Wait, what's the difference between a faction, guild and government? Alan asked.

A faction is an umbrella term for guild and government, they are separate entities, at least according to the Game. Yet, even though guilds are in a different category, they are no less important or influential than many governments. A major top ten guild may be just as or even more influential than, say, the Empire. Additionally, guilds may control a planet or planets, similar to a government, but the rules concerning how each rule are completely different. The various circumstances around the planet can vary a lot too, of course. There are certain planets which are unable to be conquered, at least through war, such as Khersath. Khersath is essentially a place where PvP, or player versus player combat is disallowed, a war-free zone where all the various humanoid factions interact. The interplay between guilds and governments can be quite interesting, as for instance your guild may end up going to war with the government you are a citizen of, and, once more, the specific circumstances of the situation would determine whose side you could or could not take. Of course, many of the major guilds are simply arms of the various governments.

Once Eve finished her info dump, Alan got his first good look at the Administrative Center. He had expected it to be a boring office building, like a City Hall or a Department of Motor Vehicles. Instead, the enormous pyramid-shaped building could be the palace, or burial site, of a galactic emperor. The building was layered with sheets of black metal, turrets and defensive shield generators located every few hundred feet. Alan could see the outline of a cube shaped structure at the tip of the pyramid. It was hard to make out, as it was nearly two miles up in the sky, but it looked like a mark.

Two gigantic bipedal mechs guarded the front entrance, fifty foot tall armor plated machines of destruction, complete with an array of weapons and personal shields that could, according to Eve’s database, hold up even against an elite Predecessor. This main entrance was nearly four hundred feet tall and five hundred feet wide, but there were numerous side entrances that people were streaming in and out of as well. Scores of cyborg, machine and humanoid guards stood around the perimeter, wielding a number of different weapons, but wearing the same dark blue armor and insignia.

Unfortunately, it appeared there was still a queue to get in, despite the size of the building. The line appeared to be fairly orderly, with Administrators throughout the line moving people forward, asking questions, directing players to different lines and entrances. Alan began to grow a bit worried. He had to make it to the Black Rose Docking Bay in another four hours, with a package, with no idea how far he had to go to get the package or where any of the places were. He might not have enough time at the Administrative Center.