Before the first Daleks emerged from their imprisonment in the Kaled science bunker, the production lines were operating at full capacity and it quickly became apparent that a hierarchy would be needed to maintain order. Initially, ranks were implemented based on the order in which the Daleks came out of the embryo chambers and were placed in their pristine new casings, with the number of ranks being added to and filled as the Dalek race grew.
Eventually, casings of different specifications and markings were created to distinguish the higher ranks from their underlings. To further the development of the race, certain embryos were enhanced to allow for more independent thought and to develop further mental abilities. These enhancements meant that the leadership caste became a highly intelligent, cunning and ruthless group who would learn from their mistakes.
The first Dalek to be created became known as the Dalek Prime and was housed in a heavily modified Mark One Travel Machine. This was a uniform gold in colour, further distinguished from all other Dalek units by the enlarged dome and increased number of red luminoscity dischargers. Later in the generation's history, the Dalek Prime (then addressed as Emperor) was housed in a massive casing which was plugged directly into Skaro's computer systems. This allowed more direct control and quicker responses to elements along the empire's borders than was possible when by relying on reports filtering up through the Dalek ranks. This casing was destroyed during the "human factor" incident, but the Dalek Prime survived and re-installed itself in the mobile casing for the duration of its existence. The original Prime was finally killed during the civil war against Davros' Imperial Dalek Faction.
Twelve Daleks became the members of the Supreme Council. These were encased in heavily modified Mark Three Travel Machines. Black and gold in colour, these casings featured over-sized motive units which made them taller than their underlings. These Dalek Council members were the subjects of further mutation to ensure they maintained superiority and could think creatively when necessary. The Council was required to achieve a consensus before decisions were made, with the Dalek Prime given the deciding vote where necessary. It was not often that the Council disagreed however, and the system was primarily an outmoded remnant of the Kaled Council of Twelve and its method of governing.
Beneath the Council came the Dalek Supreme ranks. These were identified by either Gold (Tier One) or Black (Tier Two) Mark Three Travel Machines. Tier One Supreme Daleks were enhanced to near Council proportions. They were installed as planetary and sector governors within Dalek space. Given enhanced tactical computers, the Tier Two Supreme Daleks primarily acted as generals for Dalek armies. In addition, Daleks of this rank were posted as regional governors beneath the Tier One Gold Daleks. Other than the differing colour scheme, these Daleks featured enhanced power packs and tougher armour than their underlings, enabling them to survive more punishment and deal out higher firepower and allowing for quicker movement for strategic withdrawals.
Beneath the Supreme Daleks were the Section Leaders. These acted as the heads of research and development programmes, commanders of Dalek vessels and also as the equivalent of a platoon leader on the battlefield. Distinguished by their red Mark Three Travel Machines, they were afforded a higher degree of intelligence than drones and could quickly adapt to changing tactical or research challenges.
Next in rank were the Task Leaders, identified by their blue casings. Task Leaders acted as squad leaders when more tactical ability than afforded by a regular drone was required. They reported directly to their section leader where available. A variant of the Task Leader was the Psyche Dalek. These Daleks were further mutated to improve their mental abilities. Psyche Daleks were used to control the more advanced form of roboman that saw use in the years prior to the Civil War with the Imperial Dalek Faction. They were encased in grey Mark One Travel Machines with transparent domes.
