[big snip]

Glen added, “You need to appreciated the large scope and scale of the United Federation of Planets. We come in all colors. There are different customs and traditions found on every planet. The Federation does not even dictate how planets govern themselves. They simply ask for stable institutions guaranteeing democracy, along with the rule of law, sentient rights, and respect for and protection of minorities.”

“There are things that are common,” Hal said. “Invariably, almost every sentient race has a dish that’s chicken mushroom fettuccine alfredo. Mmm like this one.”

“Swedish meatballs too.” Kord said taking a bite of something similar to that dish as well.

The Tri-Council members nodded a bit at Glen’s words, =/\= I suppose we still are grappling with the reality that our scientist’s theories of not being alone in the galaxy are true. Not to mention how diverse your Federation seems. =/\= one said.

Another soft gong sounded a bit later as dishes were cleared away one by one by serving attendants. =/\= Captain, would you and your crew while we wait for more information on the possible Sleeper ship you could have detected, care for a tour of the local grounds around us? While I am sure our scientific, medical, and engineering fields are nowhere near to the scope you might expect, we would be honored to provide such a tour if you desired it to inquire more on each of our cultural and scientific endeavors together so we may be better informed on each other.=/\=

Glen showed his approval. =/\= Knowledge is about learning new things every day. We may be more advanced in our scientific, medical and engineering knowledge, but we would never profess to know ‘everything’. A scientist on Earth once announced that there was nothing new to discover in Physics anymore, only more precise measurements, and he was almost immediately proved quite wrong. Other scientists believed that science would one day be able to explain ‘everything’ and we are still waiting for that day to arrive. So no, I’m quite sure we would learn much from a tour of your endeavours. Until only about thirty years ago, we didn’t even know that silicon-based intelligent lifeforms existed, but I recently received news that one now serves on the Federation Council itself! =/\=

=/\= In short, yes we would like a tour to learn more about your cultural and scientific endeavours =/\= Glen added.

-Glen, CO