n as
desirable).

As a safeguard, although going to the appropriate noble is generally
preferable, all Imperial citizens have the right of direct appeal to
the Throne, and if circumstances warrant (normally determined by an
Evaluation Team investigation), the Empire will act.

The Empire is based firmly on the principle of enlightened
self-interest, making it the most thoroughly pragmatic government
humans have ever developed. Ninety-nine-plus percent of the time, this
means demonstrating an integrity pre-Empire Terran politicians would
believe undesirable to impossible, probably both.

However, there is that other fractional percent of a time. Even the
greatest idealists realize that from time to time, any government is
going to need to use unpleasant, unethical, and possibly even illegal
means to achieve something vital. For these times, as well as for more
normal undercover operations, the Empire is believed to use its
IntelDiv field agents, as well as the rumored Shadow Fleet.

ENERGINE: A powerful stimulant, effective for approximately eight
hours. While it will allow the user to overcome most weaknesses, too
much will demand a high price in recuperation afterward.

ENERGY SOURCES: See Fusion, Internal Combustion, T/CT.

ENGLISH, IMPERIAL: Emperor Chang's regularized version of a
combination of American and British English, with phoneticized spelling
and somewhat modified vocabulary.

ENVIRO-SUIT: A coverall-type garment that provides protection from
extreme temperatures, either heat or cold, between approximately -100
and +150 degrees Celsius.

ERIDANUS, Sector 12:
Ruled by: No. systems: 621
Subsectors: 7 Inhabited planets: 366
A. Ramman E. Susanowo
B. Tefnut F. Zeus
C. Ahto G. Thor
D. Rudra

EVALUATION TEAM: Commonly called an E-Team, this is a group of Marine
Intelligence Division operatives sent in to investigate a citizen's
report or appeal for help, if a preliminary evaluation shows a
potentially serious problem to exist, and determine whether Imperial
intervention is both justified and necessary. Only when the report is
of imminent warfare or rebellion, when it includes evidence that makes
an investigation unnecessary, or when the preliminary evaluation shows
it not to be an Imperial matter, is an E-Team not sent in.

EXCALIBUR, Subsector 14-D:
No. systems: 52