

When an HR manager published an essay that argued that the empire's use of slavery was both inhumane and inefficient, the UE and its corporations saw this as oppositional and tried to arrest her.

The emperor has little tolerance for dissent, real or perceived. In contrast to its pro-business economic policies, the UE places relatively little value on human rights or individual lives. Should a corporation stop paying its dues or become too obstinate, the Imperial fleets stand ready to remind the wayward company of its obligations. That said, the central empire is far from powerless. With this somewhat decentralized setup, a certain level of regional autonomy is inevitable, and the various corporate system governors often cut corners when they can get away with it.

In return, they are expected to send a portion of their earnings back to the empire. Designated by the Empire to manage certain systems, these companies or aristocratic families work hand in hand with the Imperial bureaucracy but are also left to pursue their own profit. However, while the emperor manages the overall direction of the UE, the day-to-day management of star systems is left to various powerful corporations or families. Technically, the United Empire is a monarchy, currently ruled by Emperor Maximilian Zelevas.
