Chapter 2: 2: Welcome Class

The lighting of the large hall dimmed as the professor took its place on the podium. As a Derfa, it was amorphous, and it took some time for it to take a shape which would allow it to manipulate the console for the upcoming lecture and one that would also be acceptable for all the different students. Finally, after a few clicks, it settled on a bipedal form with two frontal arms and an extra two coming from its back, allowing it to manipulate the controls without turning. Then, with a quick command input, a holographic representation of several planets started to project on the main display and on the display areas installed on all the banks.

"Okay. This should be the correct sequence." It made a strange gurgling sound in a poor attempt to mimic clearing its non-existing throat. A skit that always got a few chuckles from the first-year students.

"On behalf of the Muriata University, this one welcomes you. You all have gone through the rigorous process of admission and have successfully passed the elimination process to secure your place in this grand hall of learning. You can be proud to have been accepted in one of the hardest and strictest classes taught in this fine establishment. This one expresses its satisfaction that you all have chosen to enrol in the School of Galactic Diplomacy and Interstellar Economy." A somewhat temperate round of applauses mixed with a variety of positive noises followed the speech.

The Derfa recited the same words that the first lecturers had with for well-deserved pride. Sure, the students had a hard time securing a spot in his class, but they had no idea how cutthroat the lecturer's admission process was. In a single word, to be a lecturer at the School of Galactic Diplomacy and Interstellar Economy of the Muriata University, it had to be impeccable. As such, the Derfa was a little disappointed by the lukewarm reception, but it couldn't fault these young minds. They were not meant to know of its long and distinguished record as a Galactic Union Diplomat. That was something they would learn in time when they had the proper knowledge to appreciate the importance of its work.

It was only after the sparse round of applause stopped that the professor continued.

"It is so good to see such a large representation of species among you. You might have noticed by now that there are no more than three representatives of each of your species. Some of you hail from the Galactic Union, others are from the Federation of Nations, and I can even see a few of you who are part of the Grand Cohorts." As the professor mentioned, the last of the largest unions that covered the galaxy, there was a long and loud ruckus from that particular side of the hall.

"Yes, yes. Please settle down. Now, before this one continues, this one must point out that although some of you might not be on friendly terms, any and all forms of unsanctioned confrontation are strictly forbidden on university grounds. This includes any hall of learning, libraries, training areas, places of relaxation, simulators, etc. and also the dormitories." The students became silent. They all knew they would be expelled if they broke the rules, yet a warning was still required. There were always a few brave idiots who thought they might get away with it.

"Good. This one is pleased that you have understood. However, this one is required to mention that outside of university grounds, acts of violence, lawful or not, will be considered a criminal offence committed by an adult under your respectful judicial code. Please remember that the entire planet of Muriata is a Special Status Class III world, making it part of all three major unions and sixty minor ones. For more information, please consult the data packages you were given upon arrival."

With the mandatory warnings delivered, the professor allowed for some time for the students to assimilate its words.

"So, where was this one?" The Derfa made a point to scratch its head once it concluded that enough time had passed.

"Ah, yes! Can you guess as to why a limitation of accepted candidates per species is enforced for the program of Diplomatic and Economic Relationships?" It made a show of looking over all two thousand students in the hall.

"To have a practical contact with a variety of different cultures?" One of the two Nuerdec on the third terrace mostly asked rather than give an answer. Clearly, a female, indicated by the blue fur covering her head and the tips of her long ears.

"You are mostly correct, student Kila'Sora Till Daka. However, the curriculum of any other university in your system has plenty of practical classes that would address this exact issue. Do not worry, this one will not press you further for an answer none of you can give." The professor manipulated its internal structure, making it emit a soft green glow, as a way of showing the playful nature of its remark.

"As this one mentioned a moment earlier, you are all part of some of the largest unions of nations and species that cover the galaxy. This kind of information you will learn to notice as part of this one's future classes. But, for the time being, this one will provide you with the answer to its question."

The professors paused for dramatic effect and to give the translation devices to catch up before clearing its throat one more time.

"Dear students, you represent the largest gathering of species outside of the Diplomatic Summits. Although at least half of you will not graduate, those who do will be employed in cross-union diplomatic missions of the highest importance even before you get your certification of completion. This unique experience sets Muriata University apart from all other respected higher education providers."

The Derfa waited for a moment, observing them to see if anyone had connected the dots before it continued.

"Yet, by now, you should have noticed that among the prime, secondary and tertiary species, which are valid members of one of the different great formations mentioned, there is one species of current importance on the galactic stage, which is missing." This caught the attention of the class, and they all had a long look around the hall.

"Yes, now you see that among you, there are no humans." The hall erupted in murmur.

"Although they are classified as a tertiary bipedal species, they have greatly impacted the galaxy since their emergence on the galactic stage some hundred and ten cycles ago. All of you know of the invaluable assistance this young species provided all your unions during the Visuarra Cleansing. This one is sure that most of you are quite familiar with the advances humans have made in the fields of medicine and genetics. A few of you might have even heard of the advances they have brought to the field of cybernetic augmentations. This is something reserved for primary species and, in some cases, secondary ones. However, have any of you met a human? Seen a human? Or even know why the answer is nearly always no?" Again, there was a murmur in the hall. The Derfa used the time until it stopped on its own to pick a trio of planets on the holo-screen and have them enlarged and relatively motionless.

"In order to provide you with an answer, this one has to provide a proper understanding of the classifications of habitable worlds. This one is sure this is a topic you have covered in your individual educational systems. So, who is willing to briefly explain the standardised classification?"

A lone Hurth's bank blinked, indicating it wanted to supplement an answer. The professor's body twitched.

"Student Loopreeyao, this one admires the ability of your kind to manually learn the standard diplomatic language; however, this one must insist that you use the translation software provided by the university. Are you willing to do so? If not, let some other student provide an answer." The Hurth began to glow a soft pink, indicating it would refrain from answering.

This allowed a Scalfi to stand up eagerly. But, unfortunately, in doing so, his folded wings almost knocked a Jull off its bank behind it.

"Very well, student Arghast Nus. However, please use the proper indicator on your bank in the future." The professor dropped its shoulders. It was always such a pain to get everyone to abide by the same rules.

"Glory to you, honoured teacher of knowledge. The standard classification of habitable worlds is divided into ten classes. Classes I through III are low-gravity worlds with constant temperatures and almost no changes in weather patterns. Otherwise referred to as Garden worlds. They are considered detrimental to the evolution of any sapient species, as they would be feeble and incapable of adaptation. Such planets are used as resort or recreation worlds. Class IV is similar, albeit with higher gravity and a two-season weather pattern. Although they are home to some tertiary species, they are primarily used for food production, earning themselves the title of Agricultural worlds. Classes V through VII are the most common habitable worlds. Those have the optimal conditions for evolution and the development of adaptability traits required for a sapient species to enter the galactic stage. They have a gravity value range from zero-point-eight standard at Class V to one-point-two standard at Class VII. It is the same with weather patterns, starting at a two-season and ending at a four-season one. Small deviations are acceptable on some Class VII worlds. Core worlds are categorised as Class V on the standard scale. Class VIII planets are considered harsh worlds. Their primary characteristic is the presence of strong predatory non-sapient species and strong changes in weather patterns. Gravity can vary from one-point-six standard to two times the standard value. Class IX are predominantly high gravity or changing worlds. They are unstable with regular changes in landmass and volcanic activity. Gravity can range from anything between zero-point-nine to twice the standard. They would be pegged for re-classification as soon as the planet has finished its formation cycle and has become stable. Last are Class X, commonly referred to as Death worlds. This may be due to extreme gravity, deadly predators, chaotic weather patterns or extreme fluctuations of radiation levels, with minimal values being just above what is considered safe."

Arghast said it all in a single breath, and he was pretty winded by the end of his tirade.

"Quite right, student Arghast Nus. This one would ask you to breathe when providing an answer. You are no longer studying under the regulations set by the Scalfi educational system. Short pauses also allow the translation software to catch up with long speeches, which this one reminds you, are not considered as brief." This elected some snickering from a few of the students and the Scalfi to lower his beak in embarrassment.

Ignoring them, the Derfa waved one of its hands towards the holographic projection behind it.

"As you can see on your displays, planet 1 is Jirk C, a well-known luxurious resort. It is one of the best-known examples of a Class I world. Planet 2 is Fulsiar, a class X world with a constant entry prevention Federation fleet around it. And now, this one will not use the term quarantine fleet. You are here to learn how to be Diplomats. As such, this one advises you…." The professor paused, concluding that the word wasn't the right one once it went through the translation software. "Correct that. This one demands and insists that you use the official terms from now on."

Satisfied that the correct meaning was used this time, the Derfa returned to the topic of its first lecture.

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"Now, this one would like to ask you where you would place planet 3. This is Earth, Dust, or Sol Prime depending on your individual faction and officially known as Terra in the standardised cross-faction naming system. This clear blue gem of a planet is home to humanity." The professor said with admiration in his tone.

"It is the only Class X world to have FTL-capable sapient life." It was the Nuerdec, Kila'Sora, who reacted first, earning herself a spot on the professor's list of promising students whose progress it would follow closely in the future.

"Technically, that is correct. However, that is also a common misconception and one that has been spreading widely across all factions. Mainly it came into existence after some scientists at the Institute for Classification made a calculation error. Perhaps this one should not be surprised that you believe it to be fact. After all, sapient species on a Class X world are rare, and among them, less than one percent evolve in a path to allow them proper technological advancement." The Derfa said, shaking its head.

"As a matter of fact, the wider galactic community currently monitors twenty-two species on Class X worlds which are close to or have entered the Industrial Age." There was a collective gasp, followed by further murmuring, which the professor didn't indulge in.

Of course, this was a topic they would find interesting. However, it was one the Derfa had planned for a later lecture. The goal of this first class was to place all the students on the same playing field. It silenced the lecture hall by manipulating its cells to emit a bright yellow light, indicating its dissatisfaction with the noise. Once the students settled down, it continued.

"You see, class, Terra, should have been classified at worst as a Class VII world. It has a gravity of one-point-five standard, relatively stable four-season weather patterns in most parts, stable landmass and predictable volcanic activity. Yes, its radiation levels can indeed vary and, in some cases, can exceed safe levels, but it is nothing that would prove fatal if proper safety protocols are followed." The professor could clearly see the confusion that had taken over the class.

It gave them a minute to have a short discussion amongst themselves. While it waited, it answered a handful of the more curious question directed its way. The majority of which were confirming the values and pointing out where and how the calculation error had occurred. Although it was funny from the students' point of view, the mistake was a nightmare for the Diplomatic Corps. Thinking of all the red tape and documentation that still needed to be adjusted making the Derfa shudder.

"Okay, that is enough. Please pay attention to what this one has to teach you." It put an end to the discussion.

"You see, Terra is a seeded world. Well… A more proper term would be storage world. Under the Higra agreement, between the now gone proto-prime species of Galvax and Masracians, it was seeded with all known hazardous flora and fauna in order to…." It stopped, considering if being too open with the students was the right approach for the subject.

Under normal circumstances, it would have followed the Galactic Institute for Educational Standardisation guidelines. But, alas, those were still being written, and the GIES had left it to the individual lecturers to determine the best approach. So this was another example of how that classification error had made a total mess of things where humans were concerned.

"Well, it is not important." It spoke after concluding that the topic was better left as part of one of the lectures planned for the end of the semester. "What you all should note is that most of the species on Terra are, to this day, considered biological and chemical weapons."

This quieted the lecture hall in an instant, and all the thousand and twenty-eight students were not focused on the professor.

"It is considered a miracle that Terra had actually developed a stable eco-system when pretty much everything on it could either put you in anaphylactic shock from just standing close to it or outright kill you in seconds." The professor's form shuddered at the last, returning to its original formless mass.

"To all of you who have had harboured inclination actually to get a posting to Terra once you graduate, please note that you would not be going there, but on Mars instead. Although there are dedicated embassies on the stations orbiting Luna, those are not suitable for a prolonged stay. This is a mandatory safety precaution set in place by the  Galactic Bureau of Mental Health." The professor took a short pause to solidify and place a newly formed tentacle-like appendage in the glass of phosphoric acid and absorb it.

"Ah! That is refreshing. Now back on topic. It is generally considered a statistical impossibility that actual sapient life had even evolved on the planet. And a physically appealing one at that. Yet, those of you who have actually met a human would testify to the paralysing initial fear you have experienced. This is due to your instincts warning you of danger."

"You see, despite their acceptable physical appearance, humans are pretty much a walking bio-chem hazard under usual circumstances. However, this one implores you to understand that all humans outside of Terra have undergone a very strict decontamination procedure clearing any harmful bacteria and viruses from them. Just don't let one of them bite you." This last attempt at a joke got a short, forced laugh from the class.

"An interesting fact about humans is that they are the only known species to theoretically be able to reproduce with all known vertebrate sapient species. Though this one would advise against testing this in practice. The potential health risks are too high to ignore." The professor mimicked a smirk quite well this time.

"This is just an overall explanation as to why humans are, let's say, absent from this class. However, it is only from a xenobiological point of view. And this is not a xenobiology class. This is a class that produces ambassadors and diplomats and counts among its graduates some of the leading economists in the galaxy. So, can any of you try and guess what is the political reason for their absence from this hall of learning?"

It was Kila'Sora who once more braved to attempt to give an answer.

"Your questions have been obvious to answer, professor; however, you have made it quite clear that there is quite a difference between what we have been taught so far in our respective systems and how things really work. That is why, in this case, I would like to offer a logical assumption instead of providing an answer. Would that be acceptable?"

"Quite well observed, student Kila'Sora Till Daka. This one is pleased to note that you have shown potential as a future diplomat. Please share your theory with this one." The Derfa's form became more relaxed, indicating its happiness.

"Well, until now, you have provided us with some clues based on the specific conditions of the species and their homeworld. I would deduct from those that the absence of humans, on a diplomatic level, is their undetermined status. A problem made most complex as they are the sole provider of a large number of medicinal drugs, vaccines and genetic treatment programs across all factions. In case of a conflict, this would result in a near catastrophic net loss for the general galactic community and would lead to a crush of the galactic economy. The end result would be considered a major crisis, which could place a number of tertiary species' continued existence in actual danger."

"Well done, student Kila'Sora Till Daka. This one is pleased with your answer. Very well deduced." The professor made a note of this particular student on his console. "Although this one should point out that you skipped giving voice to a part of your answer."

Addressing the class, the Derfa spoke in a louder voice.

"There is a further snippet of information that you all are going to find interesting. As student Kila'Sora Till Daka pointed out, humans are a neutral species, but they are also at the core of each of the major factions. This places them outside of the normal Diplomatic and Administrative rules. You see, humans have clearly stated they would not join, or more correctly, would not commit to becoming part of a faction. Every time the humans have given the same response when the topic of loyalty has been brought up for discussion. This one quotes the words of a human Ambassador this one has had the privilege of talking to recently: 'We are not going waste any time with another UN.'." The professor let out an imitation of a sigh.

"Sadly, because of the circumstances surrounding the uplifting of humanity during the Visuarra Cleansing, most of their history is classified. This is another reason there are no human students in this class." Switching to a more positive voice, it added. "If any of you somehow understand what that statement means, this one is positive; you will be awarded the Unified Award of Advancements." This stirred quite the discussion amongst the class.

"This one would like to return to the question it asked you at the beginning of this class. Why is there a restriction on the number of students per species? You see, it is because in a few months, after the first exams, you will be merging with a solely human class from Terra." The hall erupted in a roar of cries, questions and loud conversations.

"Please, quiet down. This one said it before; you are the largest gathering of species and the first to embark on the path of building proper ties with this young species." A chime rang through the large lecture theatre.

"This is all for this lecture. Before you go to your next class, this one wishes to make two statements. First, human political conduct is going to be a major topic of this class, as it provides some of the best theoretical and practical exercises. That is why this one advises you to take advantage of the resources in the human section of the library. Secondly, the next lecture's topic will be the difficulties of dealing with multi-sapient worlds and unintentional uplifting. Have a nice day."

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