The Long Truce

The Long Truce is the colloquial name given to the cold war between the Federation of Xah and the Northup Alliance, that began over ten thousand years ago with the Invasion of Beta Canum Venaticorum. The two sides have since largely avoided large military confrontations, instead seeking to expand their influence into the galaxy. Minor conflicts do occur, however, mainly in star systems with disputed colonisation rights, independent colonies seeking to avoid annexation by Xah, and the rare skirmish in established systems.

Balance

At every stage in this lengthy conflict, the Northup Alliance has faced a a far more technologically advanced foe; whilst its scientific and technical capabilities are substantial, and it prioritises research and development in a large number of fields, it cannot compete against the genetically selected and rigorously educated Xahian Technical Caste. Furthermore, Xah is not hindered by many moral and ethical constraints in its research, with the 'ends justify the means' focus of its over-arching Sevenfold Path philosophy. Xahian ships and weapons are consistently more powerful and capable, and their armed forces better equipped.
Whilst the Federation can claim more star systems, and a much larger population, the Northup Alliance does have an advantage in solider numbers, being able to call up on any adult to serve in its military at a push, whereas the Xahians limit their military to those of the Warrior Caste. They are huge, genetically selected soldiers, and far more capable and trained than the average Northup soldier, but at only 6.57 per 1000, their numbers are low compared to the rest of the population. In contrast, all Alliance adult citizens are expected to be available for conscription, should the Federation ever invade, and systems are obligated to hold enough military supplies to equip a large proportion of its population. This would make any invasion of an Alliance system by all but a significant portion of the Warrior caste costly in terms of lives and material. This loss of genetic potential is deemed unacceptable by the Xahian Leader Caste.

Backdrop

Driven by the philosophy of the The Sevenfold Path, the Federation of Xah spread out from its home system of Xah after its reacquisition of the FourDrive. Seemingly unstoppable, when its initial drive was stopped at Beta Canum Venaticorum, the conflict then shifted from a purely military affair, into a race to colonise as many worlds as possible, expanding the philosophy of the Federation. In this, the Xahians had more success, as their artificial breeding programs were able to increase their population much faster than the Alliance's more natural means.
The conflict soon settles into a familiar cold war between the two sides, with occasional clashes in frontier systems and over important strategic resources. The unexpected encounter with the advanced but inscrutable Ghalimi aliens has now complicated matters, as the Federation of Xah examines its priorities in the face of this new faction.

Conflict Type

War

Start Date

Early 200s

Ending Date

Ongoing