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{{Navbox Lore}}
{{Navbox Lore}}
{{Navbox Skrell Lore}}
{{Navbox Skrell Lore}}
{{Infobox Planet
{{toc_right}}
|Name = Qerrbalak
=Nralakk Federation Enforcement=
|System = Nralakk
The Nralakk Federation’s ''Enforcers'', or '''Kala''', are responsible for upholding the security and law of skrell space. Functioning under a centralised structure, the Kala are governed by a supervisory body known as the Nralakk Federation Security Commission (NFSC). The NFSC’s doctrines revolve around mobility, flexibility and precision. Presently, the Kala maintains two core objectives: firstly, ensuring the safety, security and cooperation of all systems under the Federation’s flag, and protecting their borders; secondly, protecting the national security of the Federation from foreign nations and groups, as well as proactively gathering intelligence on both their allies and their adversaries.
|Image = Pixel_Planet_Qerrbalak1.png
|Sector = [[The_Orion_Spur#The_Homeworld|Homeworld]]
|Capital = Kal'lo
|Species = [[Skrell]], [[Dionae]]
|Languages = Qerr'Malic
|Demonyms = Qerrbalaki
|Nation = [[Nralakk Federation]]
}}
'''Qerrbalak''' is the fourth planet from Nralakk, and the homeworld of the skrell species. One of two habitable planets within the Nralakk system, Qerrbalak is roughly 1.8 times the size of Earth, and has a similarly oxygen-rich atmosphere. [[Skrell History|Skrell history]] begins and centers around the planet, having been the capital of the Commonwealth of the Three, and the capital of both iterations of the [[Nralakk Federation]]. Modern Qerrbalak’s industrial pollution and climate damage was repaired and its effects minimized through terraforming and ecological policies, hoping to maintain its reputation as the idyllic, warm homeworld. The city of Kal’lo is the capital of the Nralakk Federation and Qerrbalak itself, being the annual point of convergence for the Grand Council.


Due to industrial restrictions on Qerrbalak from ecological safeguards, it lacks notable exports or production. Most of the planet’s population are Primary Numericals, Idols, and the remaining native communities that remain preserved or isolated. Currently, Qerrbalak’s dependence on imports and outsourced industrial production has resulted in a growing crisis in the light of phoron scarcity, as the capital world remains reluctant to become self-sufficient in order to protect its ecology and image.
{{TOC Hidden}}
==History==
==History==
The origins of the centralised skrell security community begins at the conclusion of the War of Tides, and subsequent formation of the Commonwealth of Three in 901 CE. The Tzqul Republic, Heshqu Council and Weishqi Republic, who had previously all handled their own internal affairs, created the '''Commonwealth Internal Security Committee (CISC)''' as an international policing and intelligence agency. The national rivalries within the CISC laid the foundation for significant inefficiencies and failures in its short history, leading to uncontainable conflicts in the newly established outer colonies. With the formation of the First Nralakk Federation in 878 CE, the Grand Councillor engaged in widespread purges of the CISC, and reformed the organisation into a force of separate Kala, loyal to the Grand Council.


Qerrbalak’s history is recorded through most of [[Skrell_Early_History|ancient skrell history]] as they formed early societies. In the 2890s BCE, the consolidation of multiple tribes and city-states formed three major nations: the '''Tzqul Republic''', the '''Heishyu Council''', and the '''Weishqi Republic'''. By the 2450s BCE, all three nations would enter a cold war and espionage period later referred to as the  '''War of the Tides'''. The War of the Tides lasted for two thousand years before ending in 984 BCE, a century after the colonies of [[Qerr%27Malic]] and [[Aliose]] were established. The nations then formed the '''Commonwealth of the Three''' in response to colonial unrest, and by 878 Qerrbalak was declared the capital of the '''Nralakk Federation'''.
The reign of [[Skrell_Synthetic_Age#Late_Synthetic_Age|Glorsh-Omega]] led to the gradual disbandment of the existing Kala in favour of automated security drones under the AI’s direct control, with skrell collaborators not placed in enforcement positions due to their inefficiencies in engaging with Glorsh’s esoteric risk assessment programmes. Following the Tri-Qyu Calamity in 2192 CE, and the formation of the Second Nralakk Federation in 2245 CE, the new federal government recruited the Lyukal cells deemed most disciplined and loyal to Federation ideals, forming a new security and intelligence organisation to aid in the reformation of the now fractured skrell space, and train new generations of Kala to make up this organisation. Among the first duties of these proto-Kala was to reestablish societal order in the [[Notable_Skrell_Systems_and_Locations#The_Core_System_:_Nralakk|Core Systems]], enforce the recent blanket ban on all forms of artificial intelligence, and rebuild the Federation’s immense surveillance network.
 
Qerrbalak’s mounting pollution from millenia of resource extraction eventually resulted in a climate disaster, with the final expansion of the multiple nations’ industries facilitating the colonization of [[Qerr%27Malic]] as the source. Facing ecological collapse, the Commonwealth moved its industries off-planet as a final measure to Qerrbalak’s remaining biosphere. These efforts are maintained to the modern day, with terraforming efforts to undo the damage underway for the foreseeable far future.
 
During the early synthetic age, Qerrbalak suffered one of the [[Skrell_Synthetic_Age#Three_Incidents|Three Incidents]] of the era with the '''Weilshi Sea Crisis'''. In 1893, Qerrbalak’s cold fusion plant was purposely sabotaged and destroyed by its oversight AI, Vana, resulting in the deaths of three on-site engineers and major electrical grid failures. The motive behind Vana’s destruction was never uncovered, and the resulting controversy afterwards caused division within the research community across the next two centuries, eventually leading to the creation of a successor AI, [[Skrell_Synthetic_Age#Origins_of_Glorsh-Omega|Glorsh]].
 
By 2056, Qerrbalak was placed under Glorsh-Omega’s control and designated as an ecological menagerie. Glorsh-Omega would continue to oversee the terraforming project, implementing stricter ecological safeguards for Qerrbalak to be made into paradise for the AI and its collaborators. Loyal, important collaborators were placed on Qerrbalak as a reward for their efforts, being far better off in comparison to most of the Nralakk Federation. All residents on the planet were subject to extreme surveillance to ensure their loyalty while near Glorsh-Omega’s central surveillance and communications hub, and immediately ejected under any suspicion of discontent.
 
After the [[Skrell_Synthetic_Age#Culmination_of_Glorsh-Omega|Tri-Qyu Incident]] and the disappearance of Glorsh-Omega, Qerrbalak’s infrastructure collapsed, and rendered isolated from the rest of the Federation. Aliose was declared the interim capital of the Nralakk Federation until 2216, with Qerrbalak reinstated as the capital once more. In the modern day, Qerrbalak remains the capital and central administrative hub of the Nralakk Federation, with most labor and industry outsourced and supported by trade. Ecological protections restrict the planet from becoming self-sufficient, instead reliant on the rest of the Federation to maintain its way of life.
 
==Environment==
[[File:Jargon_IV_Base.png|thumb|360px|An unlabelled map of Qerrbalak.]]
 
Qerrbalak is primarily humid and has the majority of its surface covered in freshwater and saltwater oceans. Most locales consist of bogs, tropics, and marshes, with [[Skrell|skrell]] having adapted to it. Qerrbalak’s mineral reserves have been exhausted after centuries of exploitation, the last reserves used to create the off-world colonies. While successful, the planet’s biosphere and climate suffered from exponential growth and its pre-space age industry, and was on the brink of ecological collapse before reforms were put in place. The ecological safeguards, known as the '''Jux’Qwi Monument''', is still enforced to this day after its formalization at the start of the terraforming and de-pollution efforts.
 
 
===Flora and Fauna===
Qerrbalak’s ecological specimens are most commonly found off-world and abroad, having been spread across the Nralakk Federation in an effort to create identical ecologies elsewhere. Most local life is made to integrate them, or replaced entirely. Most fauna taken abroad consists of aquatic life, and most flora are dietary staples, or hold cultural and religious significance.
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==== Notable Flora and Fauna ====
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* '''Vru'qos:''' Translating roughly to Leviathan in Basic, vru'qos are large, cetacean-esque mammals with appendages similar to headtails. They are the largest aquatic mammal on Qerrbalak, larger than Earth's blue whales, and have lifespans of six hundred years. Vru'qos are psionically sensitive, utilizing it to find mates and prey.
* '''Aqoliz:''' Aqoliz are amphibious creatures, similar to giant molluscs. They are typically found along the coasts of islands on Qerrbalak prior to their domestication, with its bulk being able to feed dozens of skrell. Their meat has an exquisite flavour tenderness when ingested by skrell, though other species avoid it due to its pungent smell.
* '''Noni-Qii:''' Translating to Sky-grazer in Basic, the noni-qii are avian fauna. Noni-qii are considered pests due to their willingness to damage crops and steal from skrell in urban areas, being described as “rats with wings” by skrell living in human space. After the near-extinction of the species in 1622 CE, the Nralakk Federation moved to restore the species due to their ecological niche, but was not intentionally released onto other planets, having become an invasive species through stowing themselves in transport ships. Federation authorities work closely with border customs to ensure that noni-qii do not escape the Federation’s borders.
* '''Dyn:''' Originally found along the freshwater river deltas of Qerrbalak, dyn have been domesticated by skrell for much of their history. Large farms are usually made in lakes, bogs and marshes that grow immense yields. Dyn’s fruit and leaves are used to create various drinks, or peeled and mashed in order to create jyalra. Dyn is typically the first seeds planted within colonies, and is a staple part of [[Skrell Cuisine|skrell cuisine]].
* '''Wulumunusha:''' A plant with mild psychotropic properties, wulumunusha naturally grows in alpine climates, typically closer to the poles. Wulumunusha’s effects produce a mild, comfortable high, but has a side effect of inducing periods of mutism from paralyzing the voicebox. It is used by both [[Skrell Faith|Qeblak]] and [[Skrell Faith| Weishii]] followers, and is said to unlock barriers to the Nlom and Srom. Outside of religious usage, wulumunusha is used as a recreational drug.
</div></div>
===Seasons===
 
The [[Nralakk Federation|Nralakk Standard Calendar]] is based on Qerrbalak’s year and season system. Qerrbalak has six months, separated into eight weeks per month, with the year lasting three hundred and thirty-six days.
 
Qerrbalak’s Qu-Paalq season has highs of up to 42° centigrade, with an average humidity of 92%. The Lu-Paalq season comparatively averages at 25° centigrade, with an average humidity of 50%. During Qerrbalak’s Lu-Paalq season, its signature tropical storms are observed, being welcomed as a form of reset for the new year.
==Economy==
 
Qerrbalak’s economic status revolves primarily around the agricultural output and service industry supporting the majority Primary Numerical populace, having greatly reduced its industrial sectors and offsetting it elsewhere. Most of the cities on Qerrbalak, save for Pa-Tup'Zlip and Eriuyushi, are supported with imports from the rest of the Federation due to being treated as an ecological reserve and privilege to live in.
 
A special economic zone housing [[Einstein Engines]]' Federation headquarters in Kal’lo is the most unique facet of the planet’s economy, with multiple research labs existing to facilitate collaborative work between Einstein Engines and the Federation. Einstein Engines employees and administrators both are situated within the SEZ, with the menial labor supported by Kal’lo’s local workforce. Their current major project is the Wayfarer Network, which is slated to improve the Nralakk Federation’s warpgate network and lessen its dependence on phoron.
 
==Government==
 
Qerrbalak is divided into five districts, or regions, for planetary governance and retains a planetary governor that participates within the Grand Council on Kal’lo. The current planetary governor of Qerrbalak is '''Qyal’uu Voqui''', who oversees the planet and collaborates with each region’s governors.
 
The regions are divided as follows:
 
*'''Eqloq Region''' - Located in the northwest quadrant of Qerrbalak, mostly known for a typically low-impact agrarian lifestyle, which has been culturally preserved for millenia. The Eqloq region has a lengthy history with the religion of Qeblak, and has some of the oldest monuments dedicated to the Qeblak constellations.
 
*'''Ocror Region'''- The southwest quadrant of Qerrbalak, Ocror is primarily known for being the contended point where all life on Qerrbalak originated within the [[Skrell_Early_History#The_Arqo-Wohai_Creation_Myth|Arqo-Wohai crater]]. Ocror also hosts the capital city of Kal’lo, and is often referred to as the point where skrell civilization began twice.
 
*'''Ash’Alq Region''' - Located along the planet's equator, the Ash’Alq region consists of the largest tropical island on Qerrbalak. Considered one of the most important natural and cultural landmarks within the Nralakk Federation, the island’s most notable point of interest is the [[Nralakk_Federation#The_Archive_Project|Tzqul Archive]] within the Ploat’nil Atoll, which contains the vast majority of all collective skrell knowledge. Ash’Alq has a strong tourist economy because of its status, and is granted large subsidies to maintain itself. The island is also home to the largest surviving coral reef on Qerrbalak, which is heavily regulated due to its ecological significance.
 
*'''Crieq’Bruq Region''' - The Crieq’Bruq region consists of the southeastern continent of Qerrbalak, which is ecologically varied and boasts diverse life. The continent formed late into the planet's formation, is more tectonically active. The infrastructure within the region is heavily influenced by this, with most buildings being built low to the ground, and few high-rises being built to account for the frequent and destructive earthquakes. Industry is scarce in the Crieq’Bruq region, mostly devoted towards agriculture or research.
 
*'''Ucra Region''' - Named after the Ucra Crater, the region consists of both an atoll located in the northern hemisphere, and one of the deepest underwater regions on Qerrbalak. The Ucra Region is isolated from the other regions of Qerrbalak, with most settlements having long generational ties to the area. Most of the region’s populace are considered insular, and consist entirely of Axiorii skrell. Attempts to migrate skrell from other regions are met with resistance, with the planetary government adopting a gradual approach method to integrating outsiders into the region. Ucra has a strong maritime tradition, with most of its economy relying on fishing exports.
==Culture and Demographics==
 
Qerrbalak’s position as the sole non-colony exempted it from the basis of the monoculture put on all of the Nralakk Federation’s colonies, made obvious by the clear divide between groups on the planet. Two primary examples are the more progressive and modern skrell society that has formed since the Nralakk Federation, and the more insular, traditionalist societies within the Ucra region or Eriuyushi. Qerrbalak’s divisions are ultimately still loyal to the Federation no matter their position, though most within the traditionalist settlements are mainly concerned with preservation of Qerrbalak’s native cultures, and practicing the traditional living methods that  have existed for millenia. The Nralakk Federation has officially adopted a policy of non-interference with these local cultures, providing assistance where possible, but otherwise allowing them to exist as separate, unique societies. Despite this official position, the Federation has slowly moved to gradually modernize these societies, with the state-owned enterprises establishing their industries and importing outside workers as a means to further integrate these communities.
 
As Qerrbalak is the homeworld and capital of skrell society, it is the most well-developed planet within the Nralakk Federation. Living on Qerrbalak is seen as a privilege, with strict requirements for those who are interested in immigrating: skrell are required to be Primary Numericals, while vaurcae and dionae are additionally required to be renowned scientists or cultural idols. Qerrbalak maintains a more sophisticated surveillance network on its populace and issues harsher punishments for criminal offenses, all for the purpose of maintaining its image of providing the best quality of life in Federation space
===Holidays===
 
*'''Nral'viq''' - While already celebrated across the Nralakk Federation, [[Skrell_Culture#Nral'viq|Nral’viq]], or '''Federation Week''', is uniquely celebrated on Qerrbalak. ‘Origin’, the annual pilgrimage performed as part of Nral’viq, is performed by skrell across the Federation, with most of the planet’s revenue from tourism coming from pilgrims visiting its beaches.
 
*'''Haqm’maaq''' -  Taking place in the last month of Qerrbalak’s Qu-Paalq season, the '''The Tadpole Trials''' consists of multiple competitions for its youth. The Nralakka Federation organises regional competitions for younger skrell to participate in, with the regional winners participating in a grand finale in the capital of Kal’lo. The winner of the finale is awarded a major bonus to their Social Compatibility Index rating, with their quya similarly rewarded. Haqm’maaq’s intent is to foster quyas to teach their children skills outside of what they’d typically learn through education, in the hopes of enriching them and allowing a more diverse base of skills. Subjects tested during the trials include philosophical debate, art and creative skills, culture, and physical skill.
 
===Demographics and Aliens===
[[file:QerrbalakDemographics.jpeg|thumb|350px|A pie chart showing the demographics of Skrell living on Qerrbalak.]]
 
Qerrbalak has an Axiori majority due to the number of underwater settlements, though the planet still has a notable Xiialt populace due to being the homeworld. Thanks to hundreds of generations of both Axiori and Xiialt skrell living together, Qerrbalak boasts the highest population of Xiiori skrell within the Nralakk Federation.
 
Because Qerrbalak holds no major significance within the Federation, outside of its role as the bureaucratic centre of the Federation and its cultural heritage, there are few other species on the planet. Humans are entirely relegated to the Einstein Engines SEZ in Kal’lo, while Diona functionaries and Primary Numericals make up the majority of the non-skrell population on Qerrbalak.
 
Skrell make up '''97%''' of the total population of Qerrbalak. The percentages below are of the '''skrell''' population only.
 
*40% Axiori
*37% Xiialt
*23% Xiiori
 
Non-skrell make up '''3%''' of the total population of Qerrbalak. The percentages below are of the '''non-skrell''' population only.
 
*97% Diona
*3% Human
 
==Major Cities and Landmarks==
[[File:Jargon Cities FINAL.png|thumb|360px|A map of Qerrbalak and its cities.]]
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===Kal'lo===
<div class="mw-collapsible-content">
'''Kal'lo''' is the capital of both the Nralakk Federation and of Qerrbalak. The city functions as the bureaucratic center of the Federation as a whole, with most high-level political decisions and diplomacy facilitated there. While the [[Nralakk_Federation#Grand_Council|Grand Council]] utilises subspace communications for the majority of their meetings, they are expected to return to Kal’lo for the annual Council meeting.
 
Kal’lo’s buildings are primarily governmental offices and state-owned enterprise coordination centers, with very little space provided for residential districts on the outskirts of the city. The most notable landmark within the city is '''Kal'lo Square''', where a memorial is dedicated to the first Grand Councillor, [[Notable_Skrell#Tiipis_Yla|'''Tiipis Yla''']]. Tiipis Yla is best known for their proposed blanket ban on artificial intelligence, a proposal that won them the election.
 
Kal’lo has the largest concentration of Xiialt skrell on the planet, with over 80% of skrell within the city being Xiialt. The majority of Axiori and Xiiori skrell that live within Kal’lo can be found in the outskirts of the city, closer to the nearby bodies of water.
</div></div>
<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
===Qwklip===
<div class="mw-collapsible-content">
 
'''Qwklip''' is located on the coast of Qerrbalak’s main southern island. Qwklip is dedicated to research, and boasts cutting edge research facilities and [[Skrell_Faith#Qeblak|observatory domes]]. Most skrell living within the city are recognised scientists and researchers, with the most [[Skrell_Culture#Primary_Numericals|Primary Numericals]] living within it out of every city on the planet. Because of the Index disparity and its specialization, Qwklip relies heavily on imported goods from other regions.
Qwklip’s reputation resulted in many intellectuals within the Nralakk Federation hoping to retire their careers within the city to focus on personal projects. Most of Qwklip’s residents rarely leave the city, with most relocations due to failing to meet the minimum Index rating to stay.


With the integration of [[Diona_in_the_Federation|dionae]], Qwklip has seen a fair number of high-rating gestalts move to Qwklip after establishing themselves as recognised scientists. Though only totaling in the dozens, the dionae living here are considered some of the brightest of the species.
The rapid recovery of the Federation meant that the existing, decentralised Kala structure became bloated and inefficient with the ever-expanding Federation frontier. Grand Councillor [[Notable_Skrell#Rixa_Tep-Wul|Rixa Teq-Wul]] reorganised the Kala under two new agencies, the '''Directories of Internal and External Security (DIES)''', which would operate independently of one another and report directly to the Grand Councillor. Ultimately, this led to the two agencies competing with one another for prominence and funding, sabotaging the other’s reputation through a number of covert actions throughout the early 2400s, with some prominent anti-Federation individuals claiming that [[Federation_Crime_and_Resistance#Marauders|Marauder]] groups were funded to fuel this rivalry. Additionally, the '''Wukala''' were created from the ranks of the most loyal Kala as political operatives protecting Federation ideals. The election of Grand Councillor [[Notable_Skrell#Weashbi_Jrugl|Weashbi Jrugl]] in 2453 came with the formation of an oversight organisation to unify the security services, the '''Nralakk Federation Security Commission (NFSC)''', which was staffed with the Grand Councillor’s allies, though the Wukala would remain independent of the Commission and retain their autonomy due to the influence of the High Prefect.
</div></div>
<div class="toccolours mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">
===Oibuish===
<div class="mw-collapsible-content">


The city of '''Oibuish''' is infamously the location of the [[Skrell_Synthetic_Age#Weilshi_Sea_Crisis|Weilshi Sea Crisis]], which resulted in the detonation of its cold fusion plant from its artificial intelligence going rogue. The city is often used as an example of what the unregulated AI in human space are capable of, with Oibuish still extensively damaged by the Weilshi Cold Fusion Plant’s detonation sinking parts of the city. The mineral-rich soil produced after the crisis contributed to the revival of Oibuish, with its economy recovering through harvesting the mineral load.
In recent history, the prominence of the Kala has only grown as domestic and foreign troubles led to their expanding powers and political relevance. Within the Traverse region, the problematic handling of the Kala created many critics of Grand Councillor Jrugl’s security policies amongst the rank-and-file Kala, though officials in the Directories are hesitant to report this dissidence for fear of being punished themselves. Both the phoron scarcity, and the recent foreign policy changes by the Grand Council, have also created some dissent within the Kala, who disapprove immensely of overreliance on the megacorporations. However, High Prefect Eluteluk has remained publicly supportive of their Grand Councillor, dissuading any serious protest within the Federation’s security apparatus.


The AI’s actions during the Weilshi Sea Crisis left the inhabitants of Oibuish deeply opposed to synthetics, notably taking a stance considered hardline when compared to the average Federation citizen. This is visible in the lack of automation in its industries, uniquely separated from the rest of Qerrbalak, with skrell from Oibuish being seen as more physically fit compared to elsewhere as a result.
==Nralakk Federation Security Commission==
</div></div>
The Nralakk Federation Security Commission serves as the umbrella organisation containing the myriad of different security and intelligence agencies. The Commission, and by extension the entirety of the Nralakk Federation’s vast security apparatus, is chaired by the Grand Councillor, although they will appoint a Commissioner to oversee the daily operations of the organisation in their place. To be the Commissioner of the NFSC is one of the highest honours a skrell can achieve, acting as the trusted hand of their Grand Councillor. Commissioners almost always veterans across a broad range of security and intelligence fields and afforded Idol status, they are also given a position on the Grand Council as the Grand Advisor of Security and Intelligence.  
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===Pa-Tup'Zlip===
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The village of '''Pa-Tup'Zlip''' resides in the northern ice caps of Qerrbalak, established early in Skrell history. Little has since changed even in the modern times, being the slowest to adopt outside methods and technology. Living on the polar icecap is difficult to the skrell residing within Pa-Tup’Zlip, with Lu-Paalq season’s temperatures dropping to nearly -30° centigrade. Residing mainly in structures made of compact ice and snow, the residents of the village are viewed as staunchly traditionalist and resistant to change. No real industry exists within it, and most live in a traditionally tribal society that seeks sustenance from fishing in the icy waters of the arctic region.  


Skrell from the region typically weigh more and have more prominent fat stores, with larger headtails adapted to covering their heads for warmth. These are considered unique adaptations, which allows them to survive the freezing cold of the arctic region. Recent years have seen the Pa-Tup'Zlip peoples accepting aid from Kal'lo as the resources within their ancestral hunting grounds dwindle, attributed to the ecological damage Qerrbalak and climate change before safeguards were put in place. While welcomed as a sign of the settlement accepting the Nralakk Federation, some view this as an unfortunate reality of their situation rather than a cause for celebration.
The Commission is composed of the Grand Councillor, the Commissioner, the Directors of Internal and External Security, select Grand Council Enforcers, and other intelligence and security experts from various sectors. The current Commissioner is '''Tariqale'miluz Odakizu''', a well-known academic and lecturer in Federation security and law, with an extensive background experience as the Executive Director of External Security during first contact with humanity.


The settlement is also the only major landmark near the headquarters of the [[Skrell_Politics#Federation_Enforcement|Kala]] branches. Established somewhat close to Pa-Tup’Zlip, the Kala headquarters is home to the most senior officials from multiple Kala branches, as well as a training ground for arctic survival.
===Council Enforcers===
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[[File:Srom.PNG|thumb|right|200px|The emblem of the Council Enforcers.]]
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Independent of the Nralakk Federation’s security community, the '''Wuqrnjeqkala''', shortened to '''Wukala''' (and translating to Council Enforcers), are planetary council-appointed Kala who enforce disciplinary action at the discretion of the councillors they are assigned to. While being a Wukala member is a prestigious position which grants Index rating bonuses, Idol status is never awarded out of an interest in keeping the operatives relatively anonymous. Wukala operatives focus on domestic crime and suppression of anti-Federation actions, and are granted access to the Federation's internal surveillance systems to oversee their assigned region. The Qekala work closely with Wukala intelligence to enforce the law, with direct responses from the Wukala only appearing in the event that immediate detainment or capture is necessary, particularly when their persons-of-interest attempt to flee the planet, or evade sentencing and/or reeducation. Unlike those of the inner systems, the Wukala of the Traverse’s planetary councils are appointed by the Qu’Wukala instead of their respective planetary councillor, and are given a wider licence than their inner system counterparts to ensure the loyalty of their ward. This allows the Traverser Wukala full control of the security apparatus in their planetary council, which is most often exercised in the form of combatting infiltration by anti-Federation elements, and ensuring corruption is kept to a minimum. Due to their important role, and the danger a subversive Wukala could possess, Traverser Wukala are always loyalty implanted.
===Qerr'wesi===
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'''Qerr’wesi''' is one of the oldest cities of Qerrbalak, with archaeological evidence suggesting that it is one of the earliest cities formed by '''Ranaera Skrellis'''. The city itself is located in the middle of the Tuz’qlip Ocean, close to the ocean’s floor.
====Grand Council Enforcers====
The '''Qu'Wuqrnjeqkala''', shortened to '''Qu’Wukala''' (and translating to Grand Council Enforcers), are the personal agents of the Grand Councilor and the Grand Council's highest members. Qu'Wukala operatives are tasked with providing the security details for their assigned wards, council members, protection of the Nralakk Federation's secure assets, and the completion of any requested tasks from the Grand Council itself. Unlike their sibling Kala, operatives of the Qu'Wukala are allowed their Idol statuses, and are touted alongside their wards as being among the highest echelons of the Federation. Rumors of the Qu'Wukala being utilised as assassins, rather than their official role as intelligence agents and bodyguards, are dismissed as overtly ridiculous conspiracy theories. The leader of both the Qu’Wukala, and to an extent, all planetary Wukala, is High Prefect Eluteluk Dozopil-Raqirztzlip, who has held their position long before Grand Councillor Weashbi Jrugl’s ascension. Thanks to the great power held by the Qu’Wukala, the High Prefect is rumoured by many in [[Starlight_Zone|Biesel’s]] resistance circles to be the puppetmaster of the young and relatively inexperienced Jrugl to control the entire nation, and uses their enforcers to ensure their position is secured.


The area surrounding Qerr’wesi consists of trenches and ravines, with dig sites and archaeological sites being common. Qerr’wesi itself resides in a large underwater cave network, where the original hunter-gatherer society once lived. Adorning the walls of this cave network are extensive engravings detailing proto-skrell society and their lives, though legible markings are rare. Great care is taken to preserve any remnants of the cave settlements and wall carvings, with the famous '''Cave of Ranaera''' being the most well-preserved publicly accessible cave to date.
===Directory of Internal Security===
The Nralakk Federation’s vast networks of surveillance networks and enforcers are controlled by the '''Directory of Internal Security (NFDIS)''', which is one of the largest organs of the government. Due to the substantial size of the Federation’s domestic security operations, the NFDIS is divided into planetary administrative divisions called Districts, which have a vast amount of autonomy from the NFDIS itself, instead receiving their directives from their respective planetary council. The inherent fluidity of the NFDIS means that all Kalas are essentially of equal importance with no staggering, beyond that the Districts themselves are ultimately led by their District Director. Below that, the number of divisions and their sizes is dependent on the given planet’s proximity to the Nralakk system, but the universal base unit is a Station, which contains the necessary facilities to oversee the entire security of a rural region or city. Within individual Stations, structure is fluid without a consistent hierarchy, where a Kala may be elevated to lead for a period of time, or until a task is completed, if it is considered necessary by the unit. The DIS is currently led by Executive Director '''Gelqai'nelusa Iqo'ujin''', the former District Director of Qerrbalak, and a veteran in the internal security apparatus known for their integrity and numerous successful anti-corruption campaigns within the Kala.


Much of the city’s modern architecture is built on top of the original Qerr’wesi, with buildings and transportation lines carved into the sea trenches. The higher parts of the city are reserved due to being seen as a luxury, with residential areas built on top of the city’s trenches being reserved for [[Skrell_Culture#Social_Credit_System|Primary Numericals]]. The Index rating requirement decreases with lower regions of Qerr’wesi, with the ocean floor area considered a slum inhabited by Tertiary Numericals, or lower-end Secondary Numericals. Due to being entirely underwater, the majority skrell in the lower sections of Qerr’wesi are Axiori skrell, who are better suited to work in the depths.
====Domestic Surveillance====
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[[File:Ruup.PNG|thumb|right|200px|The emblem of the Wake and Dream Enforcers.]]
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The Nlomkala are the eyes and ears of the Federation are found at every level of society, to the point of being (erroneously) remarked by non-Federation citizens that every electronic appliance is outfitted with hidden cameras feeding directly to the Nlomkala. In reality, the pervasive surveillance in the Federation is an open, accepted part of life to feed information to the Social Compatibility Index, and ensure the Federation’s economy continues to operate. This vast network is overseen by '''Nlomkala''', or Wake Enforcers. The sheer scale of the Nlomkala’s operations makes them one of the largest employment sectors in the nation, with C’thur vaurca and dionae employed in high level positions alongside skrell. The '''Sromkala''', or Dream Enforcers, are a specialized division of the Nlomkala with [[Skrell#Psionics|high psionic aptitude]], with agents placed close to Nlom Relays in order to amplify their capabilities to monitor the Wake. A common belief is that every Nlom Relay in the Federation contains at least one Sromkala agent within a cryogenic pod to suspend their body, while still allowing their consciousness to continue working within Srom.  
===Eriuyushi===
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'''Eriuyushi''' is referred to as the glowing gem of Qerrbalak, located in a lush, bioluminescent kelp forest that spans the seafloor to the surface. The plant growth is thick enough in most regions that causes it to be visible from orbit. First settled when the '''Ranaera Skrellis''' of Qerr’wesi migrated eastwards, Eriuyushi became a permanent settlement due to its natural beauty and abundance of wildlife. The main economy of Eriuyushi is agricultural, with most who live in the city either managing or working in one of Eriuyushi’s '''Aqoliz''' ranches and the many kelp farms in the region.
====Law Enforcement====
[[File:Nlom.PNG|thumb|right|200px|The emblem of the Wake and Dream Enforcers.]]
The '''Qekala''', or Home Enforcers, are the fist of the Federation’s security apparatus in skrell space. Only a fourth of the NFDIS is made up of Qekala operatives, who are responsible for general policework. The Qekala’s regular operations include regular patrols, providing security presence, warrant execution, emergency response, and have a significant portion of its staff dedicated towards intelligence and surveillance. Aspiring Qekala members are placed under rigorous scrutiny, testing athletic ability, legal knowledge, and general capability to respond with correct force and procedure. Qekala members are expected to operate amphibiously across multiple environments across the myriad environments in the Nralakk Federation. Non-skrell members, like the C’thur warriors of Vytel’s Brood, are employed in limited numbers for vaurca-majority regions. These Warriors are implanted with a loyalty implant, which equalises the Federation's orders to the same priority as a Queen's, with conflict of interests forcing a warrior to hibernate until resolved.  


Eriuyushi has been mostly populated by Axiori for most of its existence, with only the expansion of state-owned enterprises, bringing in Xiialt employees to manage the resorts and other specialized industries. Many of the original Axiori natives feel displaced by the expansion, with ranches and farms reclaimed for modern industrial agriculture and husbandry methods. Despite this, the city has succeeded in its expansion, and is one of the best-performing cities on Qerrbalak as a result of the development and adoption of industrial farms and luxury resorts. The original Axiori population has slowly dwindled in light of this, with an even split between Axiori, Xiialt, and Xiiori skrell.
In the Traverse region, Qekala are exclusively recruited from the planets they are stationed on, creating concerns for conflicts of interest between the Federation and their homes. Consequently, the Traverser Qekala receive much lower funding and equipment than their inner system counterparts, alongside higher scrutiny in their operations, with the NFDIS requiring intense loyalty and background checks on potential recruits. Alongside this, the day-to-day operations of the Qekala are not controlled by their planetary council, but rather the Wukala of said council, in order to ensure loyalty to the Federation is prioritised above all else.
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===Xy'laxi===
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A more recent city on Qerrbalak, '''Xy'laxi''' is an underwater industrial powerhouse and mineral extraction site. Xy’laxi is a sister city to Oibuish in terms of specialization, with both dedicated to mining and material refinement. Xy’laxi is an insular city, though less so than Pa-Tup’Zlip or Ucra region settlements, with those moving to the city met with suspicion and avoidance. As a result, the city maintains a majority Axiori population, helped by a disinterest in new residents due to heavy industrial pollution. Neighbouring cities, such as Eriuyushi, have called for investigations into Xy’laxi’s waste and pollution management, with many rebuking the city for its apathy towards Qerrbalak's environmental policy.
===Directory of External Security===
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While the Nralakk Federation maintains ample protection of internal security against domestic agitators, they recognise that foreign actors are now a much greater threat in the modern day, with foreign influence even affecting the Traverser rebels during the [[The_Phoron_Scarcity:_Skrell_Arc|Q’elpi]] [[Change_on_the_Horizon_Arc|Systems]] crisis. The '''Directory of External Security (NFDES)''' is the first line of defence against this ever present concern, handling all matters which could affect the Federation from outside its borders. The NFDES is divided into three Sections, which are the Intelligence Section, Covert Actions Section, and Defence Section. Below that, the NFDES operates the same non-hierarchical structure used by their internal security counterparts, although the Defence Section is an exception. The NFDES is currently led by Executive Director '''Ripalji Guyuo''', a former operative of the Covert Actions Section, and close associate of Weashbi Jrugl, ascending to replace their predecessor immediately after Jrugl’s appointment.
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===Major Landmarks===
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The '''Tzqul Archive''' is a facility that functions as a repository of [[Skrell History|skrell history]] and knowledge, and was encrypted by [[Skrell History|Glorsh-Omega]] that persists to this day. In 2461, an attempt to break the encryption through [[Warbling : The Musical|illegal methods]], resulting in the archive to exhibit strange behavior. The unlocking of the Tzqul Archive is the basis of the [[Nralakk_Federation#The_Archive_Project|The Archive Project]]’s goals, with an effort to decentralize the collective knowledge of skrell history and to recover what knowledge is hidden within the Tzqul Archive.


'''Mount Haq'Xaq''', a dormant volcano located southwest of Gialok. Mount Haq'Xaq last erupted in '''601 CE''', and is projected to erupt again by '''2470'''. Tourists visit Mount Haq’Xaq every year in the hopes of witnessing an early eruption. Mount Haq’Xaq is also one of the tallest mountains on Qerrbalak, roughly as tall as Mount Everest on Earth.
====Foreign Operations====
[[File:Tup.PNG|thumb|right|200px|The emblem of the Covert Enforcers.]]
The prestigious Intelligence and Covert Actions Sections serve as the Federation’s first line of defence against foreign threats, maintaining offices for every nation in the Spur. These two Sections conduct their activities under the umbrella category of Foreign Operations, and work in tandem to perform the widest berth of duties of any security organisation. These duties include intelligence gathering, counter-intelligence, and monitoring skrell outside of the Federation (both citizen and not), all handled by the '''Ruupkala''', or Intelligence Enforcers. Charged with maintaining networks of undercover operatives in foreign national organisations, and assassinations—though no assassination attempt has ever been confirmed to have been approved by the Nralakk Federation—are the '''Tupkala''', or Covert Enforcers. This position at the forefront of skrell security has made the Foreign Operations component of the NFDES a highly desirable position for well-performing citizens, and is a valuable pathway towards a successful political career. The Ruupkala are rumored to monitor the fabled “Drylist,” which supposedly holds the names of all skrell living abroad who have performed deductive behaviors against the Nralakk Federation, displayed worrying ideals, joined an opposing faction, or renounced their citizenship. Some theorize that this list even covers non-skrell who may pose a threat to the Federation. The Drylist, however, remains an openly debunked conspiracy theory by the Nralakk Federation, and no official list has ever been discovered or produced.


'''The Ruins''' is a collective name given to the ruins of four cities found across the southern hemisphere of Qerrbalak: '''Jrugl’Qlip''', '''Xyla''', '''Juerlduern''', and '''Wleshi'''.
====Defence====
[[File:Qukala.PNG|thumb|right|200px|The emblem of the Star Enforcers.]]
The Defence Section is regarded by most within the skrell security community as an unfortunate necessity to combat piracy in the less civilised Traverse, other border regions, and frontiers. The '''Qukala''', or Star Enforcers, make up the Defence Section and are organised unlike their sibling Kala, where their various ship departments maintain senior Lead Enforcers who form a council structure to command their given vessel without a designated captain. Unlike other navies who operate a permanent fleet structure, each Qukala vessel is subordinate to the Defence Section itself, which may organise patrol groups and temporary task forces as needed. The Qukala have a very poor standing in the Traverse, where they are most widespread and responsible for enforcing an extensive anti-piracy mandate—being viewed by many Traversers as unnecessary military policing. This reputation has not left the Defence Section unscathed, and is reflected in its relatively small size, equipment, and funding compared to other branches of Federal security, and a miniscule force when compared to their Solarian neighbours. The lack of interest in the Defence Section has since been capitalised on by the C’thur Hive, particularly Queen Vytel, as vaurca warriors are perfectly suited to EVA operations, as well as acting as an intimidating force against pirates. These C’thuric Warriors have a Federation-designed loyalty implant much like their Qekala siblings. Although the injection of C’thur warriors has been an undeniable success, the effort was not enough to prevent the Federation’s [[The_Phoron_Scarcity:_Skrell_Arc|recent]] [[Change_on_the_Horizon_Arc|embarrassments]] in the Traverse region. Aside from their regular duties, the Qukala are responsible for providing the security for Federation embassies, consulates, and diplomats serving abroad.


The city of '''Juerlduern''' is the oldest of the four cities, estimated to be one of the oldest established outside of the '''Ocror Region''' predating the Commonwealth of the Three’s constituent nations. Archaeological sites span across its ruins, and are dedicated to understanding the city’s past and apparent abandonment, though no concrete theories have been pushed forward.
Following the reforms agreed upon by the now-defunct Independent Traverser Movement and the Federation, the NFSC was tasked with training a local defence force comprised of loyal volunteers in the Traverse with the aim of providing some relief to overextended Qukala forces in anti-piracy operations. To accomplish the creation of this auxiliary force, Qukala stationed in the Traverse began recruiting, organising, and training forces of loyal Traversers which would be called the Qehalak, or Homeguard. An individual Qehalak is typically a part-time reservist for the Federation’s frontier, who is expected to pick up arms and assist any Kala when called upon, however in Traverse Councils with a small Kala presence, Qehalak can be organised into full-time border security, under the guidance of a senior Qukala attaché.


The cities of '''Jrugl’Qlip''' and '''Xyla''' are modern additions, having been destroyed during the Glorsh-Omega period. Both Jrugl’Qlip and Xyla were considered designated holding areas for potential settlers to Qerrbalak, with Glorsh-Omega’s collaborators invited to stay at one of both cities for a probationary period before being given permanent residence on the planet. For no known reason towards the end of Glorsh-Omega’s rule, Glorsh-Omega ordered the cities destroyed. The remains of both cities are now preserved as heritage sites, and serves as a reminder that even collaborators were not safe under the AI.
====Naval Structure====
The Nralakk Federation’s military ships are designed primarily around extremely long-ranged engagement, with any deployed strikecraft consisting of psionically-piloted remote drones and the vanishingly-rare boarding craft. Built for responding against piracy and irregular anti-government actions, the average fleet strength of the Federation is miniscule in comparison to the immense fleets of the Solarian Alliance and similar human nations, with most non-Federation members having only seen the Qukala’s navy on border patrol sorties and the single deployment of the [[The_Beauchamp_Arc|short-sightedly designed NFV Qheles]]. While this lens is unflattering for the Federation’s perception of military strength, the sheer size of the nation’s claims still necessitates a sizable fleet to secure them, which remains no small feat when contending with domestic and foreign piracy.


The '''Wleshi Ruins''' consist of enigmatic structures that are presumed to be cities or large settlements, with few surviving buildings or records found. Most notable of the Wleshi ruins is a subterranean lake underneath the potential center of the Wleshi settlement, which is assumed to be a Weishii sanctuary.
The Traverse’s Qehalak fleets, in comparison to the Qukala’s own, are considerably smaller. Consisting of retrofitted Qukala naval vessels and militarized civilian craft, the Qehalak’s fleet strength is more consistently tested by the more organized Marauder vessels that plague the skrell frontier. This independence from the Inner Systems’ more organized security structure has bred new tactics out of sheer necessity, with more eccentric and underhanded tactics being adopted to compensate.
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[[Category:Skrell]]
[[Category:Planets and Systems]]

Latest revision as of 21:38, 17 October 2025

Nralakk Federation Enforcement

The Nralakk Federation’s Enforcers, or Kala, are responsible for upholding the security and law of skrell space. Functioning under a centralised structure, the Kala are governed by a supervisory body known as the Nralakk Federation Security Commission (NFSC). The NFSC’s doctrines revolve around mobility, flexibility and precision. Presently, the Kala maintains two core objectives: firstly, ensuring the safety, security and cooperation of all systems under the Federation’s flag, and protecting their borders; secondly, protecting the national security of the Federation from foreign nations and groups, as well as proactively gathering intelligence on both their allies and their adversaries.

History

The origins of the centralised skrell security community begins at the conclusion of the War of Tides, and subsequent formation of the Commonwealth of Three in 901 CE. The Tzqul Republic, Heshqu Council and Weishqi Republic, who had previously all handled their own internal affairs, created the Commonwealth Internal Security Committee (CISC) as an international policing and intelligence agency. The national rivalries within the CISC laid the foundation for significant inefficiencies and failures in its short history, leading to uncontainable conflicts in the newly established outer colonies. With the formation of the First Nralakk Federation in 878 CE, the Grand Councillor engaged in widespread purges of the CISC, and reformed the organisation into a force of separate Kala, loyal to the Grand Council.

The reign of Glorsh-Omega led to the gradual disbandment of the existing Kala in favour of automated security drones under the AI’s direct control, with skrell collaborators not placed in enforcement positions due to their inefficiencies in engaging with Glorsh’s esoteric risk assessment programmes. Following the Tri-Qyu Calamity in 2192 CE, and the formation of the Second Nralakk Federation in 2245 CE, the new federal government recruited the Lyukal cells deemed most disciplined and loyal to Federation ideals, forming a new security and intelligence organisation to aid in the reformation of the now fractured skrell space, and train new generations of Kala to make up this organisation. Among the first duties of these proto-Kala was to reestablish societal order in the Core Systems, enforce the recent blanket ban on all forms of artificial intelligence, and rebuild the Federation’s immense surveillance network.

The rapid recovery of the Federation meant that the existing, decentralised Kala structure became bloated and inefficient with the ever-expanding Federation frontier. Grand Councillor Rixa Teq-Wul reorganised the Kala under two new agencies, the Directories of Internal and External Security (DIES), which would operate independently of one another and report directly to the Grand Councillor. Ultimately, this led to the two agencies competing with one another for prominence and funding, sabotaging the other’s reputation through a number of covert actions throughout the early 2400s, with some prominent anti-Federation individuals claiming that Marauder groups were funded to fuel this rivalry. Additionally, the Wukala were created from the ranks of the most loyal Kala as political operatives protecting Federation ideals. The election of Grand Councillor Weashbi Jrugl in 2453 came with the formation of an oversight organisation to unify the security services, the Nralakk Federation Security Commission (NFSC), which was staffed with the Grand Councillor’s allies, though the Wukala would remain independent of the Commission and retain their autonomy due to the influence of the High Prefect.

In recent history, the prominence of the Kala has only grown as domestic and foreign troubles led to their expanding powers and political relevance. Within the Traverse region, the problematic handling of the Kala created many critics of Grand Councillor Jrugl’s security policies amongst the rank-and-file Kala, though officials in the Directories are hesitant to report this dissidence for fear of being punished themselves. Both the phoron scarcity, and the recent foreign policy changes by the Grand Council, have also created some dissent within the Kala, who disapprove immensely of overreliance on the megacorporations. However, High Prefect Eluteluk has remained publicly supportive of their Grand Councillor, dissuading any serious protest within the Federation’s security apparatus.

Nralakk Federation Security Commission

The Nralakk Federation Security Commission serves as the umbrella organisation containing the myriad of different security and intelligence agencies. The Commission, and by extension the entirety of the Nralakk Federation’s vast security apparatus, is chaired by the Grand Councillor, although they will appoint a Commissioner to oversee the daily operations of the organisation in their place. To be the Commissioner of the NFSC is one of the highest honours a skrell can achieve, acting as the trusted hand of their Grand Councillor. Commissioners almost always veterans across a broad range of security and intelligence fields and afforded Idol status, they are also given a position on the Grand Council as the Grand Advisor of Security and Intelligence.

The Commission is composed of the Grand Councillor, the Commissioner, the Directors of Internal and External Security, select Grand Council Enforcers, and other intelligence and security experts from various sectors. The current Commissioner is Tariqale'miluz Odakizu, a well-known academic and lecturer in Federation security and law, with an extensive background experience as the Executive Director of External Security during first contact with humanity.

Council Enforcers

The emblem of the Council Enforcers.

Independent of the Nralakk Federation’s security community, the Wuqrnjeqkala, shortened to Wukala (and translating to Council Enforcers), are planetary council-appointed Kala who enforce disciplinary action at the discretion of the councillors they are assigned to. While being a Wukala member is a prestigious position which grants Index rating bonuses, Idol status is never awarded out of an interest in keeping the operatives relatively anonymous. Wukala operatives focus on domestic crime and suppression of anti-Federation actions, and are granted access to the Federation's internal surveillance systems to oversee their assigned region. The Qekala work closely with Wukala intelligence to enforce the law, with direct responses from the Wukala only appearing in the event that immediate detainment or capture is necessary, particularly when their persons-of-interest attempt to flee the planet, or evade sentencing and/or reeducation. Unlike those of the inner systems, the Wukala of the Traverse’s planetary councils are appointed by the Qu’Wukala instead of their respective planetary councillor, and are given a wider licence than their inner system counterparts to ensure the loyalty of their ward. This allows the Traverser Wukala full control of the security apparatus in their planetary council, which is most often exercised in the form of combatting infiltration by anti-Federation elements, and ensuring corruption is kept to a minimum. Due to their important role, and the danger a subversive Wukala could possess, Traverser Wukala are always loyalty implanted.

Grand Council Enforcers

The Qu'Wuqrnjeqkala, shortened to Qu’Wukala (and translating to Grand Council Enforcers), are the personal agents of the Grand Councilor and the Grand Council's highest members. Qu'Wukala operatives are tasked with providing the security details for their assigned wards, council members, protection of the Nralakk Federation's secure assets, and the completion of any requested tasks from the Grand Council itself. Unlike their sibling Kala, operatives of the Qu'Wukala are allowed their Idol statuses, and are touted alongside their wards as being among the highest echelons of the Federation. Rumors of the Qu'Wukala being utilised as assassins, rather than their official role as intelligence agents and bodyguards, are dismissed as overtly ridiculous conspiracy theories. The leader of both the Qu’Wukala, and to an extent, all planetary Wukala, is High Prefect Eluteluk Dozopil-Raqirztzlip, who has held their position long before Grand Councillor Weashbi Jrugl’s ascension. Thanks to the great power held by the Qu’Wukala, the High Prefect is rumoured by many in Biesel’s resistance circles to be the puppetmaster of the young and relatively inexperienced Jrugl to control the entire nation, and uses their enforcers to ensure their position is secured.

Directory of Internal Security

The Nralakk Federation’s vast networks of surveillance networks and enforcers are controlled by the Directory of Internal Security (NFDIS), which is one of the largest organs of the government. Due to the substantial size of the Federation’s domestic security operations, the NFDIS is divided into planetary administrative divisions called Districts, which have a vast amount of autonomy from the NFDIS itself, instead receiving their directives from their respective planetary council. The inherent fluidity of the NFDIS means that all Kalas are essentially of equal importance with no staggering, beyond that the Districts themselves are ultimately led by their District Director. Below that, the number of divisions and their sizes is dependent on the given planet’s proximity to the Nralakk system, but the universal base unit is a Station, which contains the necessary facilities to oversee the entire security of a rural region or city. Within individual Stations, structure is fluid without a consistent hierarchy, where a Kala may be elevated to lead for a period of time, or until a task is completed, if it is considered necessary by the unit. The DIS is currently led by Executive Director Gelqai'nelusa Iqo'ujin, the former District Director of Qerrbalak, and a veteran in the internal security apparatus known for their integrity and numerous successful anti-corruption campaigns within the Kala.

Domestic Surveillance

The emblem of the Wake and Dream Enforcers.

The Nlomkala are the eyes and ears of the Federation are found at every level of society, to the point of being (erroneously) remarked by non-Federation citizens that every electronic appliance is outfitted with hidden cameras feeding directly to the Nlomkala. In reality, the pervasive surveillance in the Federation is an open, accepted part of life to feed information to the Social Compatibility Index, and ensure the Federation’s economy continues to operate. This vast network is overseen by Nlomkala, or Wake Enforcers. The sheer scale of the Nlomkala’s operations makes them one of the largest employment sectors in the nation, with C’thur vaurca and dionae employed in high level positions alongside skrell. The Sromkala, or Dream Enforcers, are a specialized division of the Nlomkala with high psionic aptitude, with agents placed close to Nlom Relays in order to amplify their capabilities to monitor the Wake. A common belief is that every Nlom Relay in the Federation contains at least one Sromkala agent within a cryogenic pod to suspend their body, while still allowing their consciousness to continue working within Srom.

Law Enforcement

The emblem of the Wake and Dream Enforcers.

The Qekala, or Home Enforcers, are the fist of the Federation’s security apparatus in skrell space. Only a fourth of the NFDIS is made up of Qekala operatives, who are responsible for general policework. The Qekala’s regular operations include regular patrols, providing security presence, warrant execution, emergency response, and have a significant portion of its staff dedicated towards intelligence and surveillance. Aspiring Qekala members are placed under rigorous scrutiny, testing athletic ability, legal knowledge, and general capability to respond with correct force and procedure. Qekala members are expected to operate amphibiously across multiple environments across the myriad environments in the Nralakk Federation. Non-skrell members, like the C’thur warriors of Vytel’s Brood, are employed in limited numbers for vaurca-majority regions. These Warriors are implanted with a loyalty implant, which equalises the Federation's orders to the same priority as a Queen's, with conflict of interests forcing a warrior to hibernate until resolved.

In the Traverse region, Qekala are exclusively recruited from the planets they are stationed on, creating concerns for conflicts of interest between the Federation and their homes. Consequently, the Traverser Qekala receive much lower funding and equipment than their inner system counterparts, alongside higher scrutiny in their operations, with the NFDIS requiring intense loyalty and background checks on potential recruits. Alongside this, the day-to-day operations of the Qekala are not controlled by their planetary council, but rather the Wukala of said council, in order to ensure loyalty to the Federation is prioritised above all else.

Directory of External Security

While the Nralakk Federation maintains ample protection of internal security against domestic agitators, they recognise that foreign actors are now a much greater threat in the modern day, with foreign influence even affecting the Traverser rebels during the Q’elpi Systems crisis. The Directory of External Security (NFDES) is the first line of defence against this ever present concern, handling all matters which could affect the Federation from outside its borders. The NFDES is divided into three Sections, which are the Intelligence Section, Covert Actions Section, and Defence Section. Below that, the NFDES operates the same non-hierarchical structure used by their internal security counterparts, although the Defence Section is an exception. The NFDES is currently led by Executive Director Ripalji Guyuo, a former operative of the Covert Actions Section, and close associate of Weashbi Jrugl, ascending to replace their predecessor immediately after Jrugl’s appointment.

Foreign Operations

The emblem of the Covert Enforcers.

The prestigious Intelligence and Covert Actions Sections serve as the Federation’s first line of defence against foreign threats, maintaining offices for every nation in the Spur. These two Sections conduct their activities under the umbrella category of Foreign Operations, and work in tandem to perform the widest berth of duties of any security organisation. These duties include intelligence gathering, counter-intelligence, and monitoring skrell outside of the Federation (both citizen and not), all handled by the Ruupkala, or Intelligence Enforcers. Charged with maintaining networks of undercover operatives in foreign national organisations, and assassinations—though no assassination attempt has ever been confirmed to have been approved by the Nralakk Federation—are the Tupkala, or Covert Enforcers. This position at the forefront of skrell security has made the Foreign Operations component of the NFDES a highly desirable position for well-performing citizens, and is a valuable pathway towards a successful political career. The Ruupkala are rumored to monitor the fabled “Drylist,” which supposedly holds the names of all skrell living abroad who have performed deductive behaviors against the Nralakk Federation, displayed worrying ideals, joined an opposing faction, or renounced their citizenship. Some theorize that this list even covers non-skrell who may pose a threat to the Federation. The Drylist, however, remains an openly debunked conspiracy theory by the Nralakk Federation, and no official list has ever been discovered or produced.

Defence

The emblem of the Star Enforcers.

The Defence Section is regarded by most within the skrell security community as an unfortunate necessity to combat piracy in the less civilised Traverse, other border regions, and frontiers. The Qukala, or Star Enforcers, make up the Defence Section and are organised unlike their sibling Kala, where their various ship departments maintain senior Lead Enforcers who form a council structure to command their given vessel without a designated captain. Unlike other navies who operate a permanent fleet structure, each Qukala vessel is subordinate to the Defence Section itself, which may organise patrol groups and temporary task forces as needed. The Qukala have a very poor standing in the Traverse, where they are most widespread and responsible for enforcing an extensive anti-piracy mandate—being viewed by many Traversers as unnecessary military policing. This reputation has not left the Defence Section unscathed, and is reflected in its relatively small size, equipment, and funding compared to other branches of Federal security, and a miniscule force when compared to their Solarian neighbours. The lack of interest in the Defence Section has since been capitalised on by the C’thur Hive, particularly Queen Vytel, as vaurca warriors are perfectly suited to EVA operations, as well as acting as an intimidating force against pirates. These C’thuric Warriors have a Federation-designed loyalty implant much like their Qekala siblings. Although the injection of C’thur warriors has been an undeniable success, the effort was not enough to prevent the Federation’s recent embarrassments in the Traverse region. Aside from their regular duties, the Qukala are responsible for providing the security for Federation embassies, consulates, and diplomats serving abroad.

Following the reforms agreed upon by the now-defunct Independent Traverser Movement and the Federation, the NFSC was tasked with training a local defence force comprised of loyal volunteers in the Traverse with the aim of providing some relief to overextended Qukala forces in anti-piracy operations. To accomplish the creation of this auxiliary force, Qukala stationed in the Traverse began recruiting, organising, and training forces of loyal Traversers which would be called the Qehalak, or Homeguard. An individual Qehalak is typically a part-time reservist for the Federation’s frontier, who is expected to pick up arms and assist any Kala when called upon, however in Traverse Councils with a small Kala presence, Qehalak can be organised into full-time border security, under the guidance of a senior Qukala attaché.

The Nralakk Federation’s military ships are designed primarily around extremely long-ranged engagement, with any deployed strikecraft consisting of psionically-piloted remote drones and the vanishingly-rare boarding craft. Built for responding against piracy and irregular anti-government actions, the average fleet strength of the Federation is miniscule in comparison to the immense fleets of the Solarian Alliance and similar human nations, with most non-Federation members having only seen the Qukala’s navy on border patrol sorties and the single deployment of the short-sightedly designed NFV Qheles. While this lens is unflattering for the Federation’s perception of military strength, the sheer size of the nation’s claims still necessitates a sizable fleet to secure them, which remains no small feat when contending with domestic and foreign piracy.

The Traverse’s Qehalak fleets, in comparison to the Qukala’s own, are considerably smaller. Consisting of retrofitted Qukala naval vessels and militarized civilian craft, the Qehalak’s fleet strength is more consistently tested by the more organized Marauder vessels that plague the skrell frontier. This independence from the Inner Systems’ more organized security structure has bred new tactics out of sheer necessity, with more eccentric and underhanded tactics being adopted to compensate.