The largest of the human interstellar regions, the Directorate controls 148 worlds across 18 threads of The Tangle. The Directorate was officially formed in 2251, a year after Cethalara declared its independence from the Terran Federation and the Colonial Wars began. It is roughly the same size it was when the Recognition Accords were signed in 2292.
Systems are largely left to govern themselves as they see fit, while the Directorate as a whole is governed by the Senate. Each system has 6 representatives in the Senate, which they choose by election set under very strict rules and qualifications.
As a result, the Directorate populace is divided into two basic classes - the Plebeians (or commoners) and the Patricians, the self-appointed ruling class that are allowed to vote for Senators. There is some room for movement between the two classes, such as service to the Directorate or committing heinous crimes, but most people remain in the class they were born into.
Capitol is the planet of Cethalara.
Within the borders of the Directorate lie 3 of the 5 interdicted worlds of the S'sri Uumnai Eslas, including the S'sri home world of Qaxo. The Directorate Navy is very serious about maintaining the interdiction.
Also within the borders of the Directorate or just on its edge lie 10 of the 12 worlds of the K'klk Vranqrax, includingthe K'klk home world of Dorax and their primary trading world of Scalad which also orbits the same gas giant as Cethalara. Directorate policy is to allow Vranqrax registered ships unquestioned access throughout the Directorate.