The Genetic Dynasty; Brother Dawn (Cleon XIII), Brother Day (Cleon XII), and Brother Dusk (Cleon XI).
The Genetic Dynasty is the ruling family of the Galactic Empire, created from clones of Cleon I in order to prevent problems of succession, thereby establishing "imperishable permanence" in an effort to maintain the status quo.[1] Three clones, originally decanted at different ages, comprise the dynasty at any one time, Brother Dawn, a prepubescent clone whose role is to watch and learn the ways of the emperor in preparation for ascension, Brother Day, a middle aged clone, who functions as first among equals and does most of the ruling, and Brother Dusk, an elderly Cleon clone whose role is to advise Brother Day and mentor Brother Dawn.[2] Upon reaching the age of 90 (a clone is born every 30 years), each clone will ascend to the next position with the eldest being ascended to Brother Darkness through euthanasia.
One of the standard protocols controlling the Genetic Dynasty is that the primary Cleon, Brother Day, is to never leave Trantor. Off-world matters of state usually being handled by Brother Dusk.[3] At any time, identical clones of each member of the active Genetic Dynasty are kept in the Imperial Palace, constantly being updated on the lives of their active counterparts in case those Emperors are killed or injured in the line of duty. In that event, the clone is awoken and is ready to take over the role as soon as possible.[4]
List of Emperors of the Genetic Dynasty[]
| Name | Notes |
|---|---|
| Cleon1 | Last Emperor of the Entun Dynasty and creator of the Genetic Dynasty. Began the construction of the Star Bridge. |
| Cleon2 | First clone of Cleon I and 2nd Emperor of the Genetic Dynasty. |
| Cleon3 | Also known as "The Alchemist". |
| Cleon4 | |
| Cleon5 | |
| Cleon6 | |
| Cleon7 | |
| Cleon8 | |
| Cleon9 | |
| Cleon10 | |
| Cleon11 | Known for his exceptional skill in art and painting the Mural of Souls. |
| Cleon12 | Ordered the Bombing of Anacreon and Thespis in retaliation of the Star Bridge disaster. Exiled Hari Seldon and his followers to Terminus. |
| Cleon13 | Prevented Luminism from reverting to the Primary Octavo after the death of Proxima Opal.[5] |
| Cleon14 | DNA was tampered by anti-Imperial forces, causing color-blindness. Was killed by Demerzel and replaced by a new clone. |
| Cleon15 | |
| Cleon16 | Killed by Demerzel after entering a secret room hidden behind the Mural of Souls. Replaced by new clone.[6] |
| Cleon17 | Ordered the blockade and subsequent destruction of Terminus. Was killed by Bel Riose. Replaced by a new clone.[6] |
| Cleon18 | Fled Trantor with Sareth I after discovering Cleon XVI was killed by Demerzel. Replaced by a new clone.[6] |
Appearances[]
- Season One
- "The Emperor's Peace" (First appearance)
- "Preparing to Live"
- "The Mathematician's Ghost"
- "Barbarians at the Gate"
- "Death and the Maiden"
- "Mysteries and Martyrs"
- "The Leap"
- Season Two