[ The only reaction to his surprise is a slightly raised pointed eyebrow, but otherwise there's still no emotion in his face. ]

The number of planets is actually greater in number as the political use of the term "world" encompasses those systems or races that have migrated, colonized, or developed on numerous planets. The current planetary count is approximately two hundred and twenty. As to the government of the Federation, any world who joins the Federation agreed to exist semi-autonomously under a single central government based on the principles of universal liberty, rights, and equality, and to share their knowledge and resources in peaceful cooperation, scientific development, space exploration and defensive purposes.