For my superhero setting, the 913 Universe;

The galaxy is a live and vibrant place, perhaps the biggest influence is the planet, Valin, base of operations for the council of aligned peoples, and the biggest trade hub in the milky Way.

History

Located near the inner ring along the Scutum-Centaurus arm of the Milky Way, Valin's only indigenous inhabitants were Valons, a race of tall antlered people who held honor as the highest value. The Valon were a race who had seemingly been on the cusp of an industrial revolution for centuries until the collapse of the greatest empire their people had ever seen, reducing them to little more than warring tribes.

The nomadic and highly religious Echobi race roamed the galaxy until a small sect encountered the planet Valin along their travels, deeming it worthy to act as one of their many trading hubs. They founded on the highest mountain the temple of Obund Vani uniting several tribes of Valon to serve the temple in a mutual defense pact and to trade for high technology.

Several decades later the first leader was selected among the Valon tribes, Anic, officially being deigned the first Enon (trade leader/ambassador) of Valin. The planet was known for it's collection of rare minerals and began interplanetary trade near the galactic core. The Valon were known for their fastidiousness while they were protected by the wide reaching influence of the Echobi. Even the famed Takovasi of Sonzarion empire would acknowledge he would dare not try and seize Valin for fear of breaking trade relations with the Echobi.

The Sonzarions, Echobins and Valons actually sat down to mark out trade territory for Valin, marking some of the first intergalactic trade routes which are still in use to this day. It was at these historic meetings that the planet Valin gained interstellar aclaim.

As a there became a major push towards the galactic core Valin was certain to carve out it's territory distinct from the other minor trade powers. After an extended conflict between the Sonzarians and Koorites, Valin took advantage and had an addendum drawn into the treaty that granted them free trade without taxation within Koorite territory, allowing them to bolster their failed economies with precious minerals and rebuilding their damaged colony worlds.

Since that time Valin has largely been seen as the biggest trade power in the galaxy, boasting some of the most diverse population and many political interests in it's machinations. The great empires and houses of the galaxy came together on Valin order to establish a governing council that still stands to this day.

** Politics **

Valin acts as the seat for Council of Aligned Peoples. Even during the short period known as the Jakir insurgency they managed to keep hold of their influence due to creating a scenario where many interstellar empires and governing bodies to rely on them for the continuation of trade through their sprawling colonies. While initially just another Echobi tradeworld, the Valon had a keen eye for gaining political allies, and their honor guaranteed them exclusive trade deals with a variety of worlds which led to them becoming an independent entity altogether.

Valin has been seen as the jewel of the Milky Way and at the intersection of multiple trade routes it is a powerful ally to have. Generally neutral in intergalactic conflicts, Valin banking systems hold resources from numerous rogue governments and peoples. Valin politicians, majorly still made up of Valon and Echobi, are known to be stalwart in their positions, and unsuitable for bribery or extortion.

** Resources **