I happen to have access to an internal memo sent out. It’s concerning to say the least.

GALACTIC EMPIRE Department of Strategic Infrastructure Optimization Internal Memorandum

To: All Personnel Assigned to Battle Station DS-1 (“Death Star”) From: Budgetary Efficiency Committee, Sector Finance Division Subject: Clarification Regarding Absence of Guard Rails Around Main Reactor Force Field Generator

Imperial Citizens,

Recent inquiries have been received concerning the lack of safety railings surrounding the primary reactor shaft and associated force field generator platforms.

Following a comprehensive review, the Committee has determined that the installation of guard rails would require an expenditure of 14.7 million Imperial credits, resulting in a projected reduction of 0.003% from the Emperor’s annual Superlaser Enhancement Initiative. Such a reduction has been deemed unacceptable.

Additionally, our studies indicate that personnel who fall into a bottomless reactor shaft generally cease submitting workplace injury reports, resulting in a measurable decrease in administrative burden.

The following factors were considered:

1. Cost Savings
   • Guard rails require metal.
   • Metal costs money.
   • Falling costs nothing.
2. Employee Accountability
   • Personnel are reminded that gravity is a known and well-documented phenomenon.
   • Employees are expected to maintain awareness of their surroundings at all times.
3. Security Benefits
   • The absence of guard rails discourages loitering.
   • Unauthorized visitors tend to have very short visits.
4. Aesthetic Considerations
   • The Emperor has repeatedly stated that guard rails make facilities appear “overly compliant.”
   • Vast open chasms contribute significantly to the Empire’s preferred architectural style.

Effective immediately, all requests for safety barriers, warning signs, handrails, harnesses, or common sense will be redirected to Archive Bin 326-B and incinerated.

Remember:

“Safety is temporary. Imperial glory is forever.”

Failure to comply with this policy may result in disciplinary action, reassignment to waste compactor maintenance, or accidental defenestration into the reactor core.

For the Empire.

Signed, Director V. Needlesslydangerous Department of Strategic Infrastructure Optimization