Diplomacy
Pan-Exodian Accord
Just four years ago, the four major governments met to discuss a treaty that proposed a number of international laws in the hopes that it would discourage aggression for territory and resources, while promoting civil rights and shared scientific progress. While many of these points may have become common sense in only short four years, it is important to reflect on what they are.
Affirmation of Superweapon Nonproliferation Proposed by The Family, this agreement both prohibits the development of new technology for the use of mass destruction and ensures that any progress already made toward such weapons is halted.
Universal Access to the ExodiaNet Proposed by the Schematic for Cosmic Order, this agreement ensures that any star system may have installations connecting it to the ExodiaNet, regardless of controlling faction and that no local fees or restrictions may be applied to its use. Additionally, local crews may be responsible for its maintenance.
Neutrality of Zipp Travel There was a great deal of contention between the factions due to Experifact's monopoly on the manufacture of Zipp Drives. Eventually a consensus was reached that Experifact would release the rights to repair, disassemble, and manufacture Zipp Drives, however they retain exclusive rights and secrecy to the parameters applied to these devices to maintain reliable and accurate use. Furthermore, Experifact must maintain and monitor congested Zipp Space without prejudice, and their vessels must be unharmed.
Exodian Alliance The Gor Adukk Ma proposed a pact that would create a fleet comprised of warships from every major navy, provided that exodians were to come under attack by an alien threat. While the proposal was largely stripped of its power by requiring that a threat be identified, proven to be incapable of reason, and be overwhelming in destructive power, it stands as a potential solution in the unlikely case that such an invasion occurs.
Treatment of Non-Combatants Prior to the Pan-Exodian Accord, informal rules discouraged the mistreatment of civilians, medics, and other non-combatants during hostile engagements. However, The Family secured this as international law. While this has become the most universally supported article of the Accord, it is remembered for sparking the Gor Adukk Ma representative's infamous rebuttal, "We don't have any non-combatants."
Freedom to Modification Civilians and their ships have long been equipped with the latest in commercial weapons and technology. However, the Union of Private Space secured a right for private citizens to wholly own a purchased device or vehicle. Less than a decade ago, 46% of spacecraft and 27% of technological devices were purchased under a limited license from the manufacturer, restricting users from performing certain maintenance or modification without approval. Now, thanks to the Pan-Exodian Accord, owners may subject their property to any manner of alterations they desire, provided that they adhere to local laws. As of now, this law does not apply to cybernetics, Zipp Drives, or registered transponders.
Commercial Regulation The Union of Private Space proposed a law that would place certain restrictions on the ability of governments to tax goods traveling to or from their systems. While this was ultimately ratified, it was with certain additional policies that were less favorable to the UPS. Local governments have the right to declare a commodity wholly illegal, and confiscate it should it be discovered on a vessel in a controlled system. This has also enabled the reliable purchase of ships and technology across political borders, making it commonplace for military organizations to own a variety of technology that had previously been exclusive.
Protection of Digital Property Rights While the Freedom of Modification stripped away many of the rights of manufacturers, new copyright laws were proposed by the Schematic for Cosmic Order that strictly protected the rights of individuals and corporations whose intellectual property was transmitted through the the ExodiaNet. Since then, the industry for digital entertainment, software, data, star charts, and numerous other content hosted through the Net has exploded. Now many tools, weapons, and components must install specialized software in order to properly function. And the SCO Media Optimization Committee utilizes a sophisticated system for automatically identifying and terminating violations of these laws traveling through the Net.