The Commonwealth Alliance is a confederation of worlds located in the Western regions of the stellar neighborhood and currently includes the Human colonies in both the Tau Ceti and 82 Eridani star systems.

The development of this independent alliance originated with the colonization of 82 Eridani by Frontier Industries in 2194.  With this system being the only known source of Ichorite; the colonies of Draven, Corvallis, and Lassiter’s Moon quickly became three of the most influential settlements ever established.  In less than four years, this valuable new resource was being sold and distributed, not only to Earth, but to every Human colony within the corporate empire as well.  However, the United Earth Conglomerate was determined to have complete control over the mining operation and, in 2198, attempted a military occupation of the entire system.  This aggressive action on the part of Earth resulted in instigating a long interstellar civil war.  One after another, colonies from many other star systems came to the defense of the inhabitants of 82 Eridani as well as their sister colony in the Tau Ceti system.  The UEC found itself at odds with more and more of their former colonies as each one declared their independence from Earth and establish their own separate coalitions.

After eight long years of war, the UEC’s reserves of Ichorite were rapidly diminishing and its military forces were well-aware that their own defeat was inevitable.  For the independent colonies, the war had definitely taken its toll and they were more than eager to put an end to the conflict.  Two months after a ceasefire was announced, representatives from Earth and each of its colonies convened together in the Sirius star system to discuss a treaty that would be beneficial to all.  When a final agreement was made, this “Contract of Sovereignty” not only acknowledged the independence of nine different systems, but also recognized the absolute autonomy of the Commonwealth Alliance, the Centauri Union, and the Free Worlds League.  It also established official boundaries for each system stating that anything beyond a light-year from the host star would be considered interstellar space.  This contract additionally provided concessions for the independent colonies to establish a tentative trade agreement with Earth as well as to relinquish all of their remaining corporate assets in the Sol system.

The Commonwealth Alliance originally brought the Tau Ceti and 82 Eridani star systems together out of a need for mutual defense, but it continued to grow stronger as the colonists in both systems worked towards a common goal.  This confederation of worlds was responsible for offering support to all its members, encouraged the open exchange of ideas, and dealt with critical issues such as; the local economy, defense, and interstellar relations.  The city of Covenant on the planet Galbraith became the official capital of the Commonwealth Alliance and remains the center of all government activity in the Western regions.