My Chancellor, Ambassador Korecrum has instructed me to send you the document below. He hopes this will both answer the questions you posed in your responses and further enforce his advice to seek friendly relations with the Empire of Man. If you have any further questions, they will be discussed at next week's Session.

Regards, Javix Jr. Ambassador

The Imperial Senate: Much like our own Senate the Imperial Senate meets every week, votes on policy and budget, and is meant to serve as a voice to the people. That is where the similarities end however. While the vast majority are voted in, it falls to the Noble Houses to appoint them. It has become common practice among the Houses to follow through with the electoral results. While there have been exceptions in the 30 years the Empire has existed, they have caused massive controversies. Furthermore while they do vote on laws, it is only to vote on laws to present to the Emperor, who must sign off on any law. There have been situations where Caius has vetoed bills only for the Senate to out vote him (See ‘Emergency Imperial Powers Act’ as an example.)

However if he sought to raise the issue further, or wanted to introduce a bill himself, the Emperor has the power to issue an Imperial Decree. Imperial Decrees are a sort of legal gray area, because to overturn an Imperial Decree would require a vote by the citizens of the Empire, even then it must reach up to 75 percent of the Imperial Populace. Only one such situation has occurred at this point in time (See ‘Imperial Military Readiness Act’ ).

Furthermore there are a series of Imperial Decrees that cannot be overturned at any point by anyone other than the Emperor. They are named the ‘Lura Populi’. Think of them as our version of the Acts of Sentient Privileges. They enshrine the rights of every Imperial Citizen and then even include the act for forming the Imperial Senate. As you can see, while there are many of the same checks and balances we have in our own government. The power ultimately rests on the Emperor.

The Noble Houses: There are many Noble Houses throughout the Empire both within Human Space. Their members are usually Governors, Military officials and other leading roles. Outside of human space, they generally don't directly partake in galactic politics, instead choosing Senators to represent their race in the Imperial Senate. That being said, much like the Emperor, they maintain control of their fleets. They frequently quarrel with each other and much like us. Yes, the Empire allows its subjects to war with each other. Unlike us, the Emperor is not only willing to, but is very much able to crack down on them. And has always mediated the treaties signed.

War and Military Culture in the Empire

The Regulae Belli: Part of the ‘Lura Populi’, this is a subset detailing Rules of War within the Empire. Unlike our own however, it is much more strict and allows the Emperor to interfere directly if he deems it so. This Decree would soon lead to the Europa Trials. A Military Tribunal headed by the Emperor himself where he would punish not only high ranking Sarkytes but also Rebel leaders. Many say that this was his way of securing his empire but I've read the transcripts. Calling them ‘Rebel Leaders’ is like calling pirates ‘toll collectors.’ That being Regulae Belli imposes strict rules when it comes to all aspects of war. Some (like the Zaxeal) would call humanity weak for this. I, however, see this as a blessing in disguise. If you want to see unrestricted human warfare, look no closer to the fate of Kesh, the former Sarkyte homeworld, now cracked in half as its core struggles to barely keep it together.

Weapons and Armor: That brings us to human weapons and equipment. To be quite frank Chancellor, if war breaks out. We would lose. Terribly. Their standard armor deflects blaster shots, unless that shot comes from a cannon. They fight in melee, in fact many (including myself) credit the Empire with the recent resurgence of melee combat. Though they also have ranged options. Their standard infantry carry three things. A weapon called a plas-gladius, a shield of various sizes, and a laser weapon. Yes you read that right Chancellor, Humanity has figured out how to harness energy weapons and as of writing, refuses to release the data to the Senate. As for their ships, well that's another conversation.

The Navy: From here on I am only talking about vessels that belong to the Empire of Man, not the Empire. For all of the humans' grandeur, human ships are surprisingly spartan and utilitarian. However they make up for that in their uniforms. Often sporting patches or sayings or other kinds of decoration. As for the ships themselves, it seems the Empire has also templates our ship design. Following convention on the outside, but inside showing the decadence of the ship. Murals detailing its history along the halls leading to the bridge of any ship classed frigate it above.

The Legions: Caius has made no secret who he models his Empire after. Claiming his nation to be the Heir to the ‘Roman Empire’. As such he has taken many of their aspects. Including their army's. His Legions bost numbers in the millions each. Supported by entire world's both within and outside human space. As if their numbers weren't enough, they are each selected at the age of 16. Human and Vassal species alike. Trained in all kinds terrain. Meaning that a large portion of the Imperial Populace are either veterans who served the standard 7 years or are currently serving. Meaning if anyone outside of the Empire declared war, both the official military and Imperial Populace would more than likely swell their ranks.

As said in the note above anymore questions would be answered at next week's meeting. However, I should make it clear that war is not a favorable outcome. Despite the Zaxeal, we are not ready for war, nor should we pursue it on principle. With regards ,

 Jr. Ambassador Javix