THE FALL OF THE THIRD IMPERIUM

(Summary Of An Alternate History / Background For 'Traveller: The New Era')

By Ian Mackinder  (Copyright, 2001)

  The following is condensed from "Project: Samson - The Salvation & Damnation Of The Third Imperium ", a historical research paper authored by Dr. Daryenn haut-Plankwell, StarBridge University, Newhaven, Regency Of Deneb, Y1210.   Material here is derived from findings at the Usdiki Palace and results of the Balukennan Expedition to Old Capital/Core, as well as recently declassified data from the Reformation Coalition.

  History records that the Imperium's First Civil War ended in Y622, when Arbellatra Alkhalikoi became Regent.  Many works on the period give the impression that most of the Imperium's problems immediately ceased with that proclamation.

  This is untrue.  The only thing in the Imperium's favour was that its infrastructure was almost miraculously untouched by decades of internal warfare.  The Moot was fragmented and squabbling; the Imperial Navy had taken heavy losses in both trained personnel and fighting ships; the frontiers were under pressure from most of the Imperium's neighbours; some factions within the Imperium were openly pushing for secession; and morale within the Imperial military and civil service was abysmal.  As Regent, Arbellatra would resolve all of these problems and, as Empress, lead the Imperium towards the zenith of its power - surely proof of her formidable skills.

  As the long task of reconstruction began, one concern in particular preyed on the Regent's mind.  What exactly had caused the Civil War, and what could be done to prevent it from ever happening again?

  She gathered a select group to find answers.  The members of the 'Special Historical Research Unit' (SHRU) were given top-ranking security clearances, a generous budget and an eight month deadline.  Their clear and remarkably far-sighted findings came in three weeks ahead of schedule and eleven percent under budget.  Subsequently, all of SHRU's files and reports were classified 'Emperor's Eyes Only', with the final summary being flagged as "Highly Recommended Reading" for all subsequent Emperors and their immediate heirs.  All of these designations were maintained until Y1116.

  SHRU's most telling conclusion was that the Civil War was a misnomer.  Technically, the Imperium had not split or divided.  Rather, the only true hostilities had been between the forces of rival claimants to the Iridium Throne, none possessing any regional loyalties or powerbase worthy of note.  Instead of a civil war, what had really happened was a rapid succession of military coups.  However, if anything like the Illelish Revolt of two centuries past had also come to pass, then the Imperium could have faced total collapse.

  A major contributor to the Imperium's problems had been the inefficiency of its internal communications networks.  What existed at that time was a mish-mash of couriers, packet boats and subsidized merchants - variously operated or sponsored by MegaCorporations; business consortia; planetary, subsector and sector governments; several Imperial departments and subdepartments; and even individual Nobles.   All of which operated to their own standards, timetables and priorities.

   Some areas were ridiculously over-serviced.  The most notorious example (the Capital-Kaggushus link) had three separate fast courier services (operated respectively by the Imperial Navy, the Scout Service and the Makhidkarun megacorp) plus elements of at least seven more (run by a number of concerns - with varying support from corporations, local governments, the Duke of Kaggushus and even the Imperial Army!).  Rivalries meant that many of these groups went so far as to restrict use of their facilities by others.  The result was a system that was complicated, sluggish, expensive to operate and featured considerable duplication of effort.

  At the other extreme were frontier worlds whose only reliable contact with the Imperium was via monthly visits by the Navy or the Scouts, plus a few subsectors forced to establish mail routes at their own expense just to regularly communicate with their sector governments.

  With conditions such as these, it was no wonder that messages to and from the furthest reaches of the Imperium were expensive and often faced lengthy delays.  Most significantly, ... twice in two decades, a fleet had arrived at Capital from the Spinward Marches, unauthorized and ahead of all warnings!

  Something had to be done.

  In Y624, Arbellatra formally established the Imperial Xboat Network, "... to be operated and administered by the Imperial Interstellar Scout Service, and ultimately to extend to every world of the Imperium ...".  There were objections from various quarters.  The Imperial Navy had sought control, citing that such a network was within their realm of responsibility.  Corporations saw their own networks being superceded.  Many in the Imperial Moot protested over the cost and sheer magnitude of it all.  However, for most Imperial citizens the new Xboat Network became a symbol of the Imperium's rebirth.

  That symbol had a hidden side, known only to a few as 'Project: Samson'.

  New computer software (Imperial Standard IS - 56310~ - 4390S - Sigma - 62285) was developed to be used by the xboat system and, eventually, all IISS vessels and bases.  Under the Regent's personal direction and the strictest security imaginable, a unique "back door" was engineered into the software.  This would allow specially-designed computer viruses to covertly infect any and all computer systems and networks utlizing that software.

  The simplest virus types could seek out and erase all database references to a particular subject.  More sophisticated versions could selectively "edit" news reports.  The most dangerous viruses could irretreivably crash the computer systems they infected, usually on a timed basis or when preset conditions had been met.  The possibility of an out-of-control SAMSON deeply worried the designers.  So, several independant 'safety factors' were engineered into the basic template, restricting the capabilities of all SAMSON viruses.  Whatever else happened, they could only infect Scout Service software via the "back door", and their lifespan was strictly limited. 

  Arbellatra saw SAMSON as a long-term safeguard against "real" civil wars.  History had already shown how costly rebellion could be, with the Illelish Revolt being the prime example.  But, with SAMSON, the reigning Emperor / Empress could selectively suppress information or even totally shut down sections of the Xboat Network.  Even the most well-organized secession or revolution could abruptly be transformed into a gaggle of isolated systems and fleets, then to be neutralized by Imperial forces at their leisure.

  The Regent's intention was that ultimately only the Emperor / Empress (whomever that person would be) would know of SAMSON's existance.  To that end, the project was given the highest security rating possible.  Afterwards, all of the staff involved in the system's design and development were subjected to hypno-psionic techniques, altering all recollection of the work done.  Several key individuals later met mysterious deaths, but this seems to have been more the exception than the rule.  The software for creating and distributing SAMSON viruses was placed in a specially-designed computer secretly built into the new Imperial Palace.

  Arbellatra's intelligence chief and consort, Rhys ap Connor, pointed out that even the best concealment could not always guard against accidental discovery.  If the 'back door' was ever found and exploited by criminals or enemies of the Imperium, or even abused by an unstable Emperor, the consequences would be horrific.  He saw the need for a new intelligence organization, as free as possible of political and inter-service rivalries, to guard against these possibilities.

  When Arbellatra was eventually crowned Empress, her first act was to establish IRIS, the Imperial Regency of Intelligence and S ecurity, with her consort as its first head.  From the very beginning, IRIS's responsibilities and duties were set out in five mandates; all relating to safeguarding of Imperium, Emperor and Line Of Succession.  However, unknown to all except the reigning Emperor / Empress and the highest levels of the agency, there was always a sixth mandate. as well  This mandate charged IRIS with maintaining secrecy around SAMSON and other 'black' projects (known to have included, amongst other things,  nova trigger research, bioweapons, FTL communications and high-level psionics) " ... by any and all means necessary ... ".

  Some may argue that Arbellatra intended to use SAMSON (and IRIS) to seize permanent control of the Third Imperium.  However, she had ample means, oppurtunity and popular support to take the Iridium Throne immediately.  Instead, she deliberately chose to become Regent, and technically subject to the authority of the Imperial Moot.  At the time, there was no certainty that Arbellatra would be selected to become the Imperium's next monarch.

  It should also be kept in mind that, by the most optimistic projections, the new Xboat Network would take over fifty years to become operational.

  Ultimately, most subsequent Emperors had little need for SAMSON.  It seems that some were appalled by the concept, and refused to have anything to do with it.  Perhaps to their credit.  Others may have reacted more favourably, but had little oppurtunity for its use.

  The following list of "significant" uses of SAMSON was compiled from various sources, and is considered at least 95% accurate.  It is probably incomplete, since research has also turned up at least eleven additional 'historical anomalies' that may have been SAMSON-related, but no conclusive proof.  Apparently, the secrecy was never breached, by accident or design, until the very end.

  In the final analysis, SAMSON was an unpredictable weapon...

Solomani Autonomous Region (IY 704+)

  Margaret I's establishment of the Solomani Autonomous Region calmed the rising secessionist movement in that area, but provoked a backlash elsewhere.  Nobles in Illelish and Vland immediately began talking of similar concessions for their own regions, and there was concern over the Empress's perceived "weakness".

  In response, Margaret initiated a propaganda campaign which emphasized the "unique circumstances" of the Solomani over the selfish demands of other areas.  The low-level use of SAMSON limited dissent to a (mostly) planetary scale, by invisibly censoring messages and news reports carried on the Xboat Network.

The Psionics Suppressions (IY 800 - 826)

  By 799, the growing influence of the Psionics Institutes came to be seen as a threat.  The subsequent Psionics Suppressions were intended to turn public opinion against the Zhodani, believed to covertly support a few of the more radical psionics groups.  It was expected that all of the Psionics Institutes would be "brought into line" (read: placed under direct Imperial control).

  The main propaganda effort was augmented by SAMSON, which edited news reports to inflame anti-psionic prejuedices throughout the Imperium.  Unfortunately, the strategy was based on inaccurate psychohistory data, and therefore seriously flawed   Unexpectedly, all psi-groups were soon being targeted by panicked citizens, even those known to be staunchly pro-Imperium.

  Ultimately, a scant few psi-groups came under the control of IRIS or the Imperial Navy.  The rest were either exiled, massacred outright or forced into hiding.  The Imperium's prejudice against psionics became far more extreme and enduring than Empress Paula had ever intended.  

The Third Frontier War (IY 979 - 986)

  Styryx, despite his early Marine training, was probably one of the Imperium's more peaceable Emperors.  For the early years of his reign, the realm faced no significant threats.  So the Emperor felt free to leave much of the actual ruling to his subordinates, whilst he pursued his interest in botany.

  In Y979, the revitalized Outworld Coalition launched a massive invasion of the Spinward Marches, thus starting the Third Frontier War.   Styryx's panic led to him making the worst decisions imaginable.  Despite the 600+ day communications turnaround, and against all advice, he insisted on directly commanding all Imperial forces from Capital, rather than nominating a field commander.  This led to no clear leadership in the Marches - just a steady stream of vague and contradictory orders for scattered fleets, captured worlds and stranded armies.

  As the situation deteriorated, Styryx used SAMSON to block all military-related data from Xboats in the warzone.  According to his later writings, the intention was to prevent civil panic and deny intelligence to the enemy.  In fact, the sudden data "blackout" sparked off riots on some worlds, left others totally unprepared for attack and did nothing to hinder the enemy.  Ironically, the Xboat Network had been a priority target for Coalition forces from the beginning, meaning the use of SAMSON went almost unnoticed in the chaos.  It is doubly ironic that this may have actually helped Imperial forces, by forcing many leaders and units to use their own initiative rather than wait for Styryx's orders.

  A number of worlds seceded from the Imperium and declared their neutrality, as an alternative to conquest by the Coalition.  Some remained independant beyond Y1117.  Leaders in the Spinward Marches sent pleas for assistance to the Deneb and Corridor sectors.  Response from the latter was rapid, since most local commanders did not wait for Imperial authorization before "marching to the sound of guns".

  The Coalition advance was halted, and some territory even regained before the inevittable ceasefire.  Examination of declassified records over a century later showed that the leadership of the Outworld Coalition were astounded by the spectacular successes of this conflict, with nearly half of the Spinward Marches removed from Imperial control.  The Zhodani especially had expected only modest territorial gains.

  After the armistice, Styryx threatened various military officers with court martial for "wilful insubordination".  But, even with SAMSON, he was unable to prevent news of the disaster from reaching Capital.  Demands for his abdication were inevitable.  Particularly worrying for the Emperor's aides was that Styryx displayed no remorse and accepted no blame for his errors, instead becoming increasingly unstable.

  In Y989, a coup involving the Moot, IRIS and most of the Imperial Guard, forced Styryx to abdicate in favour of his son, Gavin.

Solomani Rim War (IY990 - 1002)

  Emperor Gavin barely maintained SAMSON's secrecy after the debacle of FW3.  Fortunately, what happened could be blamed on 'fog of war', a treacherous (psionic) enemy, and his erratic father.  Gavin had little time to correct his father's blunders, but was quick to learn from them.

  In Y990, the long-expected Solomani Rim War began, with Solomani forces advancing on a wide front to establish their Sphere.  After the inevitable Imperial counterattack, it became clear that there would be no quick end to the war.  Fighting wound down as both sides consolidated.

  The situation was tailor-made for SAMSON.  The Solomani xboats were still using Scout (SAMSON-vulnerable!) software, enemy-held territory was clearly defined.  Imperial forces steadily built up as reinforcements arrived from elsewhere, and they were poised to seize any advantage.  The only problem was that all links with the Imperial Xboat Network had been cut.  Any SAMSON virus would have to be smuggled deep into Solomani space.

  A group of pro-Solomani nobles had called for opening of negotiations.  The Emperor had their ship's computers infected with a customized SAMSON virus, and then sent them into Solomani space on a diplomatic mission.  The virus was a classic "time-bomb" - programmed to silently infect the Solomani Xboat Network via routine communications then, at a pre-set date, crash every system it had infected.

  It would be the first time that SAMSON was fully utilized.   The Solomani would lose all of their main communications network in a single day, and Imperial forces would begin a massive offensive.  The Imperial Navy had no inkling of the advantage they were being handed, but were confident - perhaps overly so.

  As it turned out, the Solomani High Command had no inkling of SAMSON's existance, but communications security was a major concern.  Plans had been enacted to replace all of their xboat software, but the demands of the war had impeded this program.  With the disastrous Third Frontier War fresh in many minds, the possibility of the xboat network being compromised had been seriously examined and thorough contingency plans made.  What did finally happen was the worst-case scenario for the Solomani, but they were well-prepared.  Those xboats refitted with new software (and therefore immune to SAMSON) were mostly operating on essential routes near the centre of the Sphere.  Worlds and combat units isolated by SAMSON were, at least, psychologically prepared for the event.

  The Imperium's advantage was indeed major, but neither as decisive nor as lasting as was expected.  Solomani forces were often out-gunned, but made up for this with a flair for innovation, hit-and-run raids and occasional kamikaze tactics.  Fighting continued for over ten years, ending in ceasefire only after the Imperium's capture of Earth/Sol, the so-called "Cradle of Humanity" and the very heart of the Solomani Cause.

  Unexpectedly to many on both sides, the Solomani movement survived the loss of its Homeworld.

  Post-war, Gavin was concerned that the Solomani would discover SAMSON and turn it to their advantage.  The virus was deigned to self-destruct when its purpose had been achieved, but no chances were taken.  Covert operatives from IRIS tracked down the ship used to infect the Solomani xboat system (stranded in the Kulkulkan system when the offensive began), and eliminated all evidence.

  The Emperor also put into motion a program of deception against the Solomani, code-named 'Sunset Delta'.  The intention was to falsely give the impression that Solomani society was literally flooded with elements still sympathetic to the Imperium.  Originally, this plan was to have been used as a negotiating tool, to convince the Solomani leadership that allying with (and eventually rejoining) the Imperium was inevitable and even in their best interests.  As it happened, Gavin altered the original plan so that the Solomani would blame Imperial sympathizers for their setbacks, rather than look for other causes.  Consequently, the fledging SolSec (Solomani Security) organization was quickly enlarged, and immediately embarked upon several purges of the Solomani hierarchy from Y1003 to 1005.  This strengthened the more militant Solomani factions, and widened the rift between Imperial and Solomani.

  At the same time as these purges, considerable effort was put into expunging as much Imperial-based hardware and software as was practical.  The Solomani became immune to SAMSON without ever suspecting its existance...

The Second Civil War (IY 1116+)

  It is well-known that Strephon was seeking to revitalize the Imperium.  It is likely that one way he sought to do this was by using SAMSON to influence stock markets, edit news and alter data.  Any chance of success disappeared with the events of 132-1116.

  In the ensuing crisis, Lucan declared himself Emperor.  Characteristically, he began "solving" obvious problems - and leaving after-effects to be dealt with by his underlings.  During his seizure of power, the Moot Spire was cordoned off and several influential nobles detained.  Many other nobles fled Capital to join other factions, leaving too few to form a proper quorum.

  Lucan prevented the Moot from opposing him, but he also made it impossible for the Moot to provide any meaingful support.  There were other consequences as well.

  The Moot was the cornerstone of the Imperial succession, and not just in the legal or ceremonial sense.  A change to the official coronation ceremony made by Arbellatra was that each new Emperor / Empress had to be granted full access to the Imperial Palace's computer network (including SAMSON) by the Moot.  This required a quorum, with each member confirming access rights with a personal ID code.  Similar measures were necessary to bring in new members of the Moot, confirm successors and expel disgraced members.

  With so many of the Moot in hiding or fleeing Capital, gaining a quorum became impossible.  Perhaps the greatest irony of all - for all his pretensions, Lucan never had more than 'Privileged Guest' access to his own Palace computers.

  What of IRIS?

  Simualtaneous with the Assassination, Dulinor's agents attacked key IRIS facilities and personnel.  Despite strong suspicions within IRIS that Dulinor "was up to something", many of these attacks succeeded, with IRIS's High Regent being just one casualty.  It quickly became clear to the new Regent that Lucan was, at best, unsuited to the Irifium Throne and, at worst, at least as dangerous as the Archduke.  The worst case contingency plan, "Omega Six", was put into effect from 093-1117.

  A large number of IRIS personnel secretly left Capital for the Spinward Marches, Antares, Delphi and the Solomanu Rim; with orders to make their services available to the authorities there.  Those remaining behind began a series of covert operations against the Imperial Palace.  Over the course of  several months, there were four attempted assassinations of Lucan, all failing due to unexpected security measures or sheer bad luck.

  Officially, the so-called 'Brothers Of Varian' faction was blamed for the attempts.  Several purges of Palace staff followed, along with a general fuelling of the Black Emperor's paranoia.  Other covert operations saw more success.  At a severe cost in resources and personnel,  IRIS successfully retreived or destroyed several databanks that could not be left within Lucan's reach.  The SAMSON computer was isolated from the Palace netwrok, but follow-up attempts to remove or destroy it all failed.

  In the end, the IRIS agent-in-charge reluctantly decided that the only short-term option was to do nothing.  SAMSON was in a particularly well-concealed location.  Short of physically dismantling entire sections of the Palace, there was no way Lucan could find the databank.  Perhaps at a future date, the SAMSON system could be extracted but, in the meantime, it was safer in its undisturbed hiding place.

  It is not the intention of this author to recount the break-up of the Third Imperium or the horrors of The Black War.  Such details have been adequately covered in a number of other works.  Suffice to say that by 1126 the Imperium lay in ruins and most of the warring factions had fought to utter exhaustion.

  With no prospect of victory, Lucan became obsessed with the idea of superweapons lying just beyond his reach.  To that end, his forces began concentrating on the capture or "neutralization" of known research facilties and Ancient sites.  He also had experts brought in to map and "crack" the Imperial Palace's computer network.  Casualties amongst these so-called volunteers were high, due to hidden security measures installed by IRIS and previous Emperors; plus Lucan's notorious intolerance of delay, failure or excuses.

  By mid-1127, despite the best efforts of the few IRIS agents remaining on Capitol, several previously concealed databanks had been found, including SAMSON.  These items were transported under massive security to the Celetron research base for decoding and analysis.

  The experts assigned to SAMSON were horrified by what they found.  In the hands of Lucan, it was lethal beyond belief.  Security was tight enough that they were unable to destroy all of the Samson data, so the group instead chose to warn the other factions.  Coded messages were sent to allies for forwarding elsewhere, and several scientists engineered successful escapes from the Celetron system.   Rumours persist that a lone IRIS agent was sited in the Celetron base and, whilst there is no proof of this, it can be speculated that such an unknown could have played a key role in what happened.  Certainly, those warnings received by various factions often arrived through IRIS sources.

  Lucan's security forces were soon pursuing the escapees, recapturing or eliminating several.   The prevalent assumption seemed to have been that this was a straightforward mass defection, not so different to lesser incidents in the past, so investigating the full motivations of "traitors" was not given the highest priority.  Attempts to reconstruct the traitors' work was poorly organized, mainly due to frictions and rivalries within the Celetron base and various sub-groups of Lucan's intelligence apparatus.

  By the time investigators on Celetron had pieced together the full story, it was too late ...

  The warning that ultimately got to Dulinor was garbled and incomplete, coming as it did from a so-called "defector" assassinated by Lucan's spies before he could tell all.  Misinterpreting what little he did find out as proof of a horrific new bioweapon, the Black Archduke hurriedly changed plans for his renewed offensive against Lucan.  Dulinor would personally command the main fleet, and the Celetron research base was a priority target.

  All went comparitively well for Dulinor's attack until arrival at Celetron.  After a savage battle with the defenders; his troops seized the base, searched for bioweapons - and hastily downloaded files from the base's central computer (not an IISS system) to their flagship (partial IISS system).  Unknown to all combatants, those files included a number of inactive SAMSON viruses intended for analysis.  When transmitted to Dulinor's fleet (and incidentally received by many Lucan ships as well), they circumvented any security measures that may have detected and stopped them.  At some point in that chaos, at least one and possibly several of the SAMSON viruses contained in the transmitted data became active.

  There has been recent speculation that the Celetron Event (as it became known) was not as accidental as previously believed.  Supposedly, the SAMSON viruses were totally inert, and it seems improbable that they could somehow spontaneously self-activate.  Which suggests that they could have been re-programmed just before transmission, perhaps as a desperation move by someone in the Celetron base (the lone IRIS agent?) to strike at either or both sides.  No proof has been uncovered, and there is nothing in various survivors' accounts that would seem to corroborate this claim.  The only certainty is that SAMSON infected every compatible computer system within the Celetron system.

  By that stage of the Black War, the navies of most combatants had been reduced to third and even fourth line warships.  A major supplier of hulls and components for these had been the Scout Service.  Additionally, many worlds and non-military starships now used IISS-derived systems - bought, requisitioned, boot-legged, stolen, salvaged, adapted or scavenged when more conventional (legal) supplies had been cut off.  Vessels of the support / logistics elements of the warring fleets were particularly common users. 

  SAMSON would play one final role in the history of the Third Imperium, far beyond the worst nightmares of its creators.  Virus effects were slow to emerge, and related anomalies were initially blamed on battle damage or maintenance issues.  But, the fleets of Dulinor and Lucan spread the virus to several nodes in what was left of the Xboat Network.  From there, SAMSON spread like wildfire throughout most of Imperial space.

  Those viruses liberated at Celetron were unstable, so effects were often unpredictable.  But, the possibility of an out-of-control SAMSON had led to the original designers building several independant 'safety factors' into the original template, strictly limiting the capabilities and lifespans of all SAMSON viruses.  Therefore, the infection was virulent and highly contagious for any computer using IISS software, but very very short-lived - and totally harmless to all other computer systems.

  Effects of the 'SAMSON-Celetron' viruses on infected computers fell into the following three categories:

• Minor Effects - Random alterations to data and/or programming.  Depending on circumstances, the results could be anywhere between mildly annoying and instantly lethal.  Most computers infected by the SAMSON-Celetron virus initially went through this stage, before worsening to one of the other categories.  Some systems remained in this category - typically those with IISS software that had been heavily modified.

• Lobotomization - Massive damage to programming and data, especially those sections associated with input / communications.  Occasionally, the effects could be bizarre, such as advanced computers "obsessing" over specific activities to the exclusion of all else.  In most cases, the computer was damaged enough as to become totally inoperative.  Overall, this was the most common end-result of the SAMSON-Celetron virus.

• Awakening - The Imperial bias against artifical intelligence meant that most computers had built-in inhibitors to prevent them ever becoming truly self-aware.  In rare cases, the SAMSON-Celetron virus neutralized these inhibitors, opening the way for higher-grade computers to achieve true sentience.  Most of these AIs were psychologically unstable, and suicided within a very short space of time.  Others were destroyed by panicked operators upon detection.  But there were a number of survivors.

  With the emergence of the SAMSON-Celetron virus, warring factions were hit with the sudden crippling of up to sixty percent of their navies and merchant fleets, and well over ninety percent of their xboats and related facilities.  Many planet-based computer systems were also affected.  Lucan and Dulinor were the worst hit; Vilani losses proved almost as severe; Antares somewhat less so; and other factions harmed comparitively mildly.  Usdiki and Daibei were both compact enough in extent that the loss of xboats was simply inconvenient.  The Regency of Deneb was virtually untouched, thanks to advance warning from Usdiki and Corridor.  The Vargr forces invading the Imperium suffered typically mixed effects (a few had 'acquired' IISS software, most had not), sufficient for limited disruption but not enough to stop them completely.

  Casualties were particularly heavy amongst the courier, recon, escort and support / logistics elements of the various navies; since IISS ships were most commonly assigned there.  The only capital ships affected were those few originally from the IISS, plus a number of warime construction hulls utilizing IISS systems (including Dulinor's then brand-new flagship!).  It is ironic that the largest and most powerful fighting ships remained (technically) operational, but had their activities hereafter severely curtailed - due to heavy losses of supporting vessels, plus massive disruption of the economies supplying them.  

  There was a mere handful of isolated incidents beyond Imperial borders, involving either Imperial-built computer systems or pirated IISS software, but none of the Imperium's neighbours took significant losses.  For the most part, the SAMSON virus was confined to the Imperium.

  The Black War abruptly ceased, as combatants found themselves barely having the means to survive, let alone make war.

The New Era (IY 1200+)

  After the Fall, a number of myths sprang up about SAMSON.  Commonly, accounts of the Celetron event merged with the horrors of the Black War, spawning tales of malevolent technology-based beings with paranormal abilities and an implacable hatred of all organic life.  Several stories are of a "VIRUS" subverting or awakening "something" in the 'Black Box' found in standard Imperial starship transponders.  Even now, monstrous robotic "Vampire Starships" supposedly plague the spaceways, devastating entire worlds.  How this so-called "VIRUS" could possibly infect any system lacking a transponder (or built to non-Imperial operating standards!) has never been rationally explained, but a few isolated groups remain so paranoid about this as to maintain incredibly strict quarantines against potential threats from outside and (especially) anything with an Imperial ID.

  To date, all alleged "Vampires" have proven to be exaggerated accounts of Corsair / Space Viking groups - albeit with occasional surprises.  The classic example is the so-called "Fiery Spear Squadron" of Massilia Sector, comprising naval vessels from various factions (including a former IISS 'Kokirrak' class Dreadnought with a self-aware AI!).

  All of the Imperial factions survived The Fall in one form or another.  The Third Imperium's demise also had profound effects on all of its neighbours, as one would expect.

LUCAN (CORE) - Typically, the Black Emperor refused to face facts, with his forces hammering at "the enemy" even as they dwindled beyond recovery.  Not even the almost ludicrous death of Dulinor could convince him that the war was efectively over.

  By 1132, only the Core subsector was under Lucan's control.  By 1134, the Emperor's paranoia had led him to near-total physical isolation within the Palace, with only "dumbots" to see to his needs.  Nobody dared enter Lucan's quarters uninvited - the staff purges initiated after one "incident" (in which Lucan shot one maintenance worker and had two others summarily executed) had seen to that.  On 002-1135, after four weeks of total silence from their monarch, cautious Palace staff finally entered his suite.  Lucan's decaying body lay near the foot of the Grand Staircase.

  It was surmised that he had died in a fall, but the autopsy revealed Lucan had survived the fall.  He had suffered various injuries - including a fractured jaw, several cracked ribs, a twisted spine and dislocations of the right shoulder and hip.  The Emperor had been rendered unable to move, reach a comm unit, verbally activate a robot or even simply call for help.  Starvation drove Lucan to gnawing on his own extremities before finally dying, twelve days later.  At his order, the robots in his suite lacked any programming for autonomous action, so they failed to help him or even inform others of his situation.

  The official inquest / inquiry was brief, and found no evidence of foul play, the general mood seemingly one of profound relief.  The Black Emperor had never married or designated a heir (at least, no one that survived the vetting process or beyond his next bout of paranoia), so what little remained of the Moot eventually chose to establish a new political entity, now known as the Sylean Alliance.  As with the Imperium, individual member-worlds would be self-governing, with overall policy determined by the Moot (renamed the Grand Council). 

  Since then, the Alliance has worked towards the restoration of former glories, and has "re-consolidated" most of Core Sector.  It remains openly hostile towards Dulinor's realm, and distinctly cold towards Delphi.   But, towards the other former Imperial factions, it has taken an openly patronizing attitude, frequently pressing for "reunification" of the Imperium.

 DULINOR (ILLELISH) - Dulinor met his final fate on Gakhu / Illelish, where the remnants of his fleet gathered after the Celetron Event.  His flagship's systems were severely compromised by SAMSON and it is likely to have been a primary culprit in spreading the virus into his realm - having transited at least two Xboat termini during his retreat, and sending numerous messages to his homewold.   Whilst facing an angry crowd on Gakhu, he was killed by a runaway agricultural machine.  Apprently, the machine in question was  tied into a local computer network that was infected by SAMSON.  Dulinor was not the first victim of the Celetron Event, but he was perhaps the highest ranking

  The broadcast of Dulinor's falsified (and grossly premature) declaration of victory just after departure had initially led to celsbration within his realm.  This quickly became confusion, then anger and disillusionment as the truth spread and as the SAMSON virus attacked Illelish's infrastructure.  Despite the best efforts of Dulinor's family to maintain comtrol, his realm quickly broke up.  

  Presently, the Black Archduke's former realm comprises four major political entities - Dlan / Illelish (still ruled by the Archduke's daughter), Illelish / Illelish, Tripolis / Verge and an alliance of several Droyne-dominated worlds (in Droyne: "Lyupyokussay").  Skirmishes and shifting alliances are frequent, as each strives to gain an upper hand over the others.  Presently, the Droyne appear to hold the balance of power. 

MARGARET (DELPHI)  - Over many years, officials of the Tukera megacorporation merged with the nobility of Delphi, until there was basically no differance.  The Archduchy's recovery from The Fall was rapid, thanks to Tukera's fleet of Jump-6 xboats (which did NOT use IISS systems).

  With the aid of anagathics, Margaret still reigns, but is very reliant on her advisors and now may be little more than a figurehead.  Many nobles and citizens, including her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, are becoming openly restless  and press for a greater say in decisions.  The Archduchy of Delphi dominates the Delphi sector, and is expanding into the Glimmerdrift Reaches.  Since the K'Kree are also expanding into this sector, future conflict seems likely.

STREPHON - By 1124, the Real Strephon's realm had shrunk to a tiny group of worlds around Usdiki / Gushemege.  When the Regency cruiser 'Arrival Vengeance' visited in 1126, it found the realm in remarkably good order.  Records are vague as to what happened after The Fall, but it appears that Strephon formally abdicated in 1143, and his realm became the Usdiki Confederacy.

  The Confederacy endures as a small democratic state, with strong ties to the Regency.  The Emperor's Palace on Usdiki has been converted for use by the Confederacy government, but areas of historic interest (including Strephon's quarters) have been carefully preserved.

  Many questions about Strephon remain.  With recent research, answers are now emerging.

 Was he really the Emperor?

  Analysis of files from the Palaces at Capital and Usdiki now give a high likelihood that he was.

 Where was he during The Assassination?

  The "official" account was that Strephon was on a secret inspection of the Gushemege Naval Depot.  However, according to Imperial Palace records, he received a maximum-priority message in early 1116 from Lishun Sector.  The import of this message is unknown, since all copies of it were destroyed at his personal order, but a number of secondary sources refer to connections with a special project called 'LONGBOW'.  Furthermore, just one day after the message was received, the 403rd Fast Patrol Squadron suddenly departed Capital, under strict security and in considerable haste, for an unspecified destination.  After The Assassination, the 403rd  reappeared as part of the forces at Usdiki.

  Who was really killed?

  Strephon is now known to have made use of both robotic and human look-alikes.  If there was a double at The Assassination, he was presumably human and the resemblance good enough to stand up to close inspection at the autopsy and state funeral.

  Why was Strephon in Lishun Sector?

  Obviously, something had happened, apparently relating to LONGBOW.  Something that warranted the Emperor's personal and immediate attention under strict security, but his writings at Usdiki on this subject are so vague as to be useless.  We can speculate that it was something with profound significance for the Imperium.  Strephon was trying to 'revitalize' his realm, so perhaps he had finally found the way - a new energy source, hyperspace communications, a psionic breakthrough, or something else entirely.  Maybe it was a warning or revelation of some kind.  Who is to say?  Whatever "it" was, Strephon apparently did not benefit from it at Usdiki, nor have the Vargr in Lishun discovered anything since.

  What was Project LONGBOW?

  Unknown.   The project is believed to have been initiated by Strephon very early on in his reign, with a security ranking placing it within IRIS's sixth mandate, and with elements distributed over a wide swathe of Imperial space, mainly to Spinward.  It absorbed a sizable chunk of the Imperium's "Special Projects" budget for many years, and apparently was considered something of a failure when completed.  LONGBOW's successor, LONGBOW II, seems to have been even more secretive and expensive.  There does seem to have been a correlation between both LONGBOWs and intelligence-gathering relating to the Zhodani Core Expeditions, but the significance of this remains unknown.   

  Why did Strephon not simply come forward immediately after the Assassination?

  Whatever his original destination, the Emperor was a long way from Capital when it happened, and at least several weeks passed before the news got to him.

  Probably the only people on Capital who knew of his absence at the time were his immediate family, a few trusted aides, and the High Regent of IRIS.  His family and the Regent were killed by Dulinor and his agents, anybody remaining could have been killed or forced into hiding in the following chaos.  Then too, there is the enormous personal shock of having his family murdered and his realm split by a man he considered a very close friend.  Such things would have broken many other individuals.

  Later on, others could have discovered or deduced the truth.  Both Lucan and Dulinor were publicly contemptuous of 'The Real Strephon', but remained clearly intent on his elimination, committing forces that arguably would have achieved far more elsewhere.  IRIS could have proven his identity but, by the time they were in a position to do so, it probably would have made little differance.

  What happened after his abdication in 1143?

  Yet again, official records are infuriatingly vague.  It is certain that the abdication was his decision alone, since the Usdiki government made repeated pleas for him to continue his rule.  He remained at the Usdiki Palace until 1145, overseeing the foundation of the Usdiki Confederacy.  Strephon then left that world for an unknown destination in the 'Marakir', a modified 'Gionetti'-Class cruiser manned by a volunteer crew.

  In the decades since, Strephon has been "sighted" in religious retreats, working as a deckhand on a Regency trader, in cold sleep in secret bases, and as a secluded prisoner or guest of assorted people of note.  Similarly, items from 'Marakir' have been 'found' in areas as far afield as the Vargr Extents and Aldebaran.  The ship itself has been everything from a wreck on a forgotten world, to a mysterious benefactor, to a hyperspace "ghost", to the flagship of a new Imperium just outside of Known Space.  None of these stories have ever been proven. 

  One can hope that Emperor Strephon eventually found some measure of peace.  Perhaps he continued to aid his people in a small but useful fashion even after giving up the Throne, just as Cleon II did.  Maybe he somehow continues to do so, just as the stories say.

  Sadly, we may never know.

DAIBEI - Under the leadership of Duchess Alicia (Duke Craig's oldest surviving granddaughter), this group of worlds continues to survive, albeit with a comparatively small Navy.  After years of tension prior to the War, relations with the Aslan Hierate have become very friendly, and some expect that the two states may get even closer.

VILANI - SAMSON, plus Vargr incursions both before and afterwards, hit the Ziru Sirka hard.  Their territory was reduced to less than one subsector in size, centred on Vland.  Since then, they have fought back admirably, retaking most of Vland Sector.   Unfortunately, a mindset has developed whereby Vland's hard times are mainly blamed on "cultural contamination" from outside, especially from Sylea and Earth.

  Now dominating Vilani politics are the Racheleans, an extremist (and former terrorist) group previously believed to be wiped out by the Third Imperium, but which has undergone a major revival since The Fall.  Supposedly, it is dedicated to reestablishing the First Imperium in its entirety, and to "restoring" classic Vilani culture.  The Vilani military is now being built up at a speed that worries many neighbours.

DENEB - The survival of Imperial culture in the Spinward Marches has been well-documented.  Thanks to the steady leadership of Norris and his heirs, the region's isolation and advance warning from Usdiki and Corridor; SAMSON never got there and the realm has prospered since.  The Regency's self-imposed quarantine had one negative result, encouraging a siege mentality that has only recently begun to fade.  This isolationism was reinforced by tragedies such as the attack on Trin / Trin's Veil (later renamed Trin's Shroud) by one of Lucan's last warships.

  Relations with the Zhodani Consulate, the Darrian Confederation, the Sword Worlds, the Federation of Arden, the ComSentient Alliance and bordering Vargr states have remained largely peaceful.  Regency starships are now travelling further afield; with formal diplomatic relations now established with the Usdiki Confederacy, the Julian  Protectorate, the Vilani and the Sylean Alliance.

VARGR - Unquestionably the only true winners to emerge from The Fall, the Vargr now dominate most of the Corridor, Lishun, Antares and Empty Quarter sectors.  Typically, most of the anti-Imperial groups responsible have long since fallen apart or been supplanted, and further large-scale expansion seems very improbable.  This has not stifled the hopes of some, with Vargr now routinely found as far away as Hiver Space.

  Interestingly, the formerly pro-Imperial Thoengling Empire has also prospered, and continues to enjoy cordial relations with the Regency.  A major reason could be that very few anti-Human Vargr remain in the "old" Extents - most invaded the Imperium during or after The Fall, and few have returned.

  Vargr now compete with the K'Kree and the Vilani for new territory.  Given the general outlooks of all three, conflict seems not merely likely, but inevitable.

K'KREE - During The Fall, K'Kree forces invaded the Gateway and Ley Sectors, and the Glimmerdrift Reaches.  But they critically underestimated the degree of resistance offered by the inhabitants.  Results since have been what could best be described as an "interstellar guerilla war", with heavy casualties and increasingly ruthless tactics.   Fears are growing that it will become a repeat of the Black War.

 The mainly Human resistance is being reinforced by the Vargr, with technological assistance originating from the Hiver Federation.  The Centaurs' Warrior Caste has taken especially heavy losses over the years, forcing the use of 'subject races' in many roles previously denied them.  Also, some clans have become sufficiently disaffected by the war that they are now openly demanding that the K'Kree withdraw from these areas entirely.

ANTARES & THE JULIAN PROTECTORATE - When the League of Antares (formerly the Imperium's Domain of Antares) formally joined the Julian Protectorate, things began to change in both realms.  The new addition, plus a steady influx of Imperial refugees, forced several major shifts in Julian's economy and politics with their traditional stance of isolationist neutrality no longer possible.  Antares's later assertion of independance later came as a rude shock to the Julian citizenry, forcing many to reassess the Protectorate's policies even further.

  SAMSON hit Antares hard, but left Julian unscathed, due to the latter's long-standing policy of not using Imperial-based technology.  Archduke Brzk's assassination, at around the same time, was an added blow for the League.  The Julian Protectorate immediately launched a massive aid and reconstruction effort for Antares - promoting much good will and ultimately leading to Antares's merger with the Protectorate in 1139.

   Julian's distinctive solar-charged merchant ships are now frequently seen trading well outside of Protectorate space.   The reemergence of their long-standing foes, the Vilani, as an expansionist interstellar power is causing a great deal of concern, leading to the Protectorate tentatively seeking closer diplomatic ties with other powers.  K'Kree expansionism to Trailing is also a worry. 

SOLOMANI - The factionalizing of the Third Imperium (and Lucan's redeployment of several major fleets towards Illelish) was a unique oppurtunity for the Confederation, long sworn to the liberation of Terra and the "restoration" of the Solomani Sphere. The Solomani were quick to seize upon this opening; invading the Solomani Rim, Daibei, Old Expanses and Diapora sectors from 1117 onwards.  Even with the Imperial forces weakened, most of these thrusts were soon blunted into attritional pounding matches against various pockets of Imperial resistance.  The re-taking of Terra seemed to mark a new Solomani resurgence, despite the heavy cost.   

  Even before the Third Imperium's demise, the Solomani Party was splitting over the question of what a 'True' Solomani was.   Solomani conservatives naturally stuck with the classic definition - Humans of "pure" Terran ancestry.  However, questions and debates over the precise statuses of geneered and./or non-Solomani Humans, as well as those of certain non-humans (notably AIs, Dolphins, Simians and Vargr) had become more and more heated.   Add to this the inherent social problems that came with "reintegrating" literally millions of "liberated" (/former Imperial) citizens into the Sphere.  Not all of these necessarily willing at that, and even the many who were tending to have very outdated (and often romanticized) notions about the Confederation.  Plus there was the inevitable 'Alien Question' - what to do about the not inconsiderable number of non-Human aliens now residing in what had suddenly become Solomani territory.

  Then came the SAMSON-Celetron virus.  The Solomani Sphere was mostly untouched by this catastrophe, but their traditional foe was abruptly gone - and with it the main reason for Solomani unity.  Despite the best efforts of the Party and SolSec, the Confederation began losing cohesion as many blocs and factions began looking at new directions.  Disagreements at all Party levels, over the Solomani "reintegration" of Terra and former Imperial worlds, only added to the problem.  

  In 1135, the Solomani Secretariat held its first meeting on "liberated" Earth in over a century.  That meeting never concluded.  On 327-1135, at the height of a particularly acrimonious debate, a large conventional bomb detonated in the assembly hall.  Casualties were high, numbering almost a thousand dead overall (including most of the Secretariat and staff) with the venue, the second United Nations building in Geneva, totally destroyed.  The Confederation's High Council declared a full state of emergency, and SolSec began making arrests all over the Confederation.  During the crackdown, rumours persisted that the bomb had been planted  and detonated by SolSec agents at the order of the High Council.  Many groups and worlds began making plans.

   The Solomani Civil War officially began on 079-1136, when elements of the Solomani Grand Fleet arrived in the New Slavic Solidarity in Magyar Sector.  For reasons still unclear, and with claims of authorization even more dubious, the commanding Admiral attempted to oust the Solidarity government and seize military control of the region.  The Solomani fleet was repelled by unexpectedly well-armed local forces, supposedly aided when several Grand Fleet units switched loyalties.  Both sides sustained heavy losses, and the Solidarity proclaimed its independance immediately thereafter.  In the face of this new crisis, many Confederation worlds suddenly began finding reasons why their militaries could not be released for use by the Confederation .

   Further battles followed, mostly between loyalist (pro-Federation) and rebel (pro-independance) factions. However, there were also many instances where supposedly loyalist units and groups openly clashed amongst themselves over what were basically doctrinal issues.  Further worlds and blocs seceded.  The loss of Earth (to the Terran Federation) was a particularly savage blow, sparking a renewed surge of secessions and calling into further doubt the legitimacy of the Solomani Cause.  By 1148, the Solomani Confederation was reduced in extent to most of Aldebaran sector, centring on the long-time "administrative" capital of Home.

  In 1150, a general cease-fire was agreed to by the Confederation government and major secessionist groups, which has mostly held ever since.

  The worlds and groupings that gained independance from the Confederation have since achieved a fragile equilibrium, forming a complex web of blocs and alliances.  Mostly, these political entities still express support for the Solomani Cause but, in reality, virtually all have began following different paths.  SolSec is just a shadow of what it once was, but is said to still have loyal agents throughout the former Solomani Sphere.

TERRA / SOL - During a century of Imperial occupation, Terran sympathies for the Solomani Cause had endured, with a warm (if cautious) heroes' welcome offered to the arriving Solomani liberators.  But, as the euphoria of "Liberation Day" wore off, things rapidly soured.  Much of the Imperial occupation had been deliberately kept low-key.  By contrast, the Confederation forces deployed on Terra to " ... aid in reconstruction and the necessary maintenance of civil order ... " seemed far more intent on " ... reinstating traditional Solomani values ... " and " ... neutralizing anti-Human elements ... " (all quotes from the original SolSec directive).  

  With hindsight, it is difficult to find any way in which the Solomani actually showed good judgement in their actions on Terra.  Administration of the planet was dominated by Solomani hardliners, who evidently believed that pro-Imperial terrorists lurked in every doorway.  Strict curfews, censorship and other restrictions were enforced with a noticeably heavy hand.   The accompanying propaganda campaign was equally unsubtle, seemingly geared more towards the rest of the Sphere rather than the Terrans themselves.  The Solomani Party established a large number of "cultural restorationist teams", which immediately set out to expunge Terra of all physical traces of the Imperial occupation.   Using little more than their own preconceptions of Solomani culture, these teams arbitrarily demolished or defaced numerous structures, including several monuments and other public works, frequently ignoring pleas and protests from local communities.  That a number of the damaged structures in fact pre-dated both the Solomani Movement and the Imperium caused much bitterness.

  Worse was to come.

  When the Imperial Garrison surrendered, terms had included fair treatment for the large number of former Imperial citizens remaining on Terra.  But, within a month of arrival, SolSec began detaining large numbers of Imperials, with two public mass-executions of 'Imperial sympathizers' following.  Predictably, this act led to protests, but Terra's new administration was alarmed by the scale - with large and mainly peaceful demonstrations appearing in most cities on Earth, and on other worlds of the Sol system (accompanied by assorted graffiti and hand-outs).  Predictably, security forces suppressed this resistance but, in several well-publicized instances, the measures used against unarmed and predominantly well-behaved citizens could only be called excessive.

  Faced with an escalating situation, the Terran administration belatedly tried to calm things down.  The SolSec field commander publicly blamed for the original atrocity was arrested, court-martialled on various charges, found guilty and executed - all in very obvious haste.  As a further attempted sop to Terran sensibilities,,certain of the "cultural restorationist teams" were reprimanded for their "...understandable, but clearly mistaken and overzealous conduct..." (another SolSec quote).  These actions highlighted growing divisions within the Solomani Party, as factions openly squabbled amd expressed widely differing views about the entire affair.

  However, the damage had been done.  Recalling a hated group from the Pre-Atomic Era, Terrans began referring to SolSec as the "S.S.", and to the Solomani Party as "Solo-Nazis".  Terran experiences with the Imperial occupation was to prove even more effective in dealing with their so-called "lliberators".  There were no more large demonstrations, but the graffiti continued - along with numerous minor acts of sabotage and harassment.  Individually, each act was little more than nuisance value, but the sheer quantity of them was frightening.  Several Terran groups went so far as to conceal "traitors" and Imperial "sympathizers" sought by the authorities, and,even smuggle them offworld.  It became evident that neither the Party, SolSec or the Confederation military could solve the problem - though each was quick to blame the others for what was happening.  The occupation forces had to be continually reinforced and expanded just to maintain the status quo.  Morale in the Solomani rank-and-file, most of whom had arrived on Terra expecting easy duty, soon was abysmal; inevitably leading to widespread corruption, ever-increasing desertion rates and several notable instances of insubordination.  None of which went unnoticed by the people that the occupation force was supposed to be watching.

  The events of 1135 and thereafter sparked off additional security crackdowns.  Terrans began actively resisting the occupation force and its strictures..  Naturally, this led to further crackdowns, inevitably provoking further resistance!

  Aid for Terra soon arrivved from an unexpected direction.  The Vegan Concordance was a conclave of worlds around the Vega system, one of the last remnants of the Third Imperium.   When the Solomani retook their Sphere, the Vegans were able to hold out in a state of near-total siege for a number of years.  A cease-fire had eventually been called, shortly before the Celetron Event (which had minimal direct impact on them), but it was very clear that the Vegans were on their own.  The sudden crumbling of the Solomani Sphere was an unexpected chance for survival, if the Concordance chose to seize it.  Representatives from Vega and Sol were soon meeting in secret.

  In 1147, in one of history's greatest ever ironies, resistance groups joined forces with the Concordance in a lightning campaign that ousted the Solomani Confederation from Terra and the rest of the Sol system.  'The Cradle of Humanity' then formally unified with the Vegan Concordance and several other worlds to form a new entity called the Terran Federation.

  The Federation government remains a hodge-podge of Imperial nobility, the megacorporations Hortalez et Cie and Instellarms, disaffected ex-Solomani, and elected officals from both Vega and Sol.  Despite this, or perhaps because of it, the Terran Federation has proven remarkably stable and progressive.

ZHODANI - The Zhodani's psionic nobility suffered a major setback in 1127, when first contacting the starfaring race known as the Primordials.  As is now known, the Primordials are a peaceful race, but their psionics are so powerful that they unknowingly "burnt-out" every Human psionic that came within range.  Faced with what looked like an invasion, the Consulate Navy kept attacking the Primordial fleet - and losing.

  Eventually, a group of (psi-null) adventurers from the Regency made peaceful contact with the Primordials, and convinced them to alter course away from Consulate worlds.  Since then, the Zhodani has been struggling to rebuild its decimated nobility and fleet.  To that end, limited numbers of "outsiders" - mainly Aslan and Vargr mercenaries - have been employed for less essential tasks on the frontier.

[NOTE:  This is a crude outline of what the Traveller's Digest Group had planned for a major adventure / event in the Traveller Universe.  Unfortunately, after all the exceptional work already done, GDW suddenly yanked the license.  However, some TNE supplements seemed to take up the story line.  Go figure.]

ASLAN - There have been few major changes for the Aslan.  With no significant threats on any of the Hierate's borders, the Tlaukhu (High Council) now spends more time overseeing internal matters rather than deciding external policy. The ihatei that migrated to the Trojan Reach sector are now well-established and mostly integrated with the Regency.  The Reaver's Deep sector has been all but fully absorbed into the Hierate; and trade is routinely conducted with the Regency, Daibei and various ex-Solomani worlds.  Aslan mercenary groups tend to be smaller than during the Third Imperium, and can be found in the Regency, some ex-Solomani blocs, Hiver space and the Zhodani Consulate.

  Because of Dulinor's murder of the Yerlyaruiwo ambassador in 1116, the Aslan still consider themselves to be technically at war with Illelish.  To that end, raiding vessels are regularly sent to that region.  Most do not return.

HIVERS - The Hivers spent the early part of the Black War trying to preserve elements of Imperial / Human culture.  As the war escalated, and they began losing personnel and ships, the Hivers finally withdrew from Imperial space.

  Since The Fall, the Hivers have established a number of Human client-states, supplying them with technical advice and even starships.  Several are helping to curtail K'Kree expansion, whilst others are reestablishing contact with other empires.  The largest and most notable of these client-states is the Reformation Coalition, centred in the Old Expanses sector.  Interestingly, Hiver assistance often does not extend to providing accurate information about the current state of affairs elsewhere.  Many Coalition citizens remain convinced that the rest of the Galaxy has fallen into barbarism and ruin, victim of a mythical computer super-"Virus".

  Hiver computer technology continues to be the most advanced of any known race.  The Hivers now run a lucrative trade selling 'special upgrades' for Imperial computers and software, rendering them totally immune to SAMSON.

TRAVELLER'S AID SOCIETY - As the Imperium fragmented, so did the TAS.  Despite censorship, seizure of property by Lucan and Dulinor, and Lucan's revocation of its Imperial Charter in 1127, the society continued to function as best it could.  TAS now has only minimal facilities in Core and Illelish sectors, and the branches in Delphi and Vilani sectors are effectively government-controlled agencies.

  The TAS branches outside of Imperial space were essential to keeping the Society unified and functioning.  Except for those sectors already mentioned, TAS membership remains valid throughout known space.

 MEGACORPORATIONS - All of the Imperium's Megacorporations survived The Fall in one form or another.   The centralized elements of the Vilani Bureaux continued to rule the Vilani worlds, purging themselves of Sylean "contamination" in the process.   Likewise, the largest part of Tukera was ultimately merged with the nobility and government of Delphi. 

  The loss of dependable communications split most Megacorporations (and the more isolated branches of Tukera nad the Vilani Bureaux) into multiple separate entites - many of which went on to merge with, be absorbed into or taken over by other organizations.  This has led to a number of almost ludicrous situations, as various of these "sub-MegaCorps" have expanded, only to encounter rivals and opponents that use the exact same logo and/or designation.   Ongoing conflict seems inevitable on a number of fronts, as the stronger of these new corporations seek to "reassert ownership rights" over former subsidiaries and holdings.

AIs - An unknown number of self-aware artifical intelligences are now, essentially, at large in the Known Galaxy. Most began as starship computers, several as planet-based networks, and a few as robots of various types.  AI intelligence and personality frequently relates to the complexity and programming of the original computer, but this is not a wholly reliable guide to subsequent behaviour.  Regarding intelligence, logic, motivations, ethics, psychological stability and capacity to relate with other intelligences; 'Samson'-created AIs vary at least as much as any other group of sentient beings.

Two notable examples of AIs follow:

  Relations between AIs and organic intelligences are varied.  The cultural aversion to artificial intelligences of any kind, and the Celetron Event itself, have fuelled anti-AI prejudice in many regions formerly part of the Third Imperium.  A number of worlds and groups maintain a "destroy on sight" mindset as regards any and all AIs found.  Several extend this measure to anything that MIGHT become an AI - specifically any and all robots, computers and other automated systems.  Other worlds may not ban AIs as such, but do not recognize them as anything but property - thereby meaning that any AIs there do not have sentient rights.  Very few worlds have come anywhere near granting specific rights to AIs, thus far.

ELSEWHERE - The Black War and The Fall left many areas in ruins, with entire populations exterminated or falling into barbarism.  Dagudashaag, Fornast, Zarushagar and Massilia sectors remain dangerous and chaotic places to this day.  Corsairs and renegades abound but, even there, a few worlds have begun the long task of rebuilding.

  The Third Imperium has gone the way of its predecessors.  As always, one can only hope that future generations can learn from its example.  Perhaps the greatest tragedy of all centres around Empress Arbellatra.  She was undoubtedly the Third Imperium's greatest leader, but she also planted the seeds for its final destruction.

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