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⁞LightKeeper families= While the LightKeepers have a loose organization outside 
	of universities, hospitals and other social services, several larger 
	and powerful families have de facto control of the movement. 
	Other families are noteworthy for other reasons.  Anyone can join the
	families through marriage or adoption.  The laws of the republic allow 
	males or females to take a family name.  Some change their name and 
	join the “circles”, covens or families when they are accepted. Outside 
	of the Lightkeepers, many Arans view these families either as nobility 
	or as silly functionaries.  The Whitesuns are almost synonymous with 
	the Lightkeepers as far as the citizens of the Republic are concerned.

  The most notable families are:


Whitesun: A proud family with a history stretching back to 20th century 
	Earth.  They were there  when the lightkeepers were just a loose group 
	of people who wanted to make peace and harmony a reality.  As the 
	Lightkeepers grew, they grew with them.  Several adaptions, open 
	marriages and “circle” families would cause their numbers to grow.  
	Notable for the Aurora Decision (Aurora Sara Whitesun  vs. Earth 
	Federation Ministry of Health).  Latter Whitesuns would make their 
	mark in law, science and the unique ministry of the Lightkeepers.  The 
	Whitesun’s coven is the fourth largest in the Republic.  Over 
	sixty-seven Mahatmas have been Whitesuns.  A few became Killing 
	Doves during the Earth Federation civil war, a black mark on an 
	otherwise proud family.

Loftus-Shaw: The third largest Lightkeeper family.  They had many members on 
	Earth during it's destruction by the Black  Fleet.  They are not fans 
	of technology, using it sparingly.   However several have made their 
	make in space and medicine.  Many become healers or doctors.  They are 
	also farmers.  Many retire to Mu Arae and enjoy the good and simple life 
	in the rich soil. Friends with the Lynch family.  They are cool to the 
	Ota family.


Lyn : The fifth largest Lightkeeper  family, famous for dying their hair wild 
	colors and wearing colorful clothing. They are renowned for being 
	active in entertainment and charity work.  Many healers and scholars 
	are Lyns. They were the first to protest the Earth Federation’s 
	mistreatment of the colonies.  Many joined the Alliance, but none 
	Killing Doves.  They have few enemies outside the LightKeepers.  They 
	are on good relations with all families, however their high profile 
	causes friction between the Lightkeepers and the  Republic.


Bae: A small but notable Lightkeeper family, they are famous for being 
	teachers.


Taira: Forth largest family, one of two families that are dedicated spacers.  
	Many are pilots.


Uehara-Allen: The second largest family, one of two families that are 
	dedicated spacers.  Many are traveling entertainers, medical techs, 
	dock workers or flight crew.  Very frienly to the Lyn family.
	

Xià: Scholars, poets and members of the Armed Forces.  They are the smallest 
	family, due to their migration to the Republic after the Alliance- 
	Federation war having fought on both sides. Several were Federation 
	personnel born on colonies outside of the Sol system. Some were 
	members of a group called “Circle-S”, others came from the Free Suns 
	when the Red Catholics seized power.  They have an “eastern” way of 
	viewing life. They are eager to accept new members. As the republic is 
	experiencing a population boom they are poised for growth. Without 
	them their would be no ARA or ASF. Friendly to the Lyn family.

Yoon: Vying with the Lyns as master artisans, they also compete in the healing 
	arts, charity work and teaching.  They are the fourth largest family

							
Malhotra: decedents of the EF 1st Gurka Rifles.  They helped found the ARA.  
	They are cool to the Xia and Whitesun families.

Lynch: A family that is conservative, yet accepting of all people they come 
	across.  Members trace their history back to earth.  Many are direct 
	descendants of Terra Seraphim.  They have a dim view of 	
	biotechnology.  They are cool to the Xia and Malhotra families,
	As for the Ota family, they have opposed their research into 
	biotechnology, blocking several of them from advancing in the order. 
	Friends with the Loftus-Shaw and Yoon families.

Quinn: Medium sized family, they are mostly known as scholars, scientists, and 
	doctors.  They 	have a “middle class” standing.  A few have made their 
	mark in space. and quite a few 

Ota: early adapters of biotech.  They are healers and doctors by profession, 
	so they have pioneered research into new medical technology.  They run 
	several health and mental health clinics on Mu Arae.   Friends with 
	the Xià and Lyn families.  They work hard to convince the Lynch family 
	that they mean no harm, but their pleas fall on deaf ears.