Skrell Politics
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Politics
Grand Council
Wuqrnjeq-Qu'Nralakk (Grand Council of the Jargon Federation) is the supreme ruling body of the entirety of the Jargon Federation. The Council will utilize subspace communication frequencies to delegate during non-essential meetings, however, are expected to return to Qerrbalak to attend an annual meeting held in Kal’lo. There are fourteen seats on the Grand Council (not including the Grand Councillor). This is a reflection on the amount of Sector Councillors there are, loosely calculated by population figures denoted in censuses.
Each sector is essentially granted two seats; with the Grand Council operating similarly to a barter system mostly comprised of the Sector Councillors exchanging resources between their sectors for political power. This has resulted in a disproportionate amount of political power being found within the Core, Elemental and Contingent Sectors. Through this political maneuvering, the Traverse Sectors are often pushed into a corner and forced to submit their political power to the core systems in exchange for resources.
Information on the various sectors can be located here.
Representatives
The Jargon Federation employs several hundred individuals to fill ambassadorial positions between it and other foreign entities; known by many as merely Representatives. Each Representative is recognized by the Grand council as an individual who holds the Jargon Federation's best interests at heart and has been entrusted to represent and protect these interests even outside of the Jargon Federation.
Often, these individuals will study the society in which they are meant to act as an ambassadorial representative; mostly being that of culture and politics. This is expected to enhance the ability of the individual representing the Jargon Federation. Representatives are considered highly influential in regards to politics outside of the Jargon Federation; due to their handling of information, but also due to their loyalty. These Representatives are expected to claim an "Entity of Interest" -- an action which stands to present as the individual's primary field of expertise, and denote the foreign entity to which they devote their time to.
Representatives who share an "Entity of Interest" are expected to work together and cooperate to effectively protect the interests of the Jargon Federation. Representatives that show a considerable aptitude when dealing with their respective "Entity of Interest" will typically remain aboard consistently, until recalled by the Grand Council. These individuals are highly versed in politics, and as such may result in fame arising due to their position; eventually achieving Idol-status. Representatives that achieve such a status will typically be under minute scrutiny by the Grand Council, with even the whisper of scandal resulting in their retraction as a Jargon Federation Representative.
Schools of Thought
- Symbiosism: The more "mainstream" ideology within the Jargon Federation; it follows closely the principles of welcoming the influence Humanity has within its borders, but also promoting the core ideals of the Skrell that have guided them for millennia. It is rather susceptible to change, and radicals are few and far between. Doctrines revolve around co-operation with other species and providing assistance to lesser nations within the Orion Spur.
- Isolationism: A growing ideology within the Jargon Federation that has managed to gather a following, it dictates the need for Skrell to retract themselves from the affairs of the Orion Spur, only involving themselves if affected directly. It is resistant to change and aims to have the Jargon Federation be entirely self-dependable. Doctrines revolve around the Pro-Skrell status quo. Radicals are common within this group.
- Progressivism: Typically, this ideology is often paired with other ideologies under the guise of "visionary radicals", it revolves around the pursuit of the Jargon Federation pushing to be a dominion. It is only through the Jargon Federation reclaiming themselves as the "Behemoth of the Orion Spur" will the Orion Spur truly find themselves in enlightened times. It has a heavy focus on the Jargon Federation being economically, technologically, and militarily superior to all other nations within the Orion Spur. Radicals can be common, depending on the attached school of thought, or if followed singularly.
Federation Enforcement
Enforcers, or Kala, are responsible for upholding the law within the Jargon Federation. Functioning in a strict hierarchy, the Kala are governed by a legislative body known as the Jargon Federation Security Council. Formed in 901 CE as a means to unify all enforcement branches after the unification of the Alliance of the Three, the Kala were regarded one of the most important bodies of the Jargon Federation, as Skrell who devote their lives to ensure the wellbeing of others and their society.
Their doctrines revolve around mobility, flexibility and precision. Whereas other units use a blunt approach, the Kala instead aim for the permanent neutralization of the situation - surgically striking to prevent it from growing out of control. Presently, the Kala maintain two core objectives. Firstly, ensuring the safety, security and cooperation of all systems under the Federation flag and protecting their borders. Secondly, reaching out to foreign communities outside their borders, be it within the Traverse or even the human Frontier. Representatives describe these operations as purely altruistic, aiding these communities both from a protection and economic point of view as part of the "Unity Initiative Project". One such example of these operations was the Jargon 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.
Sromkala
"Prevent & Protect."
Sromkala, translating to Dream Enforcers, are Skrell selected to ensure that major planetary dreambubbles are safe from malicious lucidity. Agents are selected for their high psychic potential to oversee the Srom to ensure that no illegal or anti-Federation activities occur, particularly through the malicious use of Nlom-capable devices. They are commonly situated close to Nlom Relays - using the technology to amplify their capabilities tenfold. It is said that for every Nlom Relay across the Jargon Federation, there is a Sromkala nestled within a special cryogenic pod that allows for their body to be in suspended animation, but allows their minds to project and continue working within Srom.
Nlomkala
"Service with Excellence."
Nlomkala, or Wake Enforcers, are often compared to police across alien space. The Nlomkala are expected to ensure the stability and safety of the Jargon Federation at a physical level; mostly pertaining to simple duties such as patrolling, executing warrants and responding to emergencies relayed by the Ruupkala. There are extensive requisites to join the Nlomkala - ranging from athletic ability, understanding of the 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 Jargon Federation.
Recently, the C'thur Hive has began to supply the Nlomkala with Vaurca Warriors to bolster the Nlomkala's forces. These Warriors are largely from Vytel's brood and have been loyalty implanted, making the Federation's orders equal to those of a Queen's. If the Warriors experience a conflict of interest, they enter hibernation until it's resolved. Thankfully, due to Vaurca adaptability, these Warriors function just as well underwater as above it.
Ruupkala
"Always Vigilant."
Ruupkala - or Intelligence Enforcers - are the Federation's official security intelligence agency, designed around the need to maintain Skrell harmony as unobtrusively as possible and ensure a safe position in galactic 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 internal and focused on counterintelligence; public Federation figures often praise the Ruupkala non-interventionist policy and dismiss accusations of espionage as ignorant of Jargon policy, or malicious. The only exception to their internal operations policy, Ruupkala also tend to keep tabs on the various Representatives throughout the Orion Spur, ensuring both their safety and that their work is satisfactory. Largely, this is accepted by most nations as the Ruupkala will only monitor the Representatives and not interfere with any diplomatic functions in any capacity.
Qukala
"Perpetually primed."
Qukala, or Star Enforcers, function as the Navy of the Jargon Federation. Ranging from soldiers, to highly qualified personnel educated in engineering, or medical. Positions within the Qukala often require degrees from recognised universities across the Jargon Federation, meaning in only very rare circumstances will undereducated candidates be considered for the Qukala. The Qukala is one of the most powerful Navies in the Spur, due to the Federation's old age and advanced technological level.
The Lukala was a branch of the Qukala once comprised of only Dionae and Vaurca, but as of 2463, the Directory of Defense Operations decided to dissolve the subbranch 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 Travese during the fallout of the recent Election. Furthermore, 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. These new Warriors have a Federation-designed Loyalty Implant that equalizes the Federation's orders to that of a Queen's. If a conflict of interest arises, the Warriors merely enter hibernation until the conflict is resolved.
Tupkala
"Courage, bravery and dedication."
Tupkala, usually shorted to Tup, are highly revered Skrell. Only those with a long, distinguished career are capable of being elevated to the position of a Tup; a position that encompasses increased security clearance - as well as minor Idol status. Tupkala are able to originate from all the other branches of the Kala, but are additionally trained and implanted to prevent any security breaches in the unlikely event that they are captured by enemies of the Jargon Federation. These Skrell are commonly in their advanced age, with the mean being that of 276 years. When a Tup dies, their name will be added to the Tupkala Wall hosted in the Grand Councilor's Chamber on Kal'lo.
The Tupkala serve a variety of roles within the Federation. They dedicate Tups to the protection of prominent figures, black sites, and Special Operations. Oftentimes when the Federation needs something done quickly and quietly, the Tupkala are called to carry out the operation. Tups are rarely spotted outside the Federation, though that does not necessarily mean they are not present. Utilizing various Tupkala from the various different branches, Skrell who have pledged their unquestioning loyalty to the Jargon Federation, aided by loyalty implants not different to the discontinued line released by NanoTrasen.
In 2463, after a series of diplomatic incidents caused by Tupkala operating outside their orders, for the first time in history the Tupkala were disbanded, following Grand Councilor Weashbi's condemnation. A few months later, Weashbi rebuilt them 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. Oddly enough, Commander Kezoq was promoted from the Sromkala, an unlikely place to find candidates for the Tups.
Espionage
The act of spying, and gaining confidential information, is a long-held tradition for the Skrell. Throughout their existence as a species, remaining in the shadows and deploying operations from afar, has managed to take hold instead of large scale warfare. Across the Orion Spur the species remain feared for their exceptional espionage skills, and even better counterintelligence capacities. Equipped with stealth capabilities, various advanced technologies at their disposal, and backed by the Jargon Federation there is little that can stop the espionage agents distributed across the Spur.
Targets of Espionage
Specific agents will be tasked with different goals, and as such various categories have been developed in order to differentiate between the four categories; Bureaucracy, media, academia and militaries. Not all agents are designed to act in detriment of the state they observe, with some even implemented to ensure the success and growth; giving information back to the Jargon Federation in order for the Grand Council to best determine which ways to intervene.
- Bureaucracy, the strategic identification and assessment of resources within a bureaucratic state. Usually implemented across the Jargon Federation's territories, some have speculated that they have even dispatched some to other states across the Orion Spur. It has seen some victories, however, there are just as many defeats occurring across the traverse, with spies quickly sniffed out and imprisoned on various false charged by the planetary councillors.
- Media, the infiltration of the social network - be in locally or across the Orion spur. Usually subtle, employing the use of various journalists and postgraduate students to enact their plans on influencing social media to be more Jargon Federation compliant. This includes censoring articles through methods that make it hard to access, or by flooding various social networks with pro-skrellian propaganda. It is unknown how successful these operations are, or how spread out they are.
- Academia, individuals placed to penetrate and invade the fields of research and education. One of the more elusive agents deployed by the Jargon Federation, they are typically comprised of educators, scientists and even physicians, who are tasked with ensuring skrellian dominance over technology across the Orion Spur. It is assumed that these operations are quite successful, evident by the Skrell maintaining an advanced technological state compared to the lesser-nations it considers its neighbours.
- Militaries, is truly the most secretive and elusive field of skrellian espionage. Various techniques, and technologies, are used to gather information in regards to the military capabilities of a particular state. The Jargon Federation dedicates a massive effort to this sector of espionage, with thousands of different methods implemented to ensure that skrellian agents can intervene and decapitate any opposing force that attempts to enact warfare on the Jargon Federation. It is unknown how successful these operations are, or how deep it goes.
Technology and Techniques
The Jargon Federation utilizes a variety of different technologies and techniques to ensure their dominance of espionage across the Orion Spur. Whilst most of their methods are aimed to be used within skrellian space, a few have been altered to be useful within the lesser nation-states. Depending on their placed categories agents may using steganography, clandestine concealment and stealth technologies, applied surveillance sciences, memory-erasers and sabotage.
The introduction of alien species into the Jargon Federation, with unique biological and evolutionary advantages, the Skrell have managed to modernise their espionage tactics, doubling their effectiveness. These alien agents will undergo a variety of different treatments to ensure their loyalty to the Jargon Federation, with some even being implanted with loyalty implants to ensure it.
In recent times, the Jargon Federation has been accused of altering their agents' appearance to infiltrate governmental positions; posing as other species. Whilst they claim that is it ludicrous; rumours continue to perpetuate that the combination of both skrellian and vaurcan technology and techniques, it is a genuine possibility that they may have managed to crack the secrets of mass genome tampering.
Relations
Relations with Foreign States
Solarian Alliance
The Solarian Alliance sees the Jargon Federation as their closest ally within the Orion Spur, both economically and as a force to help preserve the status quo if anything seriously threatening galactic stability or if an unrecoverable disruption of the balance of power had to occur. Whilst there are whispers of many that fear the potential growth of the Jargon Federation into the wildlands that the Solarian Alliance still seeks to return to the fold, their relationship has continued to prosper even after the turbulent events that nearly brought the Orion Spur to its knees.
The Solarian Alliance has the most Representatives of the Jargon Federation within its borders, who typically work alongside one another to maintain the relationship between both nations. The recent events that have resulted in the shrinking of the Solarian Alliance has prompted additional Representatives working within its borders; seeking further avenues in which the Jargon Federation can expand their influence within the Solarian Alliance. The Solarian Alliance and Jargon Federation have several agreements; mostly related to trade, research, and migration.
Republic of Biesel
In most official capacities, the Republic of Biesel maintains positive relations with the Jargon Federation to the beneficial trade that occurs between the both of them. Politically, it is mostly the same, however there is a growing number within the Republic that have begun to view the Jargon Federation as untrustworthy due to their lack of intervention during both invasions of Tau Ceti. Tau Ceti is one of few places outside of the Jargon Federation that is considered worthy of visiting by Skrell; resulting in an increased demand for visas (tourist and work) for Tau Ceti.
The Republic of Biesel, at any given time, has roughly the second-largest amount of Representatives of the Jargon Federation within its borders. Following the events that nearly crippled the Orion Spur, the Jargon Federation has begun searching for another way to increase their influence within the fledgeling republic; mostly through the use of foreign aid, and restricted technological exchanges. The Republic of Biesel has expressed interest in increased diplomatic ties with the Jargon Federation; mostly involving concessions for Megacorporations to be able to freely operate within the political entity. The Jargon Federation has affirmed that they see the Republic of Biesel as a valuable diplomatic partner, and publically wishes to increase diplomatic ties with them.
Coalition of Colonies
The Coalition of Colonies is somewhat public about their opinion of the Jargon Federation; stating that they are suspicious of the foreign policy boosted by the nation, alongside its authoritarian system. They also view the Jargon Federation as Sol-aligned, and therefore anti-Coalition of Colonies by association. Whilst there are talks about economical cooperation, however, both the Coalition of Colonies and the Jargon Federation would be able to produce large quantities of wealth off of one another.
The Coalition of Colonies sports a few dozen Representatives of the Jargon Federation within its borders, mostly tasked with improving the relations between the two behemoths. The inaction of the Jargon Federation in the Second Invasion of Tau Ceti has resulted in quite a stir within the Coalition; many citing that the Jargon Federation is no longer pro-Sol, with others perpetuating rumours that they simply bide their time and will soon be launching an attack on the Orion Spur. The Jargon Federation has publically announced an interest in exploring additional diplomatic avenues with the Coalition of Colonies; however, little effort has been seen in regards to this.
Empire of Dominia
Thee Empire of Dominia maintains a public ambivalent relations with the Jargon Federation; politically and economically. Hardly any effort is exerted in regards to the Jargon Federation officially, with some more liberal merchant factions rooted within proposing trade with the Skrell. Unofficially, the Empire of Dominia is split ideologically in regards to the political entity. Many both like that the Jargon Federation has taken steps in restricting artificial intelligence, but there is also a sizeable that hates them for being the first ones to create it.
The Empire of Dominia maintains only six Representatives of the Jargon Federation within its borders, focusing on creating opportunities for trading, with little success. The inaction of both the Jargon Federation and the Empire of Dominia during the latest turbulent events of the Orion Spur has resulted in the warming of relations somewhat. The Jargon Federation has displayed minor interest in exploring the relationship between the two entities but has yet to engage in such diplomacy.
Serene Republic of Elyra
The Serene Republic of Elyra has publically maintained that they are suspicious of Jargon encroachment, as well as interference in human affairs, in lieu of the Solarian Alliance's collapse - despite this, they continue cordial if a bit distant relations with the Jargon Federation. There are whispers that many within Elyra see the Jargon Federation as an ally against the Lii'dra should they return. They are economically disinterested in the Jargon Federation, as the Serene Republic of Elyra has continued their self-sufficiency since the collapse of the Solarian Alliance, and the trade that the nation does conduct are mostly done with the Coalition of Colonies and the Republic of Biesel.
The Serene Republic of Elyra has roughly two dozen Representatives of the Jargon Federation within its borders, with a focus on technological cooperation. The inaction of the Jargon Federation during the recent events that haunted the Orion Spur has resulted in relations between the two technological giants to become somewhat cold, with a large migration of Representatives back to the Jargon Federation. The Jargon Federation publically supports a minor interest in exploring a relationship with the Serene Republic of Elyra, a technological one, that is.
Eridani Corporate Federation
The Eridani Corporate Federation has made the Orion Spur very aware of their interest to pursue additional economic cooperation with the Jargon Federation; citing that it is a massive market for Zeng Hu Pharmaceuticals, and Megacorporations found within the Board of Five. The closeness of the Jargon Federation and the Solarian Alliance has resulted in cordial relations between these two federations, with a significant amount of both the entities wealth being invested into one another.
The Eridani Corporate Federation maintains the third largest following of Representatives of the Jargon Federation within its borders, with most focusing on exploring additional economic cooperative avenues that will enhance the wealth of both. The inaction of the Jargon Federation during the Second Invasion of Tau Ceti has resulted in somewhat weakened relations; however, the Eridani Corporate Federation publically maintains that the Jargon Federation is a crucial member of its economy. The Jargon Federation has all-but-ensured that the Eridani Corporate Federation will soon benefit from proposed deregulation of the skrellian economy.
People's Republic of Adhomai
The People's Republic of Adhomai attempts to secure a respectful, diplomatic relationship with the Jargon Federation; mostly in part due to its policy of approaching alien powers for support in the Adhomian Cold War. The People's Republic of Adhomai has essentially pushed for cordial relations between them and the Jargon Federation resulting in increased cooperatives, mostly involving the "Project Unity Initiative" - a diplomatic agreement in which the Jargon Federation commences humanitarian aid projects and provides monetary assistance.
The People's Republic of Adhomai has roughly three dozen Representatives of the Jargon Federation within its borders, mostly focusing on administrating the "Project Unity Initiative" and facilitating diplomacy between the three warring nations on Adhomai. The inaction of the Jargon Federation during the recent Solarian Invasion of Tau Ceti and resulting collapse that turned the Orion Spur on its head has not had an impact on the relationship between the Jargon Federation and the People's Republic of Adhomai. The Jargon Federation recently broke it's stance of neutrality in regards to Adhomai. After an attempted terror attack on District 8 in Biesel's Mendell City by radical Al'mariist insurgents, the Federation officially recognized the People's Republic of Adhomai as the sole civil authority of the planet and began to support their claims politically. It's unknown to the public if the Federation is offering more material support behind the scenes due to both nations' private nature.
Democratic People's Republic of Adhomai
The Democratic People's Republic of Adhomai has little to no relations with the Jargon Federation; mostly due to the xenophobic nature of Al'mariism. The Jargon Federation is viewed by many within the Democratic People's Republic of Adhomai's borders as a threat to their independence and future; which usually devolves into accusations of imperialism by various prominent politicians. Even the most progressive of Al'mariists maintain the dislike of the Jargon Federation.
Due to the recent attempted terror attack in Mendell City, relations between the two political bodies dipped to the worst in history. The Federation took the planned bombing of District 8 as an unfettered act of aggression against Skrell. While the Federation had always believed the Democratic People's Republic a threat to Adhomai, they now hold the position that Al'marrists are a threat to the greater Spur aboard as well.
New Kingdom of Adhomai
The New Kingdom of Adhomai, due to its precarious position, maintains an official intention of establishing positive diplomatic ties with the Jargon Federation; mostly in hopes of establishing the "Project Unity Initiative" within its borders. The turbulent history of Adhomai has resulted in somewhat lukewarm relations between the New Kingdom of Adhomai and the Jargon Federation, however, what relations that did exist were irrevocably obliterated when the Federation announced their political recognition of the People's Republic of Adhomai as the sole civil authority of the planet.
Despite the incident that caused this change in the Federation's political stance being caused by Al'mariists, the Federation has been unyielding in political channels to reverse this decision, to the woe of those in the Kingdom who had hoped to benefit from the Project Unity Initiative. The Federation retracted all political ties with the New Kingdom of Adhomai, and declared the state illegitimate.
Izweski Hegemony
The relationship between the nations of Skrell and Unathi has been rocky, to say the least. Following their introduction to the intergalactic stage and subsequent Contact War, the rule of Hegemon S'kresti caused relations to sour. The conflict on Ouerea as well as the handling of the Defiled Lands and various accusations made by both sides, proven or otherwise, only continues to mar recent history. It is only with the death of the last Hegemon and the official coronation of Not'zar Izweski where the situation is beginning to look hopeful for relations.
The stifling silence between them is seen to be either a growing tension between two groups on the cusp of change, or merely an awkward pause before reconciliation, reparation, and realignment. Though they lack embassies in their respective territories, the Skrell assert responsibility and interest in the development in Ouerea as it becomes a cultural hotbed and merger of ideas and innovation, and as such talks between the two groups is inevitable. Furthermore, Skrell and Unathi delegations have been openly suggesting diplomacy; though facing backlash from bitter traditionalists and more conservative Unathi in the Hegemony, it is clear some amount of change is on the horizon, for better or for worse.