Councillor Tevos wasn't sure of what she had gotten herself into.
Here she was, standing in the middle of a crowded and busy concourse with diplomats and delegates swarming all over the expansive room, which was very intricately and beautifully designed. Yet, she learned that it, as well as the station she was in, was rather old, having been hosting delegates, diplomats and officials of all kinds for centuries. While it was only her first time there, she already knew that this was a formidable seat of diplomacy.
Tevos had volunteered to serve as a representative of the Citadel Council to a rather peculiar government called the United Commonwealth of Nations. She found that it wasn't only the sovereign political body of the enigmatic Human race; it also represented hundreds of alien species from thousands of worlds. The Commonwealth was not a solely Human nation, and it hadn't been for a long time.
She had expected to speak with Commonwealth delegates and connect the Citadel Council with the Commonwealth. She hadn't expected that her voluntary job also involved getting to know numerous other nations the Commonwealth was in contact with.
She was shocked when she found that the Commonwealth was also an influential member of an interstellar community called the Unified Planetary Federation. It was a vast supranational union of eight members and seven non-member affiliates. Regardless, they were all heavily involved in matters of the Federation. Today was apparently one of those rare days where all of these governments would gather together in Council.
She had been transported on a Citadel dreadnought, namely the flagship Destiny Ascension, to Planetary Central right in the core systems of the Commonwealth. While the colossal and awe-inspiring station was in Commonwealth territory, it is considered international territory. The purpose of the station was to apparently serve as the headquarters of the Federation.
As an Asari, diplomatic and political skills were her expertise, particularly as a Councillor. However, in the presence of all these high-ranking officials, she couldn't deny that she did feel intimidated. She was to speak in front of an assembly called the Planetary Congress. It was a massive institution with thousands of members, all from the Federation's official member nations and affiliates, from what she was told. Tevos had managed to craft up a decent speech. Even though giving speeches were supposed to be natural for someone as experienced a politician like her, unfortunately, she had actually not made a speech in a long time.
She felt a bit lost, wandering about the concourse taking in the scene. It was then when someone approached her.
"Can I help you?"
Tevos turned around and noticed that the person who approached her was a Human male. He appeared to be middle-aged, judging from his face's general appearance, which was slightly wrinkled, also indicative of his age.
"Ah," the Asari Councillor said, mildly surprised, "My apologies. It is my first time here, so I could use a bit of assistance."
The man gave a warm smile and chuckled softly. "Not an issue. I'd be happy to take you around. The session won't begin for at least another few hours."
The man's facial expression suddenly changed into one of deep scrutinisation, analysing the appearance of the blue-skinned alien.
"You must be Councillor Tevos, of the Citadel Council?"
Tevos felt a wave of anxiety, though she eased a little, sensing the warm aura around the man. Were all humans like this? She tried her best to answer in a calm tone, steeling herself.
"Yes," was her reply, albeit a little hesitantly, "I am."
"Ah, so you are the one who will be addressing Congress later on," the human male stated in realisation, "The Planetary Congress can be a little intimidating, but ultimately we're all colleagues working towards the same goal."
The man then extended an arm towards the Asari, a friendly smile on his face.
"Senator Simon Moreno. I'm a member of the Planetary Senate."
Tevos gave a mildly puzzled look. "Planetary Senate? I was led to believe that the Federation was not actually a single goverment."
"It isn't, but we do have a highly centralised bureaucracy. The Planetary Senate is part of the Planetary Congress, which is itself split into two houses. The Planetary Senate is the upper house, while the lower house is the Ministerial Assembly." Tevos nods in understanding.
Upon Tevos' request, Senator Moreno took the Asari Councillor on a relatively short tour of the entire station, while Tevos was taking in the sights the station had to offer. The sleek architecture aside, many of the very public areas of the station, such as the concourses, promenades, link bridges and even shopping malls, had a substantial amount of strategically placed greenery and aesthetically pleasing vegetation around. It was apparent that while Planetary Central was for all intents and purposes meant to be a centre of politics, it was also meant to be a comfortable residence for working officials and a leisure spot for all who visited. After all, the station was close to a heavily-populated Commonwealth colony. Planetary Central was reminiscent of the Citadel, but in Tevos' eyes, it couldn't compare to the grandeur, modernity and power Planetary Central represented.
As the tour went on, Tevos got to know more about the Senator. Apparently, he was a very experienced politician. Before becoming part of the Planetary Senate, he held several high-ranking political offices in the Commonwealth government, even as the Commonwealth President for fifteen years before stepping down from the position last year.
"Most politicians move on to the international stage after their tenure in their own national governments," the Senator explained, Tevos listening intently. By now, they had sat down at a cafe, with two hours left before the Planetary Congress went into session.
Tevos brought up the differences between the species of the Unified Planetary Federation and the Citadel Council. Even though the Federation members were non-Citadel species, they seemed so utterly different to the Citadel, especially technology. Citadel races and their affiliates utilised Mass Relays for inter-system travel. Species of the Federation used hyperlanes and jump drives, which ultimately made Mass Relays redundant for interstellar travel. Federation species also seemed to be more technologically advanced, with scientific research freely conducted as joint efforts between members and affiliates. It appalled the Citadel Council that members of the Federation had reached such high socio-economic development levels. The United Commonwealth of Nations, in particular, was regarded by many as a utopian marvel. It also surprised the Council that monetary currency was not used in Commonwealth society. If used, it was often meant to efficiently conduct trade with foreign powers who didn't have a similar type of economy.
Another noticeable difference was that the sheer number of species in the Federation. The Citadel Council officially had three members. The Federation had hundred of species. It was a community that dwarfed even that of Citadel space. Tevos had learned that the Federation was generally quite open and flexible in criteria for joining; however, some aspects were fixed, such as having stable institutions guaranteeing democracy, the rule of law, universal rights and the respect and protection of minorities. The Federation was seemingly founded on high, almost utopian ideals, but the Federation became a reality spread throughout the stars despite the odds. Citadel species would not have followed the societal principles of Federation members without making radical changes to their own societies. She also learned that the Federation had been through a recent major war, but seeing the general ease and peacefulness onboard the station, it was hard to tell that there had been a war just a few years ago. The Asari Councillor had to commend the rapid recovery of the Federation's members.
She wondered how it would have been if the Citadel had done what the Federation had done - joint exploration and scientific research with free trading. She wondered how different Citadel space might have been today.
Soon, an announcement sounded on the station's public announcement system.
"All delegates, Ministers and Senators: The plenary session of the Planetary Congress will commence in fifteen minutes. All diplomats and officials, please proceed to the Congressional Chamber. Thank you."
"It's time," the human Senator said, "May I take you back to the main concourse?" Tevos agreed, and in no time at all, they were right outside the main doors leading to the Congressional Chamber.
The former Commonwealth President led the Asari Councillor inside, and Tevos found herself standing in a splendid room, with wood brown and satin gold walls stretching all corners of the hall. There were rows of tables lined out in perfectly straight columns on the main floor, all stretching out from a large pedestal at the very front of the room. Looking up, Tevos could see on the front wall hung the unmistakable yellow-gold emblem of the Unified Planetary Federation, the colour accented by the darker gold lighting directed at it. Flanking the symbol were two holoscreens that stretched along almost the entire length of the side walls.
Her head then looking up, she could see along the sides of the chamber where numerous open galleys where invited attendees and observers would watch the entirety of the Planetary Congress being addressed by galactic leaders. Her gaze then turned back to the central pedestal at the front of the hall, where a large marble pedestal stood, a smaller version of the Federation emblem on the main body. Behind it was a large sleek black desk with a front panel, with the backrests of three chairs peaking out ever so slightly. There were spotlights directed downwards towards the lectern.
The room was undoubtedly impressive and exuded a sense of power and prestige. In just a moment, Tevos was the one who would be representing the Council and all of Citadel space, making what would be her first speech in years in front of an audience of thousands. She could hear them filling the hall with clamour as they took their seats. All delegates, Ministers and Senators of the Planetary Congress had come to witness this occasion.
Soon, the clamouring had quietened down as three people walked out from a side entrance and took their seats at the very front of the hall facing the rest of the assembly.
The Planetary Congress was now in session.
Tevos and Moreno split ways, with the UPF Senator settling down with the delegation of the Commonwealth, which Tevos noticed was made up of dozens of alien species, not just humans.
The Asari Councillor made her way to the other side of the benches, where she noticed the Citadel delegation settling into their seats. Compared to the other delegacies present, the Citadel delegation was homogenous, consisting of diplomats from the Asari Republics, the Turian Hierarchy and the Salarian Union. The Salarians were simply fascinated by the technology employed by the Federation daily. Several Turian delegates were trying to discuss military affairs with UPF officials. The Asari quietly admired the intermingling of various species as if they had known each other all their lives. What shocked the Council most was that the Federation had only existed for a little over a century but grew to immense size and power. The Council, meanwhile, had existed for millennia, but yet with its stringent regulations regarding Mass Relays and their activation, among other things, it couldn't match up to the Federation's level.
Additionally, the UPF had a separate dedicated defence force with its own ships. The Citadel Fleet, in comparison, was a patchwork of ships and vessels belonging to the armed forces of its various members. While it was a joint effort, those vessels were still under the jurisdiction of their respective militaries. The UPF's own defence force, which she learned was called the Planetary Corps, was separate from its members, meant to serve the wider Federation. It also wasn't limited in terms of the number of ships it could construct. Like the wider Federation, the Planetary Corps was meant to serve as a medium to promote cooperation, often working together with its members' own militaries in joint operations.
For Tevos, it highlighted the many flaws of the current Citadel government. The UPF was a tightly bound community, where its members and allies were treated as a family. Tevos felt that the Federation could take on the galaxy with such a solid, unbreakable bond. Citadel politics, meanwhile, were often a mess, with constant bickering and bureaucratic red tape. Often, politicians served to further their own interests, not to forward the interests of the community. Endless debates meant that not much got done, and there had even been instances of politicians insulting and despising one another. Overall, the Citadel had quite an almost uncivilised political atmosphere, some might say.
Directing her focus back to the plenary session, Tevos noticed that someone had taken the stage, standing behind the lectern. The person she saw was the Chairwoman of the Unified Planetary Federation. She remembered that she had been sworn into office after a particularly damaging incident involving the previous Chairman. While she had been placed into the position rather hastily, it was evident that she had already settled into her new role.
It wasn't a very long address; in fact, it was pretty short. In just five minutes, the Chairwoman had reaffirmed the goals and values of the Federation. She also included a friendly welcome for the Citadel delegates. Her impassioned speech earned rapturous applause from all present in the hall, which went on as the woman, belonging to an avian race called the Keerim, stepped down from the podium and made her way back to her seat at the very front of the hall.
Then, the presiding Speaker of the Congress of the session soon called upon Councillor Tevos.
"The Congress will now hear an address from Her Excellency, Councillor Tevos of the Citadel Council. May I ask for an escort for Her Excellency?"
A Han-Muran approached Tevos and extended her hand out to guide her to the front of the hall. It was time. Tevos knew that all eyes were now on her, for she represented a whole new alien government previously unknown to the Federation. She wanted to make a good impression. The future of any diplomatic relations with a community as large and influential as the Unified Planetary Federation rested on the Asari Councillor making a good impression on these new alien races.
Tevos stood up from her seat and made her way down, trailing behind the escort dressed in formal attire decorated with a brooch of the UPF emblem. However, her hesitation was largely allayed when suddenly loud applause rang out from the other side of the hall, quickly spreading to all the seated diplomats. Tevos took a quick look around to see who initiated the applause and find Senator Simon Moreno smiling encouragingly. With newfound courage, the Asari Councillor took to the podium, placing her datapad containing her speech on the lectern.
"Thank you, Mr Speaker," she began, "And thank you, fellow delegates, for allowing me this opportunity to speak in front of your Congress."
The Councillor swallowed before continuing.
"To be quite frank, all this is still new to us. For millennia, the Citadel has stood as the centre of the known galactic community. So, you might imagine the Council's surprise when we found a community larger than ourselves."
Several delegates chuckled lightly, spurring the Asari Councillor on.
"Regardless, for us, it is a chance to get to better understand the galaxy, and widen our diplomatic ties, ensuring benefits for all involved. In many ways, the Federation reminds me of the Citadel Council, but here I also see a closely knitted community of species who have come to view each other in high regard, one which we hope to count as allies..."
Much of Tevos' speech actually consisted of conveying the Citadel's appreciation for being invited to the Planetary Congress' plenary session, as well as her own observations of the Federation and its members, coupled with a few short anecdotes. Speeches weren't really her best suit, but in the end, she did an excellent job because, in the end, the entirety of the Congress and the Citadel delegation erupted into ecstatic applause thundering throughout the hall.
Of course, Tevos wasn't the only addresser of the Planetary Congress today. After her address, she sat back down and settled in for a good three hours worth of leaders addressing Congress.
Then, the Speaker announced a break in the session, which would resume in an hour and a half. After wrangling praises from the Citadel delegation, the Asari Councillor managed to score herself a much-deserved break.
"Well done Councillor," Senator Moreno said, managing to catch her at an opportune moment, "You did good in there."
"Please, call me Tevos," the Councillor replied, "and I would thank you for the encouragement."
"No problem at all. It's been a while since we've had a first contact situation. The entire Federation is practically jumping for joy. It's what we needed after the war."
Tevos sensed a tinge of sadness and bitterness when the Senator mentioned the war. In fact, it was something that her fellow Asari delegates had picked up on as well during the session. While the Federation has recovered from the war, the scars still remain. And old wounds can threaten to reopen at any given moment. She knew this, given the tumultuous time of the Citadel during the Rachni Wars, Krogan Rebellion, and what happened with the Quarians. Even until now, these wounds haven't been fully healed. She hoped that the Federation, with its expertise, could come and help remedy the situation. All she would have to do is just bring it up to the Unified Planetary Federation.
Tevos and Moreno stood side by side gazing at a window, looking out into the rest of the Manward System. The yellow-orange star blazed brilliantly in the distance, and closer to the station was the silhouette of the Pioneer's Promise colony, evident by the glimmering lights from the planet's surface.
"So, what happens from here?" Moreno asked, his eyes never straying from the sight.
"I gather that I'll be heading back to Citadel space after the plenary session ends, which is still numerous days away," Tevos answered.
"Ah."
After a moment's pause, the Senator spoke again, "I'll be heading to Earth after all this. I've asked for a meeting with the Commonwealth President. Your arrival has caused a lot of excitement after all."
Tevos was reminded of her own visit to Earth. At first glance, it was simply like any other habitable world, though she was surprised that it was one of four in the system. Once on the surface, however, Tevos was taken aback by the diversity and technology rampant throughout Earth's cities despite it being the homeworld of humanity. She could see why Earth was often regarded as a marvel - its gleaming towering cities, extremely cosmopolitan population and advanced technology were all evidence of the Commonwealth's incredible success as a space-faring nation.
One thing was for sure, the Salarians were absolutely engrossed with Earth society. The technology, the social progress, even the lack of money or any other currency within the nation - to the Salarians, it was unthinkable. Impossible, even.
The Commonwealth was the nation that stood out the most to the Citadel Council. It was single-handedly one of the most influential nations in the galaxy. The Commonwealth was a society that was strong on its ideals but flexible in its role. Even military officials of the Commonwealth could serve as full-fledge diplomats and mediators when needed, having been trained in inter-species diplomacy as a required part of their own training curriculum.
Tevos could see the logic and the apparent benefits it could bring, but given the Council's actions in the past, any residual tensions would have to be resolved first. It reminded her that she would have loved to see UPF diplomats in action as mediators in a conflict.
"Also, there's been talks of a cultural exchange programme," Moreno added, finally turning away from the window.
"It seems the Federation is eager to get to know us," Tevos remarked.
"Well, like I said, it's been a long time."
Tevos shared a knowing smile. She had hoped to eventually invite the United Commonwealth of Nations into the Citadel Council. Seeing as the Commonwealth was now part of an even larger community, she now decided that having the Commonwealth as a dependable and rational ally was good enough. Additionally, she could also imagine the response back home amongst the other races affiliated with the Citadel, like the Volus, which have spent centuries to gain better representation in the Citadel. The last thing she wanted was another political uproar.
An official suddenly approached Senator Moreno.
"Senator?" the official asked in a polite tone, "A journalist from the Planetary Network has requested for a quick interview with you."
"Oh, right," the Senator said in response, "Sorry, I'm pretty popular with the press today. It's been nice to meet you, Councillor."
"You as well, Senator. Good luck."
The human Senator walked off with the official towards a news team some distance away. The Asari Matraich let out a sigh and looked up at a nearby holo-screen playing a live news report from the Planetary Network. The entire network had been covering the whole first day of the plenary session, and reporters of all sorts of species from all kinds of news agencies had flocked to Planetary Central to interview diplomats and cover the event in person.
Unfortunately, it had been a good two months since contact was first established with the United Commonwealth of Nations. Yet, despite its open nature, the Citadel Council stood understood very little of the Commonwealth, let alone the entire Unified Planetary Federation. She knew that overall it would take some time before diplomatic efforts begin got bear fruit. Still, so far, if the widespread applause back in the congressional chamber was of indication, everything was going well.
She knew that things were now changing. The Citadel Council will now have to contend with a larger power on the bloc, but if it played its cards right, then it seems, all would be well.