The Rise of the Terran Empire

This article covers the timeline from 2387 to 2430 and is referred to by historians as the "Rise of the Terran Empire"    

2387 2404-the Foundation of the Empire -Emperor August Solarin

2387 - Admiral Clarice Woodleigh is assassinated along with her entire staff and former Senator Ola Ingarmarsson en-route to a summit. General Desper "Bull" Hammond becomes the leader of the Junta.   The Junta announce that they have dissolved the Executive Committee & the Inter-Rim Government in favour of a new, more stable structure. They announce that the Terran Empire has been founded, on Earth with August Solarin crowned as the first Emperor.   A new nobility is to be established but for now the Colonial governors will still have authority. President Holcombe's cabinet are taken into custody, though Secretary of Defence Danesh Hawthorne is released.   Many colonies refuse to recognize the new Empire's authority and go into rebellion. Around 30 ships also refuse to follow the "illegal" orders of the new Junta chief and go into rebellion.   Emperor Solarin names corporate exec Boal Leaven as the Lord-Chancellor of the Empire. An Imperial Court is formed to be the senior leadership body of the Empire.   2388 -Isaac Solarin, the "Prince" of the Empire marries Ivy Valane to seal an alliance between two powerful "Houses". Many of the most powerful political, military and corporate families are recognized and ennobled.   Colonial governors who resist or do not meet the standards of the Empire and its leadership are removed from power.   The colonies of Stark, New Silesia, Jasper, Nova Terra & Fort Verekker have all gone into revolt but marines quickly recapture these worlds, putting them under martial law.   The CRD goes into exile and calls for all democrats within the Federated States to take up arms against the Empire. A state of Civil War exists.   The entire Zavitz political family go into exile.   2389- There is a tense diplomatic incident as the Gannid Commonwealth deploys ships to protect the "shield-worlds". It warns that any interference in these worlds by the Empire will be considered an act of war.   There is a major outbreak at a bio-testing facility on Lightning Point. Rumors that the Rephaim have been seen are confirmed by local news sources. The Rephaim incursion is later explained away as an outbreak of a bio-weapon   2390-Emperor August Solarin appoints Lord-Governor Troy Maquessa as the new Lord-Chancellor and shifts his focus to foreign policy.   The Empire argues with the CEO's of the Big Six corporations about them paying corporations tax as well as having issues around them having their own corporate military forces.   2391- The Empire imposes subsidized travel between worlds.This is greeted with enthusiasm by colonists.   Foreign Minister Hana Belzen has difficulties persuading the Tranoan Empire and the Gannid Commonwealth in supporting intervention in Vatu space.   2392- The Empire makes a shock surprise attack against the Karkouri fleets occupying Vatu territory. The fighting, lead by Admiral Lucy Stargher, is a success and the Karkouri are badly routed. The Karkouri are offered to remove their ground troops without a fight and agree, returning to Karkouri space.   The Galactic Council chides the Empire for acting without the Council's authority but Terran prestige has been greatly boosted.   2393- The Tazzyn Empire take exception to the Terran's new prestige and make a point of embarrassing the Terran Empire by ordering their ships to fly through Terran space.   The Resistance captures a major weapons cache.   Leaks from Allied Technology confirm that the new Kronus 10 Mecha is ready for launch but its per unit cost is truly extortionate.   2394 - The resistance captures a convoy with fuel and supplies on the Frontier.   An "infinity ship" is destroyed in orbit of St Lawrence. Lord-Chancellor Troy Maquessa, who claims that the Infinity Ships are owned by him, calls for reparations from Lord-Governor Collingwood of St Lawrence and a complex legal case develops   2395 -Karkouri Raiders trouble the northern frontier but the Karkouri Regime Council claims to know nothing about them. The Emperor orders Admiral Stargher to work with Lord-Marshall Hawthorne to develop a counter-raid plan.   In October of 2395 Operation Belepheron is launched Admiral Stargher sends five small task forces across the Karkouri border to destroy the raider bases which is done with minimal damage to Imperial ships.   However, while the Fleet is distracted, the Rebels launch their largest ever operation and attack the fleet dock at Nova Terra, destroying three incredibly valuable "Infinity Ships" and wiping out the Colonial Militia. An Imperial Patrol group in range engages but is driven back with heavy losses.   The Rebels are able to bounce back across the border into Tazzyn space.   2396 - Lady Hana Belzen is sent to the Galactic Council where she gets a frosty response from the Tranoans.   The Empire establishes a new bureaucracy to deal with the poor tax revenue. The new Imperial Revenue and Treasury Department is formed by Lord-Chancellor Maquessa.   2397 - An investigation into Westcorp reveals that they had helped to develop a Zero-Point reactor for the rebels. The CEO and COO of West-Corp voluntarily hand themselves over for arrest pending a trial for Corporate Treason. This narrowly averts a showdown with the corporations.   Lord-Chamberlain Brahms is crippled by an assassination attempt.   2398 - in a rare appearance at the Galactic Council, the Taur'leir envoy offers Taur'lier aid to deal with the Rephaim incursion. Thanks to the efforts of Lady Belzen, the Council narrowly votes to ask for intervention. The Taur'leir make it clear that if they do that, it will be the last thing they do in the quadrant.   The Emperor is subject to a vast number of nuisance law suits.   2399- The Taur'leir fleet attacks and apparently wipes out the entire Rephaim fleet in an incredible display of power. The Taur'leir then turn their attention to the occupied worlds which they blast from orbit until literally all life on those planets has been destroyed. The Dhau empire reports more than a billion dead.   However it does appear that the Rephaim have been wiped out.   Traders and privateers report that there are no ships or outposts in Taur'leir space. An area of over eleven star systems has become open. There are discussions between the Dhau, the Terrans and the Gannid over who will have rights to them. The new Gannid Chancellor makes it very clear they will not share this space with the Dhau Empire.   2400 -A major political summit takes place between the Terran Empire, the Gannid Commonwealth and the Dhau Empire. The talks, taking place on the neutral world of Halvon, see the three powers decide to carve the former Taur'Lier space up between them. The Gannid emerge with the most territory, taking advantage of a weak Dhau bargaining position.   The Tranoan Empire and the Galactic Council condemns the three powers for violating Taur'leir sovereignty   The Dhau Empire has entered into a period of civil war as nine worlds go into revolt against the Imperial leadership.   Former Chancellor Boal Leaven is appointed Chancellor again as Lord Maquessa is given the wide-ranging brief of "Minister of State for the New Worlds".   2401 -On Mars, the CEO's of the big six corporations announce the formation of a new "Hansa" which will operate as economic and political guild, formalizing the agreement that the corporations will not tolerate illegal interference in one of their number. The Emperor reacts with outrage but finds little support at court   Emperor August Solarin becomes increasingly fascinated by military affairs, spending much of his time on military bases and associating with senior military officers   Minister's Maquessa and Tellar agree to cede permanent control of the "Shield Worlds" to the Gannid Commonwealth, ending the lease and handing these planets to permanent control of them to the Gannid   2402- Allied Technology reveal massive profits which see them take a narrow lead over Esprit du Nacional and become the second largest corporation in the Empire. The Imperial Military order nine Kronus-10 mechs.   There is a widespread security sweep which leads to dozens of arrests including some senior military officers. General Reav Wallender commits suicide but his senior officers implicate many more. Major businessman and billionaire Tokic Isenholt is revealed to be the mastermind behind the plot and he is arrested by IIS   Imperial Marines are deployed to Vietnam to take control after civil war breaks out there.   2403- The Dhau civil war continues to drag on with the Imperial faction unable to conquer the rebel worlds but the rebels unable to breakout. A bloody stalemate sets in. No other major power appears to be interested in taking sides   The Committee to Restore Democracy agree, in historic talks, to disarm and to come back to the Empire. Emperor Solarin agrees an amnesty for all former rebels and grants them an undeveloped colony (Within Terran borders) to run as they want, as part of the Empire which is agreed. Former Vice President Padmini Yureck and a few other rebel leaders are granted amnesty within the Tranoan Empire   Kronus-10 mechs have now been available for ten years. They have largely been purchased by corporations but a few colonies and the military have also purchased them. They have been found to be very effective. They are considered, by Allied Technology, to be "employees" and their license is sold rather than they are sold themselves. Allied Technology urge the Empire to adopt a bill of rights for AI   2404- Emperor August Solarin announces, to the shock of the Empire, that he will abdicate the throne in favor of his son, Prince Isaac Solarin , in 2405. The Empire's political class goes into a frenzy with the Isenholt plot unmasked and now the Emperor's looming abdication   the first attempts to land on former Taur'Lier worlds by the Gannid are met with automated defense systems that wipe out the landing attempts.   Chancellor Boal Leaven falls ill and dies later that year. His funeral is widely attended.  

2405-2429 Emperor Isaac Solarin

2405- the Mutiny of 06 2405 Emperor Isaac Solarin ascends to the Imperial throne and he was crowned in a low key ceremony on Mars. He named long-time tutor and attendant Lord Cort Yardley as his Lord-Chancellor ahead of the first session of his Imperial Court.   However, before he had even met with his court, his mother-in-law, Duchess Tilly Valane, the Minister of Communications, was arrested by a squad of recon marines who shot their way into the HQ of Fleet Intelligence. She was taken away to an undisclosed location. Lord Danesh Hawthorne met with the Emperor and stated that he had arrested her and charged her with the murders of a dozen officers during the Imperial Coup of 2387 as well as other high crimes. He insisted that the Emperor agree to her trial as well as other reforms.   Two weeks later, whilst inspecting a marine garrison in Vanheim, his home colony, Lord Hawthorne was shot in the head by a sniper and killed instantly. His son, Colonel Quinton "Quin" Hawthorne, was named Lord-Governor.   Prompted by this, marine units on Earth attempted to seize the Imperial palace and insisted that the Emperor abdicate. There was a pitched battle on the streets of the Imperial Capital. Initially the marines are able to push through the Imperial Legion garrison but with fanatical defence and mounting reinforcements, they are pushed back. The "Battle of Dhaka" ends after five days of fighting, leaving nearly four thousand dead.   Marine garrisons across the Empire go into revolt as Generals call on the Emperor and his councillors to agree to major reforms. There is no clear pretender put forward by the mutineers. An attempted mutiny within the fleet sees a major task force also declare for the rebels but the majority of the fleet side with the Emperor. Admiral Lucy Stargher personally executes half a dozen mutineers in her force and orders the remainder to either be spaced or put into holding cells and stockades.   There is a long period of stalemate across the Empire with most of the colonial governors remaining neutral.   2406 A pirate force ambushes and badly damages a small task force on the Tazzyn border. The Tazzyn Empire is condemned for harboring criminals but the Tazzyn dismiss this rebuke.   After a long, uneasy period of phony war, the mutinious rebels, whose leadership is largely comprised of marine generals, agree to meet with the Emperor to discuss a cease-fire. The Hansa agree to host this in the Ross 159 system near St Lawrence.   The colonial governors are also invited and agree to attend.   The Prosperity-Mount Summit sees the Emperor agree to major reforms that include:  

• On the death, abdication or other removal of the Emperor, the new Emperor will be chosen by a "Grand Council" of Colonial Governors with each governor getting one vote.
• The "Grand Council" can also convene to vote to veto a decision of the Emperor with a simple majority.
• If the Grand Council is empowered to remove the Emperor from office if he has committed "grand crimes" against the state
• An Imperial Parliament will be set up, directly elected from the colonies. This body, which will have a ten year term, will be an advisory body to the Emperor and his government.

In return, the rebels agreed to disarm and all senior officers (colonel or above) to retire. The fleet officers would stand trial, with the death sentence for mutiny commuted.   For his part in the mutiny, Lord Quin Hawthorne also agreed to retire and abdicate his role. He named his cousin, economist Albion Hawthorne as the new governor of Vanheim.   Chief of Staff General Elizar Brosh also retired. Whilst he had not been a formal part of the mutiny, as it had happened under his watch, he was unable to escape the blame. Admiral Lucy Stargher was named as the new Chief of Staff   Duchess Tilly Valane was released but, as part of the cease-fire agreement, she agreed to resign her post as Duchess and Minister of Communications.   2407 - The Jerriver Commission, set up by the marine corps, began interviewing all marines who had taken part in the mutiny from the rank of Lieutenant to Colonel with possible exemptions given to some.   Kronus-10 Mecha "Millar 202" asked for the right to find a new job or to be paid for his work. The Imperial Court agreed to the concept and long term discussions over the rights of sentient AI began   2408 - The Millar Reform was enacted by the Emperor. This landmark law named sentient AI as citizens of the Empire, though with some minor restrictions for now. AI would be required to repay their construction costs by their wages to the company that built them.   2409 - Allied Technology began a major outreach program to the frontier and the Badlands to help with what was seen as a mounting humanitarian crisis. This came after Allied saw a major drop in its share-price in the last year.   2410 -At the Imperial Council, Lord Joachim Brahms is named as the new Lord-Chancellor of the Empire. The Empire enacts a new set of strong fiscal policies, including a tax reform that was written by Lord-Treasurer Fulbright Nolan and Minister of State Albion Hawthorne.   Karkouri border raids stoke the tension between the Terran Empire and the Karkouri Regime   2411 - The Karkouri Regime falls into civil war as rebel factions attempt to seize power in a coup.   The Terran Empire takes advantage by launching "Operation Red Tiger". Admiral Stargher leads 250 fighting ships in an attack that destroys 50-60 Karkouri warships. The Imperial fleet then pulls of a very successful encirclement which wipes out nearly 100 fighting ships. The Imperial fleet successfully disengages with the loss of 30 ships and 2,500 men   The Empire celebrates a huge victory but is condemned in the Imperial Council.   2412 - Foreign Minister Troy Maquessa is summoned to the Galactic Council to answer for the aggressive actions of the Empire. The Empire is condemned and censured but no formal action is taken. However, the Tazzyn Empire orders a trade embargo against the Empire.   The Terran's attempt to broker a deal to keep their trade deal but are rebuffed by all but the Gannid Commonwealth, who agree an exclusive trade deal.   The Empire announces the "Imperial Peerage Act" which will formalize the granting of life-peerages.   2413 - Major advancements in AI and computing across the Empire. Allied Technology announce that they are on the verge of the 11th generation mecha but the Empire orders them to halt their advancement, especially that of an AI factory until at least 2420. A Ministry of Robotics and AI is set up   The Terran Empire begins colonization efforts on the Southern frontier. The worlds of Vodhyonna and Skerrit’s World are the first to begin colonization with joint efforts between the Empire and the corporations.   2414 - Reports of a major crime wave across the Empire, with the colony world of Avalon all but overwhelmed. An Imperial Judicial task force is deployed and crime gradually decreases   Aside from the Gannid Commonwealth, all other races have now ended trade with the Empire. The Dhau were willing to continue trading but due to the exclusive arrangement with the Gannid Commonwealth, they cannot continue trading. The Terrans agree to provide military aid to the Gannid in their civil war.  

2415-Prospero

2415 -The Empire sends a diplomatic mission to Prospero which has the mission to evaluate whether the Jaradino are suitable for uplifting. Initial contact is very successful but after several months of talks, things break down as miscommunication and religious doctrines result in a war breaking out between the various city-states. The diplomatic mission is withdrawn.   The Council of Governor's call for an Inquiry and Lord McQaid is named as chairman, despite the Emperor's initial resistance to the idea that it is necessary at all."   The Imperial Economy is in recession and Lord Treasurer Gell Omerhaus begins the process of trying to fix the economy. Talk of a potential bond issue and loans are floated.   The Dhau civil war winds up with a huge loss of life and the Imperial faction victorious. Most feel that it will be 10-15 years before the Dhau Empire returns to its old strength   2416- Colonization bonds are issued to try and stabilize the economy. No new taxes are put in place and there is a minor cut in government spending.   The Empire is rocked with the news that Allied Technology has agreed to merge with West-Corp, creating the largest single corporation in the Empire known as Allied West. After an initial outcry from the Empire, there is nothing much that can be done. The run on shares also help to stabilize the economy   Foreign Minister Fulbright Nolan is given the brief to begin trying to sort out communication with the Jaradino on Prospero with a view to their eventual uplift   2417 - A major pro-AI lobbying group called ADVANCE continues to advocate for AI rights and for the creation of the 11th generation mechs. However, the Ministry of Robotics, headed by Lord Aldrich Collingwood, reject this and state there will be a further five year moratorium for further study   A rift suddenly develops between Empress Ivy Solarin and Emperor Isaac Solarin and she returns to her estates on Mars, prompting concern within the Council of Governors. Lord Niort Kallis takes the Emperor to task over this and there are tense exchanges.   2418 - Imperial Prince Michael Solarin, a serving 1st Lieutenant in the Marine Corps, is killed in action whilst taking part in a sweep and clear operation. He is mourned by his parents and the Empire as a whole. There is confusion over who the Solarin dynasty will have as their designated heir with Prince Alexander Solarin being very low profile. His 25 year old daughter, Princess Regina Solarin, is spoken of as the potential new heir   2419 - The Karkouri civil war ends with the Regime Council victorious, though they face ongoing resistance on the Frontier. The Karkouri Regime council has been aided by the Tazzyn Empire   Emperor Isaac Solarin announces that Princess Regina Solarin will be the "preferatti" of the Solarin/Valane dynasty. The court is somewhat surprised that the 26 year old Princess has been elevated to de-facto heir of the Empire   2420- Emperor Isaac Solarin announces a wide-ranging set of new laws to manage the corporations, largely based around anti-trust and to prevent monopolies. This is perceived as an attempt to blind-side the Hansa who are outraged at not being consulted. The Edict is initially met with support from the Council of Governors but begins to flounder after strong resistance from the Hansa   The Council's inquiry into the Prospero affair concludes that the operation was run correctly but that subsequent corruption and inefficiency has lead to arms-dealing to the native Jaradino. Admiral Mabbut is directed to increase the size of the blocking force and deploys a Task Force under Admiral Shane Godfrey   Former foreign minister and Holliston CEO Fulbright Nolan is named as Lord-Governor of Vodhyna in the new Frontier. He steps down as Holliston CEO and is replaced by Hadden Morrow   A terrorist attack destroys a marine training camp on Jasper, killing nearly 1,000 marines   2421 -the ongoing political battle between the Emperor and the Hansa escalates with the Hansa's lobbyists beginning a wide-spread media campaign calling the Emperor's judgement and sanity into question. The Emperor stops just short of accusing them of treason.   Things get even worse and Allied West, EDN and VENTRISS UDC all announce they will not continue to supply the Imperial Military. Allied West's new Lattice computers are thought to be a major break through in computer tech and would revolutionize the Empire   Minister of Robotics Lord Collingwood announces a further moratorium on 11th generation AI.   2422 - The Imperial Council votes to veto the Emperor's new law, with both the Conservative and liberal factions united in opposition to the Emperor. Things become very heated and some harsh words are exchanged between Lord Hawthorne and Lord Hammond   Princess Regina Solarin marries Galen Hammond, son and heir of Lord Maece Hammond.   2423 - The Governor of Stark colony, Lord Lussert, names Hadden Morrow as his heir and then abdicates, elevating the Holliston CEO to a Lord-Governor. The council of governors, disproving of this, pass a new law that will put future successions subject to scrutiny and a potential veto from the council of governors   The Fleet begins a major refit using the new Lattice technology to upgrade the fleet. Estimates suggest that with the combination of the technologies, this would bring the Empire's fleet to a tech level superior to all but the Tranoan and Tazzyn Empires   2424 - A terrorist bomb rips through the Imperial palace on Dhaka, crippling the Emperor and Lord-Chamberlain Tancredo. Both survive but are left in critical condition and go into comas. Emperor Solarin is unable to exercise his Imperial power but power still lies with Empress Ivy Solarin.   The Empire continues to hold talks with the Hansa regarding the reforms to the law with the hope that this will be better received this time around   Davian Morrow marries Ima Nolan, to create House Lanrow, an amalgamation of the two families  

2425-2429- The "Regency" Of Ivy Solarin

2425 - With Emperor Isaac Solarin unable to exercise his role as Emperor, power was divested to Empress-Regent Ivy Solarin . She named Lord Collingwood as her Chancellor and put together a broad ministry that involved many of the major governors as well as Lady Lucy Stargher and, for the first time, Ranger Paddick Montrose from the Valtinist faith   Operation Thundercloud is executed, with the marine corps leading attacks on six colonies to destroy Black-Star bases. Hundreds of militants are killed and dozens are captured with the loss of around 130 marines. Several colonial legislatures, as well as the Imperial parliament, decry the loss of life   2426 - The Empire passes a reformed Monopolies and Merger Act, leaving the increases in tax code out of the law which is then comfortably passed by the Council.   A well armed terrorist attack rocks the Downport at St Lawrence and the militants are killed by the local militia with support from the marine corps. Over 1,000 people die and the Downport is crippled.   There is another terrorist attack against Furnace and a military lab is destroyed   2427 - The Empire institutes a wide ranging security lockdown which is decried by the Governors of New Berlin, Whitworth and St Lawrence.   There is another terrorist attack against Whitworth but the terrorist ship is shot-down, crashing in a field outside the city. The survivors are then killed by an orbital nuclear strike. CIS teams then sterilize the site   2428 - Empress Ivy rewards Hisato Yamamoto, the Minister of Communications,, as a Life-Peer for his sterling work over the last two years. She also confirms that Lord Collier McQaid will be appointed Inspector General of the Empire, to serve until 2445 (unless death or resignation ends his term).   The Empire agrees a new Mutual Defence Pact with the Gannid Commonwealth, lasting until 2445. This commits both Empires to protect each other in times of war (though not if the other had started the war!). In a banner year for foreign policy, the trade embargo against the Empire is lifted by the Tazzyn Empire   2429 - The Moratorium on 11th generation AI continues with no agreement on the potential existential threat that the AI pose to the Terran Empire. There is heated argument in the Council of Governors but not agreement on a way forward   The continuing issues on Prospero are brought to talks and agree to form some sort of world governing body to commence talks in order to progress the project to be uplifted. It has now been nearly 15 years since the Prospero mission.   Empress Ivy Solarin and Emperor Isaac Solarin announce that they abdicate, triggering an Imperial election, the first one since the law was put into place in 2406.  

The Conclave of 2429

The Council of Governor's met in the Imperial Palace in Dhaka on December 1st. They were given 48 hours to announce preferatti, with one already nominated before the contest:   Princess Regina Valane-Solarin, daughter of Emperor Isaac Solarn & Empress Ivy Solarin Lord Joachim Brahms, the former Lord-Chancellor and the Governor of New Carthage Voting then commenced under the aegis of the Imperial Civil Service. After just three days and one ballot, it was confirmed that Princess Regina had won the title of Empress with 13 votes, opposed to 7 for Lord Brahms and 3 abstentions   Princess Regina was immediately confirmed as Empress Regina Valane-Solarin I. Her husband, Galen Hammond, was confirmed to the title of Imperial Consort.