Fleet Week originated in 2541 as a recruitment event for the UEE Navy during the Tervin war, evolving into a grand celebration showcasing military might but facing criticism as a recruitment tool. Over the centuries, Fleet Week underwent changes to focus on promoting life in the Navy and heroism against threats like the Vanduul, culminating in a mandatory celebration under Imperator Messa the 9th’s rule and later reshaped by post-Imperator Erin Toi to emphasize bravery and hope, becoming a significant tradition in the UEE.
Fleet Week is a yearly event that celebrates the UEE Navy, originally established in 2541 during the Tervin war as a means to rapidly increase recruitment. The event involved large military transports traveling to different systems to gather volunteers, with the final destination being Invictus Naval Base on Mars. Over time, Fleet Week evolved into a grand celebration with lavish parties and decorations, showcasing the military might of the Empire. However, critics viewed it as a recruitment tool and a display of authoritarian power.
As decades passed and the need for recruitment diminished, Fleet Week faced changes. In 2581, Imperator Messa decreed that Invictus launch week would become an annual celebration of the UEE Navy, with parties and festivities marking the arrival of recruits at the Naval Shipyard in Berea. The event continued to grow in scale, with vast expos showcasing Navy ships and technologies. However, anti-authoritarian sentiment began to rise among the systems, leading to tensions within the Empire.
Following the defeat of the Tervin in the second Tervin war, Fleet Week faced further challenges. The event continued into the 28th century, but changes were on the horizon. In 2681, the recruitment transports ceased traveling across systems, and potential recruits had to self-report for training at the Naval Shipyard at Killian. The focus of Fleet Week shifted towards promoting life in the Navy and highlighting the heroism of fighting threats to humanity, such as the Vanduul.
Under Imperator Messa the 9th’s reign, Fleet Week attendance became mandatory in 2743, with naval ships transporting civilians to event centers. Those who did not attend faced imprisonment for unpatriotic behavior, although the law was primarily used to target anti-establishment activists. The mandatory celebration of Fleet Week under Imperator Messa the 9th’s rule reflected growing discontent and anti-Messa sentiment within the Empire, ultimately leading to revolution.
In 2794, post-Imperator Erin Toi worked to reshape the image of Invictus, moving the event to May and focusing on themes of bravery and hope. The modern-day Fleet Week is seen as a celebration of heroism and a chance for civilians to support the Empire’s military. While critics argue that the event is overly commercialized and a waste of taxpayer money, Fleet Week remains a significant tradition in the UEE, bridging the gap between the military and the common people of the verse.
