Samuel Messer VIII (2678-2715) was Imperator of the United Empire of Earth (UEE) from 2697 to 2715, though some historians date his rule from 2701. He had officially been named successor by his mother Illyana VI, but his cousin Astrid seized power upon her death and ousted Samuel from power. After a four year civil war, agents of Samuel orchestrated Astrid VII’s assassination, and Samuel officially took the office of Imperator. He tightened restrictions on free speech during his rule and ordered multiple military suppressions of civilian protests. He was succeeded by his older brother Galor Meser IX in 2715.