 Alliance–Union universe

The Alliance–Union universe is a science fiction universe created by author C.J. Cherryh. It is primarily explored in her novels and short stories, which delve into themes such as space exploration, interstellar politics, cultural conflict, and the complexities of human relationships. The universe is characterized by a civilization split between two major factions: the Alliance and the Union. The Alliance consists of a loose coalition of human-inhabited worlds, while the Union is a more centralized and authoritarian political entity.