(OEZ)
A colloquial term for the star systems on the edge of human space.
There are many colonies in the OEZ that are not under the full control of any of the central governments. The Border Worlds Alliance uses this to their advantage, recruiting various local governments to pledge to their cause.
Often times old colonies from Pre-Collapse eras are found as humanity slowly presses outward. This can create a momentary surge in colonists looking for quick riches, by selling Aloracts and other technology.