[b]LIV Challenger[/b]
The [i]Challenger[/i] sent a message to the Equestrian vessel, the video feed showed an Abh captain with a serious look on her face.
"This is Captain Laitparh Bausec Laicchynr Haidiss of the Lakfakalle Interstellar Vessel [i]Challenger[/i]. We just colonized the fourth world from this system's star, so we believe it would be appropriate to 'meet the neighbors'. As such, we are requesting permission to join you."

[b]Lakfakalle[/b]
Fairlan looked at the Equestrian group, and he couldn't help but feel like he knew them. As he took off his piloting helmet, he gave a curious look to the Archmage. The Equestrians had mentioned magic in their contact with the Triarians, perhaps the energy had some sort of adverse effect on Delphans. He remembered the dream he had the day of the launch, the creature in the mirror. Had she been an Equestrian?
"Welcome to Lakfakalle, in your language the name of this world means 'Companion of the Sun'. I would be wearing diplomatic robes, but those aren't comfortable in the high g-forces experienced while landing one of our shuttles, so I apologize for my garments." He said, gesturing to the grey jumpsuit he was wearing. "Come with me, I'll bring you to our leaders, then I can go and put on something more formal and less embarrassing. Like a clown suit."
He led the group into the building, opening the door to reveal the excessively gold-covered interior of the meeting hall. Standing in front of them were the four leaders, and there was some sort of aquatic creature visible through the glass walls, wearing a garment in the same style as the other leaders. They each bowed, and the aquatic creature clicked and circled vertically. 
"Welcome to Lakfakalle." Said the Abh among them, who was wearing what appeared to be a formal military uniform. "I am Empress Aicryac Üémh Tlyzr Naurh, you can call me Ekuryua. I represent the Abh Empire, I do hope we can forge good relations here."
"I am President Jinto Lynn." Said the Human in the group. "I represent the Democratic Human Republic." 
"My name is Conduit Aweyta Olok, I represent the Hyacintho Mental Collective." Said the Delphan.
A clicking came from the tank in the walls, and after a few moments it was translated into English. 
"My interspecies designation is Moko, I am the Followed One of the Interplanetary Aquatic Dolphin Tribe. It is pleasing to make contact with your people." It became obvious that the one speaking was the aquatic creature.
The Boskop and Ehtra'Hirel diplomats stepped up at the same time, and bowed once more.
"We represent the Progenitor Cooperative." They said in tandem, having no idea of the ancient meaning of their name.

Jinto turned to Emily and Fairlan, all of whom appeared embarrassed.
"Ah... please go and put on something more suitable for public display. We have diplomatic robes stored away, if you can't find them you can put on whatever you want, just please don't wear a M.I.S.S. to a diplomatic meeting."
"We didn't have any specialized g suit-"
"Go and change! Now! You can give me excuses later!"
The two walked out of the room, once they exited into the hallway their steps became much faster as they prayed to the stars that the Equestrians didn't know what a M.I.S.S. was.
"Now, what is it that you wish to discuss?" Said Ekuryua

[b]Shuroh[/b]
The food situation on Shuroh has become dire, rationing has begun and its entire complement of defense ships have been dispatched to pick up seeds, cattle, and food from Lakfakalle. Meanwhile, on the planet's surface, the Navy has begun hunting the aquatic animals native to the planet for meat. Submarines are seen towing the dead bodies of whale-like creatures to the underwater cities in surreal scenes, the sickly green blood of the once majestic creatures spilling out into the water. Despite all this, without the supplies needed for agriculture, the colonies there will starve and leave behind devastated swaths of ocean as their only legacy.