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{{Unofficial}}

{{DiscordLink|https://discord.com/channels/1300333648519888926/1339367972963090503}}The Solakkian Union (aka The Conglomerate) is a political Union between all current independent avali governments across interstellar space. There are a total of 27 member states, and the Union is heavily based on keeping the free trade and travel between member states that was previously enforced by the [[Illuminate Republic]]. It is named after [[Solakku]], the central star of the system containing [[Avalon]]. While not its actual name, it is often referred to still as The Illuminate or The Conglomerate.

Citizens of any of its member states are automatically also considered citizens of the Solakkian Union, and as such are allowed free travel between member states. The contract of the Solakkian Union, which all member states have signed, actively requires this free travel right to be upheld, alongside the freedom of trade without restriction or undue taxation. Several international organizations are also directly sponsored by the Solakkian Union, such as the Galactic Health Organization.

Though the Solakkian Union mostly leaves member states to govern themselves, it has legislative, judicial and executive power for enforcing its stated goals, with its main legislative body being the Special Council, which contains representatives of all member states.

== History ==
The Solakkian Union was officially formed in 518, as a reaction of the long-term effects of [[The Expansion]]. After its end around 508, the Illuminate Republic, still governing all avali colonized space in the galaxy, quickly came to realize that governing such a large amount of spacially scattered population was infeasible for their government structure. Although attempts were made to universially raise living standards and increase political representation, a desire for independence in the colonies continued to grow. This also lead to an increasing generational divide that stalled further developments, until, slowly, control of the government passed to the newer generations.

This culminated at the end of the year 516, when the Illuminate passed a bill allowing colonies to separate from the Illuminate Republic under specific circumstances without fear of retaliation or discrimination, either becoming independent, or joining another nearby nation. The restrictions on this were gradually lifted until effectively completely removed by 518, at which point most of the Illuminate’s former colonies had already fractured off. The idea to form a Union of some kind had been put forth as early as 515, as the next step following the aforementioned law. First revisions of the contract of the Solakkian Union were drafted as early as late 515, and it was finally agreed upon and signed by all member states in mid-518.

Simultaneously, the Illuminate Republic chose unanimously to dissolve itself and form a new government, now known as the Avalon Alliance, encompassing only the Solakku, Crest and Amber Light systems. It borrowed the same constitution and government structure as its predecessor, effectively only changing its name in a convoluted way. The reasoning for this being to ensure that no single government will be able to describe itself as ''the'' original Illuminate, and attempt to re-assert claims over its former territories. Though this change has also drawn criticism as an attempt for this new government to rid itself of the rather negative image and turbulent history of the Illuminate.

== Politics ==
The Solakkian Union’s primary legislative body is the Special Council, which contains representatives from all member states, which must be democratically selected. Although the Union’s executive power is limited when it comes to the member states, they have control of trade and travel regulation, and are able to step in when the concepts of free trade or travel are being violated by a member state. Additionally, they oversee that member states follow contract requirements, such as having a democratically elected leadership and enforcing universial avali rights. Any adjustments or amendments to contract terms must pass a supermajority vote within the council, though simple majorities suffice for actions such as managing the international organizations, the primary duty of the council.

There exists a formal process for new states to join the Union, though it is rarely used as new nations can only be created by further colonization, which is exceptionally rare post-expansion.