192

11. The Great Collapse
11.1. What happened during the collapse? How long ago did it occur?

Imagine the fall of Rome if not for Christian and Moslem scholars preserving the
records of Greece and Rome (a pretty near thing. Both groups of scholars came
about by one of those lucky historical accidents. Ask me about "White
Martyrdom" some day if youīre bored). What would we know of early Western
Culture. How would we have known at what point western civilization fell, and
what the reasons were. The same is true in the JumpGate Universe. For some
reason, and most agree that *something* destroyed all electronic records, the
only kind kept by the time of the collapse, civilization came to a screeching halt,
all across the galaxy. We know that pre-collapse culture achieved a high level of
technology and a peaceful society. Scholars will continue to debate this issue
until evidence is found one way or another.

12. The Reconstruction Initiative
12.1. What are the factional tensions of TRI Officially/historically since the
great collapse?

If you believe TRI officials, there is no tension. Anyone who has ever stared
down an enemy missile knows different. The truth is no faction trusts the other.
Remember, each faction is as diverse in itīs belief as a country is on Earth. You
have militants on all sides. You have Solrains who donīt believe in free
enterprise. You have Octavians who loathe combat. Each individual is different,
but there are some cultural differences that lead to tension.


12.2. Is the TRI calendar going to be explained?

A standard method of recording time is something the TRI is still arguing on.
Each faction has it's own calendar and it's own method of time keeping. The TRI
encourage pilots to continue to debate this issue until it is resolved.


12.3. Can you explain the governmental system of the TRI and the five
factions?

TRI has complete authority on all matters outside a planets atmosphere. TRI has
no right to interfere with the development of a faction's planet. In theory. The
truth is more complex. There is give and take on both sides, with a level of
continually friction. TRI council meetings are full of heated exchanges.