Livita Corteal

## Overview

Livita Corteal, born in 154C, is arguably the most significant figure in the Mission and perhaps the most powerful individual in the galactic scene, holding the title of Grand Ambassador since 175C. As a member of the long-lived Sora species, she exhibits the characteristic violet skin and enduring lifespan. Known for her staunch defense of the Soran Order and its teachings, she is considered a beacon of wisdom and benevolence by some. However, her image is marred by controversies, particularly her involvement in the Somm War, alleged discrimination against Created Sora, and apparent indifference to "primitive" species who are uplifted to the Mission.

## Early Life and Ascension

Livita Corteal was born on the planet Sorall, home to the Sora species, which are recognized for their violet skin and extended lifespans. She ascended to the position of Grand Ambassador in 185C, the word "ambassador" not describing her duties per se but rather being a nod to the Mission's interventionist policies. An enigmatic and singular figure, she is the youngest person ever to serve as Grand Ambassador, having won the role from the council that chooses it at the extremally young age of 31. Typically, the succession of Grand Ambassador has nothing to do with relation to the current Ambassador, but there are rumors Grand Ambassador Corteal is grooming her youngest daughter Anasta for the role.

## Species and Religion

As a Sora, Livita is part of a mammalian species known for its attractive violet skin shades. She has a regal, timeless demeanor and lighter spots of pale violet on her cheekbones. The Sora are long-lived, with individuals often living hundreds of years without visible signs of aging. The Soran Order, an official religious body within the Mission, deems Revism as the "correct" religion for the Sora. Livita, as a dedicated promoter of the Order, follows Revism and encourages other species to adhere to their designated religions.

## Leadership and Controversies

Despite being revered by many as a wise and benevolent leader, Livita's leadership isn't without its share of controversies. She has been accused of corruption, bias towards certain religious choices, and contributing to the escalation of the Somm War. Her authority, however, remains largely uncontested within the power circles, with critics facing social exile or, in rare cases, even violence from Corteal's fanatical supporters.

## The Somm War

The Somm War (217C-222C) saw a critical galactic conflict involving the Mission, Union, and Red Mission, reshaping the interstellar power dynamics. The fallout from the war saw a shift in the Mission's policy, becoming less aggressive and more diplomatic. Livita's controversial involvement, marked by an infamous statement, sparked an uproar and changed the course of the Mission's public relations. Post-war, the Mission was compelled to dismantle its secret labs and cease unethical research. The aftermath of the war also resulted in a cold war among the three governments.

In a scandalous moment, Corteal released an aggressive statement, "It is now our hope that this war will end with the total subjugation of Red Mission and Union space." This caused an uproar, feeding into the Union's and Red Mission's narrative of the Mission's imperialism. Despite the PR team's efforts and Corteal's later apology, the statement has since influenced the Mission's public relations focus and Corteal's rhetoric.

The war's end demanded the Mission dismantle its secret labs and cease unethical research, particularly on the 'Gift'. The outcome prompted the Mission towards diplomacy, the Union towards galactic unity, and amplified the Red Mission's resentment of the Mission. The repercussions persist in a present-day cold war among the three governments, with the Red Mission and Union sharing a slightly closer relationship due to the Red Union's conciliatory stance.

## Proxy Wars and Galactic Politics

In the post-Somm War era, Livita has strategically utilized proxy wars as a way to extend the Mission's influence, acting on political tensions without direct confrontation. These wars are executed primarily on territorial borders, with the Mission, Union of Planets, and Red Mission at the cold war's forefront. The practice has earned Livita a dominant position in the galactic scene but also a cynical view of her motivations.

## Family and Personal Life

Livita is known for having a series of male paramours—always Soran—and five children, each from a different father. This unconventional approach has attracted scandalous rumors, as she often parts with her partners after childbirth. Her youngest daughter, Anasta Corteal, is seen by many as her potential successor despite traditional succession practices not favoring blood relation transitions.

## Personal Staff

Xilo Xiando, the Chief Secretary to Grand Ambassador Corteal, is a paradoxical figure within the pleasure-seeking Xian race. Devoting himself to his work rather than hedonistic pursuits, Xilo has earned the deep-rooted trust of Ambassador Corteal, whose support of him remains unwavering. While public displays show a harmonious relationship, rumors hint at intense behind-the-scenes conflicts. Yet, this intrigue only seems to strengthen Xilo's influential position in the Mission, adding to its complex power dynamics.

## Future Concerns

Livita's apparent thirst for power has sparked concerns, with many within the Union of Planets and the Red Mission apprehensive about her future plans. Even within the Mission, some fear the future she intends to unfold, with her ultimate aims remaining shrouded in mystery.

## The Court

The Union, in an attempt to further repair galactic scene tensions, has housed its government on the Court since nearly its inception. It has encouraged the Mission to follow suit, but as of yet the heart of Mission leadership remains on Sorall, which critics claim keeps it from being as transparent as it could be. The Red Mission uses the Court in the same way the Union does. Many in the Mission, including many top brass, feel it would be in everyone's best interest to move the government center of the Mission from Sorall to the Court, but Grand Ambassador Corteal has shut down this discussion many times, rarely giving anything close to a satisfactory reason.

In private, the Grand Ambassador has expressed her contempt for Freadi Bins and the manner in which Bins upended the galactic scene in a way that wasn't at all to the Grand Ambassador's liking.

## 200th Birthday Plans

It is expected in the year 354C there will be a major celebration in the Mission for her 200th birthday. As of the year 347C, elaborate plans are already in the works.