"The game repeatedly mentions that the USCM as a whole has been disbanded, and I've heard that most of the pirates you encounter in-game are most likely former USCM members that have resorted to piracy. But I like to think that there are still some USCM factions and remnants that still maintain some semblance of discipline and lawfulness. Perhaps after the fall of the Protectorate they started to emerge and cooperate with each other more thoroughly. And committing their remaining naval power to escorting refugee ships, or transporting war material. They'd likely still hold some prejudice over non-human species, but I'd think their views would change at least a bit, especially after the destruction of Earth.

(Took way longer than I'd like making this, but I thought I'd publish it anyway instead of shelving it)"