Sovereign's Order

The Sovereign's Order was a military decoration of the Golden Empire, and the highest decoration for service (as opposed to valor). It was one of only two s in the Empire's military, though junior to the other (Hero of the Golden Empire). It was the only service decoration in the Armada which was senior to a valor decoration (ranking between the Star of Valor and the Medal of Courage).

The Sovereign's Order was awarded in three degrees:
 * Commander: "Awarded to a servicebeing who demonstrates outstandingly meritorious service while in a position of greatest responsibility"
 * Officer: "Awarded to a servicebeing who demonstrates outstandingly meritorious service while in a position of great responsibility"
 * Member: "Awarded to a servicebeing who demonstrates outstandingly meritorious service while in a position of responsibility"

The graduated degrees of responsibility required for increasing levels of the Order restricted its availability. Generally, only Legates could merit the level of Commander, as they had sole responsibility for entire theaters of war. A notable exception to this rule of thumb was the Massassi Zogryth, Captain of the Sith Star during the Great Liberation.

The level of Officer was usually awarded to members of the Royal Army or Royal Starfleet High Commands who had not merited the Commander, although it could be granted to line officers under the right conditions. Such an officer was Torin Saedrin, Captain of the Sith Star during the Vagaari War. Commodore Rensi Shal-shatir was also made an Officer of the Order for his actions during the Battle of Shest Minor.

Servicebeings made Members of the Order were generally those who had performed exceptional service to the Armada, but did not qualify for a higher degree. Seconds-in-command to Legates were sometimes made Members. This was also traditionally the only degree available to enlisted personnel. Colonel Eihwaz of the 11th Massassi Cohort was made a Member of the Order after the Defense of Daispin.

Though technically a Prime Legate would merit appointment as a Commander of the Order, by 144 ABY it had still not happened. The first Prime Legate, Prince Tariun Sakaros, was heir to the Empire and thus, like the Sovereign, was considered "above" decorations. Similarly, the next Prime Legate, the Umdal Sorrik, was a Centurion of the Order of Keltrayu, and Centurions were also ineligible for military awards. The Sovereign's Order was the only military decoration for which members of Royal Intelligence were eligible; Rin Sakaros created this precedent when she made Gazjir Nalech an Officer of the Sovereign's Order upon his retirement in 150 ABY.

Recipients of the Sovereign's Order were entitled to —CSO for Commanders, OSO for Officers, and SO for Members—and to use of the style "Sir" or "Lady".