Trujil Yarh Besak began his ascent by climbing the wide steps that led to the Congress chamber in the Royal Hall of Asyid. He had scaled these steps nearly a thousand times – literally, he mused, as he nearly ran into an overseer going back towards the city streets outside. Moving aside, he continued his journey upward, stopping every interval to catch his breath. These stairs are meant for slow people. They can deliberate internal affairs in the trip. They can even finish their meeting before they get to Congress, he thought, wearily making his way up the last set of steps, which opened out into a reception area. Walking down the long, antiquated hall with its polished floor, Besak followed the route he always took. Left into an antechamber, and up to the 23-foot tall doors that stood between him and the Congress chamber. Knocking three times as was customary, he waited for the signal to proceed, which followed moments later. Making himself slightly more presentable, now his ascent was over, Besak opened the doors and entered the chamber.

He found himself in a dome, with high reaching seats surrounding the entire auditorium. Taking eight carefully counted steps forward, Besak kneeled, and then arched his head forward as was traditional, before stating 'Eschele my'po'l, gabor.' My blessings to you, my Master. Raising his head, he saw rek Hyusa Mij Wasum wave to him, indicating for him to stand, as his greeting had been accepted.

'Welcome, leh Besak.'

'Greeting to you, rek Wasum. If I may take my place?'

'I would be honoured. You bring good news I believe.'

Besak took his place in a sparsely filled box, to a position where his leader could see him.

'I do, rek. Our final tests on the ketu propulsion drive have been completed, with success. We are in the process of fitting our shuttle ships with this technology. Once it has been installed, we will be able to travel to our neighbours amongst the stars.' Murmurs of excitement rose through the chamber. This had been the one breakthrough that had been near impossible to accomplish. It had taken 82 periods to research, and another 19 to test the drive system. Many had lost their lives, but Besak consoled himself with the opinion that it was all in the name of progress. Unfortunately, not everyone had agreed with that opinion, put forward by their esteemed leader himself, but now Besak believed they realised that such sacrifices were bound to happen anyway.

'This is good and blessed news, leh. You must be commended for your efforts.'

Applause, though quiet at first, sprang to life in the chamber. Besak couldn't help but smile. 'Your words mean much to me, my leader. But I alone cannot accept them. Many others deserve to hear this.'

'Then you will pass on our gratitude to them,' said Wasum, obviously not wanting to turn this into a debate. 'Leh Besak, I wish for you to stay whilst we discuss our next item of business.'

Besak sat down, as did anyone else not already doing so. 'As you know,' started Wasum, his sonorous voice resonating through the dome, 'we have been applying for membership with many empires that surround our humble people. They are the Romulan Star Empire, the Gorn Hegemony, the Federation and the Teskit Alliance. I would like for each of you to make your recommendations based on the data we have on each of them. We will vote when we are in session tomorrow. Does anyone have any comments?'

The chamber was silent for only a moment. 'With all blessings, rek,' said one woman, standing as she spoke. 'The Romulan Star Empire prefers order over all else. We would not have the freedom to do as we please.'

'Ah,' replied Wasum. 'You forget. The Romulans are a very proud people, and are we not like them? Look at what we are accomplishing. Every day we feed ourselves more and more, our healthcare gets better and our technological breakthroughs could do with some extra help.'

'Does not the Teskit Alliance offer valuable resources? They have minerals which would be used in our scientific endeavours. Would they not be a reasonable ally?'

'I do not believe so.' A third voice entered the conversation, turning all heads. Wasum looked around, trying to find it.

'Who dares address this assembly without the proper introduction?'

The third man bowed his head. 'My sincere apologies and blessings, my Master. I did not intend offence.'

Wasum lifted his head. 'Your apologies are accepted, High Ambassador Ejol. You may speak.'

High Ambassador Yas Nemdy Ejol elevated himself on the small platform in front of him. He was still a relatively young person in the eyes of the public, which defied his 52 periods of age, making him an elder by right, and also meaning he'd probably be dead within 10 periods. Such was the way of life in society.

'The Teskit Alliance is minute in comparison to the Romulan Empire and the Federation,' he started. 'Whilst their resources would prove to be a worthy addition to our civilisation, we wouldn't be offered the same level of protection. I think the Federation can offer us both resources and protection.'

'Outrageous!' began the woman who had spoken earlier. 'Did you hear about their treaties with the Cardassians? They ordered colonists, who had lived quite happily on the same planet for a few hundred years to relocate within a few weeks, as the planet would be changing hands.'

'They were colonies, my lady, not entire civilisations. It is a completely different concept. The Romulans have attempted to move societies before, but with varied levels of success.'

Wasum held up both hands and silenced the pair. 'Does anyone have any thoughts on this Gorn empire?'

A cacophony of voices plunged the auditorium into chaos. Everyone wanted their say now, even if it was to continue the "Federation versus Romulans" debate. Wasum found his amply located metal ilik under his rostrum, designed specifically to be used in special occasions. This was special enough. Banging it sharply against the stand, the crowd immediately hushed, allowing Wasum to point out the first speaker.

'The Gorn are quite territorial, and an aggressive species at that, rek,' he began. 'We could be overwhelmed by them if we don't pay attention.'

'A fair point.'

'I have another option, if this congress will allow it.'

Wasum gesticulated with his hands. 'Please.'

The speaker needed only one word. 'Klingons.'

If nothing else, it provoked the biggest reaction yet. Shouts emanated from the crowd, the words "hostile" and "demanding" being overused. Wasum smashed his ilik into the rostrum again, and the shouting stopped.

'I think we have more than enough on the table already, my people. We shall recess until our vote tomorrow.'