Nimmik Fastalee

The Fastalee (Standard: 'fast-uh-lee', Nimmika: 'fesh-tall-ay') is the ruling form of government on the planet Cadrace. The Fastalee answers directly to the Intergalactic Federation Senate.

History
In early times Cadrace was very lawless, relying only on a loose honor code of sailors and shipmates. As major settlements began to form, especially in the capitol of Arenfill in Proviace. The people of Arenfill elected their nine most knowledgeable elders to a committee that would act as standing government, but most outer settlements didn't heed their word. It wasn't until the Fastalee had a sizable military force behind it that it gained control over most Cadrace populations. Offering protection from privateers and raiders in exchange for obedience and taxes, the Fastalee was officially the government of the people.

Structure
The Fastalee is made up of nine members of the elder community who are elected by the Nimmik people. Popular vote can also decide to remove a member but only if a replacement elder will be appointed. It is law that the nine members must always be present; the Fastalee may not operate with eight or fewer members.

IF Senate
Cadrace's Majority Senator is chosen by the Fastalee but may not be a member or previous member of government. The Fastalee answers to the authority of the IF Senate and may only overturn IF decisions by a unanimous vote of all nine members.

Governance
The Fastalee maintains power by will of the Cadrace military that serve them. Citizens pay taxes to the Fastalee in exchange for protection from privateers. Areas of high pirate activity are often taxed heavily, forcing citizens to move to safer areas. The Fastalee justifies this practice as not only traditional, but also as being beneficial to the public who are often seen as stubborn in the vain of safety. Taxes are paid not in coin but in service, meaning that goods must be exchanged or work performed to ensure the tax is met.

Criticism
The Fastalee employs a fleet tax collectors to ensure payment, but the nature of the service tax leaves payment options open to the collector. This method has come under fire from many in the IF as it encourages extortion and criminal activity. This was brought to the spotlight when in IF 12488 a Nimmik farmer, overdue on his taxes, was forced to hand over his two daughters for 'servitude.' The family eventually immigrated to the IFC 002 above Cadrace where they tried to file charges against the Fastalee of slavery, sexual assault, abuse and torture. Although the IF Senate has made strong demands to the Fastalee to practice ethical governance, the Nimmik claim that the service tax is a timely tradition and that 'non-standard' taxes are only collected on individuals when nothing else of value can be obtained.