Six months after the Collective's arrival, the Federation had established formal diplomatic relations with twelve different Wanderer species. Trade agreements were signed. Cultural exchanges initiated. Our world was no longer isolated but part of a larger multiversal community.
It was overwhelming and exciting in equal measure.
"We have a delegation from the Luminae arriving tomorrow," Celeste reported during a Council meeting. "They're photonic beings. Exist partially as pure light. Protocols for hosting them are... complex."
"How complex?" Elder Marcus asked.
"They need specially shielded chambers because direct observation by solid matter beings causes them pain. Communication happens through intermediary devices. And they consider physical touch to be a declaration of war." Celeste
