It all started with a man, a machine, and a piece of fairy cake. The machine was known as the total perspective vortex. It was powered by the fairy cake. The machine's purpose was to show an individual, in one instant, the whole infinity of creation, and himself in relation to it, thereby showing the him just how pointless his life is and annihilating his brain. In an attempt to increase the power of this machine, its creator added a bottle of soy sauce, which was composed of ingredients from ten other universes that he obtained via inter-dimensional magazine monthly, to the piece of fairy cake. However, instead of amplifying the power of the machine's effects, the machine caused the ten other universes to collide upon his.
The collision had catastrophic side effects. People appeared on random planets across the new world, tearing families apart. Entire species were wiped out, the dead were raised, planetary systems appeared on top of each other, and other bizarre phenomenon that scientists can’t even begin to speculate filled the instant of the union. With the sudden dismemberment and dislocation of nearly every social structure, massive wars for power broke throughout the universe. Fortunately, the strongest force quickly rose to power; the strongest force being Frieza. Within a few short months, all the wars were broken up and Frieza ascended to the throne as supreme ruler of the universe. In time, the creator of the vortex came forward and explained what had caused the chaos, and was brutally murdered moments later. For those who are curious, the fairy cake was carried off by a group of carpenter ants, who later evolved into politicians.
The event became known as "The Joining". The people were left with no choice but to accept their new lives and start over. Some search the stars for their loved ones or their homes, but most have done their best to adapt and rebuild.
Although order has been established, communication between planets is low and government structure varies widely from planet to planet. Understandably, there is confusion regarding current events in the universe, rumors from passing travelers being the prime source of news for planets without access to sub-ether technology. Most people have lost all interest in affairs outside their own planets, trying to live the rest of their lives in peace and hoping it will all work itself out.