Handbook of the Galaxy: I

May 3, 2009 on 6:26 am | In SS-ERD, SS-Elise, Serial Story | No Comments

HANDBOOK OF THE GALAXY

Note from the Publisher:

The Handbook is designed to give the reader an introductory look at some of the basic historical context and current mores of various cultures within the Galaxy. As such, it cannot, in any way, be considered a complete view of the Galaxy. Here we have tried only to provide a basic introduction for the lay reader, with the hope that any entries which spark the reader’s interest will lead to further research and study on that topic. It is the goal of this publication to present all sides of significant galactic debates, as well as provide balanced and fair reviews of individuals, races, religions, belief systems, educational systems, and other areas of interest.

If you believe there are factual errors in the text, please contact the Publisher at the address below:

ATTN: Handbook Errata
MS 3146
Rezcland Publishing
24912 Marp Bevnig
Vatera, Glognis 43720-65N
Pregzan Six, Scutum-Crux Beta

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Excerpt from Executive Summary: Open Arms Polit-osophical Society: Lobby for a Galactic Union

21st century Earth saw a decline in individual concern for neighbors, colleagues, even distant loved ones.

Cramped, overpopulated cities bled into the countryside until no family resided further than the length of a man’s stride from its neighbor. Proximity did not breed closeness or familiarity, however. Instead, such crowding distanced people from one another. No single family unit concerned itself with the well being of another family unit. Individual survival was of top concern. The strength of the village faded into obscurity, overshadowed by the struggle of the hearth.

To the Galactic Union, with potential to become an infinitely welcoming village comprised of many planetary hearths, we scholars of the Open Arms Polit-osophical Society propose a reversal of such limited perspective as engendered such citizen suffering upon Earth, via:

• Mandating citizen enlistment in the Galactic Services; service for one’s galaxy encourages both mind and heart to regard and embrace the whole and renders conditional ignorance impossible;
• Banishing the descriptor “human”; in a network as large as the Galactic Union, citizens should be defined by their native planet rather than their species;
• Changing the common view of physical intimacy and personal space: each individual is worthy of closer investigation, and each individual should embrace the opportunity to exchange affection
• Free exchange of sexual contact: Sex is an extension of natural physical intimacy and a celebration of individual and group beauty.

Excerpt from Executive Summary: Response to Utopian Idealism: Refuting the Open Arms Society by Lord Exbury-Fawkes (Earth) and Consul Ju Cavn (Drex)

The Open Arms Polit-osophical Society is predicated on the belief that all individuals are inherently good. This fallacious argument will bring ruin to the Galactic Union, allowing our planets to become easy prey for any predatory race in the galaxy or beyond. While we applaud the Society’s desire to re-energize communal ties, we believe there are significant flaws within the proposal. Specifically:

• Creating a conscripted force to serve as the Galactic Service robs home planets of much needed intellectual resources. We propose, instead, a volunteer force funded by dues collected from each planet. This allows each planet to balance its ability to provide monetary and intellectual/personnel resources to the Galactic Services.
• The descriptor “human” is not an insult. Eliminating racial descriptors does not ameliorate prejudice, it only disguises it.
• Physical intimacy is, by definition, intimate. Intimacy is a personal decision and should not be forced across cultures which may have differing values.
• Sexuality is, indeed, an extension of intimacy. While we agree that sex is healthy and enjoyable, we believe that encouraging sexual promiscuity among Galactic Service personnel may result in disorder in the ranks and a lack of discipline.

Excerpts from Galactic Services Handbook v. 12.1.3 (Earther English translation)

“Each planet is responsible for providing a percentage of the operating budget of the Galactic Services. That obligation can be met with goods, services, or monetary contributions. In times of dire emergency, including invasion of a Galactic Union member, each planet shall provide a conscripted military force as a temporary augmentation to the existing military branch of the Galactic Services.”

“Within the Galactic Services, individuals shall be identified by their planet of origin.”

“Physical contact is encouraged among Galactic Services personnel. The close working conditions of most space craft preclude large personal space.”

“Fraternization between/among Galactic Services personnel is encouraged. It must be stated clearly, however, that any emotional entanglements which affect command function are undesirable. Galactic Services personnel should be comfortable and easy with one another to encourage smooth team dynamics. Any activity which detracts from those dynamics – whether it be engaging in sexual activity or refraining from same – is undesirable. Individuals with a strong cultural aversion to intimacy should be encouraged, but not forced, to overcome their hesitancy for the good of the common atmosphere and ease of the mission. In lieu of physical intimacy, Galactic Services encourages companionable training and study as exercises toward the purpose of relieving tension and solidifying team harmony.”

“To facilitate fraternization and ease of sexuality, larger Galactic Services facilities and vessels shall be equipped with socialization lounges and recreation centers.”

“Sexual orientation will not be discriminated against, nor will same-sex unions be regarded as lesser legal entities than heterosexual unions.”