The Northeast Union (NEU) is an authoritarian and highly capitalist nation situated in the former Northeastern US. Its capital is Douglass, formerly known as Washington D.C. The NEU is ruled by a military government working hand-in-hand with the nation's largest corporations -- from defense contractors to automobile manufacturers. Citizens of the NEU live relatively good and secure lives in the inner regions, at the expense of much worse lives for all surrounding and occupied populations. The cities are thriving metropolises with exemplary living standards, whereas the countryside has settlements neglected by the government and, more often than not, oppressed for being in the "federal fringe", a region that's defined as not being fully occupied by USRF and at risk of revolting.

The NEU stands as a formidable economic force in the post-flash world, ranking among the wealthiest nations in North America, second only to the Pacific Union. Within the NEU's borders, numerous corporations thrive, spanning industries such as automobile manufacturing, weapons production, textiles, and a myriad of other sectors. These enterprises export their goods not only to neighboring nations but also to the grand wasteland itself. One of the primary sources of wealth for the NEU lies in its abundant mines scattered across its vast territories. These mines yield precious resources, particularly silver and salt. In fact, the NEU's currency, the Northeast Dollar ($ND), is backed by a silver standard, solidifying its value as a currency. 

The exchange rate between $ND and the US dollar ($USD) stands at a fixed ratio of 1:33, meaning that 1 $ND is equivalent to 33 $USD. This currency enjoys widespread popularity and acceptance, extending its usage beyond the NEU's borders. Even in the wasteland and neighboring nations, the $ND holds sway, exerting its influence and facilitating trade between culturally different societies. It's worth noting that the Southern Union (SU) also recognizes the value and utility of the $ND, as it finds adoption in the northern regions of the nation. This further demonstrates the widespread reach and importance of the NEU's currency in the post-flash world.

Urban living

The living standards in the NEU surpass those of the wasteland and surrounding nations by a significant margin. Many argue that the NEU boasts the highest living standards among all post-flash states in North America. This remarkable achievement can be attributed to the firm rule of the USRF, which vigorously suppresses any sign of dissent and swiftly quells Red Uprisings, deemed the most substantial threat to national security according to federal intelligence agencies. The inner cities within the NEU can be likened to the pre-flash era in terms of their living standards, although they may appear less pristine and more utilitarian in appearances. However, residents of these metropolises have the opportunity to lead relatively normal lives, working in various well-established corporations spanning industries such as entertainment and comfortable office jobs.

To maintain order and security in the larger cities, the Federal Law Authority (FLA) takes charge of policing duties, with a limited military presence serving as a supplementary force when needed. This collective effort ensures that citizens can go about their daily lives with a sense of safety and stability within the bustling urban environments of the NEU. Overall, urban living in the NEU offers a glimpse of what life was like before The Flash. Despite certain adjustments and challenges, citizens have the opportunity to forge fulfilling careers, partake in cultural and entertainment activities, and enjoy the convenience of safe urban amenities.

Rural living

In stark contrast, the rural settlements grapple with extreme poverty and endure highly unfavorable living conditions. These areas suffer from a severe lack of corporate presence, resulting in limited business establishments. As a consequence, most local stores rely heavily on imported goods from the urban centers and even trade relationships with wasteland settlements. The rural regions bear the weight of hypermilitarization, with the USRF Homeland Corps assuming the role of patrolling units instead of the FLA. Their presence signifies the heightened militarization of rural areas, which is aimed at securing territories within the so-called "federal fringe", and to prevent any potential threats to national security from taking root.

Life for the inhabitants of these rural areas is taxing, typically revolving around labor-intensive work in locally operated coal and salt mines. It is worth noting that a disproportionate number of conscripts are drafted from these impoverished settlements, with many teenagers viewing enlistment in the USRF as their family's ticket out of destitution. Occupied territories and border settlements not quite within the NEU borders face even harsher treatment, with essential public services like healthcare being entirely privatized, exacerbating the challenges faced by the local populace. The disparity between the living conditions in urban centers and rural settlements highlights the stark contrast and inequalities prevalent within the NEU.

Since 2152 the NEU has recognized mutants as a human species, thus allowing them to freely immigrate into the nation. This historical legislation is known as the Subspecies Act of 2152, colloquially referred to in everyday speech as the Greenskin Act. As a result of this legislation being ratified by the government, thousands of mutants began filing for papers at NEU embassies across the wasteland. It is said that a good deal of applicants were denied on the basis that they were too old or they had no skills to provide to the Union. Others claim to have been denied out of pure discrimination.

Over the next many years, more than 35,000 mutants migrated from the wasteland to start a new life within the NEU. An effort was made to rebuild broken pre-war neighborhoods to house these new immigrants, but because of budgets and cost cuts the government contract went to the lowest bidder. In just five years, most of these projects did not see completion, but yet the NEU government insisted on moving entire families in. These areas are now known as "The Districts", and may be found in metropolises like Douglass, New Baltimore and New York City. Some groups accuse the FLA of over-patrolling these neighborhoods, but the officers claim it's to "prevent eldritchification from becoming a national threat".

On paper, mutants are afforded the same rights as other NEU citizens are, but this is far from the truth. Mutants will rarely get good jobs, and if they do, they earn less than anybody else would in their position. Most prefer this treatment over getting killed in the wasteland. The USRF will also allow mutants into their ranks, but these men are put into separate all-mutant formations such as the 11th Manhattan Infantry Regiment, a New York Homeland Corps unit with only mutants in its ranks. 

"They bear our flag, wear our uniform, speak like us. But they are not us. They are savages." - Colonel Jonas McCormick of the 18th New York Contingency Battalion, speaking on the actions of the Southern Military District. 2085.

By 2085, riots had washed over every FEMA camp on the Eastern seaboard. The Eastern Union was in a dire situation, and the military could not keep up with the amount of refugees under their belt. The Southern Military District chose the immoral route, pulling out of the "unimportant" FEMA camps in the Southern countryside to consolidate its military forces, all the while leaving hundreds of thousands to starve and perish to the elements. 

By 2086, the Eastern Union had new borders drawn up. The Northern Military District declared its independence from the South, officially becoming the Northeast Union (NEU), wanting to further distance itself from the Southern Military District. In the coming months New York City was all but lost to the militant raider gangs, forcing the NEU to officially pull the plug on the FEMA camp within the city premises. The city was not retaken until a massive counter-offensive in the 2100's, but by then nearly 900,000 refugees had lost their life. The loss of New York City in 2086 remains the greatest blunder of the NEU to date, and is considered by historians to have been the bloodiest conflict recorded since The Flash.

The Early Militia

The Thirty Year War was a long conflict that spanned from 2086-2116 within the NEU. This protracted war pitted the scattered and ill-prepared NEU military forces against formidable raider war bands that had seized control of major pre-flash US cities in the Northeastern region, starting with New York City. The outcome of this conflict would shape the future of the NEU and solidify its military capabilities in the post-flash world.

During the early days of the NEU, the state of its military forces was far from ideal. Many of the pre-flash soldiers were aging, and their experience was slowly fading away with age. In an effort to bolster their ranks, untrained civilians were hastily recruited, given minimal training, and provided with US military weapons. This led to a diverse composition of the NEU's standing army, consisting of aging soldiers, patriotic civilians, and decentralized militias. This ad hoc military force was commonly referred to as the Early Militia. As the conflict unfolded, the Early Militia found itself engaged in numerous battles against well-organized raider war bands that had taken control of key cities such as Baltimore, Washington D.C., New York City, and Boston. These raider factions, often armed and ruthless, posed a significant threat to the NEU's territorial integrity.

The war was characterized by intense urban warfare, as the NEU forces fought to liberate their cities from the grip of these brutal raider war bands. Street by street, block by block, the Early Militia engaged in fierce skirmishes and strategic maneuvers to regain control over the occupied territories. The battles were often brutal and unforgiving, with both sides suffering heavy casualties. Throughout the conflict, the NEU forces faced numerous challenges. The lack of a centralized command and proper coordination hindered their effectiveness, and the presence of untrained soldiers meant that tactical expertise was often lacking. However, the Early Militia's determination and resilience proved to be a formidable asset, as they fought valiantly to protect their homeland and reclaim their cities.

As the war dragged on, the NEU gradually adapted and improved its military capabilities. The hard-earned experience of the Early Militia, combined with the emergence of new leaders and the integration of effective strategies into its military, began to turn the tide in favor of the NEU. With each victory, the NEU forces grew stronger and more unified, learning from their past mistakes and refining their tactics. After three decades of relentless conflict, the NEU forces finally succeeded in driving out the last of the raider war bands from its occupied cities. The Thirty Year War came to an end, marking a significant milestone in the history of the NEU. The war had not only solidified the NEU's control over its territories but also forged a more disciplined and capable military force, which would officially become the USRF in the same year, 2116.

The Aftermath

The aftermath of the Thirty Year War brought about a period of immense challenges and opportunities for the NEU. With the raiders driven out and the cities liberated, the Union faced the daunting task of rebuilding and restoring these urban centers to their former glory. The cities affected by the war, including the now renamed New Baltimore, Douglass, New York City, and New Boston, had endured years of destruction and neglect. Infrastructure was in ruins, buildings were damaged or in disrepair, and the social fabric of these communities had been severely strained. The scars of war ran deep, and the NEU had to embark on a massive reconstruction effort to revive these cities.

Rebuilding the cities involved a multi-faceted approach. The NEU government, in collaboration with local authorities and communities, launched large-scale reconstruction projects aimed at restoring essential infrastructure such as roads, bridges, power grids, and water systems. These projects were essential to ensure the basic functionality of the cities and provide a foundation for further development. The process of rebuilding these cities was not without its challenges. The scale of destruction and the complexity of the task required significant resources, both financial and human. The NEU relied on a combination of domestic funding, international aid, and partnerships with private corporations to finance the reconstruction efforts.

"They slaughter our children and tell us that we can rest assured that the monsters of the wasteland live outside our walls." - Commandant Karl Hackney of the Southern Democratic Liberation Front, who would later become the first President of the SU, speaking out against the Southern Army's brutal military regime during the Red Uprising. 2118. 

The Southern Red Uprising was a historical period generally thought to be between 2118-2120. At this time, the NEU was largely left-leaning politically, and used soft power to generate wealth and keep its territories in prosperity. The SU on the other hand was two decades into being ran as a ruthless military dictatorship, with executions being an all too common sight. Fearing an invasion from its warmongering neighbors to the South, the NEU began to fund and train the Southern Democratic Liberation Front (SDLF), an infantile but ambitious militia with a heavy-handed Marxist ideology.

By July 2119, the revolution was in full swing. The totalitarian Southern Army was truly tested for the first time against an unconventional foe with an unyielding resolve, after previously only having to fight the occasional wasteland warband. Casualties were high for the military and morale at an all time low, culminating in the ousting and murder of the Southern Union's far-right leadership, which quickly spun out of control as the SDLF started seizing power. It is said that the ultra-wealthy were targeted in their homes immediately after the revolution, being murdered in cold blood by the militants who had endured enough -- all the while supported by the population.

The Red Uprising ended in 2120, resulting in the SDLF seizing power and restructuring every body of government to where it is now, even in the 2160's, considered to be somewhere between socialist and outright communist on the political spectrum. The SDLF dissolved after the Red Uprising and were reformed into units within the Southern Army, eventually meeting their former military advisors in the battlefield -- however this time as enemies.

"Territorial integrity is the bedrock of nations." - Triumvir Christopher Landon, 12th Triumvir, speaking to the Douglass Times at the outbreak of the Roanoke Conflict. 2154.

The Roanoke Conflict was a major war between the Northeast and South Union from 2154-2156, and is generally considered to be the first war between two fully independent states since The Flash. In the decades leading to this war, the NEU went from leaning left politically to a right-wing state, fearing the repercussions a hypothesized Northern Red Uprising might have for the Union's security and integrity. 

The SU's economy began tanking in the decades permeating the Red Uprising, with pro-capitalist states in the surrounding area distancing themselves from the South and instead opting to trade with the NEU. This led to the Southern government taking a hardline stance on territory, laying claim to the southernmost territories of the NEU bordering the decrepit FEMA camps in the wasteland. 

At the outbreak of the war, most USRF soldiers stationed at the borderlands were ill-equipped and poorly trained. Most of the 3,000 strong force were fresh recruits which was owed to the fact that the NEU government did not believe that the SU would actually invade. The SU's invading force consisted of almost 9,000 grizzly, middle-aged veterans of the Red Uprising who had seen prior conflict. Outmanned, it did not take long for the frontline to break and for USRF units to retreat from Roanoke to Lexington. 

The war ended after two years with the South taking the cities of Roanoke, Lynchburg and Norfolk. It is said that the NEU lost nearly 1,100 soldiers of the initial 3,000 border guards initially stationed in the borderlands. The SU are said to have suffered over 4,500 casualties, most of whom were killed from risky charges across open terrain.

https://youtu.be/RlveKVGw0fY

The Northern-Southern War, commonly referred to as the First Union War, is an ongoing conflict between the Northeast Union and the South Union. So far it has claimed over 20,000 lives with a disproportionate amount being civilians and wasteland settlers, whose villages are being used as battlefields by the warring sides. Currently, the frontlines are moving back and forth just a few hundred meters per day, with both sides landlocked in urban and trench warfare for every inch of territory. The most intensely fortified frontlines are Roanoke and Norfolk, where hundreds of injuries are sustained on a daily basis by both sides. Both the SU and NEU have in recent memory ratified mass mobilization orders, making up for the large amount of casualties.

This war does not seem to be ending anytime soon...

The Nuclear Winter Era following the flash blanketed the earth in ashes and dust, blocking out the sky itself. Temperatures on the planet plummeted, and many northern regions were converted into inhospitable frozen wastes. This caused many Canadians to flee south of the old world borders, arriving in the Northeastern Buffer Zone. Many of these immigrants came from Quebec, spreading the Québécois French language across the Northeast.

As Northeast Union declared its statehood, both English and Québécois French were made official languages of the state. USRF personnel are required to know both languages, though only around 80% of the Reclamation speaks Québécois French fluently. Those in the Foreign Legion and Frontier Defense Forces are far less likely to know Québécois French outside those who actually hail from Quebec.

With the world embroiled in warfare by the 2060's, free internet access was a concept of the past. Government-operated cyberattacks became an every day issue until the world collectively decided to cordon off internet access to individual regions/continents towards the middle of the decade. In North America, this internet infrastructure was shared between the USA, Mexico and Canada.

Following the world's nuclear annihilation in 2071, the internet became history. That is until the 2100's, when Northeastern engineers had a breakthrough which allowed them to make use of preexisting internet infrastructure. Without internet service providers, this access was highly limited, and it was evident that it would remain this way. Whereas before you had devices across the world connected together, now you needed a physical connection -- an expensive endeavor to undertake, especially for the infantile government of the NEU that was still finding its footing following the Thirty Year War. As of the 2160's, intranet access remains limited to government buildings, military installations and a select few public buildings like libraries and corporations with deep pockets.

The intranet is extremely bare bones and utilizes technology that is hundreds of years old. As such, it is rudimentary with few networking features outside of e-mailing, browsing encyclopedias and, in more recent memory, a corporate-funded social media website known as Birdle. Government terminals have a special end-to-end encryption, meaning they have a direct connection to one another. In theory, anybody on the North American continent could gain access to the intranet, so long as they find network cabling that is still intact and a PC terminal that can connect to it. Most cables across the continent have been cannibalized by scrappers looking to sell copper wiring for an easy buck.

Occasionally, government workers in the NEU get messages from unknown e-mail addresses, which are believed to be random wastelanders somewhere on the continent that have managed to connect a computer terminal to the intranet. More pressingly, the USRF themselves have reported unauthorized user access, with military command believing that somebody out there in the wasteland has routed power to an old government bunker.

Baseball and basketball both hold a significant place in the sporting culture of the NEU, captivating the hearts of its residents and fostering a sense of unity and rivalry among different cities and regions within the nation. These sports have largely remained unchanged over the years with little changes or additions, and is believed to be practiced the same way as it had been pre-flash. Some of the most popular baseball teams are the New York Titans, Newark Railrunners and Douglass Thunderbolts. In basketball, some of the largest teams are the New Baltimore Barracudas, New York Knights and the Philadelphia Aces. Other sports have largely been lost to time, but some communities play American football, soccer, and other lesser known sports.

In the NEU, the entertainment industry has managed to adapt and thrive amidst the challenges of the post-flash world. Two of the most popular entertainment networks within the NEU are the NEU Network and NEU+, both offering a wide range of programming to cater to the diverse tastes of the population. NEU Network, the flagship entertainment network, has established itself as a reliable source of entertainment and information. Its morning show, "Good Morning Union," provides a lively and engaging start to the day, offering a mix of news updates, interviews, and entertaining segments. Hosted by charismatic presenters, the show keeps viewers informed and entertained, often incorporating interactive elements to engage the audience.

As for NEU+, it offers a wide range of captivating and diverse programming. One of its popular reality shows is "Storage Wars," where individuals bid on abandoned storage units in hopes of finding hidden treasures. Both the NEU Network and NEU+ are constantly evolving to meet the ever-changing demands of their audience. They invest in local talent, encouraging the development of NEU-based actors, writers, and producers. This commitment to nurturing homegrown talent has led to the emergence of captivating NEU-based dramas, thought-provoking documentaries, and even NEU Network's own original series. Some shows are filmed in the wasteland to give NEU citizens a glance into a foreign and dangerous world.

In the NEU a wide range of political parties exist. Every election cycle, three Triumvirs are voted in to become a Triumvirate, each of whom are voted in by electoral representatives; representatives who are voted in by NEU citizens to elect the next Triumvirate. A Triumvirate can be made up of Triumvirs from just one party or three separate parties based on the division of votes. More often than not it ends up with the United Patriots Party (UPP) winning the election, standing as the most popular and powerful political party in the NEU. In the past other parties have been known to get a Triumvir elected, including the Collective Unity Party (CUP) and the Wasteland Renewal Party (WRP). Here is a full list of the most popular parties in the NEU:

United Patriots Party (UPP)

A highly militarized party in the NEU and the political wing of a domestic militia made up of discharged USRF soldiers. They prioritize national security, defense, and maintaining a strong military presence over all else. They advocate for a robust defense budget and strict wasteland immigration policies, as well as a strong law and order agenda. They believe in a disciplined society and promote patriotism, emphasizing the importance of protecting the NEU's interests in the post-flash world. The majority of USRF soldiers support this party over all others.

Collective Unity Party (CUP)

The Collective Unity Party is an authoritarian socialist party in the NEU. CUP advocates for a centralized government, the nationalizing of all properties, a planned economy and a collective ownership of resources. They also believe in extreme government intervention in all aspects of society, aiming to create a disciplined and unified society within the NEU. This political party is favored by those who live in the rural areas of the NEU, as they believe the corporations to be the root cause of their poverty. Some accuse this party of being paid by the Southern Union, with clashes often occuring between radical supporters of the UPP and the CUP across the country.

Wasteland Renewal Party (WRP)

The Wasteland Renewal Party is a political party that prioritizes the rehabilitation and immigration of wastelanders into the NEU, believing them to be a good contributor to the NEU's economy. They seek to bolster funding to the USRF's backwater units so that they may reclaim territories in the wasteland. They also advocate for investments in renewable energy, waste management, and ecological restoration projects. The WRP emphasizes the importance of having immigration from the wasteland regions. The WRP also pushes for citizens to go out of their way to assist those in need. At its radical point, they seek to expand the territories of the NEU to further assist those who live in "uncivilized" parts of the old United States. This party sees extensive backing among the youth and first generation wastelanders living in the NEU.

Progressive Mutants Alliance (PMA)

The Progressive Mutants Alliance is a new political party in the NEU that focuses on the rights and empowerment of mutants in society. The PMA has an underground "militant" wing that is largely popular among younger mutants living in the NEU. PMA advocates for equal treatment, non-discrimination, and the recognition of mutants as valuable members of the community. They aim to dismantle the prejudiced systems and promote inclusive policies that foster understanding between humans and mutants. PMA also emphasize the importance of mutant representation in government, striving to create a society where mutants are given equal opportunities. As of right now, the PMA is barred from holding office due to its "extremely polarizing nature" and "militant activities", as cited by Douglass. 

The Constitution of the NEU was written when the nation was first founded in 2086, and serves as the very foundation of which the freedoms and rights are given to the People. The Fundamentals of the Union is the name given to the first six articles in the Constitution of the NEU. They serve as the core articles in the Constitution and represent the core ideals on which the NEU was built:

Preamble: 

We, the People of the Union, in order to form a just society, establish justice and tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty for ourselves and future generations, do hereby enact and uphold this Constitution.

Article I: Fundamental Rights and Freedoms

Every citizen of the NEU shall enjoy the inherent rights and freedoms essential to a functional society, including to freedom of religion, assembly, and association. 

Equality before the law shall be guaranteed for all, ensuring that no person shall be discriminated against based on race, religion, gender, age, or any other characteristic.

Article II: Government Structure

The government of the NEU shall be based on the principles of representative democracy, with power vested in the people, exercised through elected representatives at all levels of government who will decide on a Triumvirate every 6 years. 

Triumvirs may serve up to 10 years in office, with a reelection taking place after the first 6 years in office, decided by the elected representatives at all levels of government, in case of grave national emergencies and armed conflicts.

Article III: Division of Power

The federal government shall hold absolute power in all matters of national importance, such as security, foreign affairs, and inter-state commerce. 

The state authorities and local authorities still hold limited power over local matters such as enforcing the law, commerce and safety of citizens in its region, but still fall under federal authority and shall relinquish control to the federal government under grave national emergencies, including armed conflict and general civil unrest.

Article IV: Judicial Independence

An independent Court of Judges shall be elected by the People to interpret and apply the law, ensuring fairness, impartiality, and the protection of individual rights. 

Judges shall be appointed based on merit and integrity, upholding the principles of justice and the rule of law.

Article V: Social and Economic Rights

The NEU shall strive to provide its citizens with access to basic needs, including education, healthcare, housing, and social security, ensuring a minimum standard of living for all. 

Economic development shall be pursued to promote prosperity, innovation, and equitable distribution of resources, while safeguarding the environment for future generations.

Article VI: Right to Bear Arms

The citizens of the Northeast Union have the right to bear arms for the purpose of hunting, subject to reasonable regulations and restrictions imposed by the federal government. 

The possession and use of firearms shall be limited to hunting rifles and other firearms specifically designated for hunting purposes, as determined by relevant legislation. 

The government of the Northeast Union shall enact laws to ensure the responsible ownership and use of firearms, including provisions for licensing, registration, and training. 

USRF veterans, upon meeting the necessary requirements and obtaining a license from their local government, may possess and own other types of firearms in addition to hunting rifles.

Within the NEU, there exists a population of impoverished individuals, particularly concentrated in areas known as The Districts, located in New Baltimore, New York City, and Douglass. In the face of adversity, a courageous few among these destitute citizens seize an opportunity for a better life through the NEU's resettlement initiative, known as the Frontiersman Program. On paper, this program aims to relocate NEU Citizens to the outskirts of the union and beyond, venturing into untamed wastelands that the NEU seeks to reclaim. Among these wastelands, the Sunrise Isles stand out, with numerous Frontiersmen being resettled in and around the Black Mountain Complex. 

The Frontiersmen embark on a vital mission to establish a lasting NEU presence in their assigned regions, working tirelessly to establish outposts and cultivate a semblance of civilization amidst the harsh landscapes of the wasteland. However, their presence is not always met with open arms, often viewed as encroachers who seize territory and resources from the locals. This clash of interests occasionally leads to tensions and conflicts between the NEU Frontiersmen and the indigenous peoples, as the Frontiersmen are perceived as invaders.

Despite their new surroundings, the Frontiersmen remain bound by NEU law, still recognized as NEU citizens. If they commit crimes within the wasteland, they are subject to extradition and brought back to the union to face justice. This demonstrates that even in their endeavors to tame the wasteland, the Frontiersmen remain accountable to the laws and regulations of the NEU. Some claim that the USRF will often turn a blind eye to crime committed by these Frontiersmen, but nothing concrete has ever come out of these accusations.