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Library Data: M
Main : - A large grouping of systems forming a chain of worlds all within jump-l of another. This grouping provides a sort of "corridor" allowing jump-l capable ships to travel to any world along the chain without ever exceeding jump-l.
Many such groupings exist in the Imperium. Prominent examples include the Vilani Main centered in the Vland sector, the Sylean Main in Core sector, and Antares Main originating in the Antares sector.
Major Race : - An arbitrary distinction based on the achievements of a specific intelligent race. A race which achieves interstellar travel (jump drive) through its own efforts is classed major; one which does not is classed minor.
To date, generally accepted major races include Humaniti, (Solomani, and Vilani, but not other examples), Vargr, Ancients, and Droyne.
The Suerrat (a human race) are considered minor because their achievement of interstellar travel utilized generation Ships. Similarly, the Geonee were originally thought to be major race, but their development of jump drive was based on recovered Ancient artifacts rather than on true racial efforts. The Geonee dispute this prevailing opinion and hold the (generally unshared) view that they are of major standing.
The Droyne have been demonstrated to be major, for they have developed jump drive as far back as -7000. At present, however, they do not build or use jump drives, and remain voluntarily sequestered in their scattered systems to spinward.
Mayday : - Corruption of a Terran term from an ancient language from that world. Accepted in the Imperium as a distress signal for vessels in difficulties. See also SOS and Signal GK.
Megacorporation : -An extremely large interstellar corporation. When a corporation's scope of operations are such that it provides services to an area similar to that controlled by Imperial government, it earns the name megacorporation.
Because of their size, megacorporations have truly astronomical numbers of employees, shareholders, and profits. Their upper level executives labour at broad policy questions, and are largely out of contact with the day-to-day (and even year-to-year) activities of the corporation. The real power in the company lies in the hands of the regional managers (under whatever title they have) Who control the actual operations of the business. While they may control only a small fraction of the megacorporation's assets, they wield more power in some areas than do the representatives of the Imperial government.
A small number of Imperial regulatory agencies have power over the megacorporations, and the companies are subject to any applicable local taxes as well. Nevertheless, if Imperial sovereignty is not blatantly violated, regional managers can usually conduct their company' s business as they see fit.
Minor Race : - An intelligent race which has not achieved jump drive through its own efforts. For most races, this classification is appropriate. Many are contacted before they have reached a technological level capable of even considering jump drive, thus permanently prejudicing their potential.
Indeed, the shock of such a classification, and the realization that this classification pervades interstellar society, is sufficient to relegate a race to a permanent role as shopkeepers and accountants. Some slump, while others violently resist the classification. The fact that the categorization is informal and arbitrary, and tends to elevate those already in power has made resistance difficult, if not impossible.
Moot : - The Imperial government's only deliberative body. It has few powers and rarely exercises them. In theory, the Moot includes all Imperial nobles of baronial or higher status, but most nobles do not find it convenient to travel to Capital, and so many of those seated hold proxy votes. Large blocks of these votes can be wielded by a single influential noble.
Technically, the Moot is supreme in the Imperium, but its power is extremely limited. In practice, its deliberations are advisory to the emperor, and he is wise to heed them. The Moot has only one power; to dissolve the Imperium. When this power is brought to bear, it compels compromise between opposing factions.
When an emperor dies, abdicates, or otherwise becomes unfit for office, the Moot becomes important as the validating body for the new emperor. It has the power to examine the qualifications and credentials of the heir apparent and, in unusual situations, to reject him.
The Moot holds its sessions in the Moot Spire, which, at 1.75 kilometers High, is the tallest building on Capital. By tradition, the Spire is the only building allowed to tower above the Imperial Palace, which is 4.25 kilometers away. Elevators with gravitic compensators can speed visitors from bottom to top in 18 seconds. At the top of the Spire is the High Moot, where select committees hold the most private deliberations.
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