Even as the [i]Daughter of Gaia's[/i] line to the Ljus was fading into silence, the shipboard line crackled to life. "Sir, incoming signals from the [i]Savior[/i] and [i]Demeter[/i]."

"Seems everyone wants to hear from their new Admiral. Playback each, don't patch me through yet." Baran fell silent with a rapid cut as the [i]Savior's[/i] audio message began.

[i]"To who may command the Daughter of Gaia. This is the Savior and we demand to know what has happened to Admiral Perin. We shall not open our docks again until we feel that our position in this fleet is safe nothing will happen to us."[/i]

As the unfamiliar voice faded, another one rose. This one he recognized.

[i]"This is Captain William Bellamy of the independent ship Demeter. My loyalty is to my ship and crew Baran. If you men are landing on that planet I urge you as a scientist to do so peaceably, without alerting the inhabitants to our presence if at all possible. There is no more need for bloodshed. We have come too far for too long for it all to end in violence."[/i]

"Can anyone in this fleet simply cooperate?" Letting his tiredness into his voice, Baran added, "Shale, ensure the [i]Savior[/i] is informed that no harm is meant to it, so long as it does not engage in subversive activity, and provide, and answer their questions- within reason. And give me a line to Captain Bellamy. Not his ship, not his communications officer. Bellamy."

Baran's order trailed at the end, and Lieutenant Commander Shale and his subordinates moved quickly. Baran had scarcely paused when the reply came, "Done, sir". He suddenly found himself with an open line.

His tiredness, at least outwardly, disappeared. Baran spoke with strength as he reprimanded the [i]Demeter's[/i] commanding officer, "Captain, let me remind you that no ship in this fleet is independent. We are come to establish one colony, not two or three. You need the heavy industry, military might, and economic services of this fleet and her people. Do not forget that." His voice softened a degree as he went on to his next reply, "The [i]Ljus[/i], not my men, are overseeing the first landing. This mission is scientific, and will leave a minimal footprint. In time, however, full landing procedures will begin. Then we will leave a footprint on this world, the very colony we have come all this way to create. This is not up for discussion, Captain." He caught his breath before again launching forward, this time slowly and deliberately. "I have allowed the [i]Ljus[/i] access to my Field Intelligence Office's ongoing identification of potential landing sites. I will extend the same courtesy to you. And I'll tell you what I told them; this mission will proceed. That is beyond a doubt. But if you can raise a serious objection to any site on that list, it will be examined appropriately."

-----

Meanwhile, in the Field Intelligence Office, Lieutenant Commander Areli was receiving a transmission from the [i]Ljus[/i], redirected to him by the comms office.

"Admiral, this is the Ljus. All preparations have been made, and we are ready to begin our descent. We are just waiting to be given a landing zone to proceed. But before we do, we would like to ask if there is anyone you would like to elect from the Gaia to join us? We have one more seat available, and considering this is a momentous occasion in human history, it may be a good idea to have a representative from the flagship of the Fleet to join us."

With a crisp, military delivery, he replied, "This is Lieutenant Commander Keith Areli speaking." Even as he spoke, a Nereid launched from the [i]Gaia[/i]. "The," he paused to look at a readout of the name, "The [i]New Orleans[/i] will touch down in," he paused again to confirm, "8 minutes, twenty-odd seconds, offshore of the central continent. We have identified eight potential sites in the coastal plains nearby, at the far western fringe of the continent. Air recon will be carried out on each. Upon confirmation of the site, the Nereid will proceed to location, establish a secure firebase and signal you directly." A long pause began as he examined his computer for any other relevant bits. "Lieutenant Harrington is the ranking officer aboard." Still audible, he turned from the mic and ordered that she be added to the call, before concluding, "This is a field intelligence mission, and I'll be your contact aboard the [i]Gaia[/i] for it. Best of luck."