The Trade Federation was first created as a Republic-chartered organization in 350BBY to mediate global disputes between merchants and shippers. Later, however, it became part of Chancellor Palpatine (later Darth Sidious)’s grand plan for Order 66 and the transformation of the Empire.
Chuck Weiss and Sandy Sarris, two self-described Trekkies who opened the Federation Trading Post in Berkeley in May 1975. People lined up thousands strong.
What Is Federation Trading?
Federation Trading refers to an activity where Star Trek fans come together and sell one another products related to their favorite show by the same name. Although usually done as a hobby, Federation Trading can sometimes become lucrative depending on which items sell well and their popularity. Federation trading has been around for decades and remains part of the fan culture surrounding Star Trek today.
Once Star Trek left television screens in 1969, fans kept their spirit alive by creating fan clubs and hosting events to meet like-minded enthusiasts. Chuck Weiss and Arian Sarris decided to take their passion one step further by opening up the Federation Trading Post with locations in Berkeley and New York City.
Weiss and Sarris identified themselves as Trekkers and contacted Paramount, the franchise holder for Star Trek. Paramount permitted them to open a store that didn’t use Star Trek in its title or otherwise suggest any connection to it; their store opened for business in May 1975 with people waiting in line outside to buy merchandise from this new business venture.
The store quickly proved popular and expanded into New York. Not only did it sell merchandise, but it was also used by fans as a space to meet and discuss favorite episodes and play audio recordings of episode music and sound effects from 8-track tape loops.
In the prequel trilogy, the Trade Federation played an essential role in Chancellor Palpatine’s plan to transform the Republic into the Empire. A significant power in its galaxy, this trade federation secretly signed onto Count Dooku’s Separatist organization while controlling most interstellar shipping routes and having representatives within the Republic Senate to lobby for even more influence.
How Does Federation Trading Work?
Federation trading is a unique form of commerce among empires. Under Federation trading arrangements, each member sacrifices some economic autonomy in exchange for unique diplomatic advantages shared across members. Federation members automatically defend each other during the war as with a Defense Pact but can also conduct offensive warfare as part of a group. Furthermore, they gain more general diplomatic benefits, allowing them to build trust up to +100 caps while sharing 10% of victory scores among themselves.
As well as offering unique diplomatic and trade benefits, federations members can also benefit from special projects enabling them to generate more power than usual. Project types vary, but most focus on increasing shipping standards or energy benefits for its members. Each member must agree to participate and complete it within two years if the federation successfully completes the project. If it succeeds, its cohesion increases by 100, and 1000 experience is gained, plus one gain for its president via their capital (+1); otherwise, they lose 50 cohesion and 50 influence due to nonparticipants or members not taking part.
Federations offer their members another advantage by giving them access to a standard fleet without incurring extra ship-related costs. The size of this federation fleet depends on its level of centralization; raising this can be done through laws or traditions like the Fleet Contribution law, which outlines how much naval capacity transfers from individual members into the joint fleet; Entente Coordination tradition doubles any contribution by those who sign it into law.
The Federation Trading Post was home to various Star Trek celebrities throughout its existence, such as William Shatner (Captain Kirk), James Doohan (Commandant Montgomery Scott), George Takei (Helmsman Hikaru Sulu), and Nichelle Nichols (Communications Officer Nyota Uhura). Berkeley’s location became particularly iconic because it featured an exact recreation of Enterprise Bridge from the first season TV show with working lights and sound effects.
What Are the Benefits of Federation Trading?
Federation trading provides its members with many advantages. This includes easy exchange, reduced friction when conducting trades, an individualized system of Experience Tiers Laws, and other factors that set it apart from other diplomatic pacts. Furthermore, Federations share defense pacts between themselves which entitle them to defend one another against enemies during war automatically and can unite on offensive missions on the Galactic Stage as one cohesive unit.
Federations also benefit from having a shared fleet managed by its president and each empire’s forces without incurring maintenance costs. This fleet can be increased through the Entente Coordination tradition, which doubles the federation navy command limit while still permitting individual empire naval capacities not falling below 600 units; further enhancements include civics traditions or ascension perks that can enhance it further.
Federations provide another vital advantage by encouraging competition among their members to reduce government waste, providing each region with the optimal mix of taxation, services, and military power for their area. Australia is a perfect example: its federal structure allows it to spend less on government than a unitary nation while still boasting a world-class economy.
As with anything in the universe, trading Federation laws also have drawbacks. One is that centralization determines which rules are available; increasing it leads to more cohesion but at an increasing cost, which should be carefully considered when creating or expanding an existing Federation. This factor should be given special attention if trying to develop.
Traders should remember that the Department of Justice regulates and oversees every federation’s middle program. As such, any Middle Level found acting fraudulently will have their level suspended until an investigation can be completed and any ongoing intermediate transactions terminated. It is strongly advised that traders contact any potential Trade Federation Middle before sending assets, goods, or credits to ensure they can and will act as a middle for this trade transaction.
What Are the Drawbacks of Federation Trading?
Federation trading can help member states strengthen their economies by pooling resources and creating a larger market. But it can be problematic if one central government takes control over all decision-making or forces its will on all member states, leading to loss of sovereignty and conflict among them; cultural homogenization might occur if its leaders favor one culture over others, or it might create inequity and bureaucracy due to not taking into account member interests.
Decisions to join a federation must be carefully assessed and democratically discussed. Still, despite its potential drawbacks, it can bring many advantages for its members, including economic development, political stability, and protection from external threats.
