The Union Defense Force

## Overview

The Union Defense Force (UDF) serves as the collective military force for the Union of Planets. The primary purposes of the UDF is to protect member species, preserve peace and stability within Union space, and ensure non-interference from advanced governments or species with primitive worlds within its jurisdiction.

## Flexibility of Advanced Militaries

Advanced militaries often feature looser command structures than what is typically seen in "primitive" species, focusing more on roles than ranks and allowing for more flexibility and improvisation. In the field, officers tend to have a high degree of autonomy.

## Leadership of the UDF

The overall leader of the UDF, responsible for coordinating efforts between member species' militaries, overseeing large-scale operations, and ensuring transparency and integrity within the organization, is the High Protector. The High Protector has often been a Tellia in the past, but the current HP is a middle-aged mot Prango named Jule Giddle Mevre. Mos has served in this position since 341C.

## Wind Agents

Wind agents are highly-trained soldiers in the UDF who specialize in covert and elite operations. Unlike the Mission's Shadow Players, who are trained an on invitation-only status, any officer or rank-and-file soldier may take the test to become certified as a Wind Agent, but the qualifications are demanding and many who attempt the test ultimately fail.

The Shadow Player program dates back to at least -153C; the Wind Agent program is newer, having been officially ratified in 246C.

## Relationship with Member Planets' Militaries

Each member planet within the Union maintains its own military force to address local security needs and to preserve their unique cultural and strategic approaches to defense. These planetary militaries operate independently but maintain a cooperative relationship with the UDF. The UDF acts as an overarching defense organization, coordinating joint efforts and providing support when needed. This collaborative structure allows member planets to maintain their autonomy while benefiting from the collective strength and resources of the UDF.

In the case of the Tellia, however, the line between UDF and Tellian Defence has grown blurry over the years, and it's often difficult to say when one begins and the other ends, as they have a very close relationship. An exception to this is a large Tellian country of Exida, which has a formidable army and is not on the best terms with the Union.

The UDF respects the sovereignty of each member planet, and its involvement in local military matters is based on mutual consent and cooperation. Joint exercises, training programs, and resource sharing are common between the UDF and member planet militaries, in an attempt to promote a strong sense of camaraderie and trust among the various species within the Union.

The Frex do not participate in the UDF, adding to the feeling some have that the Frex receive preferential treatment in the Union. They are the only Union species that is exempt from supporting the UDF. However, during the Somm War, the Frex threatened the Mission with the possibility of giving the Union advanced war tech if the Mission did not step down from its aggressive stance. This threat ultimately brought the Somm War to an end in 222C.

## Purpose of the UDF

The primary purpose of the UDF is to defend and secure the Union and its member planets against external threats. This includes deterring aggression from hostile forces such as belligerents from the Dead, countering potential threats posed by the Mission or the Red Mission, and managing conflicts with other independent planets in Union space.

In addition to its defensive role, the UDF has a mandate to protect primitive species within Union space, such as the Callaxians and the Gyarah. The UDF is responsible for preventing interference from external forces, ensuring the natural development of these worlds, and, when necessary, intervening to protect the inhabitants from external harm.

Furthermore, to a lesser extent than the Mission Vanguard, the UDF plays a role in maintaining peace and stability within the Union itself. It provides support to member planets during times of crisis, assists in disaster relief efforts, and helps mediate conflicts between member worlds to prevent escalations that could threaten the Union's cohesion.

## Relationship between the UDF and Union Leadership

The UDF is closely tied to the Union's political leadership, with the High Protector being appointed by the Union's Senate, which consists of five senators from each member species. This ensures that the UDF operates with the consent and support of the Union's diverse membership. The High Protector is expected to maintain open communication with the Union's political leaders and consult them on strategic decisions when necessary.

The UDF is also required to submit regular reports on its activities to the Union's governing body, ensuring transparency and accountability.