The Valane Dynasty

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This article covers the primary timeline from 2430 to 2476 and is referred to by some historians as the "Valane Era"

2430-2459 Empress Regina Valane-Solarin

2430 -Empress Regina Valane decided to largely keep with the government of her mother, retaining the service of the influential Lord-Chancellor Collingwood. She also kept Lord Hawthorne as the Lord-Treasurer despite his often adversarial relationship to the Hansa. She appointed a very wide ministry which included more nobles in the council than ever before
The Empress passed a major increase in the fleet budget, which new Chief of Staff Admiral Eton Coetze used to continue and accelerate the fleet refit program.I
Inspector-General McQaid began an investigation into Operation Thundercloud, looking into where the blame lies for the failure of the operation
2431 -There is a brush-fire conflict between the Gannid Commonwealth and the Dhau Empire. The Terran Empire intercedes and managed to, thanks to skillful diplomacy lead by Lord Maquessa, bring both parties to the negotiation table, ending the armed conflict but not ending the bad blood between the two Empires
Inspector-General McQaid reported to the council that the failures of Operation Thundercloud were largely due to incompetence in the marine corps higher echelon with Lt-General Montez took the blame and retired.
2432 -Lord Abner Grumman successfully got a narrow mandate from the Imperial Council of Governors to end the moratorium on 11th generation AI. This was celebrated as a landmark moment for the Terran Empire and AI. ADVANCE celebrated by giving out 5,000 free scholarships to impoverished students to study technology, physics or computer tech at colleges
The uplift effort on Prospero progressed with 32 scientists, engineers and other experts from Jaradino society brought to an off-world station to learn modern sciences so they can progress with the uplift.
At the Galactic Council there was a debate on giving the Dhau Empire a voting seat in the council chamber. This was initially referred to a committee but was instead vetoed by the Tranoan delegate
2433- The Imperial Council debated increasing the tax burden on the larger corporations to try to encourage them to reduce their size and to encourage competition. Lord Hawthorne ended up in another bitter, acrimonious row with the Hansa reps who stated bluntly they were unwilling to deal with him further and called for his replacement, which did not happen. The council agreed to set up a committee under Lord van Teufal to investigate the right response to this issue
Killian Energy announced a merger with Calburn SK forming Kllian-Calburn, a huge corporation which instantly became one of the restored "big six" and a major voice in the Hansa
2434- Prince Alexander Solarin announced his plans for "Operation Longview", an attempt to launch an infinity ship to another quadrant with an AI crew. He invited independent fund-raising for this project which was quite successful. This was in contrast to the muted response that the Empress got for her own Empire funded infinity ship project, budgeted at a far higher cost and involving a colonization effort in another quadrant
An intelligence operation in Karkouri space ended up with a spectacular defeat. Dozens of ONI assets and more than 12 hired ships were captured or destroyed after a major intelligence defeat. Director of ONI Holly Muir resigned and took the blame but did point out that the Council had ignored her recommendations. The Minister of Communications, Gossamar Bluth, stood by her decisions and resisted calls to begin an inquiry into intelligence handling, leading to a tense confrontation between the Lord-Chancellor and the Minister of Communications

2435-St Lawrence Summit

2435 -The Terran Empire hosts the St Lawrence Summit. The Gannid, Rorn, Mor-Du and Bl'Hud are invited to discuss a potential defensive pact along with trade and research opportunities. The Tranoans and Vatu send observers but the Dhau Empire is left out of the talks, signalling a shift in Terran policy towards the Dhau Empire. Former foreign minister and elder-Statesman Lord Troy Maquessa resigns from the foreign office in protest, sparking some intense political debate in the council.
The summit is largely a success, with deals to form a Defensive Pact with the Bl'Hud all but agreed. Closer trading ties and research ties with the Rorn are also agreed
A formal military alliance is agreed with the Bl'Hud. A task force will be deployed to Bl'Hud space as part of the agreement A formal military agreement with the Rorn is deferred for further discussion in 2440
11th Generation AI, known as Euclid-11, go on sale and the 75 initial licenses are all sold in the same day they go on sale. This also prompts what is referred to as the "Silicon Baby-Boom" as 10th generation AI drops in price, with thousands of new 10th generation AI, including those built by AW's competition go onto the market
2436 - Operation Hangman sees IIS score major victories over Black-Star, killing hundreds of combatants, seizing many high value prisoners and apparently crippling the terrorist movement. There are protests in the Imperial Parliament about the lack of due process but this is hailed as a significant victory. Minister of Communications Gossamar Bluth, a former CIS agent, is careful to state that Black-Star may be crippled but is not dead. Increased Security orders go out across the Empire
The Van Teufal Committee submits its proposals to not increase corporations taxes for the largest corporations. However, the Treasurer Prince Alexander Solarin is able to marshall votes in council to get the new tax approved over the strong objections of both the conservative wing of the Council and the Empress herself. The tax revenues will be used to support smaller corporations and start-ups
2437 - A separatist militia on Vanheim seize several government buildings in Aesir City, prompting the so called "Battle of Blenhiem Street". Marines seal the militia into three buildings and there is a five day siege, with considerable loss of life on both sides. The "Sons of Huss" call for a referendum to grant Vanheim independence from the Empire but this rejected by Lord-Governor Hawthorne. Recon marines are sent in and end the resistance with nearly 500 dead militants and over 250 dead marines
A major Valtinist conference takes place on New Corinth. 20 million Valtinists flock to the planet and take part in two weeks of debate, discussion and workshops. There are some fierce arguments about the future direction of the Valtinist movement as well as the nature of the soul and the future of the Terran race. In the end the valtinists conclude that whilst AI do not have a soul, they are not certain to be evil or inherently wrong. One group of Valtinists break away and form a splinter group in protest to this
2438 - The Tranoans agreed to schedule a vote on granting the Dhau Empire a seat in the Galactic Council. The specter of a veto from the Tazzyn Empire hovers over the entire endeavor.
Lord Benson Valane Jr died aged 84. This major figure in Imperial Intelligence was hailed as the most influential figure in Terran intelligence for the last 60 years
Treasury reports show that the Terran Empire has begun to slow and some feel that a recession is a certainty
2439 - Due to the controversy over the St Lawrence Summit, Lord-Chancellor Aldrich Collingwood promises that he will not seek a 4th term as Lord-Chancellor of the Empire.
House Solarin are subject to a court order for compulsory purchase of several areas of land that they control in Dhaka to end overlaps with the Imperial Palace.
House Solarin also celebrate the completion of Project Longview, an "infinity ship" that is designed to travel out past the frontier to explore a new Quadrant of the Galaxy
Icon of the Imperial Fleet, Lady Lucy Stargher died peacefully aged 80. Her funeral was very widely attended.
2440- The Terran Empire concludes a treaty with the Rorn Republic, signing a mutual defense pact in return for the sale of Zero Point reactors. This now gives the Terran Empire an alliance with the Rorn, the Bl'Hud and the Gannid Commonwealth
Inspector-General McQaid concludes his investigation into the office of the Lord-Chancellor, concluding that whilst the actions of the previous Lord-Chancellor, Aldrich Collingwood, were unwise, they were not illegal.
Project Longview launches, heading West out of the Quadrant. It is not expected to reach its destination until the 2520
The Imperial council votes to grant Lord Claus Overhelm the governorship of the colony world on Skerrit's World
2441 -Lord Maquessa, the foreign minister, sparks controversy by calling for a vote in the Galactic Council to declare war on the Dhau Empire. This is a bluff, intended to create a logic trap for the council. The vote is defeated and the subsequent vote to bring the Dhau into the Galactic Council is also defeated by the Council
Lord Maquessa is fired by the Empress on his return and placed under house arrest, pending an investigation from the Inspector-General
2442 - In order to repair the collapsing Imperial economy, Lord Clemence Irons, the Treasurer, insitutes sweeping spending cuts in a narrow council vote. The new cuts include cuts to both the infrastructure and social programs, as well as rolling back various marine corps programs
Sweeping new powers are granted to the CIS by the Ministry of Communications. This measure was brought forward by Lord Maece Hammond, the Empress's father in law
Conflict breaks out on the colony-world of Furnace, with isolated raids against the marine-corps. 5,000 marines are deployed to the planet with the agreement of Lord-Governor Sondeheim
2443 -Influential Lord-Chamberlain Drake Grumman completes a major overhaul of the Imperial palace. Noted designer and 10th generation AI Lucien 415 is hired to consult on the program
Empress Regina institutes a new formal dress code in the Imperial Palace as she has become increasingly concerned with dress codes and fashion
2444 - The Imperial economy continues to stabilize thanks in large part to the budget cuts. The Gannid Commonwealth begins to agitate for being allowed to purchase Zero Point reactors as well as Lattice Computers
The "Burning Path" hold protests on Mars, Earth and New Berlin against Allied West and the Empire, calling for a ban on the production of 10th and 11th generation AI. Their leader, Dillon Schroeder, claims that AI are an existential threat. New Berlin order the protests broken up and hundreds of protesters are arrested
Emperor-Emertius Isaac Solarin dies aged 80. There is a major state funeral for the late Emperor
2445 -The Vanheim colonial legislature votes to hold a referendum on leaving the Empire. There is intense debate but the legislature votes to hold a referendum to take place in 2446. 75,000 marines were deployed to Vanheim to help keep the peace
The Imperial Council of Governor's hold a secret discussion on whether to launch a pre-emptive attack on the Karkouri Regime. The measure, whilst holding some military appeal, is defeated handily in the Council of Governors
The Inspector-General concludes that whilst Lord Maquessa used poor judgement he did not do anything illegal
2446 - 100,000 marines are deployed to Furnace to end the ongoing conflict. The conflict is ended quickly, with the "Brotherhood of the Sun" was surrounded and destroyed. Marine casualties were fairly light, with 675 dead and 2,500 wounded
Vanheim votes 51%-49% to remain part of the Empire. VOS HORVIK claim interference from the Empire and election monitors were brought in. A full inquiry was set up by the Colonial Legislature
The offices of Kapek R&D are subject to a suicide bomb attack. 25 people and 1 AI are killed in the attack
2447 -75,000 marines are moved to Avalon to deal with the escalating issues with separatists there. The marine garrison sets up defensive perimeters and there is some small-scale skirmishing
A long dead ancient alien remains are uncovered on New Carthage. The University announce plans to clone one of these long dead aliens in cooperation with PINNACLE
2448 - The Garrison Act is passed through the Council. The new garrison forces will establish a huge number of new mechs.
There is an assassination attempt against Robespierre 492 but it is thwarted by a police officer. The suspect turns out to be a member of Burning Path. The Imperial Council votes to make Burning Path illegal
2449- The Terran Empire expands the defensive CANDL treaty with the Rorn, Gannid and Bl'Hud so that an attack on one will trigger the Defence Pact
The Imperial Council pass the controversial "Existence and Intelligence Laws" which limit what can be done with an uploaded biological consciousness. The ethical and religious consultations are left out of this and a committee is set up to look into the long term ethics of TND programs
There are wide-spread protests by Burning Path allies against the relaxing of restrictions on AI
A newly cloned alien is born on New Carthage based on the DNA of the body found on New Carthage
Lord Governor Drake Grumman renames his colony of New Berlin as Technopolis over the objections of the planets political class
2450- Project Xenophon departs from the quadrant, heading out for the Gamma Hydra quadrant. It is not expected to arrive until 2565
Princess Charlotte Valane marries Kotek Grumman, the heir to House Grumman
The St Lawrence colonial legislature votes to hold a referendum on its continuing membership of the Empire. 50,000 marines are deployed to the planet for peacekeeping
Another 50,000 marines are deployed to Avalon as low-intensity conflict begins between separatist rebels and the marines
2451 - The St Lawrence referendum ends with a very close result with fewer than 6,000 votes between REMAIN and LEAVE. REMAIN has narrowly won but the Colonial legislature calls for a second referendum
The Imperial Council debates whether these ongoing referendum are legal. It is decided in a narrow vote in council that colonies cannot "vote to commit treason" and therefore all future referendum on secession are illegal. Lord Elliot Hawthorne withdraws from the council in protest, returning after speaking to his people on Vanheim

2452-Project Azure Leak

2452 - News leaks out to the mainstream press that Project Azure is a secret "super-weapon" for killing 80% of all AI's in the Empire. There are wide-spread protests though some extremists affiliated with the banned "Burning Path" movement celebrate the existence of such a weapon
Burning Path founder Dillon Schroeder hands himself in to CIS.
Minister of Communications Lord Bluth denies the existence of such a weapon but Lord Gage-Hawkins, the inspector-general, begins an investigation into recent leaks
Furnace dissolves its colonial advisory committee, the equivalent of its colonial legislature
2453 - Burning Path fanatics attack the offices of Allied West on Mars, killing sixteen people and destroying two AIs. Another terrorist attack on Technopolis is prevented by the swift actions of the planets police force
A successful landing is forced on the former Taur'leir colony world of Silence by the fleet. Full scale exploitation of the planet is halted due to protests from the Tranoan Empire.
The Treasury agrees to offer recommendations on the use of Universal Basic Income in the future within the Empire
Jasper dissolves its colonial legislature. Fort Kurzon follows suit a few months later
2454 - The Imperial Council votes to found a new Appeals Court along with a system of legal aid. A bank of appeals courts judges are to be appointed by the Empress with all future justices being subject to council approval
An expansion of the 2448 Garrison act is voted through seeing more mech lances and marines deployed across the other worlds not covered by the first act
Lord Gossamar Bluth, hailed as a hugely respected figure in the intelligence community, passes away after a long illness
2455 - Foreign Office officials, lead by Lord Elliot Hawthorne and Lord Cabbot Brahms negotiate an extension to the CANDL agreement with the Rorn, Bl'Hud and Gannid. The new arrangement is put in place for a 30 year period
This is done after successful talks with the Tranoan Empire and agreement to discuss potential sharing of Taur'lier technology with the wider quadrant. A working group is set up to begin talks lead by the foreign minister, Lord Hawthorne
Lord-Chancellor Hayden Tancredo sets an executive order, making any further leaks of privileged information a criminal offence.
2456- Minister of Communications Ordell McQaid flees the Imperial Palace and is later fired on the orders of the Lord-Chancellor. An arrest warrant is put out for him and Lord McQaid eventually agrees to return to Earth to face a peer-trial.
Lord McQaid is accused of exceeding his brief as Minister Robotics and "executing without trial" Imperial Citizens. This is based on the orders for the MBE (Ministry of Robotics Enforcement Division) who have been "disposing of" un-registered 10th and 11th generation AIs.
The prosecution cases is laid out that by doing this, the Minister has essentially murdered Terran citizens. The defense claims that as they were not registered, they are not AI's, not sentient and not citizens. The jury of three Imperial peers quickly find Lord McQaid guilty. The prosecution recommend that Lord McQaid is stripped of his title and sentenced to no less than 20 years in prison. Empress Regina Valane agrees to the sentence despite threats from Ordell McQaid. Prescott McQaid is elevated to Lord Governor of Whitworth

2457- The New Carthage Incident

2457- Four unknown alien ships attack New Carthage, destroying militia and coast guard ships. They land a ground force, though it is unclear why. They reject all attempts to communicate. A quick reaction force is assembled but is easily defeated, losing eighteen Imperial ships to the loss of just one of the "unknown" aliens. Their technology appears to be bio-organic in design and far more advanced than Terran technology and at least as good the Tazzyn or Tranoans.
Extensive damage is done to New Carthage including heavy damage to the downport and 18,000 people are reported killed, a total that would have been far higher but for the heroic sacrifice of the Imperial Navy.
There are widespread calls for an investigation as to who these aliens are and why they have attacked. The Imperial Navy begins studies into the attack and the foreign office makes contact with all the other powers, confirming that no one knows who they are. The Galactic Council, due to hear debate on the formation of a Galactic Peace-Keeping force, schedules further discussion
2458 - The Serpent Army on Avalon agrees a cease-fire and disarm, ending hostilities on the planet. Lord-Marshall Ashpool celebrates a victory won with a relatively low body-count and the end of the continuing separatist problem across the Empire, at least for now.
Former Empress Ivy Solarin dies aged 96. She had been serving as the Governor of Mars. Her funeral was widely attended on Mars
Lord-Treasurer Collingwood announces major budget amendments to increase the size of the Imperial fleet, starting with a major fleet expansion and continuing this over the next 20 years. This is in conjunction with a new procurement process which will not involve the Treasury or the Military but instead set up a new bureau.
In recognition of record term as Lord-Chancellor, Lord Hayden Tancredo receives the honorary title of Lord-Protector of the Empire and is feted on Earth and Mars as well as being subject to a large number of positive public service announcements. This unprecedented show of favour from the Empress hugely boosts Lord Tancredo's profile
The Imperial Court of Appeals hands down its first landmark legal decision in "Keller v R". Civil rights lawyers representing Jamieson Keller, who has been a prisoner of the CIS for over ten years without trial on the basis that it is not legal or equitable that she has remained a prisoner for all this time without CIS having to share any evidence or prove "beyond a reasonable doubt" that she is a terrorist. In a 5-2 decision, the Court of Appeals upheld the legality of CIS's emergency powers. Justice McBride delivered the judgement stating that the Court of Appeals is not there to test the wisdom of the law that grants the CIS emergency powers but that it was there to test the legality of said powers and that they are legal. In a dissenting judgement, Justice Cortez stated that these "emergency powers" should have a sunset clause on them and should be subject to review.
Monmouth Financial merge with Octavius Industries to form the new, much larger corporation known as Mosovai.
The Governor of Stark colony reduces the colonial legislature's power to propose laws and to control the planets budget, essentially reducing it to a talking shop.
2459 - Empress Regina Valane, having ruled the Empire for nearly 30 years, announces that she will adbidcate in favour of a conclave. She names her daughter, Princess Charlotte Valane as the preferatti for House Valane and she receives the immediate backing of Lord-Chancellor Hayden Tancredo, though there is a split in the Conservative bloc as Lord Kotek Grumman announces the formation of a new Imperial Protectorate Faction that may split the conservative vote.
Prince Alexander Solarin agrees a plea bargain with the Imperial prosecution after details of the Inspector-General's report incriminate him. The plea bargain does not include any admission of guilt. As a result of the agreement, Alexander abdicates his title and will retire from all public service, though he will likely continue to work for the Solarin run family industries and businesses.
Lady Teagan Yardley, the moderate and reform minded Governor announces that she will oppose the Princess in her bid to become Empress.
The Court of Appeals made another landmark decision in the case of "Technopolis v Ministry of Robotics" the court ruled 6-1 that AI's remain "sentient" and are protected by the implied rights that all sentient beings are endowed with, whether registered or not. Justice McBride's decision was fiercely critical of the Ministry of Robotics in his decision, stating that "sentience" should have been the factor that triggered their decision making rather than the existence of a license. Furthermore Justice McBride stated that "sentient beings" can be registered, by a birth certificate for example, but the absence of one did not automatically rob such a person of their citizenship and certainly didn't rob them of their right to live
The Governor of Jasper dissolves the colonial legislature.

The Conclave of 2459

The Council of Governors met in the Imperial Palace of Dhaka in October of 2459. They were given 48 hours to announce preferatti. Whilst there was frenzied speculation on various names, in the end there were only two preferatti named:
Princess Aurora Valane daughter of Empress Regina. She announced she would co-rule with her husband, Colamere Tancredo and would name Lord Stafford Collingwood as her Chancellor
Lady Teagan Yardley, the noted moderate and daughter of Lord Cort Yardley. She announced that Lord Cabbot Brahms would be her chancellor
Voting then commenced under the aegis of the Imperial Civil Service. After just one day and one ballot, it was confirmed that Princess Aurora had won the title of Empress with 15 votes, opposed to 8 for Lady Yardley
Princess Aurora was sworn in as Empress Aurora Valane I. Her husband was sworn in as Emperor Colamere I.

2460- Empress Aurora Valane I

2460-On Technopolis there are days of Valtinist protests against the TND program, calling on the corporation to close and to stop “creating AI ghosts”. They will also call on the Empire to ban the technology, claiming that literally no oversight has gone on and that TND are playing “Gods”.
There are also protests on Whitworth, Vanheim, St Lawrence, Earth, Mars and Eden. The protesters are law abiding and non-violent.
Moderate Judge Jeunelle Escher is named Inspector-General of the Empire, with her term to expire in 2480
There is a terrorist attack on Technopolis. They attempt to seize the Colonial senate but are cut down in a firefight by the Colonies police and CIS agents. They are identified as radical students affiliated with a pro-democratic splinter group
Empress Aurora Valane names former Allied West CEO Caston Sickles as a life-peer for his services to the Imperial economy and the Hansa. She also names TND's "genius" CEO Justus Ballinger as a life-peer
Meanwhile Emperor Colamere Tancredo names his mentor, General Austin Valane, as a life-peer.
2461 - There's an attempted terrorist attack on Mars as a radical faction of a pro-democratic faction try to seize the Cydonia chamber of Commerce. They are captured by CIS agents before they can launch their attack
Princess Charlotte Valane takes part in a live interview with EDN's media arm which goes badly wrong when she is asked a question that she was not prepared for. House Grumman sue EDN for breach of contract
Emperor Colamere Tancredo names conservative lecturer and legal theorist Jute Kallstrom as a life-peer
Empress Aurora Valane names retired Admiral Lacey Sondeheim as a life-peer. She also names Director of IIS Esteban Wincott to a life-peerage
The Court of Appeals hands down a landmark decision in Effingham v Ministry of Robotics
2462 - There's a terrorist attack on Lightning Point and Lord Krane and his wife are fired upon by radical terrorists. Lord Krane's wife Ilsa is killed and two members of his staff are also killed. The terrorists are all killed.
2463 - The Imperial Council of Lords votes on the historic Democratic Reform Bill, brought forward by Lord-Chancellor Stafford Collingwood. There are accusations and intense, passionate debate. However in the end a bare majority of the council vote in favor of the democratic reform package as intended
The Imperial Parliament celebrate being empowered by the Council of Governors
Later, Lord Collingwood is assassinated by a former marine officer in the Imperial Palace for "democratic surrender" which he felt would doom the Empire to anarchy.
Lord Pike Cappotelli is elevated to Lord-Chancellor
TND goes public and House Grumman sell a majority of their shares.
Emperor Colamere Tancredo names former First Ranger of the Valtinists, Paddick Montrose, as a life-peer
2464 - Medical and pharma corporation PINNACLE, owners of the Apollo treatment, are bought out in a hostile takeover, lead by House Valane. The takeover sees PINNACLE broken up, ending their run as a major corporation.
The Emperor and Empress issue a full Pardon to Alexander Solarin. Details on why he is being pardoned are ruled secret on a matter of state security
Empress Aurora valane names her equerry, Sedgwick Rains, to a life peerage.
The Court of Appeals hands down another landmark verdict in the case of Feldman v Fort Verekker Colonial Government
2465 -The Imperial Council of Governors debated the merits of the research agreement with the Tranaons and agreed to accept the Tranoan demands, as long as the Gannid were included in the research agreement. The foreign ministry conducted shuttle diplomacy with the Tranoans and were able to secure agreement.
There is a failed terrorist attack on Technopolis as pro-democracy terrorists attempt to ambush a marine patrol on the planet.
There are widespread police and military sweeps on the planet Lightning Point, with thousands arrested and then many more deported under the orders of Lord Azrael Krane
Lawyers representing the Hansa agreed to settle out of court with House Solarin in a civil case. The settlement was confidential.
Emperor Colamere Tancredo granted a life-peerage to the former Lord-Governor of Lightning Point, Lord Savindar Krane who had retired from public life since the death of his wife.
Empress Aurora Valane granted a life-peerage to retired Admiral Porter Vinkman for his service to the Imperial Navy as well as his service to the world of business. Porter, a former AHI CEO was very happy to take up a seat as a peer.
2466 - There is a terrorist attack on Avalon as a truck-bomb is detonated in Tintagel city, killing five police officers and wounding another ten.
There's also a skirmish between police in Dhaka on Earth and militants. Two police officers are killed another twelve are wounded. A militant later handed themselves in to Dhaka police claiming that his pro-democracy group.
There are major protests by Valtinists regarding TND again.
Retired Admiral Flint Valane is named a life peer by Empress Aurora Valane. Emperor Colamere Tancredo granted a life peerage to Valtinist first-ranger Fortis McDere.
The court of Appeals hands down a landmark decision in Packard v Pandev

2467-The August Uprising

2467 - The Galactic Council fails to stage a vote to support Hressan independence within the Tazzyn Empire. However the Terran envoy backs an official call for support with other members of the CANDL alliance and the Tranoan Empire. The Tazzyn Empire dismisses the concept of Hressan independence.
There is a major terrorist attack on Mars, referred to as the "August Uprising". A thousand militants seize the government headquarters in Cydonia city and stage a defence against the marine corps there. A fast reaction group is brought to the planet and cordons them off. After a three week siege, in which time the so-called "Free Mars" or "August" government reads its constitution and promises free elections, the militants are forced to surrender after running out of food, water and ammo.
A book written by Burning Path founder Dillon Schroeder, "The Dawning of the Dark" is a best-seller despite being banned on many worlds.
2468 -There is an attempted terrorist attack by Burning Path on Earth which is thwarted by CIS. Eight Burning Path militants are killed by CIS and the police and another four are taken into custody.
There are reports of piracy taking place in Karkouri space. The Karkouri take steps through the Galactic Council but the Terran Empire claims no knowledge of these pirates.
The Court of Appeals hands down another landmark decision in Stackley v Bullingham.
The Imperial Parliament narrowly passes a vote to ban the future construction of AI colonies.
Former Proteus KP CEO Persephone Valane passes away, aged 110. Her widely attended funeral sees the major figures of the Hansa attend. She is lauded as an Icon of the business community by many top journalists.
Dr Rebecca Coghill, a senior Valtinist lecturer and a member of their SAC is granted a life-peerage by Empress Aurora Valane.
2469 - Life-peer Lord Aldrich Collingwood attempts to "hand back" his life-peerage on the basis that the honour was cheapened based on the sheer number of them handed out by Empress Aurora and Emperor Colamere.
Lord-Chancellor Kotek Grumman has an executive order veto'd by the council of Governors as he attempts to fast-track the uplift of Prospero.
Court of Appeals justice Cleander McBride dies after a long illness, opening up a seat on the Court of Appeals.
Industrial leader Rafe Kroenen is granted a life peerage by Empress Aurora Valane.
Emperor Colamere Tancredo granted a life peerage to Tagge Lawler, a business leader on New Corinth and the head of a major children's charity. This was a popular move with the conservatives in the Imperial Council
The Empress makes publishing and sale of "The Dawning of the Dark" legal within the Empire. Spokesmen for the Empress confirm that she dislikes the message of the book and that Burning Path remain illegal but she hoped the decision would "demystify" the book.
2470 - Stark judge Madeline Connolly is nominated for the Court of Appeals and confirmed after a brief discussion in the Council of Governors.
The Technopolis "Festival of Life" reveals that Abner Grumman, the former Lord-Governor, has been "reborn" into an AI frame using TND technology.
There is a thwarted terrorist attack on Technopolis by Burning Path.
Empress Aurora Valane names former Allied West CEO Merevald Lawton as a life-peer. She also conferred a "Knight of the Emperor" peerage on General Pike Watson
The 2470 Imperial Parliamentary elections are hotly contested as vast amounts of outside money flows into the campaign warchests of the major parties. After a contentious vote amidst complaints about dirty tricks, voter suppression and freedom of speech, the Center-Right bloc of the Alliance for Prosperity emerge the largest voting bloc, though they lack a majority.
2471 - There are ongoing terrorist attacks on Mars, as the so-called "Mountain wars" begin. Three terrorist factions attack marine, police and corporate PMC patrols, causing over 150 casualties per year. They are prevented in an attempt to assassinate Lt-Governor Lola Whirry.
Emperor Colamere Tancredo introduces an Executive Order putting a 10 year moratorium against TND and its technology. TND insist they will appeal this decision to the Court of Appeals
Former Minister of State and Governor Fletcher Bluth is arrested by CIS for criminal negligence and incompetence. His high profile trial is set to go through in 2472. He is not subject to a peer trial having adjudicated his office as Lord-Governor.
Life-peer and former civil servant Lady Harminda Kasavarr attempts to hand back her life-peerage, citing the devalued nature of the recent peerage from the Emperor and Empress. The Palace once again responded that peerages cannot be handed back but that Lady Kassavar was welcome to remove herself from court and hand back her pension or donate it to charity.
Lord Solway Ashpool, President of AHI, is assassinated whilst campaigning on behalf of the Destiny Party on New Carthage. His assassin, a Burning Path supporter, is killed by police. Eleutheria-01, the AI "daughter" of Lord Ashpool, is named as the CEO of AHI and takes over the family business while Dorsey Ashpool finishes his military service.
Former EDN CEO Harriet Klementoff is granted a life peerage by Emperor Colamere Tancredo. He also confirms his father, former Lord-Chancellor Hayden Tancredo to a life-peerage
The Empress conferred a life peerage onto former lobbyist Orseon Wiess. She also named longtime lady in waiting Cerys Walcott as a Knight of the Empire.
2472 - Lord-Chancellor Kotek Grumman suspends parliament, citing the dangers after the murder of Lord Solway Ashpool. This is resisted after an effort lead by Lord van Teufal but it is narrowly defeated by the Council of Governors.
Fletcher Bluth is found guilty of criminal negligence whilst acting as Minister of Communications and is given a fifteen year sentence, which the judge agrees to commute to a house arrest.
The Court of Appeals hands down a landmark decision in Williams v Imperial Parliament, overturning the Parliament's ban on AI colonies.
Emperor Colamere Tancredo passes another executive order, banning the use of super-lobbyists.
There is a bombing on Technopolis that destroys the Church of the Ascendancy, killing all the worshipers there.
Former prosecutor Carvus Yarwood is confirmed to a life peerage by Emperor Colamere Tancredo. Empress Aurora named her cousin and former Minister of State Ernest Valane-Kroenen as a Life-peer. She also conferred a knighthood onto retired marine General Lisa Lefford.
2473 -Lord Chancellor Kotek Grumman extends the suspension of the Imperial Parliament until 2475, calling off the elections of that year.
There is another thwarted terrorist attack by Burning Path on Avalon.
The court of Appeals makes another landmark decision in Miller v Whadham
Court of Appeals justice Ezio Cortez, the most respected liberal on the Court of Appeals dies of a sudden heart attack aged 73. He is replaced by liberal judge of Indira Varu.
Former life-peer Justus Ballinger is killed when his shuttle explodes on the way down to Dhaka.
100,000 marines are deployed to Mars to help out with the Mountain Wars.
Retired Admiral Perseus Malbright is confirmed to a life peerage by Emperor Colamere Tancredo. Empress Aurora Valane named prestigious Valtinist lecturer Dr Atkins Romily to a life peerage.
2474 - A diplomatic crisis with the Tranoans is averted with the Tranoans allowed to scan several Terran worlds. Many members of the Council bemoan the humiliation of the Empire by the Tranoans.
Empress-Emeritus Regina Valane dies after a long illness. Her funeral is widely attended.
The Galactic Council rejects a call from the Terran Empire to censure the Karkouri for interfering in Terran space.
A Gannid task force is badly shot up attempting to force a landing on a Taur'leir world.
Technopolis end all democratic voting in the colonial legislature, siting the current dangerous climate and the violence inherent in the democratic system. These moves are widely decried by people on Technpolis and there are protests and strikes.
The Court of Appeals loses Justice Porthos Enderby, another liberal, aged 74 after a long illness. He is replaced by moderate Justice Elton Stone.
Former CIS Director Emily Aravedo is confirmed to a life-peerage by Emperor Colamere Tancredo
Research corporation Vivant EC is sold to Allied West for a figure of around A$14 billion.

2475 The Zzenddi Invasion

2475 -Eleutheria Ashpool, the AI "daughter" of the late Lord Solway Ashpool is appointed Chancellor of the Empire, the first AI to be appointed to a high office of state.
Inspector-General Jeunelle Escher resigns after a series of scandals break out over her prior drug use. She is replaced by Caroyln Weldon, the lawyer and liberal activist known for her crusading against corruption.
Former Chancellor and current Lord Marshall Kotek Grumman is arrested by the CIS but escapes before a trial after a team of PMCs and his own retainers shoot his way out of the holding cell. He flees to Technopolis.
In August 2475 a massive fleet of unknown ships, showing the same size and make up of the "roaches" appear in the Quadrant. They invade space around Fort Verekker, New Carthage and Technopolis, later landing and fighting pitched land battles on all three planets.
The Imperial Navy does not engage and falls back to link up with allied elements from CANDL.
The Empress named prominent Valtinist lecturer and author Lidia Hassir as a life-peer. Emperor Colamere named Atreus Velasco, a longtime ally from New Corinth, as a life peer.
Alexius Solarin, who had taken over as Lord-Marshall after the flight of Lord Kotek Grumman, was also granted a life peerage.