The Corporate Sector
T
he Corporate Sector lies on the outer edge of the
Outer Rim Territories. The northeastern end of the
Hydian Way ends at the major industrial port world of
Bonadan, after passing through the heart of Corporate
Sector space. The sector is bounded by Wild Space on
its western edge. Politically, it is the result of experi-
ments with total corporate control of a major region
of space. The sector is administered by the Corporate
Sector Authority, controlled by companies participat-
ing in the conglomerate. Though the area administered
has changed over its history, the CSA currently oversees
about 30,000 worlds divided into twenty-nine territo-
ries. The CSA controls everything about the sector, serv-
ing as government, security, and the sole employer.
The Corporate Sector was home to human and oth-
er colonies since before the formation of the Repub-
lic. Though accessible at an early stage of Republic
exploration, the region's remote location hampered
development. The extension of the Hydian Way into
the area improved trade and communications with
the galaxy's core, but it did not attract attention like
the inner regions. Most major galactic events, wars,
and invasions failed to reach much more than the out-
skirts of the modern Corporate Sector boundaries.
The original experiments in corporate-controlled
space failed in areas of what became the Expansion
Region (see page 339). When the corporations tried
again, years later, they negotiated a deal to take over
several hundred systems, far out in the Outer Rim.
While the Republic initially provided security and
safeguards for workers, it was not long until the cor-
porations obtained practical control of the sector.
CORPORATE CONTROL
Over the years, the Corporate Sector developed at a
moderate rate, but never truly met corporate expecta-
tions. Member companies presented various solutions
to this problem to the Senate, which usually included
expansion proposals. As economic and political con-
ditions within the Republic worsened, most member
companies joined the Separatists when the Clone Wars
erupted. Loyalist companies were pushed out.
After the war, however, the loyalist companies grasped
the opportunity they had received for backing the vic-
tors. During the rise of the Empire, the young industri-
alist Baron Orman Tagge approached Emperor Palpa-
tine with a proposal. If the Empire dissolved the traitor
megacorporations and gave their assets to loyal corpo-
rate entities, as well as dramatically expanding the size
of the Corporate Sector and giving it autonomy within its
borders, the new CSA would provide the Empire with a
massive annual tithe of profits and materials.
The new Corporate Sector was an instant success—
at least for the megacorporations who owned a stake
in it. The CSA could use and exploit the resources
of tens of thousands of star systems, and soon con-
trolled vast amounts of wealth. Under CSA guidance,
opportunities within the sector expanded greatly and
large numbers of workers moved into the region, hop-
ing to share in the profits.
However, they quickly learned the realities of living
under a corporate master. The CSA controls virtually
everything, including paychecks, the cost of goods
and services, and access to anything they need or
want. Even the small independent companies and
merchants allowed to operate feel the heavy hand
of the CSA in their dealings. The corporate sponsors'
drive for profits controls everything else. Abuses of
power, while more subdued than in earlier eras, have
returned nevertheless. Conditions are poor and often
hazardous, meeting the barest minimum needed to
keep operations running at minimal cost. One of the
worst crimes in the Corporate Sector is conspiring to
form a union.
NOTABLE LOCATIONS
The following are areas of interest within the Corpo-
rate Sector, at or before the rise of the Empire.
Bonadan: Bonadan is a heavily populated industrial
world, central to Corporate Sector travel and distri-
bution services. Environmental conditions are dismal,
with overwhelming pollution. Security is tight. Weap-
ons are prohibited, and automated scanners con-
stantly enforce this policy.
Craci: Craci is the origin world of the popular Cracian
Thumper, used as steeds by scouts and others. Agri-
culture and industry across the five worlds powers its
enormously active starports.
Davirien: Davirien is a research jungle world owned
by a single corporation, Chiewab Amalgamated Phar-
maceuticals. Imperial training operations are allowed
on Davirien, which is highly unusual within Corporate
Sector borders.
Etti: Etti IV is a favored planet of the CSA's wealthier
executives, with resorts, estates and leisure attrac-
tions. The native sentient species, the Etti, were relo-
cated to Etti V, which is off limits to outsiders.
Farana: Farana is the homeworld of the Ocsin,
which are near-human merchants and explorers.
Farana is also the name of a region of Wild Space
to the west of the Corporate Sector. Part of tra-
ditional Farana Space now lies within the Corpo-
rate Sector, thanks to the annexation of the Ocsin
3d
THE GALAXY
EDGE OF THE EMPIRE