seconds
after midnight, 1 January 2149
Democratic government , even as loose as the Federation 's , had become so obviously impractical -- and Chang was so highly regarded -- that they were able to persuade the Federation Congress to pass a constitutional amendment dissolving the Federation and establishing the Terran Empire -- on the condition that Chang agree to be Emperor . One of his first acts on assuming the Throne was to create the Rangers and nobility ; another was to direct the regularization of English . His alphabet and some of his other linguistic changes caught on ; some did not . He died seconds after midnight , 1 January 2149 . CHIEF 'S BENCH : -LRB- Sandeman -RRB- A judicial-style bench in the clanhome 's main hall , used by the clan-chief on formal occasions . CHIEF 'S RIGHT : -LRB- Sandeman -RRB- A clan-chief 's right to impose punishment on one who has committed a serious offense against a member of his clan . CHIRON , Subsector 8-A : No .