Project Exarch, an experimental initiative, was conducted by the Eternal Empire following their conquest of the galaxy. This program selected elite and devoted Knights of Zakuul members, augmenting them with biological and cybernetic enhancements to produce "ideal" Knights. Those who survived this process were designated Exarch and received command of a Star Fortress, a Zakuulan battle station orbiting a subjugated planet, effectively granting them control of that world.