[b]Combat Information Centre, Zhang He, Flagship of the Pearl Fleet[/b]

Admiral Hei turned to his officers for a moment, silently asking for their opinions. All of the gathered officers and specialists gave a nod and Admiral Hei nodded back. Turning back to the communications console, the Admiral began speaking. 

"Captain Magnus, on behalf of the Pearl Fleet and all Alarai I would be honoured to accept your invitation. My ship's science officer will send you the data on our physiologies, but I do not predict any difficulties." 

XXXXX

[b]Combat Information Centre, Combat Carrier Li Wen, Pearl Fleet Vanguard Squadron Flagship [/b]

Captain Hign floated on the command platform of the Carrier, listening as the static-burst transmission came in from the STC Acheron. Two races in one area? Both of them contacting the fleet independently? The Admiral was already in talks with the Eternal Union, as such following protocol it came to him to handle the discussion with the STC; a responsibility that he was suddenly very much feeling the weight of. 

"STC Acheron, this is the Li Wen, Flagship of the Vanguard Squadron of the Pearl Fleet." Captain Hign spoke. "We have received and return your request for peaceful contact with the same." 

How a stealth ship just managed to appear near the Vanguard fleet, the first line of defence for the Pearl Fleet against any possible hostile forces, was completely beyond him. He would be sure he would be having a very stern and angry discussion with his chiefs of staff. This security breach was unacceptable; had the Acheron been hostile then there may have been tragic consequences.