The Celestial Harmony
An interstellar union of planetary governments that have agreed to exist semi-autonomously under a single central, true representative authority based on the principles of universal rights, liberty, equality, peace, justice, and progress, and to share their knowledge and resources in peaceful cooperation, scientific development, space exploration, and mutual defence.
Ostensibly of the most advanced and powerful interstellar states in known space, it encompasses a territorial region twenty thousand light years across the Gamma Quadrant. The total number of member worlds is thought to be over three hundred.
Its guiding principle, which perhaps may someday put it into a diplomatic and ideological confrontation with the United Federation of Planets (and perhaps antagonise more autocratic empires), is true open exchange of knowledge and technologies, especially where said benefaction improves the lives of any world they encounter, namely in the medical sciences, without any solicitude for warp technology/development index. Planetary plagues and maladies have been cured over night by judicious and unbridled donation of technologies and erudition, enriching a planet's way of life almost immediately. The very notion of a 'Prime Directive of Non-Interference', when faced with such suffering, is considered utterly barbaric.
While there are no quid pro quo demands in return for these unparalleled acts of charity, it is notable that no world that has received such largesse has ever turned down the simple offer of membership into the Celestial Harmony.
It is easy to assume there is some malevolent or sinister motivation behind these unheard of acts of kindness and understand, but even those incredibly rare individuals who have, for one reason or another, have struck out on their own leaving the Celestial Harmony behind, have no ill word against them.
Founding Races of the Harmony Planessa
Parasitic sentient-plant lifeform. In their distant past, their species (a creeping fungus) used to infect, dominate and enslave the other native lifeform on their world - a humanoid species - and used the helpless bipedal hosts to build their civilisation along ‘traditional’ lines. A cultural revolution thousands of years later changed their methodology of motive interaction with the outside universe by growing
artificial non-sentient bodies instead. These 'Biots' (biological robots) lack life in the eyes, seeming slack and lifeless, so the eyes of these hosts are covered with a wrap-around 'Courtesy Visor' to save others being disturbed and distressed at the seemingly 'undead' look, which causes people to think its some kind of sensory enhancement tech. But the real sensory mechanism is the ascocarp extrusion at the throat. Often seen as science officers.
Yxsuhlam
Subspace-based lifeform, a result of a historical global, planetary, disaster where the entire population were transitioned into a subspace existence; biology irreversibly changed, and their population of 10 billion can no longer advance in numbers. A humanoid outline resembling a 'hole' the universe but unable to touch the material world without 'manifestation suits'. Often seen as engineers.
Fvashim
The Human analogue. Almost identical to Humanity. Only better. In virtually everything. Stronger. Faster. Smarter. More aesthetically pleasing. More charming. More inspiring as leaders. They may not be as monstrous as Humanity in warfare, but that's fine, as the Harmony have better representatives of said concerns in their ranks. Hair and eye colour can be anything in the spectrum. Skin tone variation identical to Humanity, only with no noticeable blemishes or imperfections.
Zercoli
A warrior race of sloths evolved into humanoid form. Once a violent peoples, they stopped their descent into brutality and reformed into an inquisitive people interested in peace. They still retain their martial skills and history because the universe is dangerous, but they no longer initiate violence. Often used in tactical or security.
Garulax 
Sentient bacteria colonies that reside in cybernetic sample containers which contain nutrient solutions. Widely seen as medical representatives.
L'qy-AhAn huge, giant metal tree with with could be described as sapphires as leaves. Found spread across a vast region of space, none know the true name of the species, neither are there any identifiable individuals. A consensus was held in the early days of the Harmony to debate what to call them and it was determined that there was some trace traversing all language and all the varied mediums of communication. Representatives exudes benevolence and ancient wisdom. There is no communication as understood. No telepathy, or empathic powers, or through pheromones, and no gestures or voice. It did does not sway or quiver. It just is.
Sometimes, on very rare occasions, one also somehow feels judged in its merest presence. Not as if in a court, but as a parent would feel disappointment at a child's thoughtless actions.
Craft of the Celestial HarmonyStar CityAn immense, conspicuous, yet benign, presence often deployed to demonstrate the Celestial Harmony's political will, and resolve.
Diplomatic FrigateA small, swift craft often utilised for First Contact and diplomatic endeavours.
