In the wake of the Xarqiin invasion and the subsequent formation of the GSU, a coalition of outer-rim human colonies refused to join the reformed Union out of distrust towards Terra and its close allies. Instead, they formed a faction of their own, one which came together to not only take a stand against the possibility of inevitable forced conscription into the Union, but also the looming alien threat of the Xarqiin. It was thus that the Frontier Confederacy was born - a union of 43 fiercely independent planet-states bound by the common cause of self-determination, mutual defense and belief in true independence.
Government
Much like the Galactic Systems Union, the Confederacy has no centralised government and instead allows each of its member-planets to maintain their own style of leadership. In fact, the Confederacy takes it a step further and has no central military or legislative authority. The governments may convene together in order to agree upon policies that best reflect their shared values in terms of citizens’ rights, commerce, inter-factional relations, etc, but ultimately, each planet is utterly independent.
Military
Every member world maintains its own standing military, tailored to its terrain, resources and doctrines. However, in times of existential threat or war, these forces coordinate under a central command structure: The Confederate Combined Forces (CCF). The CCF is a powerful, adaptable force drawn from all 43 worlds, equipped through shared technology agreements and bolstered by a high command council representing each planet. In this sense, it can be said that the CCF is modeled after the earlier iteration of CONCORD.
Technology, Economy and Strength
The Confederation is, overall, roughly on par with the GSU in terms of technology - if slightly behind. However, with the drawback of having less member planets and mainly consisting of fringe colonies which are still developing, the faction’s overall technological development is slower than its rival. Regardless, many of its more developed planets have begun to invest in research and development initiatives, while there are also plans for the faction to develop a commercial centre of its own in order to bolster its economy.
The Confederation may overall be weaker and smaller than the GSU, it is still a powerful alliance in its own right, one which is more than capable of putting up a fight if the situation may ever call for it.
Relations with the GSU
The Confederacy’s relationship with the GSU is tense but not hostile. Skirmishes and diplomatic standoffs have occurred already, usually over disputed territory on the border of either faction, espionage and accusations of harbouring political dissidents. Still, neither side has committed open warfare, wisely recognising the cost such a conflict would incur, especially with the Xarqiin threat being ever-present. However, some political figures have secretly established ties with the United Liberation Alliance, supplying resources and hoping to divert the GSU’s focus towards suppressing insurrectionists and away from the Confederacy itself - all without the knowledge of the broader coalition.
