Trade Federation
From TF Library
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| Name: | Trade Federation |
| State Motto: | Honor, Integrity, Profit |
| Territory: | Glythe Sector Centrality Sector |
| Population: | 216,684,447,577 Inhabitants |
| Capital City: | Forsetti |
| Capital Planet: | Vinsoth |
| Most Populated World: | Lekua IV |
| Classification: | Government |
| Date Founded: | Year 0 Day 5 |
| Constitution: | Articles of Confederation |
| Head of State: | Viceroy |
| Head of Government: | Duceroy |
| Executive Branch: | Cabinet |
| Legislative Branch: | Directorate |
| Judicial Branch: | Dept. of Justice |
| Official Language: | Galactic Basic |
| Official Currency: | Imperial Dataries |
| Native Species: | Chevin Muun |
| Official Holidays: | Federation Day Corbin's Birthday |
| Eras: | Ep 1: The Viceroy Ep 2: The Future Ep 3: TF Strikes Back Ep 4: Darkness Ep 5: New Government Ep 6: The Confederacy Ep 7: Expansion Ep 8: Return of Corbin Ep 9: Rule of Morgarr Ep 10: Reinforcing Ep 11: Golden Age Ep 12: Rule of Jansen Ep 13: New Direction Ep 14: Rebuilding Ep 15: Union Ep 16: The Merge Ep 17:Alliance |
The Trade Federation is one of the galaxy's largest government factions, with over 200 billion citizens. The Federation, which initially gained galactic prominence as a trading conglomerate, was built on the foundations of honor, integrity and profit. It has always maintained those foundations, striving to hold its members to the lofty goals that come with such a motto. Because of this, the Federation is still steeped in its commercial roots, delivering basic and luxury goods to billions of clients galaxy-wide and generating prosperity for its citizens on dozens of planets.
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Structure
The Trade Federation can be broadly separated into two categories: government bodies (or branches of the Trade Federation per se), and nationalized factions.
Government
The Trade Federation's executive leader is known as the Viceroy. The Viceroy functions as Head of State, leader of the cabinet and Commander-in-Chief of Trade Federation's armed forces. He typically rules from one of two locations: the Viceroyal Palace on Vinsoth or his mobile command ship, the TFF Prosperity. The Viceroy's second-in-command is called the Duceroy, who shares in performing the Federation's day-to-day operational duties.
The Trade Federation consists of several ministries to carry out the mission of the Federation. Each of the ministries is made up of departments that specialize in specific duties of the ministry:
The leader of each ministry, in addition to overseeing the portion of the government in his or her purview, serves as a member of the Trade Federation Cabinet. Lower than the ministry level, the Trade Federation Directorate serves the needs of the Federation on a departmental level, discussing broad issues or needs in specific areas of the administration of Federation.
If he so chooses, the Viceroy may appoint a Regent, a special adviser who serves on the cabinet and succeeds the Viceroy in case of emergency or the incapacitation of the Viceroy. In such an event, the line of succession for leadership of the Trade Federation is as follows:
- Regent (If appointed)
- Duceroy
- Minister of the Interior
- Minister of State
- Minister of Defence
- Minister of Production
- Deputy Minister of the Interior
- Deputy Minister of State
- Deputy Minister of Defence
- Deputy Minister of Production
Cabinet
The Trade Federation Cabinet is made up of the Viceroy, Regent, Duceroy and the four Ministers of the Trade Federation. It normally consists of these seven members and is considered to be the decision-making body of the Trade Federation. Important matters are brought to the cabinet for consideration by the Viceroy. The cabinet has the power to appoint special advisers to aid in decision-making, endowing them with the right to the secret chambers of the cabinet proceedings. Ministers and advisers generally serve a lifetime term as cabinet members, and are responsible for appointing a new Viceroy if the current one steps down without nominating a successor.
Chief Justice
The Chief Justice also must personally conduct all court cases concerning charges of grievous offenses against officials and members of the Trade Federation, presiding over a jury consisting of the cabinet and a random selection of other members. Lawyers for the prosecution and the defense are both appointed by the government.
Nationalized Factions
To aid in the functions of the government branches, the Trade Federation also retains several nationalized factions that specialize in areas not easily coordinated by the government. These factions are:
These factions specialize in production, recycling, mining and paramilitary support to further the goals of the Federation, and their hierarchies are closely intertwined with the daily administration of Federation business.
History
The Founding Era
The origins of the Trade Faderation have been obscured by the many years since its foundation, but it is generally held that the Neimoidians joined with several other races in creating a cooperative trading endeavor spanning several planets. Most historians believe the Federation was probably a Neimoidian idea, as that race assumed leadership of the Federation throughout its whole first era. The Caritas and Filordi races were among the earliest recorded sentient species to join the fledgling Trade Federation.
As the Trade Federation grew in power and scope, its leadership became synonymous with that of the planet Neimoidia, and the Federation's leadership position was merged with the royal rule of Neimoidia. Ultimately, the Federation's ties to Neimoidia were downplayed as the Federation took on the governing of more planets, and rule of Neimoidia was devolved to a Federation-appointed governor. The last vestige of the royal connection between the Trade Federation and Neimoidia is the retention of the title Viceroy for the highest-ranking Federation executive.
The adoption of an aggressive expansionist policy led to a period of rapid annexation to the Federation of neighboring planets, hyperspace routes and star systems. The Federation had a reputation throughout this period for using strong-arm tactics to brow-beat local governments and populations into submission to Federation rule. As the Federation took on more and more of the daily governmentnal administration of these territories, it gained enough political sway to receive a seat in the Senate of the Old Republic.
Much of the Trade Federation's early success can be attributed to its brilliant droid manufacture. Droids were designed for heavy lifting, piloting, and finally for military application. Trade Fedeartion inventors and researchers applied thier current technologies to many other ares, creating profitable automated spy drones and starfighters, as well as complicated systems to automate the deployment of battle droids. With these innovations, the Federation was able to automate many aspects of its operations, cutting back on overhead costs and maximizing profits.
The Expansionist Era
In the days of the Old Republic's decline, the Trade Federation leveraged its efficiency and growth into galactic political favoritism. The Federation saw unprecedented growth in this period, largely due to back-room deals on Coruscant that kept Republic interference with annexation activities to a minimum. Many smaller worlds, aware of the change in the political climate, willingly joined the Federation. The Federation became a powerful regional government while still pursuing profit. This combination served the Federation very well; using its governmental status allowed Federation leadership to create wealthy trade routes, mining colonies and a vast infrastructure geared toward manufacture.
This period was marked by corruption both in the ranks of the Federation and the Old Republic political establishment. Budgetary deficits and legislative gridlock resulted in multiple taxes on trade routes, measures that harmed the Trade Federation's profit margins. In protest, the Federation took a high-risk poltical gamble, blockading the prominent planet of Naboo in protest. The blockade was initially a success, but a resistance movement broke the blockade, forcing the Federation to retreat in disgrace.
With the beginning of the Clone Wars, the trade Federation allied itself with the growing separatist movement, funneling funds, weapons and battle droids into the separatist side. The alliance proved to be a very unwise decision for the Federation, as the Jedi-led clone army crushed the separatist's military strength and exposed the Federation's involvement in the revolt. Nearly overnight, the Federation's influence began to evaporate, as clients abandoned the politically-embattled government. Many smaller planets and systems that had been pressed into joining the Federation abandoned their membership to take shelter under the banner of the newly-founded Galactic Empire. Bickering and infighting reduced the Neimoidian effectiveness at running the Federation. When the Empire dissolved the Imperial Senate, the last vestiges of the Trade Federation's political power were swept away. The Federation was now little more than a glorified shipping company that couldn't keep a Viceroy in place for more than a month or two. The final blow to the faction came with the complete collapse of its shipping trade routes and heavy taxes levied by local governments. The Federation defaulted on several loans to the Hapes Consortium, and was placed under the control of Hapan authorities by sectoral bankruptcy courts.
The Refoundation
With the formal loss of the Trade Federation a great opportunity presented itself for the right individual. An enterprising young Hapan named Corbin Esco approached the Hapes Consortium asking to purchase the rights to the Trade Federation logo, blueprints and meager assets. The prospect of recouping any of their losses from the Trade Federation bankruptcy enticed the Hapan authorities, who assented to the offer immediately. With the purchase, Esco assumed the title of Viceroy, and set about restructuring the Federation. Viceroy Esco purged the centuries-long prejudice in favor of Neimoidians, choosing instead to pursue talented beings from all races in the hopes of creating a solid base to build the new Federation.
Looking to start afresh as a business, Viceroy Esco decided to create a new base of operations for the Trade Federation in the Glythe Sector, a sparsely-populated sector rich in natural resources. The Federation's new headquarters were constructed in a small settlement on the planet Vinsoth, from which the company began a modest interplanetary trade operation.
Horizon Corporation, not taking the new Trade Federation seriously, attacked a flight of Y-wings in neutral space. The flight, on a reconnaissance mission for the Federation, immediately sent out a distress signal, and reported the attack. The action led the cabinet to declare war on Horizon Corporation. Over the following weeks, hostilities escalated between the Federation and Horizon, before a settlement was forged by Viceroy Esco to end the conflict.
Under Viceroy Esco, the Federation grew strong enough to be considered a regional power-broker again. The Glythe Sector began to experience real economic growth under the new Federation policies. A heavy emphasis on building and resource-gathering fueled a steady increase in population growth in the Glythe Sector, and several planets began to approach the Federation with requests to come under the umbrella of its prosperous system. By the time Viceroy Esco stepped down from his duties, the Trade Federation had undergone a transformation unlike few others the galaxy had seen: from a small organization on the brink of complete annihilation to a burgeoning government faction in its own right.
Rise of the Confederacy
Viceroy Slisik retired shortly after the founding of the CIS, leaving the cabinet to choose Horley Cyan to be the next Viceroy. Under his direction and with the aid of the new resources available to the CIS, Viceroy Cyan led the Federation to an era of construction and expansion. This expansion was larger than any the Federation had experienced since the Expansionist Era under the Neimoidian administration. To help him in these endeavors, Viceroy Cyan appointed a bright young officer named Bren Morgarr to be his Duceroy. Under the rule of Viceroy Cyan, Kuat Drive Yards, Combank, Haven Corporation and the Triumvirate Security Force joined the CIS, rounding out the faction conglomerate. Further, a huge expansion of operations in the Glythe sector was undertaken, securing a solid foundation of commercial, industrial and defensive infrastructure that still serves the Federation to this day.
War With Galactic Empire
Viceroy Cyan retired from office after a prosperous reign, looking to try other endeavors. At this time the cabinet sent a request to Corbin Esco, who had been on extended leave of absence, asking him to return and serve the Federation once again. Viceroy Esco decided to return for a second term of service, setting aside his desire for a peaceful retirement. It was not a moment too soon for Viceroy Esco to return to the Federation. The Federation had been under pressure from the Galactic Empire to agree to the Imperial State and Commerce Pact, a trade alliance that would undermine the operations of the Trade Federation and sacrifice the independence of the CIS. After due consideration and consultation with the cabinet, Viceroy Esco decided to decline the agreement, angering Emperor Vodo Bonias. The Galactic Empire declared war on the CIS for the rejection, forcing Kuat Drive Yards and Combank (both Empire-allied factions) to withdraw from the CIS.
Upon taking up his office, Viceroy Morgarr immediately contacted Imperial authorities with the intent to end the war that had ravaged the Federation-controlled sectors. A short truce was declared so that the sides could negotiate a long-term peace. When Viceroy Morgarr went to the peace summit, he was shocked to find the Empire proposing the Federation accept the Imperial State and Commerce Pact. Viceroy Morgarr again declined the pact, throwing Emperor Bonias into a rage. The Empire promptly declared war on the CIS again, and hostilities resumed.
The Golden Age
The driving force behind Viceroy Morgarr's reign was the desire to support the Federation even in the face of a large-scale war with the Galactic Empire. It was not enough to replace the factions that had left the CIS, Viceroy Morgarr wanted to expand it more than ever before. Under his watch, Haor Chall Engineering, Lant Mining Corporation, The Order of Kampar, Triumvirate Mining Corporation, InterGalactic Banking Clan and Stars` End Entertainment all joined the CIS. Upon the resignation of his first Duceroy, Centauri Tyridus, Viceroy Morgarr appointed the CEO of Techno Union Jacob Jansen to the post. Under this Viceroy/Duceroy team, ambitious growth projects were completed and unprecedented population growth was achieved throughout Trade Federation systems. It was during this system that the Federation base on Lekua IV was completed. To cap these successes, the Farfin sector fell to Federation military forces, causing a much-needed respite in the war against the Empire. With these accomplishments completed, Viceroy Morgarr resigned, leaving the cabinet to appoint a successor. The cabinet made the easy choice to try to continue Viceroy Morgarr's success, settling on Duceroy Jacob Jansen.
Peace and Reform
Viceroy Jansen's first goal was to end the war with the Galactic Empire, a war that he long had felt was unnecessary and harmful to the Federation. Viceroy Jansen met privately with the Emperor, in a closed-door session. Nobody know what was said in that meeting, but when he emerged, Viceroy Jansen confirmed that a cease-fire had been brokered between the two governments. It was the beginning of increasing cooperation between the Federation and the Empire.
Stars` End Entertainment and Haven Corp. were both dissolved, and the resources of Haven were transferred to the Confederate Recycling Company, which was also dissolved and the naming rights sold. Starsign Shipyards was merged with Techno Union, and the Confederate Mining Corporation was merged with the Commerce Guild. Finally, after many small steps, the CIS was disbanded completely, with most remaining factions absorbed into various arms of the Trade Federation with a few nationalized factions retained as close allies of the reorganized Federation. The newer, more efficient Federation thrived, seeing the completion of extensive mining and housing operations on Rafa V and a flurry of new recruits joining the faction, eager to serve. With its reorganization firmly in place, the Trade Federation was ready to take its first steps into even greater galactic prominence.
Imperial Union and Beyond
With its new-found peace and purpose, the Trade Federation was ready to explore alliances with the other major government factions of the galaxy. Viceroy Jansen was approached by the Galactic Empire with an offer to join the Imperial Union, and offer to which the cabinet and Directorate agreed. Such a step was significant, as it would inevitably push the Trade Federation toward the Imperial side of the galactic civil war, compromising the Federation's strictly-maintained neutrality. On Year 9, Day 295, the treaty making the Federation a member of the Imperial Union was ratified.
Under the ministry of Olwin Froon, plans for rapid and aggressive development of planets like Rafa V were installed, creating a hyper-local approach to economic development. By opening the projects up to any Federation members with the funds to build, the Ministry of Production fueled growth while further investing the officers and officials of the faction. Further, by focusing on only a few planets at a time,the Ministry was able to keep a watchful eye on the construction, ensuring a proper balance of industry and services to serve the planet's population. Many planets were scanned and tapped for raw materials which could be used for the construction of ships, vehicles, building or other products. Nearly overnight, the Department of Logistics had its hands full with requests to move millions of tons of raw materials from everywhere to everywhere else. Under this system, the galaxy watched as the Trade Federation's formula for success embodied its original founding mandate, instilling honor and integrity wherever it went, while supplying profit for citizens, officials and members as well.
With the economic goals of the Trade Federation more than successfully met, Viceroy Jansen and Minister of Defence Kage Renbukai set about organizing and building up the tools to defend what the Federation had spent so much effort to create. Each of the Federation-controlled sectors was closed off to outside space traffic, requiring freighters, haulers and fighters alike to carry a Federation Flight Permit to fly in that space. Specific open-trade port planets and systems were designated, giving outsiders who had no permit a chance to funnel their goods into Federation territories. One such planet is Varno in the Glythe Sector. This system provided a measure of protection for the construction projects overseen by the Ministry of Production. Any intruders into Federation space could be identified and pursued more easily and quickly than ever before.
Once the borders of the Federation were brought under control, Viceroy Jansen and Minister Renbukai began to plan out an ambitious plan to grow the Trade Federation Navy into a well-oiled military machine. With the combined cooperation of the Ministries of Defence, Production and Interior, the Trade Federation began an overhaul and upgrade of the Federation Naval Forces, refitting or replacing hundreds of ships, from small freighters up to the mighty Lucrehulk Battleships. New fleets of Lucrehulks were commissioned and deployed to the Federation's sectors, adding a second layer of defense to the closed-off systems. However, Viceroy Jansen recognized the dangers of a completely-mobile defense. With a fleet alone, there was always the potential that the fleet might move away from their defense points, leaving the precious planets and systems vulnerable. With a fleet, it would also be difficult to maintain space superiority while keeping ships anchored to specific locations.
It was at this point that Duceroy Bub`ba Lou, who had served the Federation faithfully for many years, was forced to resign from his duties as Viceroy due to the many constraints on his time and health. Although under his watchful gaze the Federation had become a far more efficient organization, Duceroy Lou was still in high demand all over the Federation, putting down minor emergencies and helping to continue the reforms started by Viceroy Jansen. Rather than lose such a talented ally, Viceroy Jansen elected to nominate Duceroy Lou as his Regent, naming him next in succession for the position of Viceroy, but allowing him much more time to care for the Federation and his health. Regent Lou is still omnipresent in the Federation, and can be found working in almost any department on any day. Viceroy Jansen named Minister Renbukai his new Duceroy to replace Regent Lou.
Most recently, Viceroy Jansen led the Trade Federation into a powerful alliance with the Hapes Consortium. For the first time in either government's history, each faction pledged a full militaristic, economic and social alliance to the other. signed the Trade Federation/Hapes Consortium Alliance with Hapan King Jessy James, ruler of the Hapes Consortium. The alliance began with an historic document signing in the Stenness Node's Aweris System. Together, Federation and Hapan military forces controlled and secured the Stenness Node Sector, a territorial acquisition from a trade with the Galactic Empire.
Politics
In regards to the Galactic Civil War between the Galactic Empire and the Rebels, the Federation had a solid neutral stance. However, as time went by the Federation started to grow too quickly. Its political strength started to clash with both sides of the civil war pushing the Viceroy to a crossroad. The decision was made and for the first time the Trade Federation allied on the Imperial side of the civil war joining the Imperial Union.
Technology
The Trade Federation's history of technological innovation spans more than a century, a fact worthy of pride on the part of all Federation members. Under the innovative minds at the Trade Federation laboratories on Vinsoth, powerful automation systems have been developed, resulting in progressively advanced droid intelligences and abilities. Further, these automation systems, when blended with Federation ship-building technologies, allow for large-scale shipping and space superiority fleets to be operated at only a fraction of the ordinary cost or crew size.
Droids
B-1 Battle Droid
B-2 Battle Droid
Destroyer Droid
Vehicles
Armoured Attack Tank
STAP
Ships
Lucrehulk Battleship
C-9979 Landing Ship
Pnath-Class Shuttle
XS.009 Scarab
Weapons
E-5 Droid Blaster
E-5 Droid Blaster Pnath-Class Shuttle
XS.009 Scarab
Weapons
E-5 Droid Blaster
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