Few bothered with the difference between the capital planet - Ecteen, and the capital city - Irveem. Except for the Irveemers themselves of course. But most of the planet's inhabitants could feel the winds of change blowing and their status slipping from them. There were fewer sessions in the Senate nowadays, and while many approved of it, there were fewer visits by the nonchalant Mandate Governors. There were even cautious rumours of the capital being moved to the Candact system, where the newly inaugurated seat of the Committee for the Expansion of the Empire was located.

Irveem was located near the planet's equator at the foothills of a mountain chain that had been withered down during the aeons. The recent and more bombastic leaderships had never managed to get clearance for their monumental buildings, and the city still was a bastion of the ideals of the old Treecuu Republic. The architecture was meant to be a respectful nod to the surrounding nature, providing a warm and welcoming atmosphere, not imposing. This had been an issue for the Committe, who sought to impress the Stoinians, especially militarily. For that reason, they had let the Marines rehearse a grand parade in the traditional manner that their new friends apparently still practised. But that was not all. They had prepared surprise after the parade.

After having been welcomed to Irveem, the Stoinian delegation had been offered a tour of the city from the air. Food was offered in the Yuun-Eem, a hall-like cave behind a waterfall with a splendid view of the older parts of the city. The delegations were then taken to the balcony of the Presidential Palace, where the President and Chairman gave speeches, followed by the Stoinian King. The assembled crowd below, consisting only of the Treecuu amphibians and insectoids, cheered with passion when the King spoke of defeating the Loo-Yee. While many Ecteeners viewed the increased militarisation of the Star Empire and increasingly aggressive foreign politics spearheaded by the Committee, many were relieved the Treecuu had found a friendly power in the neighbourhood. For many it was also the first time seeing a live xeno, but the authorities had made sure to provide documentaries on their guests as to prepare the Treecuu.

After the speeches came the parade. An entire brigade had practised marching on foot to music and made a splendid performance, passing the balcony company by company with proud and forceful steps, saluting the Stoinian King with precise shouting. The surprise, the Committee members hoped, would impress the Stoinians even more.

As the last company had passed, a Lootuu class cruiser materialised only a kilometre away. Had it been there all the time, or did it warp there just now? If it had been there all the time, the cloaking technology must have been good. If it instead had warped there, it would mean that the Treecuu had great precision in navigation and means to prevent the sudden displacement of air from creating an explosion. This were questions that the Committe hoped the Stoinians would ask themselves. The cruiser made some imposing manoeuvres before firing a massive salvo of missiles that exploded into a colourful patterns. It then disappeared just as sudden as it came.

The day ended with a dinner in the Presidential Palace and continued negotiations.