Codex: U.G.C.

The centralized governing body of the universe.

History

The UGC is the central government in the universe of Trials in Tainted Space. As a government, it's just cohesive enough to function. Representation in its central, law-making body (the Parliament) is determined by the amount exported from the planet, which has lead to some rather odd scenarios, like an agricultural planet importing food so that they can export their entire crop, gaining more power on the galactic stage.

Universal laws require a two thirds majority to pass, and as a result, not that many laws get passed. Those that do are often backed by nearly all large corporations or immense political pressure from the public. Because of this, local governments have a large degree of freedom to govern themselves, so long as they follow trade protocols.

Slavery is technically illegal within the UGC, but indentured servitude remains. Most indentured servants are treated fairly. There DOES remain a sizable portion of shady corporations and people that charge their servants unscrupulously to keep them perpetually in debt and unable to free themselves from their contracts.

The UGC does maintain a standing military with advanced ships and technology. However, those ships are technically kept near the core and used to suppress any rebellion. Planets at or near the rim, particularly ones newly added to the warp-gate network recently, tend to receive little protection and even less direct oversight.

The Confederacy is viewed with a mixture of suspicion, fear, and awe out on the borders