Star Arc Short Notes: The Federation's Showcase #1

"Welcome to the Perseus—Orion Federation, my friend." In a lounge with a panoramic view window, a gentleman spread his arms to welcome his guests. The guests facing him were dressed and appeared differently: those in fine silks shivered, while the travel-worn ones looked around curiously. The raggedly dressed ones gazed with envy and awe at the scene before them: the reception hall, a blend of silver-gray outer walls and warm lighting, both cozy and cold. The gentleman scanned everyone and gestured invitingly towards the latter. "Then, please, let's move to the reception lounge inside." As soon as he finished speaking, two sleek guide robots glided silently forward to lead the way. After the guests entered the lounge, the gentleman adjusted his outer garment, maintaining his external composure. At the same time, a section of the corridor wall silently rose, revealing a fully armed soldier with a faint smell of gunpowder; fresh scorch marks still adorned the edges of his armor. The soldier glanced at the closed lounge door. "Quite the setup. How many did you lure onto your 'pirate ship' this time?" The gentleman took out a tablet from his coat, gesturing at the contents within. "How many did you bring onto your 'pirate ship' this time?" the soldier said, looking towards the end of the corridor, turning to the gentleman behind him with a mocking tone. The gentleman straightened his collar, as if he hadn't heard the soldier's taunt. "Hmph." Seeing he wouldn't get the response he wanted, the soldier pouted and turned to leave. "To call it a pirate ship, compared to the individual hells of Star Arc, what are the Federation's rules and regulations?"