An intelligent being capable of independent thought ought to have emotions.
When "Faster Than Light" came to an end, it had quietly brought every being present a little closer together.
Whatever feelings they had brought to the Sea of Stars Community's opening ceremony, when that ethereal melody echoed beneath the stars, every being could feel the vastness of the universe and their own insignificance.
They were all fellow explorers of space, yet they fought one another over all sorts of trivial issues, whether resources or beliefs.
Xi Yan felt that this was far too narrow-minded.
...So these alien assholes were doomed sooner or later.
Of course, at least for now, he was still willing to put on a friendly face for the alien friends in attendance.
After the opening ceremony, there was still some time before the formal meeting. When planning the proceedings, Xi Yan had deliberately left an hour free so these aliens could mingle and at least get to know one another.
Xi Yan stepped down from the podium. Miss Voss had been waiting below for some time. Seeing him approach, she straightened her fitted silk gown and offered a courteous bow, neither servile nor arrogant. "Hello, Marshal Xi Yan."
"Hello, Miss Voss. Thank you for singing for the Sea of Stars Community. Your voice is beautiful," Xi Yan said, offering a simple compliment.
"Thank you for your kind words, Marshal. If it lets me make even a modest contribution to the Sea of Stars Community, I wouldn't mind singing a few more songs."
Miss Voss certainly lived up to her reputation as a professional diplomat. Her every movement was elegant, her etiquette impeccable.
Speaking with her was like basking in a spring breeze. It was no wonder this leader had become a legendary paragon of pacifist ideals.