The birth of the Imperial Cult

The year is 2169, long before the events that would lead to the Second Galactic War. Also long before the conception of the Vera Libertas ideal.

The story follows a different fringe group that is forming right under Super Earth's nose. Its ideas are materializing not as a grassroots movement but as an insider conspiracy. This underground movement is steeped in mysticism and symbolism, heavily influenced by ancient ideals of leadership and strong phenotypes.

Unlike the Chaos Rebels the founders of the Imperial Cult do not see themselves as dissidents or critics per se. They embrace what Managed Democracy has to offer and merely crave for an upgrade. Thus they believe humanity can only reach its highest greatness through an aristocracy: a pyramid where a single man stands at the apex.

The most prominent member and unofficial leader is Xander Jensen, a Space Admiral in Super Earth’s fleet. A decorated veteran of the First Galactic War, he was placed in stasis afterward, only to be revived as part of the veteran instructors program to train new generations of SEAF and Naval Cadets.

His closest ally and ideological firebrand is Pontus, a Democracy Officer and advisor to Super Earth’s Ministry of Truth. Pontus has always pushed for greater centralization of power and strict cohesion policies. Respected for bolstering Super Earth’s reign and legitimacy, he is sometimes criticized as too harsh, willing to bypass protocols without achieving prior consensus.

Together with other veterans—famed Helldivers and elite SEAF members—they are welcomed with honors on every planet they moor.

On the ground, they would practice martial arts, polearm and blunt-weapon training, and mastery of heavy armor. Their suits are embroidered with golden insignias: eagles, crosses, and other intricate symbols that for the moment are compliant with Super Earth fashion symbolism.

Their routine includes high-protein, high-fat feasts followed by recovery in saunas and meditation in underground primal settings where radio and electronic signals fail.

High testosterone dominates these gatherings, yet stoicism and silence prevail. Often, even their wives remain unaware of their less-than-democratic leanings—for safety, they keep their beliefs and meetings secret.

Ajax, a veteran Helldiver, approaches Xander in the sauna after a hand-to-hand sparring session.

Ajax: “Your performance was lackluster today, Xander. But I know why—congratulations on your newborn son!”

Xander: “Thanks, Ajax. Coming from you, and only about today, I’ll take that as a compliment. No one can beat you.”

Ajax: “Maybe some alien bear from wildland planets could. So, what’s his name?”

Xander: “Cyrus, his name is Cyrus. My wife and I decided to keep our Greco-Roman tradition alive in the family”

Ajax: “I’m sure he will be raised to become a great warrior some day and carry on the tradition. Best of luck to you and your family”

Xander: “Thanks Ajax. Now let’s slowly prepare for our ceremony”

Ajax: “Indeed, let me grab my cape and—I’ll meet you all at the usual spot”

A decommissioned and forgotten mine, no longer in use, has one of its chambers refurbished by the cult. Once a temple for old mainstream religions, it now serves their rites.

The ceremony begins with dipping both hands in a water basin upon entering. A gesture symbolising purging from impurity. Participants wear white cotton capes or cloths carried from the sauna.

Pontus, acting as organizer and strongly resembling an ancient priest, speaks:

“Greetings, brothers. We are here today for our usual meeting—to exchange ideas and discuss our future plans. Please take a seat wherever you wish and socialize in a respectful, quiet manner.”

The twelve men split into pairs, engaging in one-on-one conversations.

Xander stands shoulder to shoulder with Pontus as they observe the event.

Xander: “How’s Super Earth High Command doing?”

Pontus: “The same infinite loop of Managed Democracy. The system works like a clock, but it seems to have reached stagnation. Nothing groundbreaking”

Xander: “Sounds stable. And our input? Any ground gained by our school of thought?”

Pontus: “The current culture is very militarist-friendly, but people still cling to their notion of freedom. They’re not willing to make the sacrifices needed for humanity’s advancement.”

Xander: “Don’t get me wrong—if we had a galactic leader, people would still be free. We wouldn’t be tyrants.”

Pontus: “Yes, they would be free—only if they would choose it as their system though.”

Xander: “Agreed. Some people seem to get it: An Empire is the natural outcome for humanity and Managed Democracy is merely its precursor, an Imperium would essentially be Super Earth 2.0”

Pontus: “Super Earth would arrest you for treason. Don’t overshare those thoughts outside this room.”

Xander: “I know. For now, they perceive freedom differently, and High Command hasn’t reached our moral conclusions yet.”

Pontus: “One can only hope. They have sanctioned me multiple times, every time I tried to skip their slow protocols and bureaucracy.”

Xander: “That's why need power to be centralised and have one man at the top, a true Father of Mankind.”

Pontus: “You definitely know how to inspire, brother. Why not speak these things aloud here? I think the group is ready.”

Xander: “Not quite yet. First, we need to draft a comprehensive compendium of our principles. We wait until the idea fully matures.”

Pontus: “Alright. I’ll be here for that day, my friend.”