -**The Conclave of 2480**

see the Conclave of 2480

The Council of Governors are called to a conclave after acting-Chancellor Abner Grumman instructs the civil service to begin a new conclave, citing the need for unity and clear leadership. Three candidates emerge:

* Lord Maddox Collingwood of St Lawrence
* Lord Elyon Maquessa of Nova Terra
* Lord Azrael Krane of Lightning Point

Lord Maquessa has proposed a radical plan that would end the Empire and faces a major backlash from conservatives but his radical approach draws support from the left. This has the side-effect of making Collingwood the moderate candidate but the left/moderate vote is split and the conservative governors rally around old-school conservative Lord Krane, who wins in the first ballot and is elevated to Emperor

Emperor Krane names his brother-in-law, Lord August Solarin II as the Chancellor and he puts together a war-time government with Krane's stated first priority to win the war with the Zzenddi. The Imperial military, along with its allies, agree that the best way to defeat the Zzenddi is to capture or destroy their "star-gate, located in a remote location referred to by ONI as Location Z-10.

The Imperial Navy attacks Z-10 and a huge and costly badly is begun. The Imperial Navy suffers heavy casualties, with the Battleship Emperor August and the super carrier "Natasha Tennyson" both destroyed. More than 300 ships are destroyed or crippled and 200,000 Navy lives are lost. However, the Zzenddi fleet is routed, with 50 ships escaping the combat zone. The star gate is destroyed and fragments of the huge structure are salvaged.

Operation Ocean Storm

With the Zzenddi Navy routed, the Imperial Marine corps begins a huge campaign to liberate the occupied worlds with Operation Ocean-Storm. Millions of marines land on the occupied worlds of Whitworth, St Lawrence and Nova Terra, fighting bloody and costly battles to liberate those worlds. The Whitworth campaign proves to be the worst of the three, with marine casualties passing 1.2 million in six months of ferocious fighting. Notable during this campaign was the fierce determination of an "Allied Expedition" of Vatu warriors, known as the "Greyback Legion" who fought with great skill and fierceness during the Whitworth campaign and lost 91% of their number. However, by New Years 2481, St Lawrence and Nova Terra have been liberated.

**2481** - There is a call for volunteers as the marine corps has lost nearly 3 million men, making it unable to complete the liberation campaign. 2 million new recruits sign up whilst troops and mech garrisons are moved from their worlds to join up with the marines. Whitworth unexpectedly falls. The marine corps, boosted by the new troops recruited, is able to quickly win campaigns to liberate the other occupied worlds, with only 250,00 casualties suffered.

Gaia, despite not being an Imperial World, is liberated and an Imperial garrison remains to help rebuild the world. Gaia's council appear very keen to join with the Empire.

The Zzenddi war is declared over as the Zzenddi fleet has been driven beyond the rim and all occupied worlds are liberated. Emperor Krane announces a day of national celebration to be followed by a day of national mourning for the dead. Over 13 million have died during the war and extensive damage has been done to seven worlds, with major worlds of Whitworth and Nova Terra suffering extensive collateral damage

The Imperial Navy, which has lost more than 50% of its ships, begins a major rebuilding effort with the Gannid Commonwealth offering use of its shipyards on a "Loan Agreement" basis. The price for the constructed ships will be paid later. The Imperial coffers are totally empty and a bill of around A$120 billion is needed to pay for the reconstruction costs, as well as finding new homes for the tens of millions of refugees across the Empire.

**2482** - A Tranoan assistance grant of A$75 billion is received to aid with the reconstruction effort. The Empire gratefully receives this. Lord Treasurer Athos Cappotelli announces new Growth Bonds to help restart the economy, with another A$90 billion raised this way. The Hansa make offers of further loans but this is rebuffed.

Former Chancellor Eleutheria Ashpool 01 is assassinated as her shuttle is destroyed in orbit over Earth. Hailed as "The Hero of the Empire", her reign as Chancellor had been very divisive. On her death, a number of her former followers went into political exile, leaving government or military jobs, prominent among these was former Admiral Sleaydon Sordell.

Emperor Azrael Krane grants a life peerages to Hallam Tancredo, Reid Sondeheim and Lt-General Trenton Willard for their part in the war-effort.

**2483** - With the war over and all worlds liberated, the Imperial Parliament votes that it will hold elections in 2485. A record number of political parties, often representing somewhat extreme fringes of the political spectrum come forward

Two prosecutors on Vanheim announce their intention to sue the Imperial government for its part in setting up Operation Coat-Hanger, which in their view was an illegal action carried out by the IIS. Lord Maddox Collingwood, whilst serving as Minister of Communications, had declassified the report and given it to the prosecutors. The case, expected to begin in earnest in 2485, has huge ramifications for the IIS.

Reports of continuing chaos in the Tazzyn Empire filter back as several contenders for the most powerful throne in the quadrant vie for control. Whilst this isn't a full-scale civil war as such, honor duels and assassinations are frequent.

**2484** - There are a wave of arrests by CIS for political corruption within the Imperial Government as civil servants, government contractors and lobbyists are arrested and trials are set to take place. The Office of Chancellor sets out a new hard-line policy for dealing with political corruption

An unprecedentedly large infrastructure project reaches its conclusion on Mars as over A$12 billion is spent on projects that will construct hospitals, schools and new housing across the planet, with an emphasis on the cities away from the capital.

The quadrant is shocked by a major Tazzyn military defeat as the Hressan Independence army wins the battle of Arnback. A Tazzyn Army of 2 million soldiers surrenders and the Tazzyn Emperor agrees to an armistice. The Hressans will be able to form their own state.

Emperor Krane announces his intention to start a constitutional convention in the next five years to put a new Imperial Constitution in place, to ensure that the Empire is governed by "a code of laws" rather than arbitrary whim

Emperor Krane confers the title of "Knight of the Empire" onto more than 1,100 service personnel who took part in the war. Prominent amongst these are Admiral Everann Sickles, the new Chief of the Imperial General Staff and Major General Collier McQaid.

Moderate Judge Beaufort Lomas retires from his seat on the Court of Appeals, opening a seat on the Court. Moderate judge Stockley Shaw is then elected to the bench to fill the seat.

**2485** -With huge debts to repay and massive reconstruction work to do, the Empire begins the slow process of rebuilding. Aid pours in from the Galactic Community, with more than A$100B raised by the various nations. Earth and Mars also raise A$120B to help in the so-called Solarin plan. Reconstruction efforts begin on all the formerly occupied worlds.

Gaia agrees to join the Empire, with Rehan Rivers named as their first Governor. There are concerns that the neo-pagans of Gaia will not allow AI citizens to visit the planet.

The Imperial Parliament elects 10 parties in an expensive and complex election. The major winners are the Destiny Party but the newly formed Ravenheart Coalition also did well.

see the 2485 Parliamentary Elections

A major constitutional convention begins as several notable figures begin to debate on a draft constitution, to be presented to the council. The convention includes:

* Lord Elyon Maquessa
* Lord Maddox Collingwood
* Lord Hallam Tancredo
* Leander Ashpool
* Lord Abner Grumman
* Avram TEO (representing ADVANCE)

Lord Maddox Collingwood quits the convention after a series of drunken outbursts. He later abdicates in favor of his son, Decius Collingwood.

**2486** - The CANDL agreement is renewed though the Rorn decide not to renew their agreement. The new CANDL alliance consists of the Terrna Empire,t he Gannid Commonwealth and the Bl'Hud Primacy.

The Terran Envoy to the Galactic Council formally recognizes the new Hressan Independent Republic. The Ttranoan Empire, the Vatu Empire and the Mor-Du Republic had also done this. Following their recognition of the newly emerged state, the Gannid Commonwealth, Bl'Hud Primacy and the Rorn Republic all follow suit.

**2487** - The Empire celebrates its centenary with a day of holiday and celebrations. Several historians point to the relative stability and success of this polity, opposed to the rancor and corruption within the Federated States or Confederacy. Still, there are voices that call for democratic reform and an end to the oligarchic rule of the "great houses".

The Imperial Council agrees a tax cut on corporations taxes to last ten years after considerable political pressure from the Hansa. Lord-Chancellor August Solarin fights a lonely battle to oppose the Hansa but is unable to find a working coalition in the council to back him up.

Parliament passes The Inheritance Act, which bans TND technology from being manufactured or sold. Those who already have TND tech will be allowed to continue using it.

There is increased skirmishing on Mars between Red Mars and Security Forces.

**2488** - The Indirian nomads who aided in the war are permitted to choose a colony from the current prospects. It will then be jointly funded by them and the Empire. Several corporations also agree to help fund the new colony.

Prospero appoints retired General Gosmay as its Governor. He becomes the first Jaradino to be a Governor.. The council's liberal faction bemoan the addition of another conservative to the council but are argued down by the court.

The court of appeals narrowly agrees that the actions undertaken by IIS in *Operation Coat-Hanger* were illegal.

**2489** - The Tazzyn Emperor Torihoff van Pall is assassinated. His bastard nephew, Prince Astevorr van Pall, the so-called Golden Prince, assumes power but does not have the backing of any of the other major houses, leaving the Tazzyn Empire weak and divided.

There is an attempt to assassinate Lord Marshall Elyon Maquessa carried out by Burning Path which fails.

The Constitutional working group present for consideration the draft constitution.

TND's founder and Lord-Governor of Technopolis Abner Grumman is found "deactivated".

Court of Appeals Judge Raylee Porter announces her retirement from the court. Conservative New Corinth judge Hallam Fenwick is appointed to replace her.

Admiral Everann Sickles is named a life peer by Emperor Azrael Krane. He also confirms his equerry, Harrow Morgan, to a life peerage.

TND, having suffered a major downturn in their fortunes and a massive loss in their stock price, announce they are moving their HQ and operations to the world of Al-Ahily, which lies outside the Empire.

**2490** -The Imperial Council begins a long and contentious debate on the constitution as laid out by the panel. The Emperor makes it clear that in its current form, it will be vetoed outright. The convention debated various amendments, removing several clauses that appeared to be causing the most issues.

The Council votes to include the controversial "separation of church and state" element. Governor Rehan Rivers of Gaia makes it clear that on his planet, church and state are one.

**2491** -T**he Karkouri -Rorn Invasion**: the Karkouri Regime launch a lightning invasion of the Rorn Republic, overcoming all military resistance in just six weeks. They occupy six worlds, leaving the rest to form a "rump" Rorn Republic state. Whilst the Karkouri are censured int he galactic council and subject to embargoes, no race offers to intervene after the Dhau Empire makes it very clear they will attack any race that intervenes against the Karkouri.

The Council of Governors agree to implement the new constitution which becomes active law in June of 2491.

**2492** - Prince Alexius Krane marries Princess Indigo Valane in a lavish ceremony on Mars. There are thousands of attendants including the best and brightest across the Empire.

The Karkouri ship millions of Salborian soldiers to the occupied worlds, as well as shipping tens of thousands of Rorn back to Karkouri space as slaves.

### 2493- Cobalt Attack

**2493** - A lethal computer virus, referred to as Cobalt, decimates the Empire, killing 80% of all AI and shattering the Terran economy. There is a major economic crash and the Empire suffers a massive loss of research and security planning.

CIS launch Operation Resolve, attacking Burning Path bases across the Empire backed by the Marine corps. There are dozens of small skirmishes as well as three pitched battles on Vanheim, Avalon and New Corinth in which over 1,200 marines are killed. Over 48,000 Burning Path prisoners are taken. the courts are jammed with tens of thousands of suspects and no means to break the back-log

**2494** - The Imperial economy continues to falter with Allied West, Sarissa Arms, Kapek R&D and Mosovia all reporting heavy losses. A reduction of Imperial taxes is agreed to help slow the bleeding.

With cobalt now isolated, the surviving AI are able to emerge, reporting that nearly 80% of all AI or over 40 million AI have been "killed". Media corporation Empirical Media is caught up in the CIS investigation and many of its top directors are arrested, pending long court cases as they claim to know nothing about the attack.

Justice Emma Sutherland, a moderate judge from Earth, is appointed to the Court of Appeals to fill Justice Sirtis Ardmore's seat. This is the first significant change in the balance of the court since its formation.

The Emperor's equerry, Lord Harrow Morgan, steps down and is replaced by lawyer Redvers Gallen.

Emperor Krane elevated former EDN CEO and foreign Minister Istfvan Vermier to a life peerage for his services to the corporate world and the government.

**2495** - Former Lord Elyon Maquessa flees into Gannid space with stolen intelligence and research data. The Gannid refuse to hand him back, citing fears over his safety and his request for asylum. Lord Arden Maquessa is briefly exiled from council but readmitted after a vote in Council

Former Chancellor Hallam Tancredo fights a duel against Lord Gael Grumman and is defeated and retires from public life.

There is a major Valtinist Convention on New Corinth where Prince Clay Tancredo attempts to bring together the faction under Lidia Hassir and Powell Hamlyn.

**2496** - The Chief of the Imperial General Staff, Admiral Gnaes Calqvist, dies. This is initially thought to be a heart attack but it is later ruled an assassination, likely perpretated by the Karkouri Regime.

The Court of Appeals rules in the decision in *Rowchester* that TND is not considered to be a life saving treatment, as per the constitution in a landmark decision. TND continue to operate from Al Ahily.

**2497** -There is a major uprising on Mars by Red Mars with major battles fought across the planet. A Red Mars militia briefly take and occupy Sancrist City but after two weeks of bloody fighting, the Marines recapture the city. The whole campaign, over two months of fighting, see 3,750 marines killed and 15,000 wounded. More than 10,000 Red Mars militia are killed.

Minister for State Justice August Solarin attempts to get emergency powers to expedite the trial backlog but this is voted down by the council.

An attempted IIS operation in Gannid space fails and is intercepted

The Imperial Court of Appeals rejects the notion that TND is life-saving technology in their decision in *Rowchester v Imperial Parliament*

### 2498-The Fall of the Empire

**2498** -After numerous threats, the Karkouri Regime invades Terran space. The Terran navy suffers a catastrophic defeat in the Battle of Vanheim, losing 230 ships and nearly half a million sailors and marines.

The Karkouri Navy, having won a spectacular and lop-sided victory, occupy Stark, New Silesia and Vanheim. They move on the Sol system and sweep aside the token resistance. The Imperial Council votes to surrender but Emperor Krane vetoes this. The Council force overturn the veto. Emperor Krane suffers a heart attack and dies in the Council chamber.

Various Governors announce their worlds will secede from the Empire including Governor Brahms in New Carthage, Governor Grumman in Technopolis and Governor Maquessa in Nova Terra.

The Imperial Parliament refuse to accept the surrender and order the dismissal of the Council. The Imperial Government, acting on muddy authority, officially surrenders and the Terran Empire officially ceases to exist

**2499** - The Karkouri dismember the Empire, creating several new states:

* Several worlds, with Vanheim chief amongst them, will be in an **Occupied Zone** which will be administered by Terrans but overseen by the Karkouri with a garrison fleet. This state was later renamed as the **Hassal League**
* Several more worlds, Avalon and Al Ahily included, fall into the **Buffer Zone** which will not be garrisoned but will have Karkouri supervision, essentially becoming a Karkouri puppet state. This state was later renamed as the **Dragonfish Protectorate**
* Several worlds are placed under the fiefdom of St Lawrence and House Collingwood, who were implicated as traitors to the Empire The **St Lawrence Compact** is an independent state
* The worlds of the new Frontier are all annexed by the Dhau Empire
* The remaining worlds are unincorporated and free to govern themselves whoever they wish

Most worlds are governed locally and there is no functional supra-national government, though the Imperial Parliament declares the creation of a **Terran Republic,** though this is more of a state in theory that a state in being

The Karkouri do not interfere with the Hansa and allow them to continue to operate but the Terran economy, already crippled, suffers further convulsions with several worlds struck by famines and outbreaks of previously controlled diseases. The fall of the Empire also sees small scale rebellions on several worlds and looting and raiding take place. Estimates are that more than 1,25 million die during that year alone.

## 2500 -A State of Chaos

#### 2500-2510 -the Birth of the Republic

**2500** -There are isolated terrorist attacks on Whitworth, Eden, St Lawrence, and Vanheim. Karkouri officers are targeted ,as well as Salborian troops and key officials within the "collaborator" governments. The Karkouri Governor General warns that continued attacks may be met with reprisals. He also warned that any state sponsoring the attacks would be subject to "retaliatory attacks".

On Technopolis, ongoing discussions by the potential Republic members reach a conclusion and the Terran Republic is announced The new state comprises, at this time, of just four worlds:

* Technopolis
* Fort Pitcairn
* Van Allan's World
* Nova Terra

It was also agreed that Technopolis would serve as the capital of this new state and announced it was returning to its old name of New Berlin.

**2501** - In a historic moment, the Galactic Council declares that if any state intervenes without strong cause into the Unincorporated worlds, then the Galactic Council would intervene. This saw a rare show of unity between the Tazzyn Empire and the Tranoan Empire.

The Terran Republic elects former Admiral and AHI CEO Everann Sickles as their first President.

There is a wave of very well planned and executed assassinations against top leaders within the AI community. The entire board of directors at ADVANCE is wiped out and many senior AI figures are killed. Burning Path take credit for the attacks which leave 620 AI dead and 205 biologicals dead.

There are reports of terrible food shortages on many Terran worlds, including Lightning Point, Van Allan's World, Stark and New Silesia. Relief efforts are organized, largely by private individuals and charities and the crisis never quite develops into a full blown famine

An agreement is signed between the governors of Fort Kurzon, Lightning Point and New Carthage. This new mutual defence pact commits these worlds to "if one is attacked, all are attacked" mutual defense. This group is referred to as the "Free Worlds Pact"

**2502** - There are more bloody terrorist attacks on various worlds in the Hassal League including a spate of Karkouri officers kidnapped and then executed on live broadcasts. The Karkouri respond with raids against settlements, internment of tens of thousands on various worlds and with restrictions in movement. Many ranches on Whitworth, Eden and New Silesia are burned to the ground. The death toll during 2502 reaches a reported 350,000.

A rumored Black Dragon Yakuza invasion of Van Allan's World is prevented after the Dragon's agree to provide military protection for the planet.

There is a major pirate raid on the planet of Avalon which is turned back after a skillful performance by the planet's militia fleet.

Mars signs up to the Free-Worlds Pact.

**2503** - The Gannid Commonwealth is unable to gain support in the Galactic Council for a measure to protect the former St Lawrence compact worlds if the state breaks up. The Compact is very unstable with widespread resistance on every planet including St Lawrence.

The Gannid Commonwealth also officially recognizes the new Republic.

Major tech corporation Lambda R&D is bought out by a hedge-fund based on Mars, causing a brief uptick in the fortunes of the Terran market.

**2504** - There is a bloodless uprising on Furnace after the Lord Governor Kentan Sondeheim successfully returns to the planet with his own private army. The planet turns to him and restores him to Lord-Governor and leaves the St Lawrence Compact. Furnace later announces its intention to sign up to the Republic.

The Gannid Ambassador works in the Galactic Council to prevent a Karkouri retaliatory attack against Furnace.

The Hressan Independent Republic agrees to formally recognize the Terran Republic. However the Galactic Council rejects a motion to grant it a seat on the Council.

The St Lawrence compact dispatches a PMC force to retake the planet but the Black Dragon Yakuza provide protection and the PMC's turn back without a fight.

Meanwhile on St Lawrence the Home-Steaders pull of a bloody one day coup which climaxes with the shocking execution of every last person they can find with Collingwood blood, including Ilhan Collingwood who was just four years old. The new Home-Steader government formally dissolves the St Lawrence Compact but the Karkouri Regime makes it clear that this will not be tolerated.

Admiral Hailee Staunton agrees to move the remaining Imperial Navy to Mars, though she is clear this is not an endorsement of any particular polity.

**2505** -The Terran Republic fails to successfully negotiate with the Karkouri Regime to prevent a crisis over Furnace. Meanwhile the Galactic Council refuses to intervene in the enfolding tragedy in St Lawrence as reports emerge of massive death-tolls as the Home-Steaders battle with other resistance groups for control of the planet

A massive foreign policy decision sees the Gannid pull out of CANDL, essentially dismantling the treaty group. They then sign a non-aggression pact with the Dhau Empire, alarming their former Terran allies.

A media source successfully smuggles footage of Karkouri Resettlement camps from Eden and New Silesia, showing tens of thousands of Terrans essentially held as hostages. The Galactic Council is horrified but again fails to form an agreement to do something about it, largely due to Tazzyn pressure

**2506** -The Ice Pack cities on Vanheim surrender, ending the near 6 year long siege of the planet. The Karkouri move in a garrison and deport more than 45,000 people to resettlement camps.

The Galactic Council officially votes to deploy observers into the Hassal League to check on the safety of those held in resettlement camps. The measure passes with support from the Gannid, the Tranoans, the Vatu and the Hressans (though the Hressans are not voting members of the Council). The Karkouri and Tazzyn vote against the measure but the Tazzyn do not use their veto.

Gaia formally becomes a signatory member of the Free-Worlds Pact. The Imperial Navy officially signs on to provide protection to all Free-Worlds members in return for a contribution to upkeep.

New Carthage and Mars reject overtures from the Republic to join them.

**2507** -Major PMC corporation VAIL are deployed to St Lawrence, officially invited by the St Lawrence Compact puppet government to restore order. A massive PMC force, backed by Salborians deployed on "secondment" and more than 100,000 Dhau mercenaries land and defeat the Home-Steaders and the other forces in a six month campaign. VAIL restore order and put a new puppet government in power on the planet.

Meanwhile, near Fort Essex, mass graves from Home-Steader massacres are uncovered.

A Salborian force is landed on Furnace and a long, bloody guerilla war begins on the planet. Meanwhile a Karkouri Navy squadron blockades the planet

**2508** - There is a huge pirate raid on the planet of Jasper in the Dragonfish Protectorate, leading tens of thousands dead and hundreds taken as slaves

Dahlia Avander-Slade announces her intention to seek the Presidency of the Terran Republic, becoming the first main-stream candidate.

**2509** - With order restored on St Lawrence and elsewhere in the Compact, the Karkouri formally agree that Jace Buckingham, a founding member of VAIL, will take over as the Coordinator of the Compact.

President Everann Sickles, in poor health, confirms that he will not seek a second term as President of the Republic. The Republic prepares itself for a major election in 2510 with a new bi-cameral legislature to be elected and a new President to be elected by the General Assembly. Many pollsters predict a win for a left-wing coalition.

**2510** -The Republic holds its first full election and there is a broad split of political parties and ideologies. The "left" do very well in the Senate, taking half of the seats but the general assembly splits between eight political parties. The Destiny Party are able to form a working majority and elect Dahlia Avander-Slade as the second President of the Republic

The 2510 Republic Election

There is a major terrorist attack on Al Ahily as a freighter launches a nuclear strike at the AHI facility on the planet, wiping it out and killing nearly ten thousand people. AHI's CEO and much of the board of directors are killed. Burning Path claims responsibility for the attack.

**2511** - Lord Alexius Solarin states that Earth will join the Republic. The Diet of Earth reject this and a long political and legal contest begins. Earth becomes a cooperative member of the Republic.

There are several major attacks by the resistance on Whitworth, with more than ten thousand dead reported by many sources.

The Galactic Council votes to censure the Dhau Empire over their exploitation of the former Taur'lier worlds Trade sanctions are put into place

**2512** - The Karkouri begin a series of reprisal actions. More than 60,000 civilians held in resettlement camps are executed in response to the terrorist attacks that have killed hundreds of Karkouri officers. The Karkouri Governor-General also announces harsh retalitory actions if further attacks are made. The Galactic Council votes to sanction the Karkouri Regime

**2513** - There is a massive coup on Nova Terra as a popular movement, backed by Burning Path, seize the capital. The Governor's mansion is destroyed and all members of House Maquessa are apparently killed in the resulting blaze. The Republic's military HQ is the last line of resistance. Burning Path's leadership declare that Prince Clay Tancredo will be the new governor of the planet.

The Republic scrambles to respond and pulls together a task force and a military contingent, largely comprised of Earth based forces. There is a deadlock, however, when Nova Terra attempts to join the Free Worlds Pact. The surviving Terran polities drift towards a civil war

**2514** - A series of acrimonious summits are chaired by Admiral Hailee Staunton of the Terran Coordinating Committee. President Avander-Slade insists on deploying the military to Nova Terra to restore order and defeat Burning Path. There appears to be signs of a deal being struck but the details are sketchy. It appears that a clash between the Republic and the Free Worlds Pact has been narrowly averted.

The Karkouri launch a reprisal attack against Earth, which they claim is the source of terrorist attacks inside the Hassal League. Whilst House Solarin deny it, the Karkouri Regime share nearly one hundred documents proving that it was agents working for House Solarin. Many independent intelligence sources confirm the veracity of the documents.

A Karkouri Task Force attempts to attack Earth but is driven back by the House Solarin fleet, aided by what appeared to be forces of "Sword of Liberty", though no official comment is made by the Sword of Liberty leadership. The Karkouri loses four frigates and a cruiser, whilst seven Terran frigates are lost. The Karkouri do manage to land an orbital bombardment, hitting the ancient city of Athens and destroying the Hellespont Downport. More than 9,000 are reported dead

**2515**-