Namek KrankysFirebrand48
"The Observer reports the dropship has been received by the alien flagship, Takya," the Chief Navigation Officer stated. Ernest nodded passively; it was still too early to tell what might transpire from these recent events. After another twenty minutes or so, the Chief Navigator spoke again. "Hachotakya Kathryn-jin. The foreigners have launched another object."
"Keep me informed the activities of the aliens and the object."
"Jisho!" She returned to her work, and after a few more minutes one of her subordinates updated her on their findings. Promptly, she turned to the admiral. "Takya, the object has been identified as a small craft similar to the previous one, though slightly larger. We think it's heading towards our formation at reduced speed. The observer also reports a new alien vessel has just entered the system. It is much smaller than the alien flagship."
Ernest considered this development for quite some time. The arrival of a new ship, especially a small one, seemed largely inconsequential to him. His main concern was that the aliens might try to sneak an explosive into their ranks now that they've lowered their guard. He had some background knowledge in theoretical ordnance that might be developed in the future if the physics upon which they were based proved to be true. Given how advanced these aliens are assumed to be, it was prudent that he took all necessary precautions in case they had such a weapon.
But at the same time, they needed to show an appropriate level of respect to the aliens, and also demonstrate that they were respectable themselves. Eventually, he came to a decision. "Logistics, get Bonnie-jun on the line for me."
"Ji!" A liaison officer quickly plugged a pair of wires into the switchboards before him and the call was sent out. After a couple of moments, Brian Bonnie, the ship's captain, answered the phone.
"Hachotakya Kathryn-jin," he greeted politely, "What can I do for you, Takya?"
"Muchatakya Bonnie-jun," Ernest returned, "Would it be too much trouble to ask you to take this ship out of the line? I believe that we should collect the alien small craft personally."
"Not at all, Takya. I'll prepare the airlocks for docking procedure immediately."
"Thank you kindly." He hung up and turned to the Chief of the Strategical Department. "Brandon-jun, pass down my orders. All ships are to remain in line. Hachotakya Allen-jun will act as acting commander of the Strike Force until I return."
"Ji!" Came the cry. "Jisho!" It echoed down the line, just as the vessel lurched forward. The signal lamps bristling from the ship's superstructure quickly repeated the order to the fleet in Morse code. The flagships of the rear admirals quickly flashed their acknowledgement in return before ordering their formations to stay put.
The Defender of Jewel met the incoming Nordic Sciences dropship in the middle ground between the two fleets and moved to dock with it. A section of marines took up positions around the airlock, ready to board the craft and retrieve the cargo. They certainly were not excepting several aliens to step out of the vessel once the airlocks were opened.
"Takya!" It was the Chief Security Officer. "Marines report several aliens are here to negotiate!"
Ernest's eyebrows show up in surprise. "They can speak our language already? It's hardly been an hour." Truly these aliens must have been far beyond what the Ellians were currently capable of to have achieved such an accomplishment. He made a mental note to be as accommodating as possible in the following negotiations. It would not do to upset them. "Manuel-jun, come with me," he commanded, rising to his feet, "We'll meet them in the hanger."
"Jisho!"
The two Ellian officers arrived in the hanger after a couple of minutes. Dressed in their duty uniforms, they held their helmets under their arm just in case they needed it. The aliens waiting for them in the hangers looked remarkably Ellian, bearing only a slight difference in facial features, skin tone and body shape. Ernest could not help but wonder if their two species were somehow related, or if the matter was merely one of coincidence.
"I am Juhachotakya Ernest Kathryn of the United Moons Directorate," the brown-haired Ellian saluted, touching two extended fingers to her temple as if to press a push-to-talk button on a radio headset, "This is my second, Jumuchatakya Eidth Manuel-jun. It is an honour to meet you." The blue-haired girl beside him saluted in turn upon her introduction. "Welcome to Jewel. What brings you to our lovely home?"