Slavery

Slavery is a sanctioned aspect of the Empire. There are strict rules for where slaves can be obtained, what they can do, how they are to be treated and how long they can be considered slaves.

The basic information that citizens of the Empire know include:
 * Slaves can only be obtained from non-Imperial locations.  There are several specialized groups that do little else but seek out slaves in the wild areas of the world.
 * Slaves can be tasked with menial labor, specialized labor (most often harvesting things from the oceans and seas), and as interpreters.  There are extensive rules on the amount of work that can be required, how the slaves are to be treated and any sanctions the owners might need to use.
 * In general a person can only be kept as a slave for 10 years.  After that time they are considered free and can seek status as a citizen of the Empire by filling one of the roles open to potential citizens.  If the person wishes they can stay on with their former owner as a paid employee.