From Class Zero to Class Four
In a galaxy spanning billions of star systems, the Galactic Codex exists to keep civilizations, trade routes, and planetary populations safe. Violating these laws is never trivial, offences are categorized into classes, from the most extreme, Class Zero, to the minor, Class Four.
Understanding these classes is critical for any citizen, traveler, or trader navigating interstellar society.
Class Zero: Existential Threats to Galactic Society
Class Zero Offences are the gravest violations in the Codex. They threaten entire species, governments, or planetary systems, and are treated with maximum severity.
Examples include:
- Threatening or attempting to overthrow the Galactic Governments
- Deploying weapons of mass destruction
- Causing genocide or mass extinction of sentient species
- Deliberately inducing catastrophic planetary or stellar events
- Unauthorized terraforming or large-scale habitat modifications
- Environmental sabotage threatening planetary ecosystems
- Instigating wars
Consequences: Class Zero penalties are extreme. Individuals or entire species deemed a threat to galactic society may be contained, exiled, or removed entirely. Lifelong monitoring, permanent revocation of interstellar privileges, and maximum-security containment are standard. In some cases, species-wide quarantines or removal may be enacted to protect the stability of the galaxy.
Class One: Severe Offences
Class One Offences destabilize communities, endanger life, or exploit trust. They are less extreme than Class Zero but still carry heavy penalties.
Examples include:
- Abuse of legal claims (false defamation accusations)
- Unauthorized genetic modification of sentient beings
- Piracy across star systems
- Illegal use of weapons or weaponization of civilian technology
- Smuggling weapons, historical artifacts, or other dangerous materials
- Social credit systems
- Genetic engineering of organics (including plants) without a license
- Creating malicious AI systems (can also be a class zero offence if the AI is a threat to galactic citizens and governments)
Consequences: Heavy fines, restricted travel across star systems, restitution, imprisonment in correctional habitats, and permanent records on Galactic Identification systems.
Class Two: Serious Offences
Disruptions to society or local governance without posing immediate existential threats.
Examples:
- Smuggling non-critical contraband or technology
- Bribery or corruption in planetary governments
Consequences: Substantial fines, probationary monitoring, and civic service obligations.
Class Three: Moderate Offences
Violations of local or planetary law that rarely cause galaxy-wide harm.
Examples:
- Minor hacking or data breaches
- Small-scale trade violations
- Disturbing public peace
Consequences: Community service, fines, and monitored compliance programs.
Class Four: Minor Offences
Administrative or petty violations primarily serving as warnings.
Examples:
- Incorrect filing of interstellar permits
- Minor traffic violations in orbital zones
- Failure to submit environmental compliance reports
Consequences: Warnings, small fines, or educational programs in proper compliance.
Summary:
The Codex scales penalties according to the threat level, from species-level removal in Class Zero to administrative warnings in Class Four. Misusing laws, smuggling dangerous items, or weaponizing technology is never taken lightly. Even small violations are monitored because unchecked actions can escalate into serious crises.
In the galaxy, knowledge, responsibility, and respect for the Codex are your best allies. Break the rules, and the consequences may reach far beyond your home system
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