The Expeditionary Fleet slowly entered the Kepler-452 Stellar System and headed straight toward Kepler-452b.
The official meeting between the Talodan Civilization and Human Civilization was to take place aboard the [Earth], near Kepler-452b.
As the [Titan Mothership] drew closer to Kepler-452b, the outline of the [Earth] gradually came into focus.
Unsurprisingly, the sheer size of Human Civilization's flagship once again drew a chorus of gasps from the black-and-white fluffballs.
An hour later.
Aboard the [Earth].
In the carefully arranged reception hall, Lü Yongchang looked warmly at the black-and-white fluffball in a life-support suit before him, a hint of amusement in his eyes.
"Aldan, welcome to the Talodan Civilization joining the Milky Way Pan-Human Federation."
Although he knew full well that Aldan had heard those words many times before, Lü Yongchang still had to repeat them.
As Human Civilization's Chief Scientist, those words carried considerably more weight coming from him.
Aldan looked slightly moved, and his fur fluffed up a little.
After much hesitation, he tentatively asked, "Esteemed Chief Scientist Lü, there's something that's been puzzling me. I wonder if..."
"Ask away." Lü Yongchang smiled encouragingly.
"The Milky Way Pan-Human Federation you mentioned... who are its current members?" Aldan asked quietly, carefully watching Lü Yongchang's expression.
The expression on Lü Yongchang's face immediately stiffened.
"Ahem!"
He coughed softly, trying to ease his embarrassment. "As things stand, you should be the Pan-Human Federation's third member."
"Including Human Civilization," Lü Yongchang added.
The corners of Aldan's eyes twitched twice.
So this federation only had three civilizations?!
Well, that was something, at least... At least it wasn't just humans and Talodans.
That was all Aldan could tell himself for comfort.
Following up on Lü Yongchang's answer, he asked, "Then could I learn a little about the other civilization?"
"Please rest assured, I mean