Earth 28

In this reality, humans began exploring the universe in the 28th century, after a workable FTL (faster-than-light) drive was created. Many exploratory vessels of a variety of sorts began searching for new planets to colonize. And on one of those many journeys, the Starship Aspire, a joint capitalistic and scientific venture, met the first of many intelligent species in the universe: The Querions. Querions, natives of the planet Paxar, had a very curious and exploratory culture, and were ecstatic to discover intelligent life, as were the human scientists on the Aspire. After a long process of translation and cultural discovery on both sides, a trading relationship emerged. And similar events occurred with several other alien species, including the Veli, the Majil, the Baxins, and so on, until a large trading web emerged, by the beginning of the 31st Century. 
While all this goes on, a malevolent and incredibly advanced intelligent species, known only as the Conquerers of the Universe (they insist on being called this in whatever language their conquered people speak), plots to conquer all and rule the galaxy.