Skrell Politics

The flag of the Nralakk Federation

Politics

Government Structure

The Nralakk Federation is a unitary directorial republic, whose centralized body manages all mechanisms of the nation as a whole, and is led by the Grand Council. The federal government manages foreign relations and national-level decisions, with systemary, planetary, and further divisional management handled by its council structure. Within each level is a council and its respective council members, referred to as councillors, who convene to handle the duties of their respective governed regions with shared authority. The only exception to this is the Grand Council itself, whose Grand Councillor operates with singular, ultimate authority.

Positions within the government follow a hierarchical structure, outlined below:

• Borough Councillor - Borough Councillors manage variably-sized boroughs, which predominantly manage divisions of towns and cities. Each borough is designed by both the local Magistrate and the Regional Governor, who approves and finalizes them. Borough councils are typically three Borough Councillors who cooperate in managing municipal services and event organisation. They are also responsible for cooperating with federal officials for C'thurian hive-cell auditing, as well as aiding local dionae to prepare for their citizenship exams. Multiple borough councils will also coordinate in city-wide management and decision making, with the whole of these borough councils forming the town/city council.

• Magistrate - A Magistrate is a position that is directly comparable to the mayor of a city. Their main responsibilities consist of the organization of their borough councils, oversight and guidance of the Borough Councillors, and attending ceremonial duties and city council meetings. Magistrates act on behalf of their locality by being a representative member of the regional council under the Regional Governor.

• Regional Governor - A Regional Governor oversees designated regions on a planet, typically divided by continent or chains of islands through geographic divisions. Regional Governors are the administrative heads of their regions, and are responsible for their productivity. Regional Governors also cooperate through a regional council that is headed by the Planetary Governor.

• Planetary Governor - Planetary Governors oversee the overall administration of their assigned planets. They act in accordance with the directives of the System Councillor, who maintains the productivity and set goals of their assigned planet.

• System Councillor - System Councillors are the administrative heads of entire star systems, who maintain the ultimate responsibility of its planets and installations in their system. They ensure that the production quotas and goals set by their Sector Councillor are successfully implemented, and manage federal assistance through funding, disaster relief contingencies, and other provided resources being effectively provided where necessary. In the systems that only contain installations, an Installation Director will instead be assigned the role of System Councillor.

• Installation Directors are the leaders of the many orbital and independent stellar installations, which vary in purpose. The authority of an Installation Director is variable, with the equal representation of a Regional Governor if the installation is an orbital one, up to the authority of a Planetary Governor if it is otherwise free-orbiting in a system or not attached to a planet.

• Sector Councillor - Sector Councillors govern each assigned “sectors” that are defined by the Grand Councillor. They are responsible for ensuring that each sector maintains the directives outlined by the Grand Council, of which they are members of.

Grand Council

The emblem of the Grand Council.

Wuqrnjeq-Qu'Nralakk (Grand Council of the Nralakk Federation) is the supreme ruling body of the Nralakk Federation. The Grand Council primarily utilizes subspace communication frequencies for regular meetings, but are required to return to Qerrbalak for the annual meeting held in Kal'lo, which may also be declared in times of crisis. The Grand Council is notable for their swift decision making towards the Nralakk Federation’s mainly internal situations, but are often criticized due to the bureaucratic channels being considered difficult to navigate and ultimately sluggish implementation of their decisions. Weeks to months-long wait times are common for final decisions to be fully implemented and enacted.

History

First formed after the unification of the three nations of Qerrbalak into the Commonwealth of the Three, the Grand Council was designed to oversee matters such as colonization, space exploration, and the creation of a unified, planned societal structure. Positions were originally filled by elected officials from the precursor nations of the Heshyu Council, the Tzqul Republic, and the Weshqi Republic. With the formation of the First Nralakk Federation in 878, the Grand Council became the main governing body of the fledgling nation.

The Grand Council was nullified after the rise of Glorsh-Omega, being deemed unnecessary due to the AI’s ability and interest in being the sole leader of all government decisions. After Glorsh-Omega's disappearance following the Tri-Qyu Calamity, the remnants of the Federation fell into de-facto leadership and uncoordinated governance until the formation of the Second Nralakk Federation in '2245 CE, where the Grand Council was reinstated. With the second Federation formed, their goals shifted towards reuniting and asserting their claims on the fragmented colonies, reactivating the now disabled Nlom Relays, and reasserting their position as the successors of the first Nralakk Federation.

The second Federation’s Grand Council desired a designated head of state for their new structure, which led to the creation of the Grand Councillor position. The Grand Councillor is expected to lead and represent the Nralakk Federation and its citizens, with the ultimate goal to ensure the continued existence of skrellkind. Tiipis Yla, the first Grand Councillor, was elected due to their heroic efforts in spearheading the revolt against Glorsh-Omega, whose ban on artificial intelligence within the borders of the Federation being particularly popular. Their role in the resistance during Glorsh-Omega’s rule and their staunch anti-AI stance made Yla extremely popular, ultimately retaining the position as Grand Councillor, serving for over a century until their death.

Grand Councillor Rixa Tep-Wul succeeded Councillor Tiipis Yla after their death in 2305, winning the election with a platform promising to reintegrate the fringe sectors of the Traverse that did not rejoin the Second Nralakk Federation. Their tenure as Grand Councillor was ultimately one of mixed reception, while tempered with a period of growth and stability, many have noted the lengthy series of setbacks, mistakes, and their generally inefficient administration. Tep-Wul's time as Grand Councillor saw the widespread use of recollection pills, the reintegration of many Traverse worlds, first contact with humanity, and the Phoron Revolution.

Today, the Grand Council is headed by Grand Councillor Weashbi Jrugl, who succeeded Tep-Wul after the election in 2453. Grand Councillor Jrugl's first term saw great success through the reintegration the rest of the Traverse, though their second term was significantly more troubled due to the Phoron Crisis, as well as the Independent Traverser Movement crisis that saw the use of martial law. Now, in the wake of the Phoron scarcity, Jrugl has made a sudden departure from the United Federation’s traditional approach to megacorporations, having invited them into the Nralakk Federation. While officially in a bid to aid the Federation’s strained logistics and in search of phoron reserves within its borders, many citizens and political analysts see this sudden departure Jrugl’s usually moderate leadership as a sign of desperation. Weashbi Jrugl’s second term is now defined by the Phoron scarcity, and without remediation, its subsequent exhaustion may spell a dark period in the Federation’s future.

Composition

A visual representation of the composition of the Grand Council of the Nralakk Federation.

The composition of the Grand Council is as follows:

• Grand Councillor:

The Grand Councillor is the supreme and highest position within the Grand Council, and is expected to engage with all aspects of the government. The overall state of the Nralakk Federation, skrell society’s development and sustainability, and the continued efficiency of the government are their ultimate concerns.

• Sector Councillors:

Sector Councillors, the heads of six sectors of the Nralakk Federation, form the Grand Council’s members beyond the Grand Councillor themself. They are to work alongside the Grand Councillor and cooperate with their decisions, and relay information to the multiple systems they oversee. Alongside the Grand Councillor, these members of the council oversee policy, laws, direction and collectively hold the most control over the Nralakk Federation as a whole.

• Advisory Council:

The Advisory Council consists of skrell chosen by the Grand Councillor to aid in advising them when requested. Advisory Council members are usually idols of their fields, and have made significant findings or impacts in their fields. After the end of the Independent Traverser Movement crisis, former members of the movement itself were added to the Advisory Council by Grand Councillor Jrugl, who saw them as "certain individuals to best keep the interests of the Traverse in mind.".

• Public Sector:

The Public Sector is a group of skrell that are considered important the Federation’s society, consisting of Representatives, Idols and accomplished bureaucrats. While the Advisory Council is personally chosen by the Grand Councillor, members of the public sector are typically the most accomplished members of their representative groups.

Representatives

The Nralakk Federation's interstellar diplomacy is done through its Representatives, consisting of several hundred members who act as ambassadors for the Federation towards foreign entities. Each Representative is recognised by the Grand Council as an accomplished member of the Federation, who holds its interests to enough of a degree to be trusted with the task to represent the nation abroad.

Representatives are expected to develop an intimate knowledge of their assigned nation or foreign entity. These topics usually consist of their culture, politics, history, and many other niche subjects deemed important to effectively interact with them - effectively making each Representative an expert on their assignment.

Each Representative’s role is based on seniority and their service term, with older Representatives who have been politically involved for decades gaining access to choosing critically important and highly valued positions, while younger members are typically tasked with minor roles, or shadowing senior Representatives as part of an attaché. Representatives who share a designated assignment will work together as a group to form a diplomatic corps for that entity, which can be as centralised or decentralised as needed to better represent and protect the interests of the Nralakk Federation.

Representatives regularly become primary numericals and achieve idol status due to their work, particularly if their assignment is considered of vital importance to the Nralakk Federation. Idol Representatives are expected to be well-versed in politics, to always go beyond standards set by the Federation as an example of a model citizen, and are under minute security by the Grand Council. Any rumors of potential scandals are regularly enough for a Representative to be recalled, particularly for those assigned to high-profile entities such as the Solarian Alliance, or the economically strategic Republic of Biesel.

Political Parties and Schools of Thought

The Nralakk Federation has two main schools of thought in modern politics which influence the ideology of its citizens and political parties:

• Symbiosis: Symbiosis is the mainstream school of thought in the Federation, which adopts the principles of accepting foreign people, concepts, and ideas into their society without abandoning the millenia-old core tenets of their original culture. Symbiosists embrace change, recognizing the fact that society’s concepts are fluid and regularly change as time passes. Common opinions involve cooperation with other species, and the promotion of the Nralakk Federation as a benevolent force to what they perceive as nations in need of their aid.

• Isolationism: Isolationism is the conservative counterpart to Symbiosis, which has since grown in popularity at the turn of the 25th century. Federation Isolationism dictates the need for the Federation and skrell as a whole to distance themselves from the Orion Spur, with involvement only necessitated when they are directly affected by interstellar events. Isolationist doctrines revolve around the establishment of self-sufficiency, skrell-centered culture, and the preservation of skrell tradition.

• Progressivism: A synthesis of the most radical overlap between Isolationism and Symbiosis, Progressivism focuses on the continuous pursuit of Federation dominion in the Orion Spur. They seek superiority through any means, culturally, economically, scientifically, technologically, or militarily. Symbiosist Progressives will heavily promote human ideas or culture within Federation society as a means of improving the Federation; Isolationist Progressives will call for total closure of the Federation from outside influences and rely on tradition to guide the Nralakk Federation forward.

Political Parties

The Nralakk Federation’s politicians run as independents during elections, with no official backing from political entities. While candidates routinely seek support from Consultant Agencies to help organise or support their campaign, formal political parties did not exist as they do in the rest of the Spur, and candidates instead relied on basing their platform on their own personal ideals and beliefs that apply to the current prevailing schools of thought.

After the Independent Traverser Movement and Grand Council finished their negotiations, the Council announced the formation of formal political parties in Federation politics, as part of the reforms passed as part of the Traverse Accords. The leaders of these parties are permanent advisors within the Grand Council, and are expected to represent and propose policies in line with their party's policies.

United Federation

"Progress is vital to the continued existence of the Nralakk Federation, but that progress must be carefully navigated. Stagnation and corruption threaten to destroy what we have built over the millennia, and must be combatted at every opportunity."

The United Federation Party is headed by Grand Councillor Weashbi Jrugl, and is currently the ruling party within the Nralakk Federation. The party follows a moderate Symbiosist ideology, welcoming foreign ideas that benefit the Nralakk Federation, while believing in a methodical and slow integration of new policies.

Policies of note:

• Reforms: Reforms will be considered as long as they are for the betterment of the Federation and do not go against traditional skrell thought. The United Federation party is especially interested in policies that will improve the Federation's standing in wider Spur politics, and reforms that further uplift its citizens.
• Megacorporations: Megacorporations will be allowed to continue operating within Federation space, but their impact on the Federation as a whole and their way of life will be closely monitored. Megacorporations will be under strict regulation while operating within the Nralakk Federation's borders.
• Foreign Policy: The United Federation plans to continue and improve upon its relations with the Solarian Alliance, while at the same time cultivating better relations with other nations within the Orion Spur.
• Traverse Autonomy: There are no active plans to reduce or expand on the autonomy of the Traverse.
• Nlom Relays: The Nlom Relay network is considered vital to the continued existence of the Nralakk Federation, and a vital link between Skrell across all worlds within Federation space.

The Homeworld Traditionalist Coalition

"Tradition and the upholding of our species' values are vital to keeping the Nralakk Federation intact. New ideas should be challenged before they are accepted, and change should only be made when it is clear that it benefits the Federation as a whole."

The Homeworld Traditionalist Coalition is a moderate Isolationist party, led by Tuz'qlip Researchers' Overseer Nalo Gir-Roq. The Coalition aims to maintain the culture and traditions of the Nralakk Federation where possible, and seeks to close off the Federation from outside influences.

Policies of note:

• Reforms: Reforms should be enacted only as necessary for the preservation of the Federation and its ideals.
• Megacorporations: Megacorporation activity within the Federation is a matter of concern for the Coalition, and foreign influence in the economy and internal affairs should be heavily considered before they should be allowed to expand operations within Federation space. The Coalition currently has no policies that would mean the expulsion of megacorporations from the Nralakk Federation, however.
• Foreign Policy: While current relations with the Solarian Alliance should be sustained, the Homeworld Traditionalist Coalition believes that the Federation should stay out of wider Spur affairs.
• Traverse Autonomy: The Coalition seeks to reintroduce old policies regarding the Traverse, reducing their autonomy greatly and centralising government authority across all sectors of Federation space.
• Nlom Relays: The Federation's Nlom Relay network is considered vital to the trans stellar infrastructure of the Nralakk Federation, enabling a strong, unified nation that works towards the interests of the collective rather than the individual.

The Federalist League

"For the many, not the few. The Nralakk Federation was founded on this idea. Through the equal division of power between all parts of our republic, we can build a stronger, focused nation that can uphold the ideas it was founded upon."

The Federalist League is led by Advisor Ormish Jrolk, and seeks to create a Federalist state where each part of the Federation has an equal part to play in its organisation. A progressive Symbiosist party, the League wishes to further ties to both megacorporations and foreign powers to further strengthen the Federation.

Policies of note:

• Reforms: The League plans to implement extensive reforms in all areas of Federation society, focusing on equal power between all sectors of government and all citizens. The League also puts an emphasis on economic reform, due to Jrolk's first-hand experience in dealing with the Phoron Crisis, as well as its impact on the Federation.
• Megacorporations: Megacorporate investment into the Nralakk Federation's economy is considered critical in response to the Phoron Crisis. Special Economic Zones introduced by Weashbi Jrugl are not considered effective enough, and cooperation between the megacorporations and State-Owned Enterprises should be encouraged without introducing competition between the two.
• Foreign Policy: The Federalist League plans to continue the Federation's relations with the Solarian Alliance, including cooperating in securing national borders with the Human Wildlands. Experience with warlords such as Beauchamp, as well as increased risks related to piracy and banditry, have led the League to adopt a more proactive stance in protecting the national security of the Federation.
• Traverse Autonomy: The primary goal of the Federalist League is to create an equal-party nation, making Traverse Autonomy a topic of major importance for the party. The League will pursue additional rights and freedoms for sectors outside of the inner systems wherever possible.
• Nlom Relays: The Nlom Relay network is not considered vital for the continued existence of the Nralakk Federation. Each state should be allowed to have the right to choose whether or not they want to enable, disable, or otherwise change how the network impacts them.

The Free Skrell Union

"An economy without needless interference is an economy that performs well. Our fellow sophonts in humanity have flourished in a fraction of the time it took us to, and the Federation should take their ideas and mold them into something more compatible with skrell society, if not adopted in their entirety. The adoption of a free, open market and receptiveness to change are vital for the continued prosperity of our nation."

The Free Skrell Union is led by Yoana Ji'ko. A progressive Symbiosist party heavily influenced by its leader's experiences as a Representative to the Republic of Biesel, the party has a focus on economic growth through megacorporate involvement and strengthening ties with the Republic of Biesel.

Policies of note:

• Reforms: The Union's main focus is on economic reform, with no current plans to enact or repeal social or political reforms unless necessary for the continued function of the Nralakk Federation.
• Megacorporations: Megacorporate involvement in the Federation's economy is a core issue of the Free Skrell Union. Megacorporate operations are considered vital to the growth of the Nralakk Federation's economy, and their expansion within Federation space is deemed a priority. Unlike the Federalist League, the Union wishes to encourage competition and rivalry between megacorporations and the State-Owned Enterprises, believing that competition is key to innovation and economic success.
• Foreign Policy: The Union will attempt to continue the Federation's current relationship with the Solarian Alliance while at the same time furthering relations with the Republic of Biesel. The Free Skrell Union has no special interest in developing relations with any other entity elsewhere in the Spur.
• Traverse Autonomy: Traverse Autonomy is not a concern for the Free Skrell Union, but does believe that megacorporations are key to further developing the Traverse and industries found within it. No plans are in place, but party members have expressed an interest in creating corporate-controlled colonies and installations within the Traverse.
• Nlom Relays: The Nlom Relay Network is considered a hindrance to the cultivation of ideas and innovation within Skrellian society. Policies regarding the limitation or dismantlement of the network will be pursued by the party where possible.

Military

Enforcers, or Kala, are responsible for upholding the law within the Nralakk Federation. Functioning in a strict hierarchy, the Kala are governed by a legislative body known as the Nralakk Federation Security Council. Formed in 901 CE as a means to centralize all enforcement branches after the unification of the Commonwealth of the Three. The Kala were regarded as one of the most important bodies of the Nralakk Federation, being composed of skrell who are willing to devote their lives to ensure the safety of others and their society.

Kala doctrines revolve around mobility, flexibility and precision. While other military units use a broader approach, the Kala instead aims for the permanent neutralization of the situation - operating under precision strikes and surgical execution to eliminate potential issues before they threaten others. Presently, the Kala maintains two core objectives: they are to ensure the safety, security, cooperation of all systems under the Federation, and the protection of its borders; secondly, maintaining outreach to foreign communities outside Federation borders, be it within the Traverse or human frontier territories. Federation representatives describe these operations as purely altruistic, aiding these communities both from a proactive and economic point of view as part of the "Project Unity Initiative". An example of these operations includes the Nralakk Federation's involvement in the S'rend'marr Coalition. The skrell civilians providing aid there suffered little casualties, with the advanced technology of their Nlomkala protectors dissuading any ALA strikes.

The emblem of the Sromkala.

Sromkala

"Prevent & Protect."

Sromkala, or Dream Enforcers, consist of selected skrell that ensure major planetary Srom fields are safe from malicious lucidity. Agents are selected for their high psychic potential in order to oversee the Srom, and ensure that no illegal or anti-Federation activities occur within the dream, particularly through the malicious use of Nlom-capable devices. Sromkala agents are commonly situated close to Nlom Relays - using the technology to amplify their capabilities to actively interface with the Srom. It is said that for every Nlom Relay across the Nralakk Federation, a Sromkala agent is stationed within special cryogenic pods that allows their body to be held in suspended animation, all while their minds project and continue to work within Srom.

The emblem of the Nlomkala.

Nlomkala

"Service with Excellence."

Nlomkala, or Wake Enforcers, are considered an analogue to a traditional police force across Federation space. The Nlomkala work to ensure the stability and safety of the Nralakk Federation at a physical level through routine duties such as patrolling, execution of warrants, and responding to emergencies relayed by the Ruupkala. There are extensive requirements to join the Nlomkala: high athletic ability, comprehensive knowledge of Federation law, and mandatory public relation classes to ensure that those selected to join can respond to situations correctly. Nlomkala are also expected to operate both on land and beneath the waves of the various planets across the Federation.

Recently, the C'thur Hive has begun supplying the Nlomkala with vaurca Warriors to bolster the Nlomkala's forces. These Warriors are largely from Vytel's brood, and have been loyalty implanted to make the Federation's orders equal to those of a Queen's. If the Warriors experience a conflict of interest, they will enter a state of hibernation until it is resolved. Thankfully, due to Vaurca adaptability, these Warriors function just as well underwater as above it.

The emblem of the Ruupkala.

Ruupkala

"Always Vigilant."

Ruupkala, or Intelligence Enforcers, is the Nralakk Federation's official national security and intelligence agency. The Ruupkala are designed to maintain skrell harmony as unobtrusively as possible, and to ensure a safe, and advantageous, position in Spur politics. While one of the most respected Kala, their agents are often characterised as the least martially inclined of the enforcement branches, owing in part to Federation media's efforts to present them as dedicated and principled data gatherers. Similarly, the agency's role is declared strictly as an internal organization and solely focused on counterintelligence; public Federation figures often praise the Ruupkala for their non-interventionist policy, and dismiss accusations of espionage as ignorance or malicious misinterpretation of Federation policy. The only exception to their internal operations policy is their focus on surveilling the Federation’s many diplomatic representatives across the Spur, ensuring their safety and that their political aims are satisfactory. This is largely tolerated by most nations, as the Ruupkala will only monitor the Federation’s own representatives, and cannot interfere with any diplomatic functions beyond this capacity.

The Ruupkala are rumored to monitor the fabled “Drylist”. This list supposedly holds the names of all skrell living abroad who have performed deductive behaviors against the Nralakk Federation, as well as those who have renounced their citizenship. Some theorize that this list even covers non-skrell who pose a threat to the Federation.

The emblem of the Qukala.

Qukala

"Perpetually Primed."

Qukala, or Star Enforcers, function as the Nralakk Federation’s navy. Qukala members range from soldiers to highly specialized personnel, educated in either engineering or medical fields. Positions within the Qukala require degrees from recognised universities within the Nralakk Federation, and only in very rare circumstances will undereducated candidates be considered for the position. The Qukala is considered one of the most powerful navies in the Spur, due to the Federation's advanced technological level.

The Lukala was a branch of the Qukala comprised of only Dionae and Vaurca, but as of 2463 the Directory of Defense Operations moved to dissolve the sub-branch in favor in of integrating Dionae and Vaurca into the lower ranks of the Qukala as full members. This decision largely stemmed from the success the Lukala had in stopping insurgent activity in the Traverse during the fallout of the recent election. After striking a deal with the Grand Council, the C'thur Hive (namely Vytel's brood) have begun to supply a steady stream of new Warriors for the Qukala.

Qehalak

"Duty and Homeland."

The Qehalak, or Homeguard, is a newly formed branch of the Qukala. The Homeguard was formed as a result of the Traverse’s increased autonomy following the reforms agreed upon by the Independent Traverser Movement and the Nralakk Federation. With this newfound autonomy within the Traverse, the responsibility of defence now fell on the Traverse’s local governments.

The primary objective of the Qehalak is to provide a comprehensive defence force for the Traverse’s states, with each state organising, training, and equipping their own forces. Each Qehalak is also expected to act as an auxiliary force where requested by the Qukala during domestic operations. Events involving the Ti'Raqki and the Independent Traverser Movement concluded that a centralized force was no longer effective in properly responding to security threats within the Federation, necessitating the creation of the Qehalak.

The Qehalak’s members are primarily volunteers who work as part-time members of the military, which has drawn comparisons to the early Tau Ceti Foreign Legion, though this has as many negative connotations as it does positives. Some Traversers praise the concept of the Qehalak for its potential to further secure the Traverse without relying on the Federation, while others have raised concerns regarding the potential for inconsistency in the quality of its standing forces with how variable a volunteer military force can be within the Traverse’s many planets. Time will only tell if the Qehalak can prove itself as the Traverse’s defence against the dangers of being within the frontier.

The emblem of the Tupkala.

Tupkala

"Courage, Bravery and Dedication."

The Tupkala, shortened to simply Tup, are some of the most highly revered skrell members of the Kala. Tupkala members are strictly those with long, distinguished careers, who are then granted an increased security clearance within the Nralakk Federation, as well as minor Idol status. Tupkala members originate from within every other branch of the Kala, placed through rigorous training before being implanted in the event they are captured by enemies of the Nralakk Federation. Tups are commonly in their advanced age, with the average age of roughly 276 years. When a Tup dies, their name will be added to the Tupkala Wall, which is hosted in the Grand Councilor's Chamber on Kal'lo.

The Tupkala serve a variety of roles within the Federation. Tupkala members are assigned to protect prominent figures of the Federation, act as security within black sites, and carry out special operations. When the Nralakk Federation’s government considers covert actions as necessary, the Tupkala are called upon to carry out the operation. Tups are rarely spotted outside the Federation officially, but are often abroad under false identities. As Tupkala members originate from the other Kala branches, skrell who have pledged their unquestioning loyalty to the Nralakk Federation are aided by loyalty implants.

In 2463, after a series of diplomatic incidents caused by Tupkala operating outside their orders, the Tupkala were disbanded following Grand Councilor Weashbi's condemnation. A few months later, Weashbi reinstated the Tupkala with Skrell he personally handpicked from the other branches of the Kala. The Tupkala are now under Commander Kezoq Torq-Bep, Weashbi's chosen leader.Commander Kezoq was promoted from the Sromkala, which is considered an unlikely Kala for Tup candidates.

OOC Note: Characters that are former Tupkala are not allowed.

The Traverse and Independence

The Traverse is a collection of systems that are considered the frontier of Federation space. The Traverse formally stretches from the Second Waves to the far edges of Federation territory, the Traverse plays a vital role in supporting the Nralakk Federation through prospecting new sources of materials and resources.

Despite this importance, the Traverse is seen as a backwater by citizens from the inner systems, with Traversers regularly labelled as subversives or criminals. Combined with the Federation's sluggish response to disasters such as famine, disease, piracy, or natural disasters, many in the Traverse hold a negative view of the Nralakk Federation. This animosity is only deepened from the region’s history, particularly those who have only recently been reintegrated under Grand Councillor Weashbi Jrugl’s leadership. These systems were not present for the Tresja Agreement, instead having been reclaimed later on, with the last of the Traverse rejoining the Federation in the 2450s.

Multiple movements have formed in the wake of this unrest, calling for an independent Traverse in some form. The Lyukal broadly maintains a stance of an autonomous, independent Traverse as either a unified nation or multiple independent autonomous regions, while more local movements may solely be concerned with their planet or system gaining independence from Federation rule.

Independent Traverser Movement

The Independent Traverser Movement was a political movement originating from a period of intense civil unrest and martial law within the Q’elpi region, having formally formed on the June of 2465. Notably, the ITM had sought support from Marauder cells in the region, most notably in the broadly labeled Marauder Systems where their hold was strongest. A manifesto and list of demands were sent to the Grand Council, listing their discontent from the mistreatment, neglect, and over-policing of citizens in the Traverse by the Nralakk Federation. Grand Councilor Weashbi Jrugl responded cordially to this formation, agreeing to a meeting in the Grand Council chambers where they promised a discussion on potential reforms.

By late August 2465, the Independent Traverser Movement had split between its moderate and militant internal factions, with the full fracture between both occurring after the discovery of Lyukal-sourced firearms being sent to the Marauder systems, alongside multiple insurgents occupying government buildings in the Q’elpi region. Most non-violent activists were deeply alienated by their willingness to violence, in comparison to the more peaceful nature of the Federation’s culture. With the ITM split, the moderate faction continued negotiations with the Grand Council.

With the successful conclusion of negotiations between moderate leaders and the Grand Council by early September of 2465, the Independent Traverser Movement was officially disbanded. Leaders of the movement that met with the Grand Council now hold permanent Advisor positions on the Council, advising on Traverse Affairs and overseeing the Committee for Traverse Well-Being, a body within the Grand Council in charge of crisis response in the Traverse.

Reconciliation Tribunal

The Reconciliation Tribunal was organised in late September of 2465, shortly after negotiations ended between the Independent Traverser Movement and the Grand Council. The tribunal consisted of members of the Grand Council, the Independent Traverser Movement, and select Traversers who were impacted by the conflict in the Q'elpi region. Organized under the pretense of reconciliation over revenge, the tribunal was to provide reparations and justice for any crimes or miscarriages of justice it investigated. The tribunal has been compared positively to the Lao'qa Courts during the Collaborator Trials, which were used as a model for its organisation and goals.

The tribunal tried hundreds of citizens who were directly involved in the events surrounding the Independent Traverser Movement, being held in secret to prevent bias and perjury had the tribunal been televised.

Most tried citizens were given light sentences of imprisonment within penal facilities or rehabilitation centres. Notable sentences included the demotion of a Kala officer, whose decisions were deemed incompetent and uncharacteristic of a Kala officer, as well as a leader of the militant Independent Traverser Movement faction being sentenced to 75 years in prison for several acts of sabotage against Federation facilities. The tribunal's focus on restorative justice was called into question in the case of the latter, but was officially justified by members of the tribunal due to the egregious nature of the offences committed.

Traverse Accords

The Traverse Accords are a set of reforms and other policies enacted by the Federation in response to the Independent Traverser Movement and the issues it brought forward. The reforms include changes to the legal status of Tertiary Numericals, allowing those in the group to access state resources if they are considered in good standing by the Federation, economic and political reforms that address the impact of production quotas, as well as increased autonomy of the Traverse sectors. These reforms are significant from the sudden, swift implementation in comparison to the relatively slow process most Federation policies undergo.

Relations with Foreign States

The Nralakk Federation, originally known for isolationist practices and the tumultuous involvement in the first contact of Moghes and Adhomai alongside Solarian exploration, has since moved to distance itself from the results of their appearances into Spur politics. The Federation’s new era of foreign aid and renewing offers for potential friendships has begun the process of melting the icy exterior of the skrell giant, attempting to move against the perception of the Federation as being both distant and as Sol’s unspoken card to pull upon in the event of being threatened by other powers.

Though many perceive this as a turning of a new leaf and fantastic economic opportunity, there are just as many who perceive the Federation’s movements as a threat from a looming foreign power, now mobilized only out of necessity. Foreign aid and technological offerings have historically been an immense boon for struggling settlements and post-disaster recovery, with examples seen during the assault on Sol’s warp gates in 2464, New Gibson’s biodomes, and the Nralakk-Izweski Mutual Prosperity Agreement.

The Alliance of Sovereign Solarian Nations

The Alliance of Sovereign Solarian Nations sees the Nralakk Federation as its closest ally within the Orion Spur both economically and as the second largest political force to maintain its status quo over the Spur. Both the ASSN and Nralakk Federation maintain dozens of representatives within each other’s borders to coordinate the immense bureaucratic labor to maintain relations and the logistics behind their trade agreements. This number only continues to climb as the Alliance’s grasp on its territories and stability is tested, all while both continue to leverage their positions to gain influence within each other. Strategic trade between the Alliance and the Federation stands as the second largest source of phoron, with both nations seeking to maintain each other’s strategic reserves and stability as the scarcity moves past peak phoron. The ASSN does push to retain preferential deals from their relationship and long history of cordial relations between each other, though how much exclusivity can be retained is yet to be seen.

Republic of Biesel

The Republic of Biesel maintains a positive relationship with the Nralakk Federation, with phoron being the Republic’s most valued export. General opinion on the Federation is largely reserved, with their inaction during the invasion of Tau Ceti and the refugee wave during the Traverse Crisis still in recent memory. Despite this, Tau Ceti remains a favorite for skrell traveling abroad, boasting the status of being the number one destination for work and travel visas.

The Republic of Biesel currently maintains the second-largest number of diplomatic representatives within the Nralakk Federation’s borders. With the encroaching phoron scarcity, the Federation vies to improve relations and influence in the fledgling republic through foreign aid, the lending of advanced skrell technology, and research leases. Meanwhile, the Republic reciprocates by leveraging its political position to expand megacorporations’ ability to freely operate within the Federation’s economy. The Nralakk Federation has affirmed that they see the Republic of Biesel as a valuable diplomatic partner, and publicly wishes to increase diplomatic ties with them. This has since expanded further as between the Republic and Federation give way to a tentatively hopeful new era of cooperation between the two nations, with the Federation providing an unexpected apology and vested interest in cooperation. In spite of the news, the people of Biesel remain wary of what is to come in light of future agreements, particularly among the refugees hiding away from the Federation’s eye in the Starlight Zone.

Serene Republic of Elyra

The Serene Republic of Elyra maintains suspicion and cooled relations with the Nralakk Federation, particularly due to Elyra’s interest in self-reliance, with only some improvement post-Lii’dra Incursion. Most attempts to open opportunities for phoron trade are met with cold responses, or slated off as too costly due to the distance between their territories. A general sentiment among Elyrans is that the Nralakk Federation’s efforts to pursue diplomacy is purely out of ambition with the collapse of the Solarian Alliance, consisting of nothing more than a changing of which political giant is meddling in their affairs.

The Serene Republic of Elyra retains a middling amount of representatives within the Federation and in their own borders, with their intentions focused primarily on securing research agreements and the technology trade. Both parties still support an interest in fostering further cooperation, if only to maintain their research agreements and little else.

Empire of Dominia

Despite their proximity, the Empire of Dominia and the Nralakk Federation have remained very neutral. Dominia’s stance on the Federation is turbulent due to the empire’s cultural and religious views on synthetics, the Federation’s past exploits with AI, and their subsequent disavowal of them splitting the public opinion. Attempts at trade have usually floundered due to logistics and dangers involving travel through the Federation’s furthest frontiers to access their trade ports. With synthetics remaining a constant topic in politics and current events, both factions have recognized the other’s stances on artificial intelligence as mutual… if in parallel to each other’s reasoning. This mutual standing point has been used as a reignition of diplomatic interaction between both nations, with potential trade returning as a talking point between Dominia’s representatives and the Federation itself.

Currently, the Empire of Dominia maintains a small number of representatives of the Nralakk Federation within its borders, though more are planned to be sent over should their relationships continue to warm.

Eridani Corporate Federation

The Eridani Corporate Federation’s relations with the Nralakk Federation is the second largest corporate entrypoint into the Federation’s economy, seconded only by the Republic of Biesel. Being a sovereign nation under the ASSN has endeared them to the Federation at large, but the heavily controlled economy remains slow to allow foreign corporate influence beyond limited special economic zones established by both Einstein Engines, NanoTrasen Corporation, Zeng-Hu Pharmaceuticals, and other corporate conglomerate members. With the Phoron scarcity and economic shifts, however, further allowance of the corporations into the Federation, and the loosening of its economic control, is projected to be all but assured by Eridani economic and political analysts.

The Eridani Corporate Federation retains the third largest number of representatives within its borders as Eridani continues to court the Federation for further trade deals and corporate influence.

Coalition of Colonies

The Coalition of Colonies’ member states recognize the Nralakk Federation’s close ties to the Solarian Alliance as the largest hurdle against diplomatic interactions between each other - particularly as the Coalition invites further breakaway states into its fold. Despite the Federation’s neutrality in recent conflicts with the ASSN as a sign of potential diplomatic opening, most anti-Solarian members of the Coalition still see the Federation as its staunch ally. Stances on further diplomatic relations with the Nralakk Federation vary by member state:

Xanu Prime, being the economic powerhouse of the Coalition, has considered potential trade with the Federation to be a great boon against recent decades’ economic tumult. The Federation’s distancing from the ASSN made in the Interstellar War and diplomatic advances towards Ex-Solarian nations have softened the initial coldness. While the Federation was slow to act on expanding diplomatic and economic opportunities with the Coalition at large, Xanu Prime has been the recipient of the first exploratory trade routes and diplomatic visitations by the Federation’s representatives. Similar opportunities await Xanu’s political discussions on what to do with Sol’s largest ally.

The Scarab Fleets are a peripheral faction that has maintained very little notice from the Federation, beyond being the recipient of foreign aid that has trickled down from Xanu and other Coalition states. The most relevant major vessel of the fleet is the Fa’Ta-Bs with its ties to Zeng-Hu Pharmaceuticals, which became a topic of interest regarding the development and creation of the ESS RIGsuits and other off-worlder aids. Despite this initial obscurity, outreach towards the Coalition will provide further opportunities for the Scarabs to make their presence known to the Federation, and with some hope, become the recipients of trade and aid in the future.

Konyang is a controversial subject when discussing future political dealings with the Coalition, having been a recent Solarian breakaway, the host of a wide swath of synthetic advancements, and the positronic vaults. In spite of this, the newest member of the Coalition still receives the same offer of amicability and trade, though the Federation’s own anti-AI stance has alienated Konyang’s populace just as much.

Assunzione’s sheer remoteness renders it mostly as an interest for research, though most efforts are strained through sheer distance, and what few research efforts are hampered by the insularity of Assunzione’s people. Despite this, the potential for the technology trade would be an immense boon for the domed cities, and cooperation in the future is slated for both parties.

Vysoka’s relative lack of development and position within the Coalition renders the Federation’s interaction with them unremarkable beyond ecological consultation. While cordial (and more than interested in receiving Federation technology to rapidly catch up with the relative stagnation on the planet itself), most diplomatic interactions do not develop much further than maintaining an amicable relationship between each other.

Himeo’s position as the industrial powerhouse of the Coalition is tempered with its significantly less generous position of the Federation’s relationship with Sol, as well as the perception of the Nralakk Federation as the worst parts of Galatea placed on a much larger scale. Ideological differences between both factions have hampered diplomatic processes severely, and skepticism hangs above any future agreements.

Galatea remains hostile and untrustworthy of the Federation under the same suspicion of psionic tampering, and the broad ban of skrell from entering their borders has frozen most interactions entirely. It is unlikely to improve any time in the near future, particularly with the xenophobic distrust, and the implications of its highest echelons being able to manufacture lethal feedback psionic implants.

Gadpathur’s circumstances render it the most difficult member of the Coalition of Colonies, with even the fact of their existence having shaken many skrell’s perception of Sol entirely. The Federation now navigates any interactions with Gadpathur with caution as to not upset its position as Sol’s ally, as much as it cannot deny the reality the planet exists in. Foreign aid is floated and immediately put down due to the potential controversy involved with extending anything towards Gadpathur, while the planet itself wrestles internally with whether to consider the Federation’s growing distance between the Solarian Alliance as a sign of a potential ally, or its past with Sol as a damning act of flirting with their sworn enemy.

Izweski Hegemony

The Izweski Hegemony’s history with the Nralakk Federation is once again blossoming in light of the Nralakk-Izweski Mutual Prosperity Agreement, reopening trade and the prospect of a positive future relationship together after the grim reality of their first contact and the events of the Contact War. While the N-IMPA is set to heal the wounds caused in their first encounter, time will only tell if the mistakes of the past will heal as time goes on.

Golden Deep

The Golden Deep is unanimously met with extreme suspicion and derision – an example of the absolute worst portions of the broader Spur’s economic systems and synthetic handling. The Domadice’s mere existence is a topic of controversy, being an artificial intelligence of alien source that interacts freely with the world around them immediately drawing comparisons to Glorsh-Omega. There are no efforts to extend diplomatic relations with the Golden Deep, and both The Midas and the Merchant Fleet are barred from ever entering the Federation’s borders.

The Rotunnkc Compact

The Rotunnkc Compact has a pleasant relationship with the Nralakk Federation, though most interactions with the Compact is solely with the Commonwealth and Consortium. Their strong ties together renders trade well-received, though the Commonwealth’s recent movements to endear itself with the Golden Deep have put strain on a once-perceived happy relationship between both factions, with talks of reprimanding measures floating in the Council.

People’s Republic of Adhomai

Having declared the People's Republic of Adhomai as the recognized authority of Adhomai, as well as the formal recognition of the Project Unity Initiative, the PRA is set as the sole Tajaran faction to receive aid and diplomatic interaction. The PUI has faced setbacks due to the phoron scarcity, but the slow extension of supplies and cautiously open diplomatic channels allow for further interaction between the two, though Adhomai’s tense situation has hindered much more than this.

Democratic People’s Republic of Adhomai

The Democratic People's Republic of Adhomai are currently considered a threat to the greater Spur’s safety with their association of Al’mariism, and have received nothing but condemnation since the terror attack on District 8 in Mendell City.

New Kingdom of Adhomai

The New Kingdom of Adhomai is stuck in a difficult position, being considered not a valid civil authority of Adhomai in spite of their efforts. While some diplomatic efforts are attempted by the NKA to some avail, most motions to have them included under the Project Unity Initiative have fallen flat due to the Federation refusing to compromise after the events of the District 8’s bombings despite the New Kingdom not being tied with Al’mariist beliefs. Any chances to this position may only occur when the tensions on Adhomai wind down, but the outlook remains pessimistic for both parties.