[More than just the knowledge of how people were like across the galaxy was also the true nature of his galaxy itself. Beyond chilling, beyond unnerving, it was a rock that stuck in his craw and he knew that he wouldn't be able to continue about his days as if nothing happened once he returned back to his home.]

...I'd say it's pretty normal, [Cliff replied, on the subject of the world he called his home.] The climate's more stable, the gravity's rougher, but people are always the same. [He glanced down, with a lazy smile.]

We just were always told that it's best to think for ourselves and be independent, and I think that's a big part of why we never joined up with the Federation. They're too big, and they want too much control.