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disqus_TXuE2PF3pw's avatar

If there is no faster-than-light travel, or FTL communications, then control of colonies ranges from very difficult to impossible; depending on the distance to each colonized system. A central government might try to place a governor in each system, accompanied by a substantial garrison. But if the colonized system is only 25 light years away, then there will still be a serious lag effect in communications. Also, since the deployment of governors and garrisons is probably permanent and replacement and re-supply is going to take generations after any request, why should they obey orders from a distant authority?

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lump1's avatar

I'm on team grabby. Who here isn't and wants to pick a conflict with me? What would move you to join team perpetual lockdown? The fear that somewhere in spacetime a tyranny will emerge? Just for comparison, the country with the strictest emigration restrictions is North Korea, and yet thousands per year escape. What kind of supertyranny would it take to bring that number down to zero per forever?

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