Fafossan United Worlds

The Fafossan United Worlds is a faction located in the Alpha Quadrant, bordering the Galactic Abyssal Federation and Vascor United Systems.

It is the representative entity of the Fafossan people, and governs from a small but effective headquarters located on their homeworld of Baviira - a remote yet surprisingly influential world for how far removed from the storm of galactic geopolitics it has managed to stay during most of its years at the center of a space-faring civilization.

Its governmental system consists of an elected council of elders, who - after taking a "sacred creed" - are expected to use their political and spiritual knowledge to guide their citizens towards success and prosperity through peaceful means, at least under ideal circumstances. Notably, because Fafossan society and culture highly value wisdom and lived experience, candidates must be over a certain age to be eligible for office.

Historic & Cultural Overview:

Like their Vascor counterparts, the Fafossan United Worlds is a relatively new entity, with Baviira's residents having discovered FTL travel around 2-3 centuries before humanity and Earth, making them only slightly older than both of their current quadrant peers in terms of interstellar statehood. Most of their history and modern ambitions are chronicled in a series of works known as the "Books of Past" (history), "Books of Present" (current goals), and "Books of Future" (hopes for future generations), with all three intended to give a near-complete picture of Fafossan civilization, as well as its people.

While not theistic in the sense of worshipping a deity, their society is very spiritually motivated by its own domestic religion, with most individuals trying to maintain a balance between practical day-to-day tasks and a quasi-theocratic form of supernatural guidance they believe comes from the universe itself. A common phrase often found in everyday conversation is "may the stars guide you," which is near-universally perceived as a very polite way of wishing someone luck through immense challenges or hardships. Additionally, it is believed that some professions offer better spiritual guidance than others, though as opposed to determining social status, they are often used as a means of helping one's mental and physical health; for example, agrarian-related jobs are viewed as a strong means of self-awakening and personal enlightenment, so people who feel lost or purposeless are often advised to spend time working on a farm until they find new callings.

Geopolitical Status:

The Fafossan United Worlds is one of the oldest diplomatic contacts of the G.A.F. and Earth; despite their strong preference for diplomacy over force, they have aided them numerous times in important armed conflicts, including the Liberation Wars against the Rak'tothian Khanate, and the Western Galactic War (2811 - 2816) against the Holy Union of Sarnakus - the latter of which is a case where they were directly involved in the fighting. However, the idea of both governments being formal allies is much newer, having only been put into practice as of the late 2790s with the formation of the Orion Pact. Historically, the Fafossan state has done its best to avoid getting involved in long-term international entanglements, and it should be noted that the aid they provided to the fledgling G.A.F. during its revolutionary origins stopped short of direct intervention or endorsement.

This was likely a result of its fear of angering the Khanate, who at the time were still thought to be the most powerful military force in the region. But nonetheless, it was a choice that still caused significant initial mistrust from many nonhuman Abyssalite species who were subject to enslavement under the former Rak'tothian regime, and despite efforts from Earth itself to warm relations, public opinion towards the Fafossan council of elders throughout the wider G.A.F. populace wouldn't thaw until centuries after the Liberation Wars were over. Modern circumstances may ensure that they are recognized as a key pillar in the Orion Pact's defensive network - and as a crucial access hub to the Great Frontier via the active gateway in their home system - but many people on both sides still view their shared space in a multinational alliance as more pragmatic than emotional because of this historical grievance.

Additional Facts:

• Despite its preference for nonviolent resolutions to international disputes and weak force projection capabilities, the Fafossan United Worlds maintains one of the most feared and respected infantry corps in the galaxy - the Cato'shan (warriors of the sun). Soldiers from the G.A.F. are referred to as Anuk'shan (warriors of the night) by Fafossan citizens.

Main Story Importance:

• While not directly appearing in the first season, Cato'shan warriors from the Fafossan United Worlds do make an appearance in the backstory of Sgt. Major Zeska Durgun, who vividly recalls fighting alongside them on Rexis during the Western Galactic War.