[quote=Xaxl]
You're inventing reasons where they aren't there.Our nations are insular communities because they are designed as self-contained units which can be plonked down like bubbles anywhere on the map. There are vast physical and bureaucratic distances separating everyone. If we'd designed our factions for a setting more like Star Wars, where everyone has assimilated more or less evenly, then you'd have an argument. But our species are concentrated in specific bubbles and regardless of outlook that precludes close cultural association; military and economic support is still perfectly feasible, but you're not going to be able to send an Alkay spy into Graal space.
[/quote]

no need, i would rather just pillage and plunder, or trade if there is a large profit to be had.