ICC

Overview

The youngest unofficial state body within the galaxy and jokingly referred to as 'Solgov Lite', the Independent Colony Coalition Is a confederacy made up of roughly twenty eight separate colonies, orbitals and other habitats within the span of five star systems on the very frontier of Solgov space. The ICC formed and declared itself an independent body after a two year famine in the Proxima Centauri, Betelguese, Barnard's star systems only alleviated by efforts from the FTU and other independent traders

History

The ICC is not an old confederacy by any species' standards, only founded thirty three years ago when they officially declared themselves a separate, and peacefully seceding body over official government and media channels. In their statement the colony and orbital governors who signed the confederacy's constitution claimed Solgov's absence and gridlocked inaction to assist their own starving people while also expecting naval and tax tithes was unacceptable and that any fleets still loyal to their own colonies should return home. This declaration surprisingly saw a large defection rate among ships that originated from the three systems that made up the new confederacy.

What most of Solgov expected to see as a short-lived rebellion that would burn itself out proved to be surprisingly hardy movement, almost immediately the ICC opened up trade with almost everyone and anyone from privateers to mercenary companies, and even recently the Church of Mekhane. This sudden boom in open trade sealed the Confederacy's military power as it supplied the ships, weapons and munitions to stand their ground should Solgov come to take military action. Now three decades later and with the Hydrae and 51-Pegasi officially joining the coalition, ICC space is seen as a bastion of free trade for even the galaxy's most unsavory, a mixed blessing both economically and criminally.

Diplomatic Relations

It goes without saying relations between Solgov and the ICC are unpleasant. Officially not recognized by the United Terran Federation as a state, the ICC is branded a treasonous movement that "Turned it's back on humanity". However unofficially the famine that prompted the confederacy's separation is still seen as one of Solgov's biggest shames of the modern century by many of it's citizens.

While other government bodies such as the Skrell, Unathi, Tajaran and Teshari will not officially recognize the ICC either, trade with the five systems that make it up are a well known open secret. Private corporations have also opened trade and colonization channels with the ICC under Solgov's notice to avoid both the naval and 10% ownership clauses that come with corp-sponsored habitation.

Finally, Coalition space is often seen as a safe port to pirates, criminals and privateers due to the ICC's lax cargo inspection and tax laws. While this has greatly impacted the native population in terms of crime rates and drug abuse, it's ensured naval aid for the coalition should Solgov or any other body declare military action.