
These Powers are only loosely connected to the Superpowers and minor factions they coexist with. If a minor faction is at war and you enter one of their Conflict Zones, you get to chosse which of the two warring factions you wish to support - but this decision is only temporary, your choice is cleared as soon as you leave the combat zone. They can, for example, support a faction to the extent that it Expands to another system - but they have zero direct control over where that faction expands into. Players cannot directly influence the actions and policies of a minor faction. People's Anlave for Equality, Alioth Independents, etc) either.There are "player-created" minor factions (such as the Blood Brothers From Alrai), but the game treats them no differently to any other procedurally-generated minor faction. There is no "join the empire" buttion you can click.

What they mean is "I'm running missions for Imperial minor factions and gaiing rank with the Empire". People who say they have "joined the Empire" are really just role-playing. You cannot "join" a superpower (Federation, Empire, Alliance).
