In 2085 the UN passed a motion declaring itself the governening body of the solar system. This move was not well received by the population in general and unrest and dissent has been rife ever since. The decision was largely a financial one, the Alician Federation would lease technology, but at extortionate rates …to each government. So, one government, one fee.
Hidden from the prying eyes of the Alicians, the Earth government is trying desperately to find any leverage or resource to negotiate themselves out of their trade agreement with the Alicians. Over the last few years it has become abundantly clear that the loan sharks of Vegas have much to learn from the Alicians about keeping people in debt.