The Rose galaxy is vast, with most of its star systems unclaimed and uncharted. Those which have been settled by humanity or the many other sentient races first settled planets, then systems, then clusters. The larger the cluster, the lesser the uniformity of governance throughout its borders. Feudal sets of governance often rise due to the distance needed to mandate law for the outermost worlds in any given system. With exception are those systems which have been blessed, or cursed depending on one's outlook, with the Nautilan gates. The only way to instantaneously travel thousands of lightyears without the negative effects of time dilation. An unseen web which connects nearly over a thousand star systems, each port guarded by at least a single Nautilan Cruiser. While it is true that the Nautilans have grown rich from the tolls required to pass through their gates, there is another fee which must be given before one may pass. A serum for the journey must be taken, which is said to quell the sensations of passing through spacetime in this way. Soon after a vial of one's being must be given unto the Nautilans. Their claim is that this allows them to test the other races to ensure compatibility as they make improvements and changes to their gates. While it is almost certainly tracked in various databases, many have visions of Nautilans within their minds while passing through, and still others for many years after. Some claim it is a method of dissuasion, to instill fear of attempting any sort of coup. Others believe it allows them to actively view the intention of every passer through. In any case, some have still tried to claim gates for themselves, and all have failed.