Some might consider fics like this rather dry expo-dumps, but to fans who see the world of Outlaw Star as rich and begging to be explored, fics like this go a heck of a long way to justify the notion. The world has a history, feels lived in, and the events and history feels tangible and ripe for exploration. It's nice to see that someone else sees the setting in a similar manner as they do.

Fascinating!

Ah, excellent! A breakdown of the various blocs, their histories, and their goals, not to mention political orientations and places in the current government! Thank you for providing this material!

I don't think that I've commented yet on this chapter.

Interestingly enough, the C.C. state religion doesn't actually seem like a religion as I'd think of such a concept; rather, it seems like an atheistic answer to the requirement for a religion, that being an ideology. Indeed, I'm reminded of fascistic tenants of loyalty to the state, and communistic concepts of civil responsibility, more than I am reminded of traditional Abrahamic pillars such as unquestioning and constant reflection and obedience of and to the divine.

As far as I can tell, the C.C. religion doesn't really have a god: The Emperor is not a God-King, there is no pantheon, and ancestor worship is presented primarily through the lens of a service to the state, rather than a personal religious experience. I also notice a lack of any concept of an afterlife, which makes me wonder what followers of the state religion get out of this form of worship, seeing as how no carrots are easily visible.

Finally, I wonder if the acceptance of evangelizing religions (Christianity, Buddhism, Islam) among the C.C. is a reaction to the lack of personal connection or reward, tangible or otherwise, present in the state religion. I also wonder how Martin Luther's ideas of a personal religious experience are viewed versus those of John Calvin (a predetermined religious experience) or those of the Catholic Church (an intermediatory relationship, through the priests). I wonder if the introduction of Catholicism (a nun turned up at some point in Chandrasekhar's time on Home, I recall) to the C.C. was an effort by the elite to prevent ideas that deviated farther from the norm, such as Liberation Theology or Hussian Protestantism, from inflaming the masses.

Minor typo - in the ancestor worship portion, Korean traditions are mentioned twice - I think the second one might be meant to be Indian or Chinese instead.

That minor nitpick aside, excellent update! The distinction between religious and cultural/political practices was interesting. You continue to do a credible job of making a culture alien, but not too alien.

Very interesting notes. I agree wholeheartedly with the concept of beauty among Ctarl-Ctarl. Who wouldn't want a strong, fit, and curvy lady who could who could bench-press an SUV? :o

Heh heh. I can just see Aisha poring over this with wide eyes:

"Ooh, ooh, there's my ship!"

"Look there! There's my old bridge crew! Poor Yuta, her hair was always flying like that..."

"YEAH! There I am! There I am! I-"

"Hey, wait a minute ... they don't even give my name! Just 'ambassador plenipotentiary'! Those Space Forces dummies! They yammer on about the color of my breastplate and leggings, but don't even mention my name! I AM AISHA CLAN-CLAN! My name deserves to be immortalized forever!"

Jim: "Uh, Aisha, you do realize that this is just an intel brief, right? Nobody but Space Forces brass will ever lay eyes on it. Well, and maybe a genius hacker or two..."

"I don't care! I want a name, dammit! AAARRRGGHHH!"

Jim: *Facepalms*

More... more, please. I'm enjoying this so much. Where does the Immortal Ctarl-Ctarl legend come from...?

Wow... this is really enjoyable. And very well written.

I still adore this work. I really love the comparisons between the Ctarl-Ctarl and other races, and I find the description of their almost religious adherence to orders. This is something special. I can't wait to read more!

I loved your description of the coup, and the mystery surrounding the Long Night. I also like how there's an element of intrigue to the better part of these happenings; though, I suppose that's to be expected. This is still a very fun read! You're doing an excellent job with this. :3

It truly warms the cockles of me heart how well you've captured indiscriminate mass murder, the shades of gray in a revolution, and how an entire society can break down when leaders presume too much of what is their place to do with their subjects' wellbeing. I earnestly look forward to further installments!

I've just gotten started on Chap. 1, as of this review, and this is already shaping up to be a fun read. For me, at least. You've done a very good job of giving it a professional style, as FF's mechanics will allow, and I love how you've devised the information; as well as how you've presented it. I also like how the Ctarl-Ctarl have had 445 revisions of their language. XD I can't wait to read more of this!

Wow... just incredible - I would like to point out however that for FTL you put it as "Faster-Than-Life" rather than Faster-Than-Light. :), but everything else... my god.

Fascinating Observation on the Ctarl-Ctarl Empire; wouldn't mind seeing more of that or further history on other places within the OSL Universe.
Grea Work, keep it up!