"Sir, incoming signals from both the [i]Ljus[/i] and [i]Saratoga[/i]," Cried out Baran's newly-minted communications officer, Lieutenant Commander Henry Shale. 

"Patch through the Saratoga." The scientists of the [i]Ljus[/i] might make trouble in the long run, but Baran knew that a warship full of marines demanded immediate attention.

The acting admiral's headset crackled to life, before quickly snapping into a clear connection. The first words over the line belonged to an unfamiliar voice. "This is Commander Damiau, commanding officer of the Saratoga. I have been forced to relieve Colonel Wechsler and assume command of this vessel; we are standing by for further instructions, Admiral Baran."

The Admiral waited to speak, taking time to consider this development. The [i]Saratoga[/i] was the sole military vessel in the fleet, and with its loyalty he could keep a tight hand on the others. "Commander, I'm granting you access to all intership communications. You're to identify and intercept any who may attempt to desert or engage the fleet, but keep the fireworks to a minimum. Nerves are tight enough as it is." His earpiece rang once, reminding him of the waiting line. "Your service to the fleet will not be forgotten, Commander, but I'm pressed for time. Lieutenant Commander Areli will answer any further questions and assist you in identifying issues. Over."

"Shale, give me the [i]Ljus[/i]."

"Admiral, this is Captain Vilda, of the [i]Ljus of the Fleet[/i]." Baran, though he wasn't speaking face-to-face with the Captain, nodded in recognition. This one wasn't new. "If we are going to do this right, you can't be the first ones on the ground, especially with such a drastic change in command. It will be a disaster. We have no idea what power they hold, and while it appears they pose little threat, we must be ready for anything. Also, we cannot afford for first contact to be a failure, and preparations must be made to ascertain what we are dealing with." As the captain paused, Admiral Baran processed her words. She seemed to oppose his actions, but not strongly enough to take a true stand, for the moment. The silence dragged a while too long, but recognized that Vilda had more to say, and was more than happy to take the time to think out his words. "Permission to send a research team down to the surface, to set up a forward data processing outpost. Our security staff is minimal, so we will also need some added firepower, if anything goes wrong, but they are under my command for the duration of the mission. We'll work as quickly as we can, and notify you as soon as we have more information. Over"

"Vilda, I understand your concerns. But we have identified no artificial orbital bodies or even wireless transmissions. Whatever civilization is down there, they're proto-industrial or earlier. They do not have the capability to challenge us." After a pause, he added, "Permission granted. As for your second request... At this time I can only provide minimal support. The [i]Daughter of Gaia[/i] can spare a pair of marine platoons, two air wings, and the Nereid to get them to ground. I will not, however, halt preparations for landing. They will take time, time that I suggest you use fully." Seeking to lighten the impact of this blow, Baran added, "I'll inform you of potential landing sites as they are identified. If you can raise a substantive complaint against any of them, we'll take all the time needed to investigate it."