Federation
The Federation is the oldest of the three major powers in the universe, the other two being the Empire and the Alliance. The planet Earth (Sol), birthplace of humankind, is the historic capital of the Federation and regarded as the centre of human-inhabited space. The Federation loosely lies between the Alliance and the Empire on the galactic map.
The relationship between the Federation and the Alliance is one of toleration. The relationship between the Federation and the Empire is one of deep hostility.
The Federation is highly dependent on technology and is home to many huge and wealthy corporations. In the period of rebuilding after the end of World War 3 on Earth (circa 2044-2055AD) it was the corporations who became powerful and dominant. In modern times it is the corporations who are the life-blood and backbone of the Federation. It is rumoured that these corporations have such influence and power that they can even direct the Federal government. Perhaps even to the point deciding who to elect as President!
Corruption and bribery are rife in the Federation and law enforcement has been known to turn a blind eye if the price is right.
Ranks
Faction Ships
Permits
Permits are required to access certain systems that are otherwise locked out by the computer of your FSD.
Such permits are rewarded by the the controlling faction for that locked system, when you become friendly with that faction, by accomplishing missions such as "Federal dispatch" and receiving ranks. You can often find that faction on a station outside the main system they control.
Once finished several dispatch quests, simply visit the Bulletin Board at any of the faction's stations to accept a job titled "Federal invitation". Accepting the job automatically adds the permit to your FSD computer.
| Permit Locked System | Permit Rewarded By | Rank Required |
|---|---|---|
| Sol | Federal Congress | Midshipman |
| Vega | Vega Independents | Ensign |
| Hors | Workers of Hors Values Party | Lieutenant Commander |
| Beta Hydri | Beta Hydri Democrats | Petty Officer |
| PLX 695 | PLX 695 Values Party | Chief Petty Officer |
| Ross 128 | Social Ross 128 Coalition | Warrant Officer |
| Exbeur | Workers of Exbeur Democrats | Lieutenant |
| CD-44 1695 | Movement for CD-44 1695 Values Party | |
| HIP 54530 | Gold Universal Group | |
| LFT 509 | ?? | |
| Mingfu | Revolutionary Mingfu Labour | |
| Witch's Reach | ?? | |
| 4 Sextamtis | ?? |
Minor Factions
| Faction | System | Station |
|---|---|---|
| Federal Congress | Sol | Daedalus |
| Federal Congress | Sol | Li Qing Jao |
History
The Federation was formed circa 2240AD as a direct response to the colonists on Tau Ceti 3 ignoring Earth's demands to stop killing the native wildlife (to near extinction levels) over a period of approx. 20 years. The newly formed entity was then able to cast great influence throughout known space. The founding members of the Federation are: Earth (Sol), Tau Ceti, Delta Pavonis, Altair, and Beta Hydri. The Federation has always seen itself as the major power in the universe. From the very beginning, long before the Empire or Alliance existed, it took upon itself the task of policing the universe and being the peacekeepers. This often included interfering and meddling in the affairs of other non-member worlds and generally bullying and oppressing the known universe into submission.
Lore
To an outsider, the hierarchy of Federation society is based on democratic principles - people vote within their System/State to elect Congressmen, and a President with an 8-year term and a ‘vote of confidence’ after the first 4 years. However, corporate loyalty oils the machine, and Federation space is a battleground of commerce. Commercial organisations compete as aggressively as the law will allow for the time and attention of the Federal citizen, who goes through life bombarded by advertising. Corruption is not unusual – individuals defend it shamelessly when caught as ‘getting one over the system’. Social class is only determined between ‘haves’ and ‘have-nots’. There is a lot of poverty about, as well as conspicuous wealth. The huge gross domestic product (GDP) of the Federation economy funds a large, well-equipped Federal Navy which projects its values and influence. Culturally the Federation is tolerant of some things (like religions) but utterly intolerant of drug-taking, political activism, and certain cultures. A great many things are illegal, like slavery, cloning and certain narcotics. Federal law is based on an agreed Constitution. People have rights and freedoms, enshrined by this agreement. Local ‘State’ law prohibits other trafficking to a greater or lesser degree. Things like ship-based weapons, personal weapons, other milder drugs and alcohol are banned in some systems. The media drives a culture of celebrity. Top ranking politicians, social commentators, entertainers and super-rich all command a great deal of media attention. This provides a massive distraction for the populace, to the extent that foreign wars conducted by the Federation on their behalf get little media attention. This has gone on for many hundreds of years, and there is no sign of it changing.
— Newsletter #22[1]