The Intercorporate Peace and Prosperity Agreement

ATTACHMENT: IPPA ANTITRUST LAWS (IAL) - THE ORANGE GOSPEL

The IPPA Antitrust Laws (IAL), colloquially known as the Orange Gospel, is a set of regulations designed to govern the competitive practices of the 13 Mega-Corporations (Board-13) that signed the Intercorporate Peace and Prosperity Agreement (IPPA). These laws were developed by the Orange Clan, the influential controllers of the Undakar Shipping Union, and they play a critical role in maintaining the balance of power among the Board-13 members.

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The primary purpose of the IAL is to prevent the formation of monopolies and ensure a competitive market environment among the signatories of the IPPA. By enforcing these laws, Board-13 aims to avoid the concentration of excessive power in the hands of any single corporation, which could destabilize the delicate equilibrium and potentially lead to another devastating Corpo War.

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The IAL is tailored individually for each member company of Board-13, reflecting the unique business models and market positions of these corporations. Despite the variations, the laws share common objectives and principles that guide their application:

• Diversification Requirement: Each member company must maintain a diversified portfolio of businesses, preventing dominance in any single market.
• Market Share Limits: Specific caps are set on the market share that any one company can hold within a Primary Business Sphere.
• Minimum Competitors Rule: At least three Board-13 members must have significant influence in any identified Primary Business Sphere.
• Regular Audits: A special council conducts regular audits to ensure compliance and address potential violations promptly.
• Influence Monitoring: The special council continuously monitors the influence of each Board-13 member to ensure no single entity gains disproportionate power.
• Corrective Measures: If a company is found to be amassing too much influence, corrective measures, including forced divestitures, are implemented.

The IAL applies exclusively to the member companies of Board-13. It does not extend to any corporations outside the Intercorporate Peace and Prosperity Agreement. Companies outside the IPPA are not protected by the IAL in any legal, financial, or political capacity. These external entities are subject to the standard competitive practices of the interstellar market without the safeguards provided by the IPPA or IAL. A dedicated council, composed of representatives from each Board-13 member, oversees the enforcement of the IAL.

ATTACHMENT: INTERCORPORATE DEMILITARIZATION PACT (IDP)

The Intercorporate Demilitarization Pact (IDP) is a critical sub-document of the Intercorporate Peace and Prosperity Agreement (IPPA), specifically designed to regulate the military capabilities of the Board-13 member companies. The IDP aims to prevent any single corporation from amassing excessive military power that could disrupt the balance of peace established by the IPPA. The primary purpose of the IDP is to:

• Cap the size and scope of military forces maintained by each Board-13 member company.
• Control the expenditure on independent military contractors.
• Ensure regular review and adjustment of military limits to maintain equilibrium and security.
• Prevent the resurgence of intercorporate warfare by maintaining balanced military capabilities among signatories.

The IDP is uniquely tailored for each Board-13 member company, reflecting their specific security needs and market positions. Despite these variations, the IDP maintains a consistent framework to ensure fairness and effectiveness:

• Unit Limits: Each company has a defined cap on the number of military units they can maintain, including troops, ships, and other military assets.
• Review Mechanism: These caps are reviewed annually by the special Demilitarization Council, which can adjust limits based on current security assessments and corporate needs.
• Budget Limits: Caps are placed on the amount of capital that can be allocated to independent military contractors.
• Annual Review: Expenditures are reviewed and adjusted annually to ensure compliance with the IDP and to adapt to changing security landscapes.
• Demilitarization Council: A dedicated council, comprising representatives from each Board-13 member, oversees compliance and enforces the IDP.
• Regular Audits: The council conducts regular audits of military assets and expenditures to ensure adherence to the IDP.
• Penalties for Non-Compliance: Strict penalties, including financial sanctions and reductions in military caps, are imposed for breaches of the IDP.

The IDP applies exclusively to the Board-13 member companies and their subsidiaries. Subsidiaries of Board-13 companies are also bound by the IDP, ensuring that military power is not concentrated through indirect means. Affiliate companies are not bound by the IDP. This distinction ensures flexibility for local security needs while maintaining overall regulatory control. The IDP can be temporarily abolished by the IPPA in the event of Total War, allowing for unrestricted military buildup and cooperation among signatories to face external threats.

Purpose

The purpose of the Intercorporate Peace and Prosperity Agreement (IPPA) is to establish a framework for sustained peace, economic stability, and ethical corporate conduct among the surviving mega-corporations following the devastating Corpo War. This historic conflict resulted in the collapse of entire economic systems across thousands of galaxies, prompting the urgent need for a comprehensive and binding agreement to prevent such a catastrophe from occurring again. The IPPA is designed to achieve the following objectives:

1. Prevent Intercorporate Warfare: By prohibiting any form of direct or indirect warfare among the signatory corporations, the IPPA aims to maintain peace and prevent the resurgence of destructive conflicts that could once again destabilize the interstellar economy and society.
2. Ensure Neutrality in Interstellar Conflicts: The agreement mandates that no signatory corporation may take sides in any interstellar conflict, ensuring that essential goods and services remain available to all parties. This neutrality clause upholds the principles of fair trade and prevents the manipulation of resources for political or strategic gain.
3. Distribute Corporate Power: To avoid the concentration of power that could lead to monopolistic dominance and systemic vulnerabilities, the IPPA requires each signatory corporation to establish Subsidiaries and Affiliate companies. This diversification of corporate structure aims to foster competition, innovation, and resilience within the interstellar economy.
4. Preserve Economic Stability: By outlining strict guidelines for corporate behavior and interactions, the IPPA seeks to create a stable and predictable economic environment. This stability is essential for fostering growth, investment, and the long-term prosperity of the interstellar community.
5. Enforce Compliance: The IPPA includes provisions for monitoring and enforcement to ensure that all signatory corporations adhere to its terms. Any corporation that violates the agreement faces collective action from the other signatories, including the possibility of coordinated economic and strategic measures to uphold the treaty's integrity.

Document Structure

Clauses

The Intercorporate Peace and Prosperity Agreement (IPPA) is meticulously divided into specific clauses to ensure comprehensive coverage of all necessary regulations and guidelines. Each section of the document is designed to address distinct aspects of the agreement, fostering clarity and compliance among the signatory mega-corporations. The primary sections are as follows:

Prohibition of Intercorporate Warfare

• Clause 1.1: Ban on Direct Warfare

All mega-corporations who have signed the IPPA are strictly forbidden from engaging in any form of direct military action against another signatory. This includes, but is not limited to, deploying armed forces, engaging in cyber warfare, and conducting espionage with the intent to harm.

• Clause 1.2: Prohibition of Indirect Hostilities

Signatories are also prohibited from indirectly facilitating warfare by funding, arming, or otherwise supporting third parties that intend to harm another signatory. This clause extends to financial contributions, supply of weapons or resources, and providing intelligence to such parties.

• Clause 1.3: Prevention of Covert Agreements

The creation of covert agreements or the manipulation of existing contracts to undermine other signatories is expressly forbidden. This includes plotting to establish contracts with the express purpose of supporting hostile actions against any signatory.

• Clause 1.4: Denial of Safe Harbor

Signatories are prohibited from offering sanctuary, resources, or any form of assistance to entities that are engaged in hostile actions against another signatory unless bound by pre-existing contracts that comply with the IPPA.

Neutrality in Interstellar Conflicts

• Clause 2.1: Enforcement of Neutrality

All signatories must remain neutral in any interstellar wars or conflicts. This neutrality is critical to maintaining the stability and impartiality of the services provided by the mega-corporations.

• Clause 2.2: Good Faith Contracts

The only exception to the neutrality clause is the fulfillment of Good Faith Contracts. A Good Faith Contract is defined as a legitimate agreement made in good faith to provide goods or services for compensation, without any intent to manipulate or influence the conflict in favor of any party.

• Clause 2.3: Voidance of Manipulative Contracts

If a contract is proven to have been established with the intent to circumvent the neutrality clause, it will be rendered null and void. All contracts must be scrutinized to ensure they meet the criteria of Good Faith Contracts.

Distribution of Corporate Power

• Clause 3.1: Mandatory Subsidiaries

To prevent the concentration of power, each mega-corporation is required to operate through subsidiaries. These subsidiaries must maintain a degree of autonomy to ensure a diversified corporate structure.

• Clause 3.2: Localized Affiliate Companies

Signatories must also establish affiliate companies that are locally sourced from within a three-star system radius of the transaction point. This ensures that power and resources are not centralized, promoting local economic stability and competition.

Pathway for New Mega-Corporations

• Clause 4.1: Fair Competition

New mega-corporations are allowed to emerge and compete freely until they reach a scale where they can be invited to join the IPPA. This competitive phase ensures that only robust and compliant entities rise to the level of mega-corporations.

• Clause 4.2: Invitation to Sign the IPPA

Once a new corporation reaches the necessary scale, it will be offered the opportunity to sign the IPPA. Upon signing, they will be bound by all the rules and clauses of the agreement.

• Clause 4.3: Enforcement Against Non-Signatories

Should a new corporation refuse to sign the IPPA, it will be subject to coordinated action by the existing signatories. This may include economic sanctions, trade embargoes, or other measures designed to neutralize potential threats.

Definitions and Enforcement

• Clause 5.1: Definition of Terms

This section provides clear definitions for all key terms used within the document, such as "Good Faith Contract," "subsidiaries," and "affiliate companies," to avoid any ambiguities.

• Clause 5.2: Enforcement Mechanisms

Detailed procedures for monitoring compliance and enforcing the agreement are outlined. This includes the establishment of an oversight committee, regular audits, and mechanisms for resolving disputes among signatories.

Caveats

The Intercorporate Peace and Prosperity Agreement (IPPA) includes stringent caveats to define the parameters and consequences of actions relevant to the agreement. These caveats serve to enforce compliance, outline repercussions for violations, and ensure the stability and integrity of the pact among the mega-corporations. The primary caveats are as follows:

Duration and Binding Nature

• Caveat 1.1: Perpetual Binding

The IPPA is a perpetual agreement, binding all signatories indefinitely. No corporation may withdraw from the agreement once it has been signed, ensuring continuous adherence to the established principles.

Consequences of Breach

• Caveat 2.1: Financial and Political Repercussions

Any corporation found to violate the IPPA will face immediate financial penalties and political isolation. These measures include but are not limited to, heavy fines, revocation of trade privileges, and exclusion from intercorporate negotiations and alliances.

• Caveat 2.2: Declaration of Total War

Should financial and political repercussions fail to bring the offending corporation into compliance, the IPPA grants the remaining signatories the legal authority to collectively declare total war on the violator. This declaration is absolute and recognizes no terms of surrender or compromise from any party involved.

• Caveat 2.3: Complete Expungement

In the event of total war, the objective is the complete expungement of the violating corporation. This includes the execution of all its shareholders and chairpersons, the seizure of its assets, and the liquidation of its finances. The proceeds from this liquidation will be distributed among the compliant signatories as reparations.

• Caveat 2.4: Subsidiaries and Affiliates

All subsidiaries of the violating corporation will be subject to the same fate of expungement. However, affiliate companies, given their relative autonomy, may petition for peace. Affiliates must demonstrate their independence and lack of involvement in the breach to be granted clemency.

Enforcement and Monitoring

• Caveat 3.1: Oversight Committee

An oversight committee, composed of representatives from each signatory corporation, is established to monitor compliance with the IPPA. This committee has the authority to investigate suspected breaches and recommend appropriate actions.

• Caveat 3.2: Regular Audits

Signatories are subject to regular audits to ensure ongoing compliance with the IPPA. These audits will be conducted by independent entities approved by the oversight committee, and any discrepancies found will be promptly addressed.

• Caveat 3.3: Dispute Resolution

In the event of disputes regarding the interpretation or application of the IPPA, an arbitration panel selected from the oversight committee will mediate. The panel’s decisions are binding and final.

Immunity and Protection

• Caveat 4.1: Legal Immunity

Actions taken by signatories under the IPPA’s provisions for enforcement are granted legal immunity within the jurisdictions of all signatory corporations. This ensures that necessary measures to uphold the agreement are not hindered by legal challenges.

• Caveat 4.2: Protection of Compliant Entities

Entities that comply with the IPPA are granted protection from retaliatory actions by other signatories. This clause ensures that corporations adhering to the agreement are safeguarded from unjust aggression or punitive measures.

Legal status

The Intercorporate Peace and Prosperity Agreement (IPPA) establishes its legal standing through recognition by both its signatory corporations and several prominent interstellar political entities. This section outlines the jurisdictions under which the agreement is valid and the overarching legal framework that governs its enforcement.

Recognition by Signatory Corporations

• Legal Status 1.1: Binding Corporate Law

The IPPA is binding corporate law for all mega-corporations that have signed the agreement. By signing, each corporation legally commits to adhering to the terms and clauses set forth within the IPPA, regardless of local or regional laws.

Endorsement by Major Political Entities

• Legal Status 2.1: Recognition by Political Powers

Several powerful interstellar empires and republics recognize the IPPA. The most notable of these is the Imperium of Midgard, the largest and most influential empire in the universe. The Imperium's endorsement lends significant weight to the agreement, reinforcing its legitimacy and enforceability.

• Legal Status 2.2: Multilateral Endorsement

Other notable entities that recognize the IPPA include the Galactic Federation, the United Systems Alliance, and the Orion Republic. These endorsements ensure that the IPPA's legal status is upheld across a vast and diverse array of political landscapes.

Universality of Application

• Legal Status 3.1: Extraterritorial Jurisdiction

The laws and stipulations of the IPPA apply universally in any location where the signatory corporations conduct business. This extraterritorial jurisdiction ensures that the agreement's terms are enforced consistently, regardless of local legal variations.

• Legal Status 3.2: Supremacy Over Local Laws

In cases where local laws conflict with the IPPA, the agreement takes precedence. Signatory corporations are required to prioritize compliance with the IPPA over local regulations, ensuring uniformity in their operations and adherence to the agreement.

Enforcement Mechanisms

• Legal Status 4.1: Corporate Governance

Each signatory corporation incorporates the IPPA into its corporate governance structure. This integration ensures that the agreement's provisions are enforceable as internal corporate policy, backed by the corporation's own legal and compliance departments.

• Legal Status 4.2: International Legal Support

The recognition of the IPPA by major political entities provides a framework for international legal support. This includes the ability to pursue legal action against violators in recognized interstellar courts and to seek enforcement of the IPPA's provisions through diplomatic channels.

Immunity and Legal Protections

• Legal Status 5.1: Diplomatic Immunity

Actions taken under the IPPA are granted a form of diplomatic immunity within the jurisdictions of recognizing entities. This immunity protects signatory corporations from legal retaliation when enforcing the agreement's terms.

• Legal Status 5.2: Enforcement Protections

The IPPA's enforcement actions, including penalties and declarations of total war against violators, are protected under interstellar law as recognized by the endorsing political entities. This ensures that enforcement measures are not obstructed by local legal systems.

Historical Details

Public Reaction

After the Great Corporate Wars, the Intercorporate Peace and Prosperity Agreement was formed and of the remaining 25(ish) companies, only 13 signed it. Thus the 2nd Great Corporate War happened, where the 13 Signatories annihilated the other ~12 companies, cannibalized their business, and split the profits among themselves. The message to the cosmos was clear, you did not have to join if you did not want to. But the price of disobedience was the 13 collecting your head. The 13 Signatories, known to the common folk as Board-13, hunted down every single member of the parent companies and subsidiaries without mercy or release. In the entire cosmos, even beyond the mortal Realms, such a thorough and detailed purging was unseen.

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The events surrounding the IPPA and the 2nd Great Corporate War caused a significant cultural shift. Corporate dealings came to be viewed with a heightened sense of gravitas. Within the executive sphere, the fear of purges led to meticulous attention to detail and an almost obsessive commitment to honoring agreements. The practice of purging deal breakers became so ingrained in corporate society that it was considered a normal part of business operations. The expectation that entire executive branches could be eliminated overnight for breaches of trust became a common aspect of the corporate landscape.

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The enduring fear of the Board-13 Purge ensured that the principles of the IPPA remained unchallenged. This fear acted as a powerful enforcement mechanism, compelling corporations to adhere strictly to the agreement and avoid actions that might provoke the wrath of the signatories. While the methods were brutal, the IPPA's enforcement brought a level of stability to the interstellar economy. The clear message that disobedience would result in annihilation created a predictable and orderly business environment, albeit one ruled by fear.

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